Native forest harvesting in Australia: an ecological economics approach to the question

Abstract

Summary One argument for ceasing native forest harvesting in Australia is that plantation forests can provide the wood fibre that society requires, allowing native forests to provide ecological goods and services. Using an ecological economics view of sustainability, an argument is presented for some harvesting of Australian native forest. The argument is that plantation forests require the use of non-renewable resources to be productive, while native forests are a potentially renewable resource. Ignoring renewable resources while depleting non-renewable resources will not contribute to a goal of sustainability. The real question then, should be how native forest harvesting can be sustainable and not whether harvesting should take place. A case study of the mountain ash forest of Victoria, Australia is used to illustrate the potential for sustainable timber harvesting from some native forest. The focus for such harvesting should be on sites, ecosystems and silvicultural practices that ensure regeneration, maintain site potential, and allow ecologically mature forests to develop.