Image by Rob Blakers

Surrounded on three sides by the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, an section of state forest creates a hole in the protected area. Located near Lake Saint Claire, this enclave contains logging coupe CZ006C, which is scheduled for logging this year. The coupe and the area surrounding it are “naturally vegetated by a mosaic of eucalypt forest, leptospermum woodland and treeless moorland” (Hitchcock 2012: 153). Despite some logging in the vicinity the overall condition “is one of a natural landscape with natural vegetation”

One of the critical issues for this region is the presence of Clarence Lagoon, located just inside the boundary of the TWWHA, but with its catchment area extended into the unprotected state forest. This is a critical habitat site for the endangered Clarence galaxias (Glaxias johnstoni) (Hitchcock 2012: 153). This is an endemic freshwater fish species that is found in the lagoon and downstream in the Clarence River, which is located within the area proposed by environment groups to be included in the reserve. The only other known habitat sites are 5-6 small lagoons (Hitchcock 2012: 153). The Threatened Species Listing Statement declares that “all populations of Clarence glaxias are essential to the species’ long-term viability and require protection and management” (DPWI). This region surrounding Clarence Lagoon has therefore been recommended by Hitchcock to be included in the TWWHA (Hitchcock 2012: 154).

For more information about the ‘A forest a day’ project, which is a collaboration between Huon Valley Environment Centre, Still Wild Still Threatened, The Last Stand, Markets for Change and Code Green, please click HERE.

References:

DPWI Threatened Species Listing Statement Galaxias johnstoni [view online]

Hitchcock, P. (2012), IVG Report 5A: Verification of the Heritage Value of ENGO proposed Reserves [view online]