Glider Dens Ignored: Logging Faces Scrutiny

A former NSW environment minister has urged the government to halt logging in Glenbog state forest due to the discovery of 102 den trees for endangered greater gliders by citizen scientists. This significantly contrasts with the four den trees identified by the NSW Forestry Corporation (NSWFC). The NSWFC has faced frequent breaches of its regulations, leading to accusations of a "criminal organisation" by a former magistrate. Wilderness Australia warns that proceeding with logging, scheduled within weeks, could constitute "ecological fraud" given the discrepancy in den tree surveys.

Bob Debus, a former Labor environment minister, declared native forest logging untenable in NSW, highlighting that the NSWFC's frequent regulatory breaches are effectively part of its business model and that taxpayers ultimately cover the fines. Glenbog state forest, near Deua national park, is noted as a vital biodiversity hotspot due to its unique microclimate supporting greater gliders and other threatened species. Citizen scientists used thermal cameras and spotlights at dusk to record glider activity, uploading data via a phone app.

The NSWFC maintains it conducts nocturnal surveys in line with the Coastal Integrated Forestry Operations Approvals, considering third-party information and establishing exclusion zones. They state the citizen scientists' records are being incorporated into the plan. However, the area also hosts numerous wombat burrows, with a wildlife sanctuary concerned about potential damage, referencing a past incident where burrows were destroyed during forestry operations.