AUSTRALIA — Forestry Australia has released three new Position Statements to share its evidence-based positions on important issues relating to the management of forests across Australia. The Statements cover Conservation of Threatened Species, Forest Carbon Markets and Thinning of Native Forests. Forestry Australia President Dr Michelle Freeman said evidence was critical to inform decision making and to provide balance to debates around the management of Australia’s forests:

• Conservation of threatened species – addresses threats of extinction, the gross underfunding of conservation, and the need for active and adaptive management.. 
• Forest carbon markets – addresses the importance of well managed forests for climate and carbon benefits, and the role and requirements for carbon markets to help realise these.
• Thinning of native forests – addresses the benefits of thinning for forest health and resilience, managing fire risk, wildlife habitat, water yields, and achieving cultural objectives.