Australia’s Alpine Ash forests are endangered and highly vulnerable to fire. Logging, thinning and burning are increasing that risk – not reducing it.

Australia has many kinds of beautiful forest. One of these is Alpine Ash forest, which occurs in montane areas in New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. The tall, straight trees in these forests can exceed 60 metres in height. In some places in New South Wales and Victoria, Alpine Ash forests provide habitat for Critically Endangered animals like Leadbeater’s Possum. Independently and together, we have studied Alpine Ash forests for many decades, and published research on tree and other plant growth, animal occurrence, and fire, logging, and mechanical thinning impacts.

Alpine Ash forests are threatened by logging and wildfires. They are particularly vulnerable to human and natural disturbances. This is because young trees are highly flammable after previous logging or wildfire but at the same time do not produce a viable crop of seeds until mature beyond a prolonged juvenile period. Fires occurring every few decades have the potential to completely eliminate stands of Alpine Ash.

The conservation status of Alpine Ash forests has recently been assessed by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee. The Committee is a panel of experts that provides high-quality scientific advice to the Australian Government. As a result of the committee’s advice, Australian mainland Alpine Ash forests have been listed as an........

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