Environmental activists say they’ve temporarily stopped logging in Cherry Tree state forest near Casino today by locking onto machinery.
A media release on the protesters behalf this morning said Lismore resident Daisy Nutty was physically attached to a log harvesting machine, calling for an end to native Forest logging.
North East Forest Alliance President Dailan Pugh was quoted saying he’s worries about koala populations in Cherry Tree State Forest, with his surveys suggesting they’re widespread.
Mr Pugh, an acclaimed environmentalist and researcher, said the forest has eighteen koala preferred feed trees per hectare including Small-fruited Grey Gum, Tallowwood and Forest Red Gum.
The NSW Forestry Corporation is allowed to log around 80 per cent of the preferred feed trees, which Mr Pugh said represents more than 10,000 mature feed trees at risk.
Mr Pugh said the loss would have a massive impact on the Koala population for the next century.
Today’s lock-on in Cherry Tree Forest comes as part of a series of protests across Australia’s east coast in the leadup to the annual Lismore March for Forests scheduled for this Sunday, 22 March.
This year’s March for Forests is to be held at The Quad from 10am.
Community stalls, kids activities and flashmob dancing classes from 9am are promised along with live music in an event to be emceed by Mandy Nolan.
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