Leadbeater's Possum Detection Report – 462-503-0006 'Road 20'
Within VicForests active logging coupe 462-503-0006 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 462-503-0006 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.
There have been multiple detections also made by the Forest Protection Survey Program (FPSP) within the logging coupe detailed in this report. There has now been three Leadbeater’s Possum colonies identified within and adjacent to the coupe 462-503-0006 making it evident that this is high quality and greatly significant Leadbeater’s Possum habitat. 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.