Jennifer Marohasy

a forum for the discussion of issues concerning the natural environment

A Christian Forester’s Views

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I received the following email from a reader of this weblog:

“Folks,

At times the church has been drawn into the forest debate causing concern among Christian timber folk, the church appearing to follow the anti forestry argument.

But now it is great to see perhaps a more balanced approach by the Church, with the Anglican Church publishing a very positive article from Christian forester Hans Drielsma.

Please take time to read,
http://www.anglicantas.org.au/tasmaniananglican/200508/200508-09.html .”

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Chris Mitchell says

    Hallo,

    Regarding you item “A Christian Forester’s Views”, as a forester I totally endorse the views expressed by Dr. Hans Drielsma in the articla, and have sent the following email to the Anglican Church:

    “Hallo,

    I have just read the article referred to above, and I’d like to congratulate the Anglican Church for putting an informed article by a Christian on the issue of forestry in Tasmania on their web site.

    I am a professional forester with 30 years experience, about 20 of it in Tasmania. I am also a member of the Institute of Foresters of Australia. I have been alarmed at some of the unbalanced commentary on forestry that has occurred in recent times, particularly within the Uniting and Anglican Churches. As a Christian I have found it particularly distressing that forestry has been treated so shallowly, and in fact, dishonestly by some Christians.

    I think that many of the forestry issues are very complex, and before churches can develop an informed and balanced view they need to look very deeply at the issues. This has not been done to date in my opinion. Hans Drielsma would be amongst the most informed people in the country regarding forestry, so it is a good start in seeking his views. The Institute of Foresters of Australia would be the most expert independent body the Anglican Church could consult on forestry issues, but obviously its views have not been sought, or, if so, have not been taken seriously in the past.

    Contrary to what many people think, I consider that the views expressed by the green movement and their leaders in Tasmanian politics have been generally wrong on forestry. Frequently they have made incorrect statements on forestry. I’m not sure whether this has been through ignorance or something else, but I believe that it is fundamentally dishonest for such people to be making public statements without checking the facts first.

    Regards,

    Chris Mitchell”

    Chris

  2. Alan Duggan says

    It is refreshing that a Christian and a forester will speak up for his faith and his profession. As a forest scientist Dr Drielsma is well placed to speak on the sustainability of Tasmania forests.
    With over 45% of the forest reserved a balance already exists between those arguing for preservation and those seeking to create employment and wealth for our community.

  3. Sandra Hetherington says

    Great to hear a view in the media that encompasses science and displays a genuine respect and love for our forests.

    Most people who work in the forest industry have a great passion for our forests. They choose to work in the industry because they believe that it is a sustainable industry and they can play a small part in the growth and regrowth cycle that we value so highly.

    The question of balance that Hans raises is interesting. Yes we need forests to be preserved for future generations, biodiversity and a range of positive environmental outcomes. But on the other hand we all use forest products daily. The use of these products is generally more environmentally friendly than other alternatives.

    There has to be a balance between locking up tens of thousands of hectares of forests and actively managing our forests so they can help sustain human life. At present the balance tends to be leaning toward the vote winning practice of locking up more forests.

    Well done Hans for a great interview and getting the thinking of many forestry workers into our extremely biased media. Forest management is a complex issue as Hans points out, but with caring professionals like Hans at the forefront of research and operations, I am confident that practices are continually improving for the benefit of all Australians.