A video showing the cutting down of a huge native Australian tree in Tasmania’s old growth forests has sparked a lot of anger and debate online. The footage, filmed in Maydena within the Florentine Valley, features a piece of an enormous trunk thought to belong to a Eucalyptus regnans, which is the second tallest tree species globally after the California Redwood. It filled up an entire trailer.
This viral clip highlights worries from conservationists and environmentalists who believe that such logging methods harm the fragile ecosystems found in old growth forests. The sight of this century-old tree, once lively and impressive, being taken away for processing has resonated with people all over.
Bob Brown, a well-known conservationist and former leader of the Greens party, didn’t hold back his feelings. He called the logging of these untouched forests “globally shameful.” Brown expressed sadness over losing this natural beauty, stressing that cutting down this tree was an unnecessary act supported by public funds. He criticized how its destruction also forced out birds, mammals and other wildlife that had lived alongside it for many years.
Sadly, this giant tree’s fate is already decided. Forestry Tasmania—now known as Sustainable Timber Tasmania (STT)—plans to burn most parts left on the forest floor. The timber industry in Tasmania is very important economically; it brings in over $1 billion to the state’s economy and gives jobs to thousands. STT is owned by the Tasmanian Government but runs like a private business; they defended their actions by saying “safety reasons” were behind cutting down trees.
Suzette Weeding, STT’s general manager for conservation & land management explained that removing this tree was properly documented & they are trying to recover timber whenever possible. She added that it was cut down as part of harvesting operations in an area called FO020B which follows a Forest Practices Plan—a legal requirement under their Forest Practices Act—that includes specific management rules like recording measurements of trees for compliance with guidelines.
While STT insists its work follows certified plans critics aren’t convinced at all! Groups like The Wilderness Society have raised doubts about logging large trees within these areas & questioned if current regulations really protect these ancient giants effectively.
Euan Ritchie—a Professor studying Wildlife Ecology & Conservation at Deakin University—shared many people’s thoughts when he described what happened as an “utter environmental travesty.” He asked what would happen if instead of cutting down a tree it were actually about killing a whale!
As more people express their disagreement Bob Brown went into action protesting in Florentine Valley! He lamented how what used to be filled with towering trees now looks like broken branches everywhere! Brown urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to step up visit there & tackle this issue during Labor’s National Conference soon!
The uproar around chopping down ancient trees shows bigger discussions about protecting our environment vs economic needs are still ongoing! While places like Victoria Western Australia & parts Queensland promise no more native logging—the situation remains tough in Tasmania where such commitments don’t exist yet highlighting struggles between making money while saving precious natural spaces too!
