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As the Ecological Society of Australia's rep. on
the Clarence Regional Vegetation Committee (North Coast NSW) for four years I
have grave concerns about the draft Native Vegetation Regulation. The
issue of trade-offs (or off-sets) was raised then and scattered old-growth
habitat trees, providing habitat for hollow nesters but also the nests of the
Black-necked Stork, Osprey, Whistling Kite, Brahminy Kite etc., were going to be
traded for areas of planted new trees. The problem is how does one
determine how many seedlings is sufficient to replace one 100 year old
tree? How can we be sure that these seedlings will be allowed to reach
maturity? What do all of the birds, mammals etc. do while they are waiting
for these seedlings to become habitat trees (hollows suitable for fauna take on
average 100-150 years to develop). David Geering says don't worry the
hurdles are too great to jump so there will in fact be no broadscale
clearing. I do not share David's confidence that all is well in the
kingdom.
It is time that scientists and birdwatchers alike
took an active role in determining the legislation that will seriously
impact (positively or negatively) on our birds and their habitat in New South
Wales.
Of course, to jump in and write a submission
without doing some research would be unwise. Carmel Flint has provided some
references to allow people to check the NCEC claims. Check them and
write a submission to help our birds.
Regards
Greg
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