A STUDY OF LOGGING DAMAGE IN UPLAND RAIN-FOREST IN NORTH QUEENSLAND

We present the results of an experiment to assess the damage caused by logging a 19 ha plot of upland rainforest under the Queensland Selective Logging System. Logged trees were concentrated along ridges and mean removals were 6.6 stems, 4.9 m2 basal area and 37 m3 logs ha-1. Losses from the whole stand were highest in the smallest and largest size classes and averaged 146.7 stems ha-1 and 12 m2 ha-1. No tree species were eliminated by logging. Twenty two percent of the canopy was lost and fish eye photography showed that the amount of light reaching the ground was even altered on areas that received no overhead canopy loss. Changes in canopy profiles were complex not just a simple reduction of the upper layers. Logging tracks occupied 5% of the area. These results are compared with a range of other studies in Queensland and overseas. The Queensland system appears to cause less incidental damage than those reported from South East Asia. Recommended improvements to the Queensland system include extracting more timber from the crowns of felled trees, increasing winching and improving erosion control from major roads. Most importantly, enhancing the skills, sensibilities and cooperation of field personnel is considered to be vital in further reducing damage.