Salvaging dead Huon pine from remote areas of Tasmania with helicopters is under consideration by the state government.
Industry and Resources Minister Felix Ellis says they are studying the concept to see if it can ensure continual access to the timber.
“Huon pine is a treasured part of our cultural and natural heritage,” she says.
“It is crucial that our timber-dependent industries, including wooden boat building and fine timber craftsmanship, continue to have access to Huon pine.”
She says potential harvesting of dead standing timber represents a new supply source as well as other benefits such as reducing fire risk in remote areas and supporting regional jobs.
“This study ensures that consideration of new practices is guided by research, sustainability, and industry expertise.”
HUON PART OF TIMBER PLANS
The study is part of a $50,000 plan to support the state’s special species industry’s future access to Huon timber.
She says the study will involve early research into potential salvage sites as well as collect samples for analysis and develop tools to guide future industry decision making.
“Stage one of the project, a preliminary scoping plan to explore the viability of heli-harvesting salvaged dead Huon pine, is now complete,” Ellis says.
“Stage two will result in a practical resource that industry can use to evaluate future opportunities for salvage harvesting in a sustainable and informed way.”
Consultations with the state’s Special Species Working Group will continue, the minister says.
The proposal was announced in February by the former government as a way of sustainably harvesting the timber.
Then Resources Minister Eric Abetz described the timber as a “cultural icon” as shown by the Tasmanian Wooden Boat Festival.
“We recognise not only the cultural and economic significance of Tasmania’s special species timbers, but that they (are) sought after worldwide for their unique aesthetic and structural qualities,” he said at the time.
The working group is reviewing demand for timber species such as such as blackwood, sassafras, celery top pine, myrtle, and Huon pine.
For more details, visit www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/special-species-timbers
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