Wielangta update

Sharon East

In the meantime, there are unexpected moves afoot in the federal environment department! Word is that the department’s reps on the Swift Parrot Recovery Team were so shocked by what they saw on a recent field trip to the Southern Forests that they are putting together their own maps recommending areas of Swift Parrot breeding habitat for protection across all land tenures. They are looking at “ground-truthing” their maps soon. How they’ll get the State Government to implement such a plan is unclear.

It would be good to gather any news or information on what’s happening with Swift Parrots from other parts of their breeding range. Greens MP Cassy O’Connor is keen to raise questions in state parliament when it resumes, so the more info we can gather the better. If you know of breeding/foraging habitat that’s currently being or about to be logged, please let me know. Any other info on what Forestry or other government agencies are up to re Swift Parrots appreciated!

Wielangta Update

DEAR ALL

The local Wielangta campaign is starting to gear up again post-summer break and post-Swift Parrot breeding. After winning a reprieve for the Swift Parrots, so that they could breed safely in Wielangta this summer, time is now running out as the parrots begin to disperse in preparation for heading back to the mainland over the next few weeks and months. We were only able to secure an undertaking from Minister Llewellyn that forestry would hold off logging their habitat whilst they were breeding. So as soon as breeding is deemed over, the bulldozers and chainsaws could be heading back into Wielangta to log this important Swift Parrot nesting area.

We are hoping that Forestry will hold off moving into coupe 19D at least until the report from the Threatened Species Unit survey team comes out. A team of three scientists from the unit have been working away over the last few months to ascertain the numbers of Swift Parrots and their distribution in Wielangta this summer. They have particularly focused on observing and recording breeding activity. Their report should be released in about 5 weeks time. Whether Forestry take on board whatever the report’s recommendations will be, remains to be seen.

In the meantime, there are unexpected moves afoot in the federal environment department! Word is that the department’s reps on the Swift Parrot Recovery Team were so shocked by what they saw on a recent field trip to the Southern Forests that they are putting together their own maps recommending areas of Swift Parrot breeding habitat for protection across all land tenures. They are looking at “ground-truthing” their maps soon. How they’ll get the State Government to implement such a plan is unclear.

It would be good to gather any news or information on what’s happening with Swift Parrots from other parts of their breeding range. Greens MP Cassy O’Connor is keen to raise questions in state parliament when it resumes, so the more info we can gather the better. If you know of breeding/foraging habitat that’s currently being or about to be logged, please let me know. Any other info on what Forestry or other government agencies are up to re Swift Parrots appreciated!

The first Swifties were recorded back on the mainland last week, in central Victoria – a very early return, whilst in contrast the Wielangta survey team have been observing birds breeding late.

If you live fairly locally and would like get more involved – you are welcome to join our campaign planning group (we meet regularly in Kellevie). Fresh ideas and energy are always needed! Over the coming weeks we’ll be working out how to get the State government to turn a temporary reprieve for Wielangta and the Swift Parrots into a permanent one. We’ll need lots of help!

Let’s hope this year sees Swift Parrot habitat protected across Tasmania, so the birds can continue to grace our skies and breed successfully next year.

If you’ve got info to share, help to offer or you would like to join our meetings, please email me at the address below.

Bye for now

Sharon East

Wielangta Campaign

South East (Tas) Forest Protection Group

wildwielangta@gmail.com

http://wildwielangta.edublogs.org