Why are they important

Old growth forests have values that cannot be found anywhere else, they are unique and irreplaceable. It is not possible to clearfell them and retain their old growth characteristics. What grows back after logging is known as regrowth forest. It is useful and often beautiful but it will never be old growth forest again because of the massive disturbance to its ecosystem.

"WA's Old Growth Forests - A Guide"- RTF file

Values of the old growth forest include:

Ecological and scientific value: WA forests are known the world over for the unique species which live in their ecosystems. Many of the species are only found in Western Australia (endemic species). For example, karri, jarrah and marri trees don't naturally grow anywhere else in the world. There are about 50 species of birds and mammals, such as the forest red-tailed black cockatoo and the brush-tailed possum, which depend on hollows in these big old growth trees to live and nest in. There are also unknown numbers of insects and fungi species yet to be named or even discovered by scientists. When the forest undergoes a massive disturbance like logging and burning we may be losing species forever that we didn't even know we had.
Economic value: Old growth forests are important for industries other than logging, such as tourism, wildflower picking, fine wood-craft and beekeeping. These industries are more ecologically sustainable than logging or mining in old growth forest because they don't disturb the natural life cycle of the ecosystems. We need more old growth forest put into national parks and nature reserves for the increasing numbers of people wanting to appreciate our unique natural heritage.
Aesthetic value: The old growth forest is amazing and beautiful. Logging, clearing and mining are changing that original landscape forever. Small isolated pockets of old growth forest and road side reserves which we all see from the car on our way down south do not compare with an area that you can walk through for hours.
Cultural and spiritual values: Old growth forests are part of the heritage and living environment of all Australians. As recent community protest over the continued logging of old growth forests has shown these forests have important cultural and spiritual significance for many different people. Aboriginal people have a deep connection with the land of the South West as it is the place where the Nyoongar culture and spiritual understanding come from. Their knowledge base and cultural identity are closely intertwined with the land and its life forms. "We are of this land, and this land is of us".


	produced with the assistance of former Greens (WA) Senator Dee Margetts and WAFA. Send us an email!