Monday 25 August 2014

To embark upon domestic tree removal in Melbourne, most councils require a planning permit. Unfortunately, this process can be time consuming, especially for homeowners that require quick removal of a troublesome tree. For some, it can take up to two months to acquire a permit, which can be unrealistic for those with dangerous trees. To speed up the process, homeowners who need urgent tree removal can seek help from a professional arborist. An arborist will draft a report that speeds up the permit process, as well as protecting the homeowner from litigation. In Victoria, there are hefty fines for people who remove trees that are classified as ‘regulated’ or ‘significant’. To avoid a fine of up to $30,000, an arborist report is essential. 

When it comes to the removal of trees in public areas, it can be a very contentious issue. Throughout history, many activists have protested against the removal of trees and successfully won the battle. Tree sitting is now a well-known term, which is an act of environmentalist civil disobedience. Activists trust that tree loggers will not endanger human life for the pursuit of tree removal, so they use their bodies as shields. Usually, protesters will sit in a tree and refuse to leave until the loggers back down and agree not to cut it down. The activist is normally supported by a group that provide the sitter with food, water and other supplies. 

Several ancient old-growth forests have been saved as a result of tree sitting. During the years there have been many noteworthy stories, which are outlined below.  

First Tree Sit 

The first tree sitting action took place in New Zealand in 1978. Owing to the sitting, the Pureora Forest Park became protected.  

First American Tree Sitter 

The first American tree sitter was Mikal Jakubal in 1985. He climbed up a Douglas Fir in an attempt to save the tree from being cleared in the Middle Sanitam region of Willamette National Forest.  

Controversial tree siting 

In a campaign to save the West Coast, New Zealand native forests, a tree sitting was successfully used. However, during the sitting, a helicopter controversially swung a tree into one of the sites, deliberately destroying it. A hearing was held into the matter, as the tree was swung without ensuring protesters were out of the way. In scandalous circumstances, the CAA cleared the pilot of misconduct.  

Longest tree Sitting 

Julia Buttefly Hill, endured a 738-day sitting to save a 600-year-old Coast Redwood tree in Humboldt County California. The beloved 180-foot (55 metre) tree was saved after Hill and other activists raised $50,000. The sitting lasted between December 10 1997 until December 18 1999, and during that time Hill named the tree Luna. Not only did Hill save the tree but she also managed to have a 200-foot (61 metre) butter placed around it.  

Tree Sitting Tragedy 

Tragically two US environmental activists were killed in tree-sitting protests in 2002. The activists were involved in two separate accidents. 

Highest Tree Sit 

Australia holds the record for the world’s highest tree-sit in 2004. In Tasmania in the Styx Valley, Peter (Peck) Firth ascended 65 metres up the tree and stayed there for 51 days. The giant Eucalyptus was affectionately named Gandalf’s Staff.  

Mother Nature Steps 

 In 2001 Miranda Gibson began a tree sitting in Tasmania’s southern virgin rainforest, which was due to be logged. The activist ascended up a 60 metre Eucalyptus delegatensis tree and swore to stay put until the forest was protected. Unfortunately, 15 months later she was forced to abandon the tree when a bushfire swept the area.  

Police Intervention 

Police forced environmental activists from the Still Wild Still Threatened group down from tree sits in the Upper Florentine Valley in 2009. The police were working in conjunction with Forestry Tasmania and carried out two independent busts in January and May. If you are looking into tree removal at your Melbourne property, choose Pro Cut Tree Services.

1 comment:

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