Clear-cutting destabilizes carbon in forest soils, Dartmouth study finds

HANOVER, N.H. – Clear-cutting loosens up carbon stored in forest soils, increasing the chances it will return to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide and contribute to climate change, a Dartmouth College study shows. The findings appear in the journal Soil Science. A PDF is available on request. Soil is the world’s largest terrestrial carbon pool. …

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Obliteration successful at Hensleigh Creek

The old growth and rainforest of Hensleigh Creek was clearfelled by VicForests in 2015-16, then on 10th April 2016, it was finished it off with an intense burn. They call it ‘sustainable management’ … who do they think they are kidding!?! If you want to express your horror/outrage you can contact the decision makers. The …

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Hensleigh Creek – obliteration success!

The old growth and rainforest of Hensleigh Creek was clearfelled by VicForests in 2015-16, then on 10th April 2016, it was finished it off with an intense burn. They call it ‘sustainable management’ … who do they think they are kidding!?!

Rare species are more important than originally believed, according to new research

The world’s rarest species‚Äîboth plants and animals‚Äîcontribute disproportionally to the ecosystems where they reside, according to research published this week. This new information is changing how scientists view rare species, many of which are on the brink of extinction.   An international team of researchers, including Florida International University (FIU) botanist Christopher Baraloto, is answering …

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Victoria’s giant trees: a contemporary survey

Victoria’s largest tree paper published in the Victorian Naturalist. This recently published paper is a thorough documentation of Victoria’s giant trees – and sadly their loss. It suggests the government should protect all trees over 3m diameter or the giants will be lost in our landscape. Victoria’s largest trees occur in the high rainfall, wet …

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DELWP to investigate VicForests for logging protected rainforests

For the third time in as many months, a Gippsland-based environmental organisation has blown the whistle on VicForests for logging potentially protected rainforest in the region. In early April 2016, the Goongerah Environment Centre (GECO) announced it had exposed Victoria’s commercial logging business, VicForests, triggering an investigation by the Department of Environment Land Water and …

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Climate change could put eucalypts at risk of death from air bubbles

Extreme droughts could lead to widespread death of eucalypts from embolisms, researchers say. Key points Some trees can shrink the width of their water transport vessels in response to lack of water Eucalypts are not able to do this which puts them at risk of developing air bubbles in their vessels This would make them …

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NSW native forests worth more if left standing: Australia Institute report

An economic analysis by The Australia Institute claims that native forest logging in NSW lost $79 million over the last seven years, but could be making a $40 million yearly profit if left standing and allowed access to the Federal Government’s Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF). The Nature Conservation Council (NCC) and the National Parks Association …

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