Economy
Six month milestone for Tasmanian tree sitter
Today marks six months since conservationist Miranda Gibson climbed to the top of a tree in Tasmania’s threatened forest and vowed to remain there until the forests recieved protection.
A walk will take place this Saturday on the 16 June, providing an opportunity for community members to visit the Observer Tree and celebrate this milestone with Miranda.
“Six months is a long time for the forests to be waiting to recieve the protection they were promised. Every day that I have spent up here has been another day in which Tasmania’s irreplaceable high conservation value forests have continued to be decimated by logging” said Ms Gibson.
“Over the past six months the Observer Tree has brought international attention to Tasmania’s forests. More than 560,000ha of Tasmania’s forests have now been independently verified as world heritage and national heritage value. My constant tree top vigil has acted as a reminder that these forestsare still falling and need protection” said Ms Gibson.
“I want to expose the role played by Ta Ann, whose wood supply is now the key driver behind the logging of these forests. I have communicated to the corporate customers of Ta Ann, letting them know about the Observer Tree and the values of the forest I am living in” said Ms Gibson.
“As winter approaches I remain committed to continuing my vigil until the forests recieve the protection they deserve. I hope to be climbing down this tree in the very near future after it has been granted secure legislated protection. A positive and swift conservation outcome is needed, for the sake of the forests and the future of Tasmania” said Ms Gibson.
Still Wild Still Threatened is a grassroots community organisation campaigning for the immediate protection of Tasmania’s ancient forests and the creation of an equitable and environmentally sustainable forestry industry in Tasmania.
www.stillwildstillthreatened.org
stillwildstillthreatened@gmail.com
PO Box 295. South Hobart TAS 7004