Most rainforest grows in Tasmania's
north-west,though it is also found throughout the
western half of
the State, and in patches in the north-east
highlands.
Much of the rainforest of the north-west lies outside reserves.
Tiny patches also survive in some east coast gullies where extra
moisture from clouds or streams
make up for the low rainfall.
The greatest threats to rainforest are from human activities. Fire
poses the biggest problem in Tasmania where most fires result
from either deliberate or accidental burning. In the last century
over seven per cent of Tasmanian Rainforest has been
burnt.
Following fire, vegetation generally passes through a number of
stages and if
undisturbed culminates in the return of mature rainforest after
several hundred years. If fires are small and not too hot,
rainforest trees may survive and organic soils may not be
destroyed. In a such a case, rainforest species may regenerate
without intermediate stages.
The land that rainforest grows on is often wanted for other uses,
such as for
agriculture, forest plantations, dams and mining. Another threat
is from pests and diseases. Myrtle wilt is a serious fungal
disease which kills myrtles, especially where there has been
some form of disturbance. Phytophthora root rot, Phytophthora
cinnamomi, can also be a problem in rainforest, especially on
recently burnt sites.
Thirty-nine species, including a few rainforest species, are
known to be susceptible.
There is a lot of competition for the use of Tasmanian rainforest
and the land it grows upon. Many of its trees are highly valued
by the craftwood industry for their utility
and aesthetic appearance; Huon pine, myrtle, celery-top pine
and sassafras are best known.
However, because rainforest trees grow slowly, it is not
economical at present to grow them in plantations, and their
future long-term supply is uncertain. At present, there are export
embargos on Huon and King Billy pine. The salvage from
hydro-electric impoundments of long-dead Huon pine logs
satisfies much of the current demand, butthis resource is not
renewable.
Rainforest is also used by bee keepers to produce leatherwood
honey, and of course,rainforest is very popular with tourists. All
of these uses must be carefully managed if we are to maintain
rainforest for future generations.
 
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