Giant trees

"Special management practices are needed over timeframes well beyond those typical of resource management policies to protect existing populations of large old trees, promote the eventual recruitment of new trees, and ensure that their key ecological and other values are maintained (Lindenmayer et al. 2013)." - Broad decline of populations of large old trees

The ancient old growth forests of the Central Highlands cover a mere 1.2 % of the forest area today. These giant tree forests are still historically considered the tallest flowering trees on earth. Today the largest examples are found in Tasmania and the Central Highlands, with many found in areas exposed to logging. 

• Did you know it can take hundreds of years for hollows to form in trees? 
  
• Leadbeater's Possums use hollow trees over 150 years old.
  
• Greater Gliders use hollow trees over 250 years old.

The Great Forests National Park proposal will protect all remnants of the past and secure the future of giant trees by setting aside large tracts of forest that are less likely to burn in wildfire events. The aim of this new park is to enrich the landscape with ecologically mature ecosystems, increase floral and faunal biodiversity, increase carbon sequestration rates and improve water catchment yields.  It will provide the 42 vertebrate species who utilise tree hollows with a safe habitat in which to live and flourish.

Why we need a big tree protection plan and the Great Forest National Park proposal meets global scientific criteria. New policies for old trees 

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