How do we Measure Biodiversity in the Wilson Creek Forest (Cutblock EW002)?

The Community Forest and other proponents of clear cutting, which means the liquidation of natural forests and their replacement with tree farms, are still trying to tell us that we will have more biodiversity in a clear cut than in the existing old natural forest.

In answer to Tony Greenfield’s letter about one species of bird who likes openings in the forest, I would like to share the following, and invite comments.

In the existing Wilson Creek Forest (Cutblock EW002) we will have at least 5 species of woodpecker living and nesting, at least 5 species of Owl, 8 species of Amphibians, at least 7 species of flowering forest plants, 2 or more species of reptile, bats, many other species of birds and mammals, dozens or hundreds of mosses, dozens or hundreds of fungi, the list goes on. None of these will live or breed in the clear cut for 50 or 60 years, and then it will just begin to support some life.

I invite the community forest to provide a list of hundreds of species which will immediately thrive in the clear cut, (besides fireweed and bees, for a couple of years only) which we do not have now in the natural old forest with old growth characteristics.

By: Rick O’Neil, Roberts Creek
Date: Monday, November 19, 2012
Submitted to: theCoastReporter and thelocalweekly (published in the   thelocalweekly – Nov 22, 2012)


About Rick O’Neill
Rick is the winner of the 2011 John Hind-Smith Environmental Achievement Award that honours a worthy local Sunshine Coast citizen who has demonstrated their dedication and commitment to the environment and preserving wildlife.

Rick O’Neill is deeply dedicated to the environment and like John Hind-Smith himself, toils away quietly, never for self recognition, but on behalf of our natural environment. Whether sampling for forage fish along intertidal areas, identifying amphibians on Mount Elphinstone or photographing the natural world as a way to bring the forest ecosystems into focus for others, Rick does it all with only the environment in mind. (Several of Rick’s photos appear on this website.)

He has devoted countless hours to protect biodiversity on the coast and he has taken many groups out for walks to teach about mushrooms, amphibian, birds and trees. As a founder of Elphinstone Living Forest, Rick was the driving force behind developing a comprehensive ecosystem plan…..

To read more on Rick click here: Rick O’Neill receives John Hind-Smith Award from the SCCA