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Forestry rejects study in forest fires

The forestry industry has dismissed a report linking logging with increased fire danger as drawing an unfair link between industry and bushfire. Source: ABC Radio National

A recent report by Melbourne University’s Dr Chris Taylor and ANU’s Professor David Lindenmayer found clear fell logging of mountain ash forests in Victoria added to the intensity and severity of fires on Black Saturday.

Chief executive of the Australian Forest Products Association Ross Hampton said there is conflicting evidence on the link between bushfire and logging.

“There is a lot of evidence that goes both ways on that,” he said. “Let’s just be so careful when we decide that a particular study decides that the forest industry was particularly part of a problem.”

Mr Hampton argues a true assessment of forestry’s link to bushfire should include the industry’s positive contribution to fighting fires.