A group of concerned environmentalists gathered together last Thursday to discuss the management of the Jarrah Forest around Balingup.
The evening’s event was attended by 35 people, all of whom raised concerns about the extensive logging east of the town in Munro and Catterick blocks.
Organised by Balingup Friends of the Forest, presentations were given by the Department of Parks and Wildlife’s regional leader for Forest Management Tony Mennen and by Dr Chrissy Sharp, who is a member of the Forest Stewardship Council of Australia.
Issues were raised about the extent and the intensive nature of the current system, especially the use of “gap creation” or clear-felling of Jarrah Forest.
Balingup Friends of the Forest chairman Wayne Irvine said: “The information gave us a greater understanding of the challenge we face to maintain the health of the Jarrah ecosystem, as well as the effort by Parks and Wildlife to achieve sustainability”.
