CSIRO response following the consultation phase of the review
November 1996; Page 9,10
2. Definition and protection of rainforest
(ii) Conservation Strategies for Rainforest
As stressed in the CSIRO interim report, given the uncertainty about the effectiveness of buffers in providing long-term protection to rainforest, a cautious approach must be adopted . In particular the threat to Nothofagus from Myrtle Wilt needs to be considered, as does the effect of large trees penetrating the buffer following windthrow. The public comments have expressed contrasting views on the width of buffers around rainforest. For example, it has been claimed that the proposed buffers are too narrow, especially to prevent damage from windthrow and fire; and that the incidence of Myrtle Wilt in unaffected be harvesting, so that risk of disease can not be used to justify increasing buffer widths. Some comments point out the operational difficulties of maintaining the prescribed buffer strips when the rainforest patch itself is small. We do not believe that there is sufficient available information to resolve these conflicting claims at present. However, a rainforest patch once severely damaged by forest operations may not be restorable, and therefore, a precautionary approach is necessary.
Ideally, measures (including the degree of buffering) to protect rainforest should be varied regionally according to the degree of perceived risk, and specified in FMA plans and local prescriptions. The suggested minimum buffer widths and/or modified harvesting strips proposed be CSIRO should be adopted as an interim measure, but be subject to ongoing review based on new information.
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