Australasia's home for timber news and information

Air pollution may not harm forests

Scientists have long worried that air pollution could amplify climate change by hurting the ability of forests to grow and absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Source: Science Mag But a new study questions that conventional wisdom when it comes to one key pollutant, low-level ozon
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Biochar a med for ash dieback

A newly developed “enriched biochar”, which combines a purified form of charcoal with fungi, seaweed and worm casts could help ash trees resist the Chalara disease, according to research by tree and shrub care company Bartlett Tree Experts. The Guardian UK A study by the company’s res
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CIFOR Asia Forestry Week update

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) opened its ‘Climate Change’ program at the Asia Pacific Forestry Week (APFW) 2016, in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines. Source: Cifor The event is the first opportunity since the historic Paris Agreement to explore how t
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Recycled man eater

A giant shark made of wood recycled from a dismantled shed is making a splash at a northern Gold Coast market. Source: ABC News The 8-metre shark is one of three works being constructed from recycled materials at the Carrara Markets. Danish sculptor and self-proclaimed recycling activ
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Recycled timber to train new builders

A new community project in Wilsonton Heights, Queensland uses recycled timber collected from skip bins to address unemployment and create an immediate income. Source: The Chronicle (Toowoomba) The Heights Community Centre in Toowoomba provides a sustainable and practical six-week cour
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Dirty deeds done dirt cheap

A wall of dirt appeared in Kennington near Invercargill in New Zealand is causing grief for some residents, and being used as a water slide by others. Source: Stuff NZ The several hundred metre-long dirt wall on the border of Niagara Sawmill was built by Niagara to block noise from th
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Forestry to win with TPP

Forestry and tourism are just two of the big winners once the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) comes into force according to New Zealand trade minister Todd McClay. Source: The New Zealand Herald Speaking at the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce, Mr McClay said regional New Zealand will reap
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WA’s anti-protest protest

Opponents to WA’s anti-protest legislation gathered to rally on the steps of Parliament. The Bill would allow for the arrest of protesters who lock themselves to objects such as trees or machinery to prevent lawful activity. Source: Perth Now The Bill passed through the Upper House wi
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Gutwein to offload Forestry Tasmania

New Forestry Minister Peter Gutwein has confirmed he is exploring ways for the ailing Forestry Tasmania to offload functions to the private sector. Source: ABC News Visiting McKay Timber’s Bridgewater sawmill, the newly appointed minister provided an indication of his ideas for
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Replant NZ forests before its too late

The sawmills claim the long-awaited wall of wood from forests planted in the late ’80s and ’90s was mostly leaving the country as logs, and much of the land they came from was not being replanted. Source: Radio New Zealand Mark Hansen, the managing director of Rosvall’s sawmill
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