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The Forest Wars: The ugly truth about what's happening in our tall forests
288 pages, Paperback
Published March 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 6, 2024
Brilliant. Essential reading for all Australians. Based on decades of scientific evidence and lived experience - and expressed with absolute clarity.
May 5, 2024
An excellent summary and debunking of all the myths associated with the Australian native forest industry. Thank goodness for David Lindenmayer and his associates - and their bravery in speaking out against the vested interests of the forestry industry. This is an accessible and well-argued read. Highly recommended. Such an important book in these times of ecocide, biodiversity loss and a rapidly deteriorating climate.
April 18, 2024
Interesting, clear and quite funny, I can only see one significant flaw with this book.
By delivering deep thuds of common sense backed up by meticulous research the book itself is a valuable tool and contains observations for people of many interests, such as fishing, touring, permaculture, history, hunting, voting, consuming, health seeking and tax paying. Even necklace wearing!
It has an easy to read font and a clever arrangement of sections divided into myths and ending with reality. It outlines intriguingly the mistakes that have been made in the past and highlights some practices that are as negligent to Australia’s world class forests as the decisions around cane toads. Unfortunately, some pictures are a little too small and dark to see. The solid references indicate an author of integrity, willing to be challenged.
Every Australian book club should read this book. For those who are hesitant to argue a case, Mr Lindenmayer has collated an excellent body of collective information. On page 31 he reminds us of the old adage “you could lose a pound of flesh from your arm or leg and quite possibly survive. If you lost a pound of flesh from between your ears, then the outcome would be very different.” He then gives us an inspiring vision of what could be created in future. This vision is cause for relief.
It is perplexing as to why a book as worthy as this would leave out an index. This I believe is its only significant fault. I can only suggest that any reprints should include an index. In conclusion, Mr Lindenmayer is a leader because he deserves to be. This book proves it.
By delivering deep thuds of common sense backed up by meticulous research the book itself is a valuable tool and contains observations for people of many interests, such as fishing, touring, permaculture, history, hunting, voting, consuming, health seeking and tax paying. Even necklace wearing!
It has an easy to read font and a clever arrangement of sections divided into myths and ending with reality. It outlines intriguingly the mistakes that have been made in the past and highlights some practices that are as negligent to Australia’s world class forests as the decisions around cane toads. Unfortunately, some pictures are a little too small and dark to see. The solid references indicate an author of integrity, willing to be challenged.
Every Australian book club should read this book. For those who are hesitant to argue a case, Mr Lindenmayer has collated an excellent body of collective information. On page 31 he reminds us of the old adage “you could lose a pound of flesh from your arm or leg and quite possibly survive. If you lost a pound of flesh from between your ears, then the outcome would be very different.” He then gives us an inspiring vision of what could be created in future. This vision is cause for relief.
It is perplexing as to why a book as worthy as this would leave out an index. This I believe is its only significant fault. I can only suggest that any reprints should include an index. In conclusion, Mr Lindenmayer is a leader because he deserves to be. This book proves it.
May 6, 2024
I have spent the best part of 30 years at the coalface of threatened species recovery programs in south-eastern Australia. My work involves most of the contentious conservation issues in this region, from planned burning to urban growth to logging. In recent years I have been increasingly working with critically endangered frogs that are threatened by logging. I am well aware of the issues, the claims and counterclaims, and the tactics used in the forest wars. I am also keenly aware of the work of Professor Lindenmayer and his team. I have seen and heard those who criticise his work and knowledge; and I have seen the way he responds to those criticisms - by addressing them head-on with high quality research that cuts to the heart of the challenges levelled at him.
Sadly, his remarkable legacy illustrates that all the facts in the world won't change some views and some agendas - agendas that are sad when held by individuals; but are downright dangerous when held by organisations who attempt to deny and distort the ever-growing evidence that unidirectionally shows the extent and rapidity of human assaults on the environment - on species, on ecosystems, and - frighteningly - on the planet's climate.
The Forest Wars is a courageous catalogue of myths and myth-busting. And it's written by the person who has long occupied the knowledge nucleus of the growing movement to stop harms on forest ecosystems - ecosystems that provide some of the most important answers to our climate catastrophe. And that provide the water we need to survive. And the natural world that we increasingly need to connect and reconnect with for our own sanity. As a scientist I see the quality of this work. As an ecologist I share the grief and anger that underpins so many of the eco-assaults detailed in this book. As a taxpayer I rail against insidious abuses of public money. And as a human I am sad and angry about the trashing of our natural legacy. This book is not just a vital contribution to our understanding of ecosystems that can't take much more, and not just a remarkably controlled retort to misinformation, ignorance, and poor behavior from vested interests, it is a resource to be turned to again and again for the peer reviewed research, facts, and knowledge that must underpin a new relationship between humans and the forests we love and rely on in south-eastern Australia.
Sadly, ecologists are stereotypically introverted and conflict averse. Few have the courage to speak up in the way that the biodiversity crisis requires. Here is a bright shining example of how one person does that (and inspires similar courage in his team).
Highly recommended.
Sadly, his remarkable legacy illustrates that all the facts in the world won't change some views and some agendas - agendas that are sad when held by individuals; but are downright dangerous when held by organisations who attempt to deny and distort the ever-growing evidence that unidirectionally shows the extent and rapidity of human assaults on the environment - on species, on ecosystems, and - frighteningly - on the planet's climate.
The Forest Wars is a courageous catalogue of myths and myth-busting. And it's written by the person who has long occupied the knowledge nucleus of the growing movement to stop harms on forest ecosystems - ecosystems that provide some of the most important answers to our climate catastrophe. And that provide the water we need to survive. And the natural world that we increasingly need to connect and reconnect with for our own sanity. As a scientist I see the quality of this work. As an ecologist I share the grief and anger that underpins so many of the eco-assaults detailed in this book. As a taxpayer I rail against insidious abuses of public money. And as a human I am sad and angry about the trashing of our natural legacy. This book is not just a vital contribution to our understanding of ecosystems that can't take much more, and not just a remarkably controlled retort to misinformation, ignorance, and poor behavior from vested interests, it is a resource to be turned to again and again for the peer reviewed research, facts, and knowledge that must underpin a new relationship between humans and the forests we love and rely on in south-eastern Australia.
Sadly, ecologists are stereotypically introverted and conflict averse. Few have the courage to speak up in the way that the biodiversity crisis requires. Here is a bright shining example of how one person does that (and inspires similar courage in his team).
Highly recommended.
May 4, 2024
The author simplifies the myths and the reality in The Forest Wars book and highlights the benefits of retained and maintained native forests. The evidence is clear, the truth is that RFAs have been a complete failure. Forestry and government must be held accountable for encouraging the breaching of regulations. In Tasmania they list a coup to be logged and instead of FPA and forestry investigating before logging, citizen scientists have to climb gates purposefully locked to measure trees and document species and habitats! This book is fantastic, it dispels the lies about the function of intact forests, such as providing our drinking water, storing carbon, preserving biodiversity. Using a lie to keep logging such as ‘thinning’, paying indigenous groups to do these actions is a blatant disregarding of their history with forests. This book ‘details’ continuous failed policies and ‘calls for’ better protection via better management recognising all the benefits of intact native forests (even those logged 30-50 years ago differently). It throws out the false statements regarding the forests as they were when white man came to Australia. They were intact, not thinned, not purposefully burnt, and it makes it clear that the time has come to accept the truth, the science, and protect our native forests because of their intrinsic value AND because enough is enough says the science. Man has done enough serious damage to our silent environment. Protest laws must be thrown out, because we have a right to protect our native forests and all that is in them because of political and forestry false, misleading information constantly being publicised! The misinformation is unbelievable coming from desperate loggers, forestry and vested politicians. I recommend this book to everyone who cares about the truth and cares about dispelling the myths! Well done David Lindemayer, we who are prepared to look at myths and truths based on actual research your life’s work are looking forward to the book launch in Tasmania!!! I keep giving the book to people so they understand that the myths are just that: myths (lies is another word!).
August 26, 2024
This was such a profound book and such a gift for those feeling hopeless and helpless in the face of climate change denying governments. Lindenmayer did a great job at breaking down scientific research for the 'everyday' nature lover. Anyone who wants a safe and thriving future for our nature and humans needs to read this book.
May 31, 2024
[Disclosure: review for Tasmanian Times]
Let’s cut to the chase. The Forest Wars is essential reading for every politician, union leader, newspaper editor, and forestry worker. But will any read it?
Only folk who want to learn whether native forest logging is worth losing millions of taxpayer dollars every year (from Australia’s leading expert on forest ecology, resource management, and conservation science) will bother.
While plantation logging is an industry with a future, if sufficiently well regulated, native forest logging is economic insanity, and a devastating environmental catastrophe. And we’ve known it for decades.
Any time you hear a politician praise the native forest logging ‘industry’, they’re…well, I was about to say ‘lying through their damn teeth’, but is it a lie if they make a heart-felt personal choice to ignore all economic and environmental evidence and simply believe the guff spewing out of the forestry PR?
David Lindenmayer, and his publisher and editors, have done a terrific job on this book. It’s simple, readable, transparent, fact-checkable and every point he makes is pragmatic and uses thoroughly peer-reviewed science.
Lindenmayer takes the reader through 37 key myths about native forest logging. Each industry myth turns truth on its head to claim that native forest logging creates ‘jobs and growth’, is good for the economy, good for forests and wildlife, good for fire prevention and good for climate. But for every myth spruiked by the politicians, unionists, and forestry shills, not one is left standing when Lindmayer’s done. Science for the win.
There’s nothing ‘sustainable’ about native forest logging in Tasmania – not their logging practices, not the tiny number of jobs on offer, not the funding we taxpayers pour into subsidising every single job, not the reality that we’re bulldozing the habitat of threatened and endangered flora and fauna for woodchips for export.
Independent economists like John Lawrence have long shown the economic absurdities of native forest logging, which both our major parties in Tasmania are rabidly in favour of expanding.
Politicians know it’s all a con, but there’s votes in blue-collar demographics if you utter the sacred mantra, ‘jobs and growth’. While there are still forests to bulldoze, despite the costs to taxpayers, the increase in greenhouse gasses, the increased fire risks, and destroyed wild habitats, politicians will loudly support the destruction of our forests, citing the same myths debunked in The Forest Wars.
The cynicism of the industry even manage to reach new heights with so-called ‘renewable’ biomass energy derived from ‘forestry waste’ which, left alone, is itself habitat for a myriad of critters. Biomass energy is just another lie, and is anything but ‘clean’, ‘green’, or ‘renewable’. Yet, laughably, it’s used to greenwash increased emissions and environmental destruction as ‘action on climate’.
Lindenmayer holds up each industry myth about fire, forestry and conservation, then simply and clinically shows how the science reveals the myth to be yet another deliberate lie by a corrupt industry, backed by uncaring and self-interested politicians. It’s easy to feel a sense of hopelessness. How can things improve if the powerful investors, Chamber of Commerce and their tame politicians simply don’t give a damn?
Lindenmayer thankfully ends The Forest Wars with a game-plan, backed by economists and environmentalists alike, which points to the sustainable – and real – jobs and growth that would come from saving our incredibly valuable native forests, and all the threatened species in them.
There’s money in regenerative forestry, and jobs for forestry workers. There are jobs for First Nations mob managing country. There’s a serious need for an army of well-equipped fast-response regional fire-fighters. There’s serious money in expanding tourism beyond a handful of mass-tourist destinations by caring for our remaining forests, creating trails and providing trained guides. There’s even money for locals to hunt and kill deer for wild venison – if we ever have a government willing to prioritise Tasmanian wildlife over destructive feral animals.
The Forest Wars is perhaps poorly named. It’s not a history of two opposing sides; the clichéd “greenies versus forestry”, it’s a series of 37 powerful grenades that explode every rotten, corrupt myth the industry has put forward.
It’s time to end native forest logging. It’s time to stop lying otherwise, and to plan for our forestry workers to be supported as they transition to real jobs – sustainable jobs that make our State and our world stronger, and provide for our kids and grandkids.
It’s time our politicians and media grew up and dealt with that reality. To them I say, read the damn book, you lying bastards.
Let’s cut to the chase. The Forest Wars is essential reading for every politician, union leader, newspaper editor, and forestry worker. But will any read it?
Only folk who want to learn whether native forest logging is worth losing millions of taxpayer dollars every year (from Australia’s leading expert on forest ecology, resource management, and conservation science) will bother.
While plantation logging is an industry with a future, if sufficiently well regulated, native forest logging is economic insanity, and a devastating environmental catastrophe. And we’ve known it for decades.
Any time you hear a politician praise the native forest logging ‘industry’, they’re…well, I was about to say ‘lying through their damn teeth’, but is it a lie if they make a heart-felt personal choice to ignore all economic and environmental evidence and simply believe the guff spewing out of the forestry PR?
David Lindenmayer, and his publisher and editors, have done a terrific job on this book. It’s simple, readable, transparent, fact-checkable and every point he makes is pragmatic and uses thoroughly peer-reviewed science.
Lindenmayer takes the reader through 37 key myths about native forest logging. Each industry myth turns truth on its head to claim that native forest logging creates ‘jobs and growth’, is good for the economy, good for forests and wildlife, good for fire prevention and good for climate. But for every myth spruiked by the politicians, unionists, and forestry shills, not one is left standing when Lindmayer’s done. Science for the win.
There’s nothing ‘sustainable’ about native forest logging in Tasmania – not their logging practices, not the tiny number of jobs on offer, not the funding we taxpayers pour into subsidising every single job, not the reality that we’re bulldozing the habitat of threatened and endangered flora and fauna for woodchips for export.
Independent economists like John Lawrence have long shown the economic absurdities of native forest logging, which both our major parties in Tasmania are rabidly in favour of expanding.
Politicians know it’s all a con, but there’s votes in blue-collar demographics if you utter the sacred mantra, ‘jobs and growth’. While there are still forests to bulldoze, despite the costs to taxpayers, the increase in greenhouse gasses, the increased fire risks, and destroyed wild habitats, politicians will loudly support the destruction of our forests, citing the same myths debunked in The Forest Wars.
The cynicism of the industry even manage to reach new heights with so-called ‘renewable’ biomass energy derived from ‘forestry waste’ which, left alone, is itself habitat for a myriad of critters. Biomass energy is just another lie, and is anything but ‘clean’, ‘green’, or ‘renewable’. Yet, laughably, it’s used to greenwash increased emissions and environmental destruction as ‘action on climate’.
Lindenmayer holds up each industry myth about fire, forestry and conservation, then simply and clinically shows how the science reveals the myth to be yet another deliberate lie by a corrupt industry, backed by uncaring and self-interested politicians. It’s easy to feel a sense of hopelessness. How can things improve if the powerful investors, Chamber of Commerce and their tame politicians simply don’t give a damn?
Lindenmayer thankfully ends The Forest Wars with a game-plan, backed by economists and environmentalists alike, which points to the sustainable – and real – jobs and growth that would come from saving our incredibly valuable native forests, and all the threatened species in them.
There’s money in regenerative forestry, and jobs for forestry workers. There are jobs for First Nations mob managing country. There’s a serious need for an army of well-equipped fast-response regional fire-fighters. There’s serious money in expanding tourism beyond a handful of mass-tourist destinations by caring for our remaining forests, creating trails and providing trained guides. There’s even money for locals to hunt and kill deer for wild venison – if we ever have a government willing to prioritise Tasmanian wildlife over destructive feral animals.
The Forest Wars is perhaps poorly named. It’s not a history of two opposing sides; the clichéd “greenies versus forestry”, it’s a series of 37 powerful grenades that explode every rotten, corrupt myth the industry has put forward.
It’s time to end native forest logging. It’s time to stop lying otherwise, and to plan for our forestry workers to be supported as they transition to real jobs – sustainable jobs that make our State and our world stronger, and provide for our kids and grandkids.
It’s time our politicians and media grew up and dealt with that reality. To them I say, read the damn book, you lying bastards.
July 11, 2024
My sister gave me this book. We share a love of the bush. She has spent 50 years regenerating Mt Gibraltar near Mittagong and I have protected the bush values of a block in northwestern NSW and planted 17,000 trees of local provenance on a block in the Otways. Koalas moved in and their calls punctuate the night. So, in many respects the polemic of David Lindenmayer’s book about the urgent need to stop logging native forests is wasted on us. I wonder if anyone other than the converted will read it.
Nevertheless, I read it quickly and confess that I was unaware of just how corrupt and incompetent State and Federal Governments were with native forest management. Not to mention the extent to which native forest harvesting was such a massive loss-making enterprise. Nor was I aware of the extent to which Indigenous groups had been coopted into environmental destruction. Having seen the enormous piles of wood chips in Geelong, I had not realised that only 4% of the forest biomass was actually used as timber, and of this half was made into pallets. Leaving just 2% for value products like flooring.
My rating for this book was downgraded not because it is not a worthy and informative book but because of the repetitions that often characterise works of indignant outrage. Curiously, I found the vision, with which the book concluded, weak and uninspiring. Perhaps this is because Lindenmayer’s scope is Mountain Ash and rain forest and does not really include the failure of National initiatives such as the Great Eastern Ranges proposal.
I also wanted to know more about what drives some of the characters responsible for such extensive damage to our natural environment. Yes, he does acknowledge the idiocy of the more infamous villains such as Tony Abbott and Barnaby Joyce. But what really drives these characters other than greed and self-interest?
Nevertheless, I read it quickly and confess that I was unaware of just how corrupt and incompetent State and Federal Governments were with native forest management. Not to mention the extent to which native forest harvesting was such a massive loss-making enterprise. Nor was I aware of the extent to which Indigenous groups had been coopted into environmental destruction. Having seen the enormous piles of wood chips in Geelong, I had not realised that only 4% of the forest biomass was actually used as timber, and of this half was made into pallets. Leaving just 2% for value products like flooring.
My rating for this book was downgraded not because it is not a worthy and informative book but because of the repetitions that often characterise works of indignant outrage. Curiously, I found the vision, with which the book concluded, weak and uninspiring. Perhaps this is because Lindenmayer’s scope is Mountain Ash and rain forest and does not really include the failure of National initiatives such as the Great Eastern Ranges proposal.
I also wanted to know more about what drives some of the characters responsible for such extensive damage to our natural environment. Yes, he does acknowledge the idiocy of the more infamous villains such as Tony Abbott and Barnaby Joyce. But what really drives these characters other than greed and self-interest?
August 23, 2024
Excellent book about the forestry "industry" in Australia, and debunks the myths and propaganda that the Forestry proponents use to perpetuate the cutting down of Australia's precious remaining forests.
Its hard to believe that taxpayers are still propping up an industry based on cutting down our native trees, when deforestation is one of the major drivers in climate change, biodiversity loss, species extinction. Its hard to understand why politicians on both side of our mainstream duopoly persist in supporting a heavily subsidised, money-losing "industry" that barely deserves the name, employs vanishingly few people, and has such terribly damaging effects on our country and ecology. Even more shocking was the underhand tactics used by Forestry to undermine scientific research, produce propaganda, influence and coerce politicians, and even indulge in surveillance and industrial espionage against scientists!
Here Lindemayer uses a clear, lucid writing style, well-marshalled arguments, overwhelming and clearly presented scientific evidence to debunk the worst claims of the industry and its tame politicians, and to present the blindingly obvious case for stopping ALL native forest logging across Australia. Essential reading for anyone even slightly interested in protecting Australia's environment.
Its hard to believe that taxpayers are still propping up an industry based on cutting down our native trees, when deforestation is one of the major drivers in climate change, biodiversity loss, species extinction. Its hard to understand why politicians on both side of our mainstream duopoly persist in supporting a heavily subsidised, money-losing "industry" that barely deserves the name, employs vanishingly few people, and has such terribly damaging effects on our country and ecology. Even more shocking was the underhand tactics used by Forestry to undermine scientific research, produce propaganda, influence and coerce politicians, and even indulge in surveillance and industrial espionage against scientists!
Here Lindemayer uses a clear, lucid writing style, well-marshalled arguments, overwhelming and clearly presented scientific evidence to debunk the worst claims of the industry and its tame politicians, and to present the blindingly obvious case for stopping ALL native forest logging across Australia. Essential reading for anyone even slightly interested in protecting Australia's environment.
May 7, 2024
If you're tired of the spin and craving some straight-up facts, dive into Professor David Lindenmayer's "The Forest Wars." This book is like a truth bomb exploding in the midst of all the industry smoke and mirrors.
Lindenmayer doesn't hold back. He lays out the mess we've made of our forests over the years, but he doesn't leave us hanging in despair. Nope, he paints a picture of what our forests could be if we get our act together.
What I love about this book is how Lindenmayer cuts through the confusion with the precision of a surgeon. He's not afraid to call out the BS and set the record straight.
And let's talk about passion. Lindenmayer's love for conservation practically leaps off the pages. He's not just some ivory tower academic—he's out there in the thick of it, fighting for our forests.
As someone who's seen the frontline of conservation efforts, I can vouch for the urgency of Lindenmayer's message. This book isn't just informative; it's a call to action for anyone who gives a damn about our planet.
So, if you're ready to ditch the myths and get real about forest conservation, "The Forest Wars" is your playbook. Trust me, it's a game-changer.
Lindenmayer doesn't hold back. He lays out the mess we've made of our forests over the years, but he doesn't leave us hanging in despair. Nope, he paints a picture of what our forests could be if we get our act together.
What I love about this book is how Lindenmayer cuts through the confusion with the precision of a surgeon. He's not afraid to call out the BS and set the record straight.
And let's talk about passion. Lindenmayer's love for conservation practically leaps off the pages. He's not just some ivory tower academic—he's out there in the thick of it, fighting for our forests.
As someone who's seen the frontline of conservation efforts, I can vouch for the urgency of Lindenmayer's message. This book isn't just informative; it's a call to action for anyone who gives a damn about our planet.
So, if you're ready to ditch the myths and get real about forest conservation, "The Forest Wars" is your playbook. Trust me, it's a game-changer.
May 4, 2024
This is an exceptional book. Well researched and based on the science, from Australia's leading forest ecologist. It provides an eye opening assessment on how corrupt and immoral the native forest logging industry is in Australia.
It's disappointing that all of the 1 star reviews here are from the same pro-forestry trolls who have been trying to discredit David for years. How sad that this harassment is playing out in the comment section of the very same book which addresses the poor treatment that David has had to endure from forestry industry representatives.
If you are interested in forests, the environment, or want to learn how completely inept government organisations in Australia can be, I can definitely recommend this book.
It's disappointing that all of the 1 star reviews here are from the same pro-forestry trolls who have been trying to discredit David for years. How sad that this harassment is playing out in the comment section of the very same book which addresses the poor treatment that David has had to endure from forestry industry representatives.
If you are interested in forests, the environment, or want to learn how completely inept government organisations in Australia can be, I can definitely recommend this book.
January 19, 2025
This is a handy book for anyone who wants to arm up with evidence around why the logging of old growth forests continues to be a very bad thing. Lindenmayer covers the economics, ecology, impact on climate change and impact on wellbeing of the industry.
This is not a book which will convince the unconverted, however. Lindenmayer pulls no punches, and his combative style combined with a tendency to self-cite a lot, will probably mean this book is destined for the shelves of those already in agreement. This also applies in some of his frustrations delivered at writers such as Bill Gammage and Bruce Pascoe.
His endorsement of Victor Steffenson's work has reminded me I should get around to reading that one.
This is not a book which will convince the unconverted, however. Lindenmayer pulls no punches, and his combative style combined with a tendency to self-cite a lot, will probably mean this book is destined for the shelves of those already in agreement. This also applies in some of his frustrations delivered at writers such as Bill Gammage and Bruce Pascoe.
His endorsement of Victor Steffenson's work has reminded me I should get around to reading that one.
July 13, 2024
In this book, not only does Professor David Lindenmayer totally demolish any basis for continuing native forest logging in Australia, he demonstrates the huge environmental and economic benefits that come from ceasing such logging, and building a more constructive future. He identifies the various myths that support logging of native forests and old growth and then systematically demolishes them with facts complete with comprehensive citations. More disturbing is the apparent dishonesty of industry and governments in progressing this destruction. If you think there is even the slightest justification for logging our native forests please read this book.
June 27, 2024
A perfect literature review to give you the arguments and references to refute all the rubbish you come across from pro-logging and anti-environmental keyboard warriors. Also passionate and personal. Mostly I flicked through looking for the arguments I have most suffered too many fools over, but Lindenmayer has put enough autobiographical anecdotes in there to get a bit of a glimpse of the author and his cares.
As he says, public research should be communicated to the public - and he does it well, as an articulate and internationally recognised expert in his field.
As he says, public research should be communicated to the public - and he does it well, as an articulate and internationally recognised expert in his field.
April 21, 2024
Disappointing.
Is this an account of forestry in Australia or an attempt to cement the authors version in history?
The authors consistent position in various forest related topics are at odds with the many forest scientists who specialise in each of those fields. Yet the book reads as if its 'well educated scientist with all the answers' vs 'loggers'. Highly disappointing.
Is this an account of forestry in Australia or an attempt to cement the authors version in history?
The authors consistent position in various forest related topics are at odds with the many forest scientists who specialise in each of those fields. Yet the book reads as if its 'well educated scientist with all the answers' vs 'loggers'. Highly disappointing.
April 22, 2024
The most common term in this book is peered reviewed publication's (mentioned many times) more than half the official references are papers by the Author , i can see very few independent references from experts in the field of fire, forestry and other areas outside of the Authors area of expertise.Self citing reference's and lack of a balanced view leads to poor scientific analysis
May 4, 2024
David Lindenmayer investigates science as well as anyone, and he is at the very forefront of research. This book is a factual account of native production forestry as it pertains to biological science and climate science. The perspectives are correct and non-prejudicial.
written by Craig Brown
written by Craig Brown
May 7, 2024
Finally a book that tells the complete truth with regards to forest use, especially in Victoria. Clear points and very interesting. The biodiversity of Austalia's Forsest must be protected. READ THIS BOOK!
August 29, 2024
Everyone should read this book. Well set out to debunk the myths surrounding forestry
April 15, 2025
He writes in such a clear logical way, debunking the myths about forests, logging, landclearing etc.
A must read. Give it to your local conservative politician.
A must read. Give it to your local conservative politician.
July 22, 2025
Perfect reference for if you ever find yourself stuck in a debate with a tree-killer.
January 25, 2025
Taught me so much about our native forests - would definitely recommend.
April 20, 2024
A disappointing book that is far from the objective and considered analysis that one might be expecting. Instead, it reads as a one-sided polemic founded on arguments seemingly selected to support an anti-forestry narrative. Furthermore, the author is an ecologist and as such has limited practical understanding of many of the non-ecology issues that the book delves into - such as resource economics, fire management, timber harvesting, plantations, timber imports, government administration, eco-tourism. and carbon accounting. That said, it will probably be loved by the many urbanites who - with only a superficial understanding - hate the thought of native forest timber harvesting, are seeking arguments to verify that belief, and are happy to import our decorative and durable hardwood needs.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews