Solidarity with Ruth Langford Tipruthanna - arrested for protecting Forest Country in west Kunanyi range

The Wilderness Society stands in solidarity with Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung woman Ruth Langford, who was arrested yesterday for peacefully protesting against native forest logging in Tasmania’s ancient yellow gum forests on the western side of Kunanyi / Mt Wellington range.

The Wilderness Society has hosted several events in this important area of forest known as ‘RU030E’ to forestry. Through threatened forest open days, hundreds of community members have walked through this forest that is now being destroyed by the state owned logging agency, Forestry Tasmania.

Ruth Langford Tipruthanna says “I am acting to uphold my cultural obligation to protect Country. Country that encompasses the natural systems and cycles that provide for us all. I am choosing to not simply stand by and watch the destruction of one of the few intact native forests left in south east Lutruwita.

It’s imperative that we change the archaic logging practices to ensure that we protect our water catchments and that we choose a way that makes better economic sense.”

West Kunanyi range is home to iconic threatened species like the Tasmanian wedge tailed eagle, Tasmanian devils and the critically endangered Swift waylitja / parrot. The area of forest that is currently being logged is also one of the last remaining stands of old growth Eucalyptus johnstonii, Tasmanian Yellow Gum.

In 2025, it's time to protect native forests.