WA Forest Alliance – Forest Matters April 2023
Dear NRPG members and interested,
Some valuable updates and upcoming events for you to have your say on our forests…
Kind regards,
Steve Gates
President, NRPG Bushcarers
Subject: Forest Matters April 2023
Latest forest updates from WAFA
![]() Welcome to the April edition of Forest Matters! We have three fabulous events planned for May: the Fire and Air Forum, with leading scientists and experts from around Australia; the launch of the incredibly beautiful Forests Atlas at the Moores Building in Fremantle; and a rally for the Black Cockatoos at Parliament House where we will deliver thousands of messages to Minister Whitby calling for the immediate protection of habitat for these beloved birds. All the details are below, along with our other news from the past month. We hope that you enjoy this edition of Forest Matters. Warm regards, Jess Forests Atlas book launch Join us for the launch of the Forests Atlas in Fremantle on the 11th May! “With the trees, we find our ancestors. With the trees, we connect to the past, bring knowledge forward, and walk into the future” – Dr Noel Nannup The Forests Atlas is a field guide to the forests of South West Australia. It blends maps with artworks, photography and story in celebration of the life and colour of these forests. From the waterways, to the ancient Jarrah, the Numbats, to the Black cockatoos and towering Karri, the Forests Atlas paints a shimmering picture of the interconnectedness of trees. The Forests Atlas is edited by Daniel Jan Martin with Noel Nannup, Alice Ford, Nansen Robb, Clancy Martin and Mariela Espino Zuppa. A selection of artwork from the book will be offered for sale on the night, and the first 100 hundred copies sold will be signed by the artists. The Forests Atlas is available for purchase at the launch, or by pre-order: ![]() Right now the plan for how the south-west’s forests will be managed for the next 10 years is being prepared with government. It is critical that the Forest Management Plan 2024-33 (FMP) is up to the task of protecting Southwest forests and wildlife for the next decade. Some major concerns remain, and a central one is the proposed thinning program. Thinning could be a useful ecological restoration tool if used wisely and limited to mine-site rehabilitation and unnaturally dense, drought-prone immature regrowth. However, there is real concern that it will instead be a backdoor for the continuation of native forest logging. We have published a short summary of the issues and our recommendations. We encourage you to have a read, be informed on this important issue and get in touch with any questions or input. Find it on the WAFA website. ![]() Alcoa’s risky and destructive mining in the Northern Jarrah Forests has stayed under the spotlight this month. We are anticipating a decision from the EPA about our referral of Alcoa’s mining plans in the next few weeks. It is critically important that the holistic and cumulative impacts of Alcoa’s clearing and mining in highly sensitive areas is fully assessed, particularly given the profound detrimental effects it is having on forests, wildlife, communities and climate, and the very real potential it has to render Perth’s water undrinkable.You can read all the articles on the WAFA website. ![]() There’s only one week left before the Fire and Air Forum! Following the outstanding success of the Fire & Biodiversity Forum held in June 2021, WAFA is co-hosting the Fire and Air Forum, to be held at the University Club of WA on Friday, 5th May 2023. Fire continues to have major impact on forests, biodiversity and health in the South West region and the Forum will expand the conversation about ways to better manage fire in our unique forest landscapes. Our expert speakers include Phillip Zylstra, co-author of an important new study that has just been released on the relationship between forest disturbance and fire behaviour in the Tingle forests. Also presenting will be eminent forest ecologist David Lindenmayer; fire and health researchers from WA and interstate universities, First Nations people, the CSIRO, landholders and business owners. Find the full program for the event here. Seats to the Fire and Air Forum are limited, so don’t miss out on being a part of this vital discussion! ![]() One of the two largest breeding areas left for the endangered Ngolyenok (Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo) is under threat from a mining proposal, but we have a critically important opportunity to stop the clearing, and protect this local population from decimation. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has given the public until Tuesday, 2nd May 2023 to comment. To have your say, head to the Save The Black Cockatoo website, where you’ll find links to an easy submission guide and to the EPA portal. Make sure to tick the highest level of assessment, ‘Assess – Public environmental review!’ ![]() ![]() Have some spare time to help the Black Cockatoos this weekend? We are inviting people to come along and help put up flyers for the Save the Black Cockatoos Rally: Sat 29 April 10:30am – 12:30pm | Meet outside the main entrance of WA Museum Boola Bardip, Perth Cultural Centre Sun 30 April 10:30am – 12:30pm | Meet outside Gino’s Café, 1/5 South Terrace, Fremantle Tree of the MonthLook at this majestic Powderbark Wandoo out at Chittering! Thanks to Donna Chapman for the image. Send in your photos of special or threatened trees that you’ve encountered, and we’ll choose one to feature in the May newsletter! ![]() ![]() |
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