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Conservationists surveying parts of the Tarkine forest say they have gathered evidence of wildlife that has not been reported in research by Forestry Tasmania. About ten scientists, vets and passionate members of the public have reportedly found evidence of healthy Tasmanian Devil, Tiger Quoll and Masked Owl populations within the Tarkine. Dr Lisa Searle has been surveying wildlife from a treetop canopy since Tuesday and will remain in the tree-sit until a scheduled harvesting operation gets underway in coming weeks. Save the Tarkine proponent Scott Jordan said the protest group were using thermal cameras and audio equipment to track down and capture evidence of wildlife. “We’re operating on borrowed time – forestry could come in at any moment,” Mr Jordan said. “There’s no laws being broken and police have come out to make sure we’re being safe.” Resources Minister Guy Barnett said areas subject to protests had been approved for harvesting in parliament two times. He said harvesting parts of the forest would boost jobs. “I would ask [the group] to cease and withdraw and allow the timber harvesting to continue and allow for jobs to be maintained and grown in this part of Tasmania,” Mr Barnett said. Circular Head Council Mayor Daryl Quilliam urged Murchison independent MLC Ruth Forrest to take action against the protestors. “If these protesters interfere with the right of local workers to earn a living then I expect them to face the full force of the law,” Cr Quilliam said. “What we have heard from Ms Forrest is nothing, and that silence is telling.” Ms Forrest said said she did not support protesting, however, she also didn’t support mandatory sentences for the act. She said Forestry Tasmania should focus on plantation forests. “The growth in forestry has been in the plantation sector not native forestry,” Ms Forrest said. “[Employers] have informed me that they do not wish to see the 400,000 hectares opened up early as this could harm their markets and businesses.”

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