We trail run these natural, beautiful and wild Victorian places and we want all others to have similar positive opportunities and experiences. The quality of our customers tour experience is influenced by the ecological condition of the forests. Native logging is one of the many environmental impacts happening in our Victorian natural places right now. It impacts the quality, condition and amount of habitat our native plants and animals have.

Whilst logging is analysed for its sustainability, logging native forests will always impact on the ecosystem’s biodiversity, ecology, the native animals and plants that live there. We see these impacts first hand and we look forward to a future where we transition to a state that is free from native logging. We want our forests to continue to grow and provide homes to all our beautifully diverse native species.

Our first step towards understanding the impacts was GETTING OUT THERE and trail running. Trail running in Victorian State Forests gives you some of the most quiet and naturally immersive trail running experiences. In these forests you can connect with nature and the logging operations (past and present) in that area. Keep in mind always put your personal safety first and follow the logging operations signage and access requirements. If there is an unsafe act or condition to public as a result of the operations contact the land manager or DELWP (the responsible Government Department).

Give yourself a reason to seek more information on logging and learn about why it exists and the impacts it has. Economy, industries, communities, families and individuals rely on logging. There are social and community effects that come with logging reform and changes. Knowing this can help people understand others emotional connections, perceptions and reasoning, to help work through joint strategies that are mutually beneficial and develop practical solutions.

You can learn about the existing processes used by VicForest “a state owned business managing the harvest, sale and regrowing of sustainable timber from Victorian State forests on behalf of the Victorian government.” https://www.vicforests.com.au/operations/harvesting-process1

When I found out about the areas and amount of land allocated to Vicforests, firstly I was surprised that I could access that information. I only stumbled onto to the feature when doing some of our desktop tour planning on the Victorian Government database https://mapshare.vic.gov.au/mapsharevic/. Secondly I was blown away by the shear amount and the locations which had been logged and were planned to be with the Vicforest land allocations.

Here I will show you how you can check out VicForest allocations on a computer (it’s a bit more fiddly on a mobile phone but drop a comment if you would like to know)

Check out all your favourite trail running spots. You may be surprised by what the future holds for these forests. You can help by sharing what you find amongst your trail running friends. Empower them to learn more about the forests they use and how they can have their own opinions, voices and action to support their protection. Sustainable trails, environment and species for all the next generation trail runners to experience and enjoy.

For more info get involved with these amazing environmentally minded groups. They are leading the way and need our support to help facilitate change that comes with forest conservation. Tag them on your trail run socials when you’ve got a common message to share.

1. Friends of the Earth Melbourne
2. The Victorian Forest Alliance
3. The Wilderness Society
4. The Greens Victoria
5. Patagonia The Great Forest
6. For Wild Places
7. Victorian National Parks Association

Happy safe and sustainable trail running

Trail Bus Tour Operator – Chris Wright