The ObserverTree.org released the statement below on July 10.
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Today, Miranda Gibson breaks the Australian record for the longest tree sit. Miranda has remained at the top of a tree, 60 meters above the ground for 209 days, in protest of the ongoing logging of Tasmania’s high conservation value forests.
Gibson said: “I climbed to the top of this tree over six months ago and made the commitment to remain here until the forests are protected. Unfortunately these globally significant ecosystems have remained under threat and I have needed to maintain my vigil for 209 days.
“This is a significant milestone to reach, and this is now the longest running tree sit in Australian history. However, I sincerely hope for the sake of these high conservation value forests that protection is secured soon and I can come down from the tree.
“The failure to stop the destruction of all the independently verified high conservation value forests and the continual delays in negotiations has caused enormous community concerns, raising question as to whether a resolution will be reached in the near future that secures real forest protection.
“My presence is this tree has acted as a constant reminder for the past 209 days that verified world heritage and national heritage value forests are being lost, primarily due to Ta Ann’s wood supply specifications.
“I have been in communication with the corporate customers of Ta Ann, to inform them of the conservation values of this forest and the need for Tasmania to move forward to a sustainable forest industry through the protection of high conservation value forests.
“The Observer Tree has drawn international attention to the values of the forests that are currently threatened by logging. From the tree tops I have used www.observertree.org to connect to the world; updating a regular blog and conducting talks around the world via Skype.
“I am committed to staying at the top of this tree for as long as it takes to see Tasmania’s precious forests given the protection they deserve.”