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Hancock's logging practices

HANCOCK/GRAND RIDGE PLANTATIONS CONTINUE SELLING OFF LAND SUPPOSED TO THE PROTECTED UNDER 1997 AGREEMENT BETWEEN AMCOR AND FRIENDS OF GIPPSLAND BUSH.

For further details of this agreement please go to www.australianpaper.forests.org.au/index2/generalinfo1.htm#agreement

THE FOLLOWING BLOCKS WERE INCLUDED IN THIS AGREEMENT.

Glenaladale Forest Block

This land was known as Crown Allotment 27B Parish of Marlooh. The land has been subdivided into 4 allotments. One allotment of land has been sold. The rare plant species Ziera smithii Sandfly Ziera has been recorded in 10 locations on this site and is considered to be common within the study area. The allotments are also considered to be dominated by Herb Rich Lowland Forest, an Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) considered to be rare within Victoria. One bird (Australian Owlet-nightjar) and three mammal species (White-striped Mastiff Bat, Dusky Antechinus and Eastern Pygmy-possum) of regional significance have been recorded within the Forest Block. This block is considered to be of regional conservation significance or greater.

Glenaldale Forest Block - May 2002: Hancock/Grand Ridge Plantation's continue selling allotments of land that were supposed to be protected under the 8 point agreement agreed to between Australian Paper Plantations and Friends of Gippsland Bush in March 1997.

Glenaldale Forest Block - May 2002: Allotment 1 located at Glenaladale in East Gippsland up for sale. Can senior management of Grand Ridge Plantations really be trusted if they continue to sell allotments of land supposedly protected in 1997?

May 2002: Glenaldale Forest Block. Inside allotment 3 of a parcel of private land to be sold by Hancock/Grand Ridge Plantations.

Delpretes Forest Block

This area consists of six blocks of native vegetation within the Eastern Highlands Natural Region. All of the forest blocks have been sold. One of the plant species, Genoplesium despectans Sharp Midge Orchid, recorded from two locations within the study area, is considered to have a poorly known conservation significance within Australia. Another species found at Delpretes, Eucalyptus fulgens Green Scentbark is considered to be vulnerable in Victoria. Green Scentbark was recorded at 10 sites within the study area and is considered to be common within many of the blocks assessed. The Delpretes Forest Block is considered to be dominated by either Shrubby Foothill Forest or Herb Rich Foothill Forest, Ecological Vegetation Classes considered to be relatively common within Victoria

One bird, Sooty Owl found at Delpretes is of State significance for conservation, and two mammals, Eastern False Pipistrelle and Koala, are considered to be of regional significance for conservation. The Sooty Owl is restricted to wet gullies, and has been recorded at relatively few sites within Victoria - its presence here renders the site of significant conservation importance.

Delpretes Forest Block May 2002: Private land flogged off by Australian Paper Plantations - now called Grand Ridge Plantations.

Delpretes Forest Block May 2002: Another allotment of land at Delpretes in the Eastern Highlands natural area.

Marathon Road

All land allotments at this site have been sold. The rare plant species Heath Platysace Platysace ericoides was recorded from three locations within the northern block. The dominant vegetation of the northern block was also considered to be dominated by Herb Rich Lowland Forest, an Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) considered to be rare within Victoria. The southern block of vegetation was considered to be dominated by the EVC Damp Sands Herb Rich Foothill Forest of regional conservation significance. Numerous other plant species recorded within both Forest Blocks are considered to be of regional conservation significance. One reptile (Tree Goanna), two birds (Wonga pigeon and Yellow-tufted Honeyeater) and five mammals (Dusky Antechinus, Greater Glider, Eastern Pygmy-possum, White-striped Freetail-bat and Little Forest Bat) of regional significance were recorded within the Forest Blocks.

MarathonRd1: May 2002: More allotments of land sold to developers.

MarathonRd2: May 2002: Inside allotment of land recently sold by Hancock/Grand Ridge Plantations. This site was supposedly protected under the 1997 Friend of Gippsland Bush Agreement.

MarathonRd3: May 2002: Logging equipment bought into allotments recently sold by Grand Ridge Plantations?

Marathonrd4: May 2002: Recent log road punched through bush at Marathon Road. Apparently logs have already left this area.