Bob Brown Foundation calls Tarkine logging destruction, while industry defends selective harvest

Police have moved on a logging protest in the Tarkine, arresting a woman who had taken residence in the canopy of a myrtle tree.

Dr Colette Harmsen (left) and Dr Lisa Searle are two of the Bob Brown Foundation supporters who are currently camped in rainforests at Que River, in a bid to stop logging by Sustainable Timbers Tasmania. Picture: BOB BROWN FOUNDATION

A TREE-SITTER has been arrested in the Tarkine to make way for a special timbers logging operation.

The Bob Brown Foundation said tree-sitter Atalaya Ferrari was charged with trespass and wilfully obstructing a police officer. She has since been released. Takayna/Tarkine campaigner Scott Jordan said Ms Ferrari had been in the canopy of a myrtle for 12 hours before her arrest.

“We are grateful to the brave defenders who have stood on the front line today, and to all our supporters of the campaign. Because of them, no tree will fall unfought,” Mr Jordan said.

Atalaya Ferrari is one of the Bob Brown Foundation supporters who are currently camped in rainforests at Que River, in a bid to stop logging by Sustainable Timbers Tasmania. Picture: BOB BROWN FOUNDATION

Bob Brown Foundation protesters moved into the Que River area last month to establish a tree-sit after hearing reports of pre-logging road works going ahead.

Police were at the site yesterday to make way for logging crews.

Britton Timbers managing director Shawn Britton said the logging planned at Que River was a small selective harvest for special timbers.

“Every tree harvested in Tasmania’s native forests is regenerated and the sector is actively working to increase forest carbon stocks through increasing the plantation estate,” he said.

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Mr Britton said the site had been selectively harvested around 70 years ago.

He said the operation would remove around 60 trees from a 54ha coupe.

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