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Framing ecological forestry: applying principles for the restoration of post-production forests

Grant Wardell-Johnson , Beth Schultz, Todd Robinson

Abstract

Context: Decades of industrial-scale logging have damaged the structure, function, and composition of Australia’s forests; increased the threat from severe fires; and generated social distrust - all in a disrupted climate regime. As state agencies withdraw from logging, restoration of forest resilience becomes paramount. Aims and method: We critique two recent proposals for ‘commercial timber operations’ in Australian States that have recently ‘ceased logging native forests’: wind-throw removal via ‘community forestry’ in Victoria, and ‘ecological thinning’ in Western Australia. Key Results: Analysis suggests that ecological restoration will require: 1) Scientifically valid and reliable projects; 2) Integration across knowledge systems; 3) Full cost-benefit accounting; 4) Repair of forest legacy damage; 5) Restoration of environmental resilience; 6) Control of environmental weeds, pests and pathogens; 7) Enhanced capacity for early detection of and rapid response to disturbance; 8) Generation of trust to enable a social licence; 9) Fostering integrity in media and public relations; and 10) Appropriate categorisation in land use. Neither case study demonstrates the application of these forest restoration principles or a means to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposals. Conclusions: These case studies continue the resource-led exploitation of post-production forests, exacerbating damage through the continued depletion of the natural assets essential to generating resilience. Moving beyond resource-led to environment-led management is necessary to restore the ecological integrity of these forests. Implications: A shift from the resource-led focus to an environment-led focus guided by scientifically validated principles is likely to also require new administrative and governance arrangements for these forests.

PC24033  Accepted 25 June 2024

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