WHAT’S HAPPENING IN BLUE DERBY’S FORESTS NOW?

In 2021, we reported about the planned native forestry works in forests surrounding some of the popular trails in the Blue Derby trail network in Australia. Forestry has a long and ongoing role in Tasmania, but the growth of mountain biking has boosted the tourism industry. An industry that relies not just on the ribbons of dirt that we all ride on, but the forests that surround them as well.

The public outcry about losing trails was wide ranging, but no trails would be directly impacted given there would be narrow buffers between the forestry works and wildlife. However, concerns were raised about the impact to the forests, the need for biodiversity, destruction of habitat for threatened and endangered species, erosion and soil structure changes on the trails themselves, and fire risk. The impact on the remnant Gondwana forests would be severe, and an open letter was delivered to Tasmanian parliament with over 200 businesses signing it. These include Patagonia, Maydena Bike Park and DHaRCO amongst many more. Here’s an excerpt:

‘The vision for Tasmania is to be a carbon-neutral state, aligned with the Tasmanian Government Climate Action 21 agenda. There are measures we can introduce quickly to achieve this goal; immediate and practical action including removing the three Blue Derby Gondwana native forests of Krushka’s (CC105A and CC119A) and Atlas (CC120B) from logging and burning plans. Protecting the carbon dense forests of this iconic tourism destination area has the immediate impact of stopping the carbon emissions associated with logging and burning Gondwana native forests, protecting local biodiversity and will help safeguard the Blue Derby brand.’

‘The tourism industry in Tasmania is built upon the clean, green, and clever brand. This brand is being undermined by ongoing logging of our native forests that hold flagship tourism experiences such as the Blue Tier, Blue Derby, Ben Lomond, The Styx Valley of the Giants, Maydena, the Weld/Tahune forests and the takayna/Tarkine.’

Krushka’s forest is still due to be logged, and it may happen before summer is finished. If you want to add your voice to the tens of thousands already petitioning against the destruction of native forests around Blue Derby and elsewhere in Tasmania, head to change.org or follow @bluederbywild on Instagram for a direct link and updates.