An amazing month for nature.

The extraordinary work that has gone into the Tasmanian Forest Agreement culminated over the last week, as we put all our effort into ensuring that the Agreement would deliver real protection for our forests - despite changes made by Tasmania’s Upper House.

That Agreement was passed by Parliament today. 

There were moments when we might have walked away from the Agreement, and there are people out there who will say we should have. This was not an easy decision for us, but we believe that the only real hope for our forests lives with this Agreement. The prospect of protecting a full half a million hectares of forest is well and truly alive, and the Styx, Weld, and Upper Florentine Valleys are on track to be recognised as World Heritage Areas when UNESCO’s committee meets in June. Read more >

If that's not enough, we woke up to the extraordinary news earlier this month that Woodside has pulled out of its proposed gas hub at James Price Point. Read more >

I want to thank you personally for supporting our Kimberley and Tassie Forests campaigns. Many of you have attended our rallies and concerts, taken action online, and donated your hard-earned cash to these causes.

These victories belong to you.

Enjoy this fantastic edition of Wild News, and remember that you can drop us a line anytime at wild.news@wilderness.org.au.

Lyndon Schneiders
National Director

In the know

Together for our Forests

The historic Tasmanian Forest Agreement legislation was passed today. While compromises are never perfect, we should be proud of this outcome.

The Agreement will deliver new reserves for our irreplaceable native forests, along with a much-needed restructuring package to support the forestry industry and help resolve one the longest-running environmental conflicts in Australia’s history. Read more >

Woodside pulls out of Kimberley gas hub

We were excited and relieved by Woodside’s decision this month to pull out of the destructive gas hub project planned for James Price Point in the Kimberley. Read more >

Coal Seam Gas exposed, but NSW still at risk.

Four Corners recently exposed CSG industry pressure to drill and frack without time for proper environmental assessments. But the story is far from over. Read more >

Teams prepare for WildEndurance 100km challenge

The WildEndurance 100km team challenge is one of our biggest annual fundraising events. This year's event begins in less than a week and will be the biggest to date! Read more >

Photo of the month

Mutawintji National Park in New South Wales. Photo | Paula Gardner.

For a chance to see your own wilderness photo in the next issue of Wild News, email it to images@wilderness.org.au by Tuesday 21 May 2013 with your name and a short caption.
Read the terms and conditions >

Watch this

Wild Australia: The Franklin

Video | GRAHAM LLOYD The Australian

The campaign to save Tasmania's Franklin River from damming more than 30 years ago was a watershed moment for the green movement in Australia. The shores of the Franklin gave birth to the Wilderness Society as a national force and, as a result of our campaign, the High Court ruled to "let the Franklin run free". Today, the river is protected as a World Heritage area. Watch the video>

Events

Channel Country community meetings

Come and hear stories from passionate Channel Country graziers and Traditional Owners calling on the Queensland Government to protect this region's iconic rivers - and find out how you can help! Get the details >

Follow the links below to see other events in your state.

NSW QLD SA TAS VIC WA

Up for grabs

Last month's winners: Congratulations to R. Lauder and K. Watson, proud new owners of the gorgeous Wild Forests book curated by Rob Blakers.

Top links

Glenn Walker photo blog
Former Wilderness Society campaigner, Glenn Walker, recently accompanied Lyndon to Queensland's iconic Channel Country region. Check out the stunning pictures from their trip.

The Great Barrier Reef: A podcast
Huge port developments are underway along our World Heritage-listed reef to ship coal and gas to resource hungry economies. Get the latest via this great podcast from SBS World News.

TED Talk: The Earth is full
In a talk that's equal parts terrifying and, oddly, hopeful, Paul Gilding suggests that our economy is now bigger than its host: our planet.