1) High conservation values
This map contains the most precise, validated Commonwealth and State data, from the RFA, identifying the high conservation value forest (oldgrowth, disturbed oldgrowth, and rainforest), areas of this which have been disturbed (logged) since 1998, as well as the secondary forest, and hardwood plantations. It can be clearly seen that some of the conservation values present outside the plantations, also exist within them, and that some of these remain, or have been disturbed.
Most importantly, it demonstrates the integrity (intactness) of each of the Friends’ reserves. Combined with the koala map (see below), it demonstrates the merits of each Friends Reserve, either from a conservation values, or koala likelihood perspective, or both – as well as the broader World Heritage Area.
2) Koala likelihood
This data has been generated using a sub-set of the NSW koala data, relevant to the proposal footprint. It is not the government’s ‘likelihood’ map, which covers the whole of NSW and is therefore not as accurate, but a map based purely on the koalas in and around the proposal (some 7,800 records), and using six-point scale. Ultimately, the only koalas most relevant to the proposal are those contained within and around it. There are problems associated with the government’s data, but the size of the dataset is large enough to have generated sufficiently valid data. The accuracy is still delimited to a 10km grid, but there are enough records in each grid to give a generally reliable representation of the situation.
Most importantly, it demonstrates the importance of the Friends’ Reserves for koalas(see below). Combined with the conservation values maps (discussed immediately below), it demonstrates the merits of every Friends Reserve, either from a koala likelihood, or conservation values perspective, or both – as well as the broader World Heritage Area, and the coastal hardwood plantations the Government is still excising from the park.
3) Land management
This map locates the individually colour-coded community-based Friends Reserves in the context of the broader WHA, exisiting parks and reserves, and state forest. This helps situate the Friends Reserves within the broader nomination. There are inevitably some quirks in the legends, etc., and this will all be dealt with in due course. These images are not geo-referenced, but are of a sufficient resolution to be printed at A0. Copies available on request. All information used is publicly available NSW Government data, and/or provided on request by the relevant agencies.
This work is being shared with all relevant stakeholders to help bolster the prospects of World Heritage status for our wonderful forests, and koalas.
Briefings are available on request, and updates on activities will be posted.
4) Current logging within the proposed area
timcadman 