No trees to chain to in protest
Dear Echo News,
I read with great interest last week’s article titled Flooding and tree retention fears over Henley Brook development.
It really resonated with me as I live in the Morgan Fields Estate and see daily the impact the land development (destruction) has to the natural landscape and the wildlife.
Trees that have grown for decades being bulldozed and mulched to be replace with a sea of roofs and fences.
The block sizes are too small to regrow any trees.
The development that was to be in keeping with the existing community has not eventuated.
As for the wildlife the only quenda’s still in the area are roadkill. There should be wildlife warning signs.
If I could chain myself to a tree in protest I would, but I can’t because there’s no trees!
Don't get me started on the never-ending roadworks that prevent us from leaving and entering the estate.
S Hegge
Henley Brook
--------------------------------------------------------------------Doves are not native species
Dear Echo News,
I feel it important to point out to your readership that the ‘doves’ pictured with the article Unsolved bird paralysis disease escalates in Perth’s east metro do not fit the category of “native species including doves” quoted in the article.
They are Spotted Doves (Streptopelia chinensis), a species introduced to Australia from Asia in the 1860’s.
South-west WA has no native ‘doves’, but two native pigeons (which are in the same family as doves), the Common Bronzewing and the Brush Bronzewing.
Why does this matter?
Biodiversity conservation pertains to the protection of wild, free populations of native animals and their habitats.
Globally, the most significant threats to biodiversity are firstly habitat loss, and then invasive (introduced) species.
Therefore, distinguishing between native and introduced species is a critical first step in ensuring conservation and rehabilitation of wildlife (native species) can be carried out successfully.
From an ecologically perspective, native species are needed for ecosystem function, while introduced ones are not, because they disrupt natural processes, oust native species and may spread disease.
The best humane and ethical solution for sick and/or injured invasive species is humane euthanasia.
Indeed, this may even curtail the spread of some diseases spread by introduced birds and transmitted to native ones.
Unfortunately, this practice is not enforced throughout the wildlife rehabilitation sector in WA because wildlife carers often have a ‘save everything’ policy.
However, without sound understanding of ecosystem structure and function, this well-meaning attitude can perpetuate ecological problems, not solve them.
Colds, viruses and diseases that enter a human body are all ‘living things’ but we understand that without control, such ‘introduced organisms’ will make us sick.
We need to apply this same thinking to our environment (which is already sick and suffering in other ways) and ensure the correct information is disseminated.
Dr S Cherriman
Mt Helena
--------------------------------------------------------------------Harsh cuts to trees a concern
Dear Echo News,
Last week Devon Street residents returned home to see their verge trees severely and over cut, we are unsure who has undertaken this work or what permissions or communications occurred with the CoS, however it is disheartening treatment of these trees.
It seems it maybe Western Power.
We have never had trees cut like this before in our area.
Normally they cut at the top beneath the lines and the trees fill out to create shaded paths for us to walk ourselves with dogs and kids to school etc.
Not only have these trees not been cut like this before but to do this at the height of summer seems highly inappropriate.
How will these trees cope with heat stress and reduced water table?
Our area is a heritage area and the trees reflect the history and place - yet this seems to be disregarded.
Why when we are trying to increase tree canopy are we treating trees and nature like this?
This seems to reflect the lip service that Western Power gives to trees and the CoS, just take a look at Stirling Street now where even the old growth trees have been removed and what remains are piles of wood chip.
At Stirling it was a known Black cockatoo roost with habitat nests and bird boxes, along with quenda and phascogale sightings.
After speaking to council and government agencies it was implied the last six old growth trees were remaining yet these were removed a couple of weeks ago. Complete disregard.
The council seems to not only treat local environmental matters with disregard it clearly does not represent nor reflect its residents.
People live in Woodbridge because of its canopy, access to bushlands and shaded bushland environment.
It would seem this is so opposite the amount of hype by government on saving and supporting the canopy?
Is Woodbridge to end up like Bayswater? Lowest tree canopy in Perth? How and why did the council allow this?
Western Power again identified Stirling Street site as a potential site for buffer and native habitat and on one hand says one thing and does another.
Disappointed in the council and state government - but now in fear we will lose our trees.
Why has this been done? Why the severity? Why at this time? Coming near you if you live in Swan.
L Deering
Woodbridge
