Leadbeater's Possum Detection Report – 345-508-0062 ‘Ezard’
Within VicForests scheduled logging coupe 345-508-0062 an investigation was undertaken to assess the presence/absence of the critically endangered Leadbeater's Possum within state forest scheduled for clearfell logging.
A Leadbeater's Possum was identified during this investigation. This investigation discovered that VicForests intend to begin logging operations within Leadbeater’s Possum habitat detailed within this report. All logging operations, including roading works, must cease immediately within VicForests logging coupe 345-508-0062 to ensure no further destruction of Leadbeater’s Possum habitat is undertaken. The continuation of these operations would be an immediate breach of the ‘Code of Practice for Timber Production 2014’ the Code.
Knowing the perverse outcomes that timber harvesting operations have on the critically endangered species it is crucial that this logging coupe is removed from the Timber Release Plan and these important colonies are adequately protected.
The methodology employed, the results of the investigation, discussion, conclusions and important recommendations are detailed below.