Alpine Ash Forests Listed as Endangered Amidst Industry Criticism

The recent decision to list alpine ash forests as an endangered ecosystem under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act marks a critical moment for Australia's unique natural heritage. Ecologists are hopeful that this federal government designation will provide a much-needed lifeline to these iconic, yet vulnerable, trees found in the high country of the ACT, New South Wales, and Victoria.

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They are what we call a fire-sensitive species … [and] over the last 25 years, we've had a huge amount of fire.

However, the listing has ignited a debate, with the forestry industry expressing strong opposition. Representatives argue that "locking populations away" will not protect the species but could, in fact, exacerbate their decline. This perspective highlights the ongoing tension between conservation efforts and the economic interests of industries reliant on forest resources. The industry's "astounding" reaction underscores a fundamental disagreement on the best path forward for managing these vital ecosystems.

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Locking populations away … is actually going to lead to species decline, not species saving.

Scientists like Dr. Tom Fairman from the University of Melbourne emphasize the ecological challenges. Alpine ash are fire-sensitive, and the increasing frequency and intensity of bushfires, exacerbated by climate change, are hindering their natural regeneration cycle, which requires 15 to 20 years for seeding and maturity. The overlapping of severe fires poses a significant threat, potentially leading to the complete loss of these forests from the landscape. This ecological reality, coupled with the cultural significance of these forests for First Nations peoples, underscores the urgency and complexity of conservation efforts in Australia.

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The real risk to alpine ash is when large fires start overlapping one another.