Discussion regarding salvage logging and environmental effects
A number of environmental scientists and experts have argued that Salvage Logging can have significant negative environmental impacts over conventional logging as the forest is in an extremely fragile state of recovery and that the occurrence of a major artificial disturbance following a wildfire can be highly problematic in its disturbance cycle.
VicForests have carried out other salvage logging programs following the 2003 and 2006/07 fires in the Victorian Alps. The photos attached are of Connors Plain (near Licola) being salvage logged following the 2006/07 fire.
There is a preconception that the forest is 'destroyed' following a fire. This is a highly erroneous as the forest is in a critical part of its cycle, and will re-establish itself, with old and new biological legacies included within the recovering forest. This salvage logging program, if it is carried out in accordance with past prescriptions, will have negative environmental implications across the fire affected landscape.
At least, we recommend that the salvage logging be suspended until the initial findings of the Royal Commission are given, as any management activity within the fire affected zone falls within its jurisdiction and needs to be fully evaluated.
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