In 2001, Western Australia became the first state in Australia to cease logging in old-growth forests.
It is a little-known fact that Western Australia’s comprehensive Forest Management Plan (FMP) permanently prohibits the harvesting of forest products from more than 1.4 million hectares of reserves, including all old-growth forests in national parks, nature reserves, conservation parks and forest conservation areas. It symbolises another initiative to further safeguard Western Australia's diverse and unique plant and animal life.
Most importantly, the reserve design of the FMP improves the protection of forest ecosystems and protects areas of high flora, species richness and diversity, as well as fauna refuges.
The Department of Parks and Wildlife has developed extensive flora and fauna databases. Recovery planning for 58 species of threatened flora is ongoing.
All of Western Australia's old-growth forests are protected. Consequently the nationally agreed target for old-growth protection in each ecosystem has either been met or exceeded.
Sustainable timber harvesting is undertaken following Conservation Commission guidelines and contemporary, scientifically based silvicultural practices to help ensure sustainability for future generations.
Sustainable forest management practices ensure the forests from which timber is produced are sustained indefinitely and will always be available for future generations to use and enjoy.
