SW protesters fight for birds
Protesters have vowed to continue defending an area of Nannup forest against logging.
The Save Helms Forest group wants to protect an area of native forest it says is vital habitat for endangered carnaby cockatoo species.
The logging coupe is designated under the State Government's Forest Management Plan for 2014-2023, developed in consultation with the Conservation Commission and stakeholders.
SHF member Jess Beckerling said protesters had exhausted official channels.
"In 2012 the Forest Products Commission were about to start logging, but the community forced an assessment for old growth and 209ha has been protected," she said. "We never expected they would come back for the rest that doesn't meet the narrow definition of old growth."
Ms Beckerling said the amount of in-roading at the coupe was excessive and the logging increased the threat of dieback.
She said timber products should be sourced from plantations rather than native forests.
"The native forest industry is in decline," she said.
"The FPC knows, but they're getting every last little bit they can get."
So far two protesters have been charged with causing a nuisance on Department of Parks and Wildlife land for locking onto logging machinery last month. Another protester was charged with causing a nuisance and obstructing police after she climbed a tree on January 6.
The woman spent 12 hours 13m off the ground on a platform tied to logging machinery before she was removed by specialist police officers from Perth.
FPC general manager Vince Erasmus said the Nannup region included large areas of native forest and Helms was a small area.
Mr Erasmus said timber harvesting only occurred in forest which had previously been harvested and regenerated.
"Timber harvesting in the South West is sustainable and provides many benefits to local communities," he said. "This includes wood for a range of products such as unique high-value furniture, flooring and joinery."
Mr Erasmus said protection of the cockatoo habitat was an important responsibility of the FPC in accordance with the FMP.
He said mature forest surrounded Helms, including national parks and conservation areas suitable for cockatoo foraging and nesting.
Habitat for cockatoos and other flora and fauna was set aside, including the nearby Blackwood River National Park and Wiltshire-Butler National Park, he said.
The protest has the backing of the Busselton and Dunsborough Environment Centre because Helms is a release site for threatened cockatoos.
Group convenor Alison Cassanet said BDEC saw the loss of passive recreation opportunities for bushwalkers, artists and naturalists with the logging of such a "beautiful forest in our region".
Acting Forestry Minister Colin Holt told the _Times _he had visited Helms and met with concerned community members.
He said timber from native forests was natural and renewable and the Helms forest which was harvested would be replanted.
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