A SURVEY OF
ULTRA TALL EUCALYPTS
IN SOUTHERN TASMANIA
A report to Forestry Tasmania
By Parry Kostoglou
June, 2000
please note: to facilitate download times, maps and photographs
have been removed from this Web version of the report.
A complete version can be bought from
Forestry Tasmania, 79 Melville Street, Hobart.
2
CONTENTS
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
INTRODUCTION
Background
Aims
Methodology
Previous work
Constraints
2.0
2.1
2.2
2.3
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
Tallest known tree in Southern Tasmania
Ten tallest known trees in Southern Tasmania
Tallest known tree stands in Southern Tasmania
3.0
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
LOCATION AND EXTENT OF SURVEY AREA
Styx Valley
Florentine Valley
Arve Valley
Upper Derwent Valley
4.0
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
TALL TREES OVERVIEW
Tall trees throughout the world
Tall Australian trees excluding Tasmania and Victoria
Eucalypts in Victoria
Eucalypts in Tasmania
5.0
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
METHODS OF MEASUREMENT
Felling the tree
Climbing the tree
Clinometer
Theodolite
Laser range finder
Remote sensing
Comparison of technology
6.0
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
6.10
6.11
6.12
6.13
6.14
6.15
SUMMARIES OF STAND ASSESSMENTS
Andromeda stand
Three Huts reserve
Upper Cole
Lower Cole
Jubilee
Junee
Beech Creek
Styx Big Tree Reserve
Lady Binney Forest Reserve
Hunns Creek reserve
Pagoda reserve
Twin Lakes
Lawrence Rivulet Forest Reserve
Mount Field National Park
Florentine road
3
6.16
6.17
6.18
6.19
6.20
6.21
Styx 015B
Bennetts road
Arve Big Tree Reserve
Arve Spur 2
Arve Loop road
Arve Road
7.0
7.1
7.2
7.3
DISCUSSION
Senescence and tall trees
Tall Tree Management Zones (TTMZ’s)
Comparison of past and present tall eucalypt heights in Tasmania
8.0
8.1
8.2
8.3
FURTHER WORK
More survey work in Southern region
More remote sensing work
Survey work in other regions
9.0
9.1
9.2
9.3
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Books
Journal articles
Unpublished documents
10.0
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
APPENDIX
Recommended tree heighting methodology
Tallest Tasmanian tree heights compiled in 1990
Tallest 3 heights for each sampled stand in 2000
85m+ ultra tall tree record sheets
Historic photographs
4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author wishes to acknowledge the assistance kindly provided by many people during the
course of this survey. Messrs. John Hickey and Graham Sargison from Forestry Tasmania
conceived the project and graciously added a further two weeks duration to the field work,
after one of many sobering days spent heighting giants. Other Forestry Tasmania personalities
from the Mapping Section also deserve individual citations, among them Messrs. Bill Tewson,
Peter McLoughlin, Andrew McGuiness and Roger Norris. I would also like to note my
admiration to the photo interpreters Messrs. John Harris and Steve Maxwell, who make so
much sense out of a pair of aerial photographs. Ms. Elspeth Baalman provided the key to
success with field work when she generously volunteered the use of her laser impulse range
finder. Mr. Leigh Edwards also proved an affable companion in the quest for the Southern
Forest’s real giants. A note of thanks also to Mr John Webb of Fletcher Challenge for
providing the location of the Upper Cole stand and much interesting tall forest information
besides. The present search for tall trees was made possible by past endeavours undertaken
by such men as Messrs. John Miller, Jack Potter and Don Frankcombe who between them,
found, measured and reserved exceptionally tall tree stands, which would not have otherwise
survived. Ms. Jayne Balmer of the Department of Primary Industry, Water and Environment
offered information and data about tall trees known to that agency.
Finally I would like to thank two teams of men, each having the opportunity to exhibit their
own unique talents amongst ultra tall forest. Firstly Messrs. Tom Greenwood and Kim Knight
who actually managed to physically climb Tasmania’s tallest trees with much aplomb. Finally I
wish to thank Messrs. Tony Wells and Nigel Youd of Maydena whose good humour and
camaraderie belied their profound knowledge of the forest and its tallest denizens.
5
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
This survey was commissioned by Forestry Tasmania in order to accurately record the present
heights of putatively tall eucalypt trees in Southern Tasmania. Although several trees in known
stands of tall forest had been measured in the past, it was anticipated that these heights would
change over time. Growing public interest in tall trees highlighted by the Wilderness Society’s
recent promotion of tall trees in the Styx Valley, has made such a clarification of tall tree
heights and locations all the more compelling.
1.2 Aims
In the project brief, the stated aims of this project were to:
•
•
•
•
Collate and review existing information on tall trees in Tasmania.
Determine the heights of a small number of putatively tall trees.
Report the historical and current information on Tasmania’s tallest trees.
Prepare a preliminary register of Tasmania’s tallest trees.
The consultant has expanded beyond the brief by commencing a systematic field based
heighting programme for selected patches of tall (E1) eucalypt.
1.3 Methodology
This month long project commenced with a two day review of previous work on tall trees
undertaken in both mainland Australian and Tasmanian contexts. This initial investigation
involved a perusal of internal files and historic note books authored by Forestry Tasmania and
Australian Newsprint Mills (ANM), in addition to more widely circulated secondary source
material held by various public libraries. A further day was spent interviewing individuals who
worked in the tall eucalypt forests of the Florentine and Styx Valleys. All this material was
then collated to establish a field work programme which was subsequently implemented over
an eighteen day period. During this field work, numbers of trees were heighted using a variety
of techniques employed in twenty different locations. Other pertinent information such as each
tree’s diameter/girth, crown characteristics and location were also noted. Subsequent to this
field work, five days were entailed in the authorship of this report.
1.4 Previous work
The issue of tall eucalypt trees in Tasmania has formed the basis for three previous
investigations, which are summarised below.
ANM surveyors (1962)
The informal declaration of several tall tree reserves by ANM, was prefaced by a tree
heighting programme undertaken by at least three surveyors employed by that company.
Messrs. L. D. Davey, R. Terry and J. Eagle measured approximately fourteen very tall trees
growing in the proposed reservations in the Styx Valley. A greater number of trees may have
been assessed, unfortunately the original written records pertaining to this assessment,
including all location details, have not been re-located.
Potter (1987)
As a consequence of the Federal government’s 1987 Helsham inquiry, ANM commissioned
another registered surveyor to undertake a more expansive measurement programme in 1987.
Mr. D. G. Potter took the heights of twenty one trees located throughout five informal ANM
reserves and one wood production compartment in the Styx/Florentine valleys. These findings
6
were summarised in a short briefing paper, which unfortunately did not provide specific
location details of the trees measured (Potter, 1987).
Berrigan (1992)
In 1992, the Forestry Commission of Tasmania instructed one of its employees, Mr. S.
Berrigan, to prepare a register of Tasmania’s tallest trees including individuals from a variety
of species in Tasmania. This assessment involved a collation of previous tree heights provided
by Potter and Davey, but does not appear to have produced any new measurements for tall
eucalypts. Once again, no location details for any individual trees, were provided, and the tall
tree register did not eventuate.
Other sources
Helms (1945) and Mount (1960), have authored articles on individual trees of exceptional size
in the Florentine and Styx Valleys.
1.5 Constraints
The following constraints influenced the outcome of this survey.
Time
The most potent constraint was of course, the all too brief duration of the project. The location
of exceptionally tall trees, even within a 100 hectare stand, is a formidable task, let alone
amongst thousands of hectares of E1 (taller than 55m) type forest. Ideally, a considerably
lengthier commitment would have been given to both the remote mapping of tall eucalypt
stands and the subsequent field work programme. A project duration of at least six months
would not have been inappropriate for this task.
Eucalypt types
In order to maximise the probability of locating the tallest possible trees, attention was focused
predominantly on forest dominated by E. regnans, although E. obliqua, E. delegatensis, E.
viminalis and E. globulus, are known to attain heights over 80 metres.
Other physical/chronological attributes
This survey was strictly limited to the consideration of a tree’s height in assessing its cultural
value to the community. The survey did not specifically address other attributes such as
girth/diameter, extreme age and exceptional individual characteristics such as hollowness. A
comprehensive acknowledgment of trees on cultural grounds would require recognition of
some of these characteristics.
Localities searched
This survey was limited to the southern region of Tasmania. Although this area contains the
tree stands traditionally acknowledged as the tallest in the state, some exceptionally tall
examples are known to reside in other localities around the state. The so called “White
Knights” at Evercreech Forest Reserve in the state’s north east, is one notable example. This
stand includes an E. viminalis tree recently heighted at 91.3 m (Ed. Tuohy pers. comm.).
7
2.0 SUMMARY OF RESULTS
2.1 Tallest known tree in Southern Tasmania
As a result of this survey, the tallest known tree in Southern Tasmania is a 92 metre tall
Eucalyptus regnans located within the Big Tree reserve, in the Styx Valley.
2.2 Ten tallest known trees in Southern Tasmania
In descending order, the ten tallest known trees in Southern Tasmania are:
Height
92m
90m
89m
88m
87m
87m
86m
86m
85m
84m
Species
E. regnans
E. delegatensis
E. regnans
E. regnans
E. regnans
E. regnans
E. regnans
E. regnans
E. delegatensis
E. regnans
Location
Styx Valley Big Tree reserve
Lower Cole road (State forest)
Styx Valley Big Tree reserve
Andromeda Tall Trees reserve
Three Huts reserve
Arve Big Tree reserve
Three Huts reserve
Upper Cole (WHA)
Lower Cole road (State forest)
Beech Creek (WHA)
At this point in time, ninety metres appears to be the maximum height for trees in known
stands. There are probably a number of unsurveyed trees exceeding this height and perhaps
even the one hundred metre mark, however these appear to be very rare and finding them
would be very time consuming.
2.3 Tallest known stands in Southern Tasmania.
A simple examination of tree heights derived from all sampled stands, suggests that in terms of
the heights of their three tallest trees, the stands may be ranked as follows. This ranking
should not however be considered as representative of all the trees in each stand, as the
sample size is far too small to responsibly make such assertions.
Sampled tall tree stand
Styx Big Tree reserve
Arve Big Tree reserve
Lower Cole road (State forest)
Three Huts reserve
Hunns Ck. Tall Trees reserve
Beech Creek (WHA)
Lawrence Rivulet Forest Reserve
Upper Cole (WHA)
Pagoda reserve
Styx 015B (State forest)
Andromeda Tall Trees reserve
Lady Binney Forest Reserve
Mount Field National Park
Arve Loop (State forest)
Florentine River (State forest)
Mean height of
3 tallest trees
85m+
85m+
80m+
80m+
80m+
80m+
80m+
75m+
75m+
75m+
75m+
70m+
70m+
65m+
65m+
8
Florentine road (State forest)
Arve Spur 2 (State forest)
Arve road (Tall Trees Management Zone)
Bennetts road (State forest)
Jubilee (State forest)
Junee (State forest)
65m+
65m+
60m+
NA
NA
NA
9
3.0 LOCATION AND EXTENT OF SURVEY AREA
Four major river catchment systems known to contain stands of very tall forest, were targeted
by this survey in south/south eastern Tasmania. These were the Styx, Florentine, Arve and
upper Derwent River Valleys. These catchments contain tall old growth forest situated in
State forest or National Park. It should be noted that several informal tall tree reserves were
designated by ANM when some areas of State forest were previously under their
management. Figure 1 overleaf shows the location and extent of all sampled stands.
3.1 Styx Valley
Originating on the southern slopes of Mount Mueller and draining into the Derwent River at
Glenora township some 42 kilometres to the east, the Styx river valley is perhaps the most
renowned locality for very tall trees in Tasmania. This valley contains three stands of tall
eucalypt sampled during this survey. These were: the Big tree reserve, Andromeda reserve
and a stand west of the confluence of the Styx and South Styx rivers (Jubilee).
3.2 Florentine Valley
Originating on the southern slopes of the Ragged range east of Lake Gordon and draining into
the Derwent River at Wayatinah some 50 kilometres to the north east, forest in the Florentine
river valley formed the bulk of ANM’s timber concession. This valley contains the bulk of the
sample areas assessed during this survey such as the Lady Binney Forest Reserve, Lawrence
Rivulet Forest reserve, Three Huts reserve, Hunns Creek reserve, Pagoda reserve, Florentine
River, Upper Cole (WHA), Lower Cole and Florentine road stands.
3.3 Beech Creek (Upper Derwent Valley)
One stand of tall eucalypt was sampled in the World Heritage Area south of Beech Creek.
This waterway drains directly into the Derwent River between Wayatinah and Tarraleah.
3.4 Arve Valley
Originating on the eastern slopes of the Hartz mountains south west of Geeveston and draining
into the Huon river some 20 kilometres to the north, the Arve river valley has been used for
timber production since the turn of the century. This valley contains six stands of tall eucalypt
which were sampled during this survey. These were the Arve Big tree reserve, Bennetts road,
Arve Spur 2, Arve Loop spur 5, Arve Loop road and Arve Tall Tree Management Zone.
10
4.0 TALL TREES OVERVIEW
This section briefly summarises the heights of various tall tree species throughout the world in
addition to those native to Tasmania and the Australian mainland. It should be noted that all
trees heighted abroad and quoted in imperial measurements by Carder (1995) have been
converted and rounded off to the nearest metre.
4.1 Tall trees throughout the world
North America
One of the major discoveries made by Europeans during their mid 19th century pursuit of
“Manifest Destiny” across North America, were the immense forests of the Pacific north
west, which contained the bulk of that nation’s tallest tree species. Principal among these was
the Douglas-fir, a conifer which some historic sources claim grew to a height of 126 metres
(415 ft.), although more contemporary measurements currently claim a maximum height of
100 metres (329 ft.) (Carder, 1995, p 1). Another extremely tall companion species to the
Douglas fir is the Sitka spruce. One specimen on Vancouver Island dubbed the Carmanah
Giant, is said to currently measure 96 metres (314 ft.) in height. Perhaps the most famous
North American tree, and certainly the most massive is the Giant Sequoia which historically is
said to have reached a height of 106 metres (347 ft.) although the tallest contemporary living
specimen is 94 metres (310 ft.). The tallest living tree in the world today however, is a
Californian or Coast Redwood. One specimen known as the National Geographic tree, is
currently 112 metres in height (366 ft.). Some of the tallest heights for North American trees
include the following collated from Carder (1995). Trees marked with an asterix, are still living,
and related heightings are therefore all the more credible.
Name of tree
Lynn Valley tree
Brummet fir*
Eureka tree
Tall tree*
Carmanah Giant*
Unnamed
Uncertain*
Species
Douglas fir
Douglas fir
Cal. redwood
Cal. redwood
Sitka spruce
Giant Sequoia
Giant Sequoia
Location
North Vancouver Island
Oregon
Humboldt County, Calif.
Humboldt County, Calif.
West Vancouver Island
Redwood Mtn. Grove, Calif.
Sequoia National Park, Calif.
Height
126m
100m
116m
112m
96m
106m
94m
Year
1902
1949?
1914
1964
1988
1903
?
Other Nations
Despite the substantial diameter, canopy size and sheer immensity of their numbers, tall tree
species in the three principal rain forests of the world (American, African and Indo-Malayan)
do not reach much beyond 61 metres (200 ft), although some so called “emergent giants” will
rise to varying degrees above the surrounding jungle canopy. A prominent rain forest species
is the silk-cotton tree which inhabits rain forest locations in both central America and Africa,
although the rain forest height record now appears to belong to a species from New Guinea
known most commonly as the Klinki pine. Temperate forests in Europe produce shorter trees
such as the oak and elm up to 46 metres (150 ft) in height, while some northern Asian species
such as the Korean spruce may attain heights of up to 79 metres (260 ft). Some of these
tallest trees (outside Australia and North America) are provided overleaf from Carder (1995).
It should be noted that these heightings have not been subject to the same degree of
verification as those from the former two localities.
11
Name of tree
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Tairua Number 3
Unknown
Species
Klinki pine
Koompassia excelsa
Camphorwood
Patagonian cypress
Caucasian fir
Japanese red cedar
Silk-cotton tree
Silk-cotton/Kapok tree
Kauri
Lebanon cedar
Location
New Guinea
Sarawak
Indo/Malaysia
Chile
Black Sea coast.
Japan
Amazon basin
Nigeria
Waipoua, New Zealand
Shropshire, England.
Height
89m.
84m
76m
73m
69m
65m
61m
59m
56m
43m
Year
?
?
?
?
?
1916
?
?
1982
?
4.2 Tall Australian trees excluding Victoria and Tasmania
The wet eucalypt forests of Tasmania and Victoria are the principal haunts of exceptionally
tall trees in Australia, and as such are dealt with in their own separate and subsequent
sections. Fleeting reference should however be made to other less tall but nonetheless
impressive tree species residing in Western Australia and New South Wales.
Tree name
Stewarts Karri*
Unnamed*
Species
Karri
E. nobilis
Location
Manjimup, WA
Cunnawarra Res. NSW.
Height
88m
79m
Year
1995
1997
Unnamed*
Red tingle
Walpole, WA
60m+
2000
King Jarrah*
Jarrah
Manjimup, WA
47m
1995
Source
Carder(1995)
http://www.forest
.nsw.gov.au
http://users.wantr
ee.com.au
Carder (1995)
4.3 Eucalypts in Victoria
Historically, the tall eucalypts of Victoria held a monopoly on the tallest tree heights in
Australia, although Tasmania has claimed this crown since the 1950’s with the discovery of
the Big tree and its neighbours in the Styx Valley. This section sets out the tallest heights
claimed for Victorian trees historically and currently, while further attempting to clarify why
the historic heights remain so remarkably enigmatic.
Historic measurements
The historic heights for eucalypts in Victoria are, by far and away, the tallest claimed for any
tree in Australia, and the world for that matter. The 152 metre (500 ft) height claimed for the
Ferguson tree, is all the more amazing when one considers that the largest contemporary trees
barely top 300 feet. Although the Ferguson height is the tallest for Victorian trees, many other
impressive heights between 97.5 metres (320 ft) and 143 metres (470 ft) were claimed
throughout the 19th and early 20th century, many collected by no lesser person than Baron Von
Mueller himself (Director of Melbourne’s Botanical gardens). There has been much argument
over the veracity of these heights, and several refutations have been made including that:
• These measurements were simply unreliable despite their apparent attention to detail.
• Baron Von Mueller was not above citing statistics from memory after their collection.
• A reward offered prior to the 1888 Centennial International Exhibition in Melbourne for a
400 foot tree remained unclaimed despite extensive public advertisement.
12
• The tallest standing tree measured by instrument in c.1908 measured only 303 feet (Mace,
1996)
Curiously, many of these measurements were made when the tree had been felled by timber
getters, which would tend to simplify and increase the accuracy of measurement, thus adding
to their credibility. A summary of these amazing historic heights for Victorian trees provided
by Mace (1996) and Carder (1995) appears below.
13
Name of tree
Ferguson tree
G. W. Robinson
E. B. Heyne
T. Rolla
Centennial tree
Unnamed
C. Walter
Cornthwaite tree
Gerraty tree
Olangolah tree
C. Hodgkinson
New Turkey tree
Neerim Giant
Species
E. regnans?
E. regnans?
E. regnans?
E. regnans?
E. regnans?
E. regnans?
E. regnans?
E. regnans?
E. regnans?
E. regnans?
E. regnans?
E. regnans?
E. regnans?
Location
Watts River
Mt. Baw Baw
Uncertain
Uncertain
Menzies creek
Dandenongs
Fernshaw
Thorpdale, Sth. Gippsland
Toorongo,
Beech Forest
Coranwordabul creek
Mount Baw Baw
Mount Baw Baw
Height
152m+
143m
133m
125m
122m
119m
119m
114m
106m
106m
101m
99m
99m
Year
1872
c1889
1867
?
c1888
1862
1866
1880
1939
1900
c1865
1888
c1890
Current measurements
On stark contrast to the historic heights provided above, the majority of current measurements
for the tallest known eucalypts in Victoria fall below the 91 metre/300 foot mark, and as such
match the Southern Tasmanian data derived during this survey. A summary of contemporary
Victorian tree heights provided by Mace (1996) and Carder (1995) appears below.
Name of tree
Mr Jessop
The Big tree
Ada tree
Mueller tree
Species
E. regnans
E. regnans
E. regnans
E. regnans
Location
Wallaby Creek catchment
Cumberland Tall trees reserve
Powelltown forest
Mount Monda
Height
91m
84m
76m
60m
Year
c1996?
c1996?
c1996?
1990
4.4 Eucalypts in Tasmania
This section summarises only the historic data on Tasmanian tall trees, as contemporary
heights are dealt with more fully throughout the rest of this report. The most obvious feature
about historic Tasmanian tree heights is how much shorter they are than their Victorian
equivalents. Tasmanian record tree heights do not break the 350 foot mark, which fall well
short of the historic average of Victorian tall tree heights. Even in the 1830’s, when
exploitation of tall forest had barely begun, well travelled bushmen such as the Protector of
Aborigines George Augustus Robinson, were suitably impressed by trees measuring only 260
feet in height, to make mention of them in journals (Tree listing in Wayn Index, Tas. Archives)
Interestingly, the bulk of Tasmania’s tallest tree records prior to the 1950’s, were derived from
E. globulus. One Tasmanian source writing in 1906 was certainly effusive in his praise,
claiming that; Baron Von Mueller, the well known Australian naturalist, says of a blue
gum growing at Southport, in Tasmania, that it contained “as much timber as would
suffice to build a 90 ton schooner”(Lewin, 1906, p. 71.)
The same source however then acknowledged the superiority of a species which he called
Eucalyptus amygdalina (this must have been taxonomically altered subsequently to become
E. regnans). “The Peppermint Tree (Euc. Amygdalina) of Tasmania are admitted to be
the tallest trees in the world. Some have been measured from 416 to 471 feet in height,
and one of the latter species reached 500 feet”. (Lewin, 1906, pp. 71-72). Emulating the
sceptical Victorian authorities, the Tasmanian government offered its own reward in 1932, for
14
anyone who could find a tree in Tasmania exceeding 111 metres (363 ft) in height, which was
at that time the height of America’s “tallest tree in the world”. The reward was never claimed
(Correspondence dated 26th Nov. 1932. Conservator of Forests to Mr. W. F. Clark. Forestry
Tasmania Tall Trees file). It is interesting to note that subsequent correspondence emanating
from the Chief Conservator of Forests rather scornfully derided the likelihood of a Tasmanian
tree taller that 300 feet, although at that time Victoria’s tallest authoritative tree stood at 99
metres (325 ft) high. A successful Tasmanian challenge to existing tall tree records such as
this was subsequently mounted in 1956, with the discovery by ANM of the big tree and
Andromeda stands in their concession. The 98 metre (322 ft) height for the biggest tree in this
block has remained the official record to the present day, although most knowledgable tall tree
watchers have privately acknowledged the deterioration of these trees in the subsequent 40
years since their first discovery. A summary of historic Tasmanian heights is provided below
based on a number of primary and secondary sources.
Name of tree
Lady Franklin
Unnamed
Big Ben
Species
E. globulus
E. globulus
E. amygdalina
Location
Tolosa, Mt. Wellington
Huon River, Geeveston
Stanmore, Dover
Height
101m (330 ft.)
101m (330 ft.)
79m (260 ft.)
Year
?
?
1893
Unnamed
Unnamed
Unnamed
E. globulus
E. globulus
Unknown
Huon road
?
94m (310 ft.)
97m (318 ft.)
260 ft.
1911
c1890
1831
Unnamed
Unknown
West Kentish
260 ft.
c1900.
Source
Lewin (1906)
Lewin (1906)
Tas. Archives
30/3012
Lewin (1906)
Lewin (1906)
G.A. Robinson
cited in Wayn
index, Tas.
archives
Tas. Archives
30/8322
15
5.0 METHODS OF MEASUREMENT
Several methods have been employed with varying degrees of success to height trees. This
section outlines those known to/employed by the author, and further seeks to compare and
contrast their reliability.
5.1 Felling the tree
The most common method of historically heighting trees appears to have involved the
deployment of a tape measure or surveyors chain along the length of the felled trunk and then
the same with the stump and any broken crown mast. Because no proper descriptions of such
methods appear to have been collected, almost all historic measurements must be treated with
some scepticism. It can also be speculated that as most trees were felled and then measured
by timber getters, it seems unlikely that they would have bothered to carry accurate measuring
devices such as tape measures. Therefore, the trees would have been measured by foot pace.
5.2 Climbing the tree
It is unlikely that many trees were heighted historically by the physical act of taking a tape
measure to the very top of the tree and measuring the distance down to the base. This is
because traditional climbing techniques, employing spurs and ropes were inevitably frustrated
by branches which prevented the climber from ascending to the top of the tree. More recent
advances in climbing equipment now allow this type of measurement, and indeed climbers
were successfully employed to height trees during this survey. Although minimal difficulties
were encountered with lowering tapes, the dangerous condition of some upper crown timber
prevented the climbers from placing the tape at the very top of some trees, which involved
estimation of up to 5 metres in total height. Total heights provided by climber deployed tape
measurements correlated very well with heights derived by theodolite and laser impulse (see
section 6.7 overleaf).
5.3 Clinometer
Both Suunto and Haga clinometers were used in association with a measuring tape to height
several trees during the earliest phase of the project. These instruments consistently produced
the largest errors of all techniques trialed during this project, erring between 2 and 6 metres.
This was variously attributed to errors in calculation by the user and poor crown visibility. As
result, this is deemed to be the least accurate method for heighting trees, and resulting heights
should be re done with more accurate technology such as a theodolite or a laser range finder.
5.4 Theodolite
An Electronic Distance Measurement (EDM) theodolite was used to height a small selection
of exceptionally tall trees where independent verification was deemed advisable. The
theodolite proved to be very accurate because a specific point on the tree crown could be
consistently chosen and “shot” through a high magnification lens with cross hairs mounted on
a tripod which further steadied the device. Providing that all computations made by the user
are correctly done, this is consistently the most accurate method, if not the most user friendly,
as a well cut corridor for horizontal distance measurement has to be cleared for every
heighting. The theodolite equipment also suffers from a lack of easy portability.
5.5 Laser range finder
A laser “Impulse Series 2000” manufactured by Laser Technology Inc, was obtained in order
to obtain more accurate heightings than those provided by clinometer. The model used has an
effective range of between 200-500 metres, allowing the tallest trees to be measured
comfortably. Two distinct advantages with this device are its extreme portability (it fits in a
large coat pocket) and the speed at which a tree can be heighted. The ‘impulse’ can record a
16
tree height in twenty seconds, whereas all other techniques require a minimum of 20 minutes.
The device’s accuracy is consistently impressive, and even shots taken at extremely acute
angles provide heights with an error of 5 metres or less. Estimates taken of a horizontal
distance greater than the tree’s height can produce measurements with accuracy comparable
to the theodolite (see section 6.7 below).
5.6 Remote sensing
Acquiring heights of trees off aerial photographs was used extensively to select likely stands
of forest and individual tall trees. This procedure produced heights accurate to within 3 to 5
metres where the forest floor could be readily discerned below the tree crown and the subcanopy. Unfortunately much of the tall forest surveyed, had a sub canopy of species such as
sassafras, which prevented the ground level from being discriminated. Heights obtained in this
situation required the photo-interpreter to estimate the likely height of the sub canopy. As sub
canopy heights were usually conservative, the total heights of trees with tall dense
understoreys tended to be underestimated.
Height estimation from aerial photographs can also be hampered by steeply sloping ground.
For example, ground visible is assumed to be at the same height as the base of the target tree.
On steep ground, this is not necessarily the case. In summary, this technique is certainly
recommended as a means of discriminating potentially very tall trees, although its potential as
an accurate tree heighting method, is limited to areas with good ground visibility.
5.7 Comparison of theodolite, laser range finder and climber deployed tape
A comparison was made between the heights derived from a single tree by the theodolite,
laser range finder and climber deployed tape measure. All three techniques agreed within
0.5m of each other.
17
6.0 SUMMARIES OF STAND ASSESSMENTS
6.1 ANDROMEDA STAND
Dominant eucalypt species:
E. regnans/E. delegatensis
P. I. Euc. class & extent: E1b (6.5 ha.)
AMG grid reference: E 475000 N 5261000
Average tree height in 2000: 75m+
1:25,000 map sheet name: Maydena
Reserve name: Andromeda tall tree reserve
Former compartment name: Andromeda (ANM)
Access to stand: Jacques road via Styx road.
Stand history (if known): These trees were estimated to be 350-400 years of age in 1960
when this stand was first assessed by ANM (1). Ten hectares of this stand was subsequently
designated as a reserve by ANM in 1960.
Description of stand: Overmature E. regnans and E. delegatensis with a wet sclerophyll
shrub understorey. This stand was the home of the largest known E. regnans in the world.
Tree heights taken in 1962 by ANM found the tallest tree here to measure 98.75 metres in
height (324 feet), with a further eleven trees measuring between 98.45 metres (323 ft.) and
90.22 metres (296 ft.). The tallest tree today measures 88 metres in height, although this height
is exceptional, with the stand averaging 75m+.
3 tallest heights in 1962
3 tallest heights in 1987
3 tallest heights in 2000
Diameter/girths in 2000
98.75m
88.1m
88m
362cms/11.55m
98.45m
87.7m
73m
239cms./7.6m
References:
1. Mount (1960).p. 20.
Recorded by: P. Kostoglou/ J. Potter/ J. Miller Date: 8/5/00
95.71m
86.4m
70m
264cms/8.4m
18
6.2 THREE HUTS RESERVE
Dominant eucalypt species: E. regnans
Average measured tree height: 80m+
P. I. Euc. class & extent: E1b+ (20 ha.)
1:25,000 map sheet name: Gordonvale
AMG grid reference: E 457500 N 5285200
Reserve name: Three Huts reserve (ANM)
Former coupe name/s: Lords 51 (ANM)
Access to stand: Westfield road via Florentine road.
Stand history (if known): Forty hectare block of forest designated as a botanical tall tree
reserve by ANM in 1961 (1). Reputed to by 200 -300 years of age (2).
Description of stand: Mature E. regnans. Variable understories of wet sclerophyll shrubs
and sassafras rain forest.
3 tallest heights in 1962:
3 tallest heights in 1987:
3 tallest heights in 2000:
Diameter/girths in 2000:
None taken
88.4m
87m
163cms/5.13m
80.0m
86m
175cms/5.6m
References:
1. ANM Ltd. file note F 1:43 dated 16/7/87 held by Forestry Tasmania.
2. John Miller (Formerly ANM employee) pers. comm.
Recorded by: P. Kostoglou/B. Tewson
Date: 2/5/2000
80m
169cms /5.4m
19
6.3 UPPER COLE
Dominant eucalypt species: E. regnans
Average measured tree height: 80m+
P. I. class & extent: E1a (50 ha.)
1:25,000 map sheet name: Gordonvale
AMG grid reference: E 449350 N 5288150
Reserve name: World Heritage area (WHA)
Former coupe name/s: Upper Cole 10
Access to stand: Upper Cole road via Tiger road.
Stand history (if known): Unknown
Description of stand: Mature E. regnans with sassafras and manfern understorey.
3 tallest heights in 1962:
3 tallest heights in 1987:
3 tallest heights in 2000:
Diameter/girths in 2000:
None taken
None taken
86m
166cms/5.23m
79m
166.5cms/5.24m
References: Not applicable
Recorded by: P. Kostoglou/J. Hickey et al.
Date: 4/5/2000
74m
125cms/3.93m
20
6.4 LOWER COLE
Dominant species: E. delegatensis
Average measured tree height: 80m+
P. I. Euc. class & extent:E1b (126 ha.)
1:25,000 map sheet name: Wylds
AMG grid reference: E 451250 N 5296060
Coupe name: TI001B
Former coupe name/s: Lower Cole 7?
Access to stand: Lower Coles road via Tiger road.
Stand history (if known): Stand age is probably 300 -400 years (1).
Description of stand: Over mature E. delegatensis overstorey with celery top pine and
sassafras understorey.
3 tallest heights in 1962:
3 tallest heights in 1987:
3 tallest heights in 2000:
Diameter/girths in 2000:
None taken
86.9m
90m
307cms/9.7m
References:
1. J. Hickey (Forestry Tas.) pers. comm.
81.4m
85m
295cms/9.25m
77.4m
78m
254.5cms/8m
21
6.5 JUBILEE
Dominant eucalypt species: E. regnans
Average measured tree height: N. A.
P. I. class & extent: E1c (45 ha.)
1:25,000 map sheet name: Skeleton
AMG grid reference: E 467550 N 5258500
Coupe name: SX009B
Former coupe name/s: Not known
Access to stand: Jubilee road via South Styx road.
Stand history (if known): Stand age probably 3-400 years old (1).
Description of stand: Overmature E. regnans with sassafras and manfern understorey.
3 tallest heights in 1962:
3 tallest heights in 1987:
3 tallest heights in 2000:
Diameter/girths in 2000:
None taken
None taken
70m
280cms/8.9m
References:
1. John Hickey (Forestry Tasmania) pers. comm.
-
-
22
6.6 JUNEE
Dominant eucalypt species: E. regnans
Average measured tree height: N. A.
P. I. Euc. class & extent: E1c (13.3 ha.)
1:25,000 map sheet name: Maydena
AMG grid reference: E 467150 N 5269050
Reserve name: Informal reserve (Geology with landslip hazards)
Former coupe name/s: Unknown
Access to stand: Junee road via Maydena township.
Stand history (if known): Surrounding forest formerly 300 years old prior to logging in 1920’s
by Gourlay‘s saw-milling Co. from Fitzgerald (1). Regeneration probably the result of 1934 wild
fire.
Description of stand: Mixed age E. regnans overstorey with manfern and sassafras
understorey.
3 tallest heights in 1962:
3 tallest heights in 1987:
3 tallest heights in 2000:
Diameter/girths in 2000:
References:
1. Kostoglou, (2000) pp. 55-63.
None taken
None taken
79m
374cms/11.9m
-
-
23
6.7 BEECH CREEK
Dominant eucalypt species:E. obliqua/
E. regnans/E. delegatensis
P. I. class & extent: E1c (166 ha.)
AMG grid reference: E 455570 N 5206620
Average measured tree height: 80m+
1:25,000 map sheet name: Wayatinah
Reserve name: World Heritage Area (WHA)
Former compartment name/s: Pearce (ANM)
Access to stand: Logging track off Florentine road 3 kilometres south of Wayatinah dam.
Stand history (if known): Stand age possibly 300-400 years old (1).
Description of stand: Overmature E. delegatensis with occasional E. regnans and E.
obliqua over rainforest understorey.
3 tallest heights in 1962:
3 tallest heights in 1987:
3 tallest heights in 2000:
Diameter/girths in 2000:
None taken
89m
84m
344cms/11m
References:
1. John Hickey (Forestry Tasmania) pers. comm.
85m
83m
364cms/11.65m
82.4m
83m
376cms/12m
24
6.8 STYX BIG TREE RESERVE
Dominant eucalypt species: E. regnans
Average measured tree height: 80m+
P. I. Euc. Class & extent:E1c(15 ha.)
1:25,000 map sheet name: Skeleton
AMG grid reference: E 471940 N 5259560
Reserve name: Styx Big Tree Reserve (ANM)
Former coupe name/s: Snowy 23
Access to stand: Walking track via Styx road.
Stand history (if known): Stand age probably 300-400 years old (1).
Description of stand: Overmature E. regnans with rainforest understorey.
3 tallest heights in 1962:
3 tallest heights in 1987:
3 tallest heights in 2000:
Diameter/girths in 2000:
98.26m
90.1m
92m
472cms/15m
References:
1. John Hickey (Forestry Tasmania) pers. comm.
82.8m
89m
386cms/12.3m
73.8m
78m
296cms./9.4m
25
6.9 LADY BINNEY FOREST RESERVE
Dominant eucalypt species: E. obliqua
Average measured tree height: 70m+
P. I. class & extent: E1f (14.6 ha.)
1:25,000 map sheet name: Dobson
AMG grid reference: E 460250 N 5270250
Reserve name: Lady Binney Forest Reserve (ANM)
Former coupe name/s: None known
Access to stand: Walking track via Florentine road.
Stand history (if known): Formerly ANM forest reserve declared in 1951 (1).
Description of stand: Overmature E. obliqua with rainforest understorey.
3 tallest heights in 1962:
3 tallest heights in 1987:
3 tallest heights in 2000:
Diameter/girths in 2000:
None taken
82m
75m
340cms/10.85m
79.1m
74m
328cms/10.5m
References:
1. ANM Ltd. file note F 1:43 dated 16/7/87 held by Forestry Tasmania.
71.1m
73m
328cms/10.5m
26
6.10 HUNNS CREEK RESERVE
Dominant eucalypt species: E. regnans
Average measured tree height: 80m+
P. I. Euc. class & extent: E1a (17 ha.)
1:25,000 map sheet name: Wylds
AMG grid reference: E 455020 N 5294280
Reserve name: Manning Road reserve (ANM)
Former coupe name/s: Not applicable
Access to stand: Manning road via Florentine road.
Stand history (if known): ANM data claims that this stand and the neighbouring Pagoda
stand, were both created by a wildfire in 1805. A subsequent escaped regeneration burn in the
1960’s accounts for the current shrubby understorey (1).
Description of stand: Mature E. regnans with a wet sclerophyll shrub understorey.
3 tallest heights in 1981:
3 tallest heights in 1987:
3 tallest heights in 2000:
Diameter/girths in 2000:
89m
80.6m
83m
191cms./ 6.1m
References:
1. John Miller (former ANM employee) pers. comm.
80m
78.8m
82m
225cms./7.18m
81m
181cms./5.81m
27
6.11 PAGODA RESERVE
Dominant eucalypt species: E. regnans
Average measured tree height: 75m+
P. I. Euc. class & extent: E1a (7 ha.)
1:25,000 map sheet name: Wylds
AMG grid reference: E 454550 N 5294800
Reserve name: Pagoda reserve
Former coupe name/s: Not applicable
Access to stand: Junction of Tiger/Florentine roads at the Florentine river bridge.
Stand history (if known): 10 hectare reserve designated in 1966 (1).
Description of stand: Mature E. regnans with a sassafras and manfern understorey.
3 tallest heights in 1962:
3 tallest heights in 1987:
3 tallest heights in 2000:
Diameter/girths in 2000:
None taken
None taken
79m
126cms./4.05m
78m
132 cms./4.25m
References:
1. ANM Ltd. file note F 1:43 dated 16/7/87 held by Forestry Tasmania.
76m
168 cms./5.37m
28
6.12 FLORENTINE RIVER
Dominant eucalypt species: E. regnans
Average measured tree height: 60m+
P. I. Euc. class & extent: E1c (16 ha.)
1:25,000 map sheet name: Wylds
AMG grid reference: E 454800 N 5295850
Reserve name: Informal reserve (Wildlife habitat)
Former coupe name/s: Unknown.
Access to stand: Florentine River flood plain north of Pagoda Reserve via logging spur.
Stand history (if known): Unknown.
Description of stand: Mixed age E regnans with manfern understorey.
3 tallest heights in 1962:
3 tallest heights in 1987:
3 tallest heights in 2000:
Diameter/girths in 2000:
References: Not applicable
None taken
None taken
74m
268cms/8.5m
70m
269cms/8.55m
64m
195cms/6.2m
29
6.13 LAWRENCE RIVULET FOREST
Dominant eucalypt species:
E. viminalis/E.regnans
RESERVE
Average measured tree height: 80m+
P. I. class & extent: E1b (14.9 ha.)
1:25,000 map sheet name: Gordonvale
AMG grid reference: E 457550 N 5283280
Reserve name: Lawrence Creek reserve (ANM)
Former coupe name/s: Not applicable
Access to stand: Lawrence Creek road via Florentine road.
Stand history (if known): 30 hectare reserve designated in 1958 (1).
Description of stand: Overmature E. viminalis and E. regnans with a wet sclerophyll shrub
understorey. The tall tree heights appearing below relate to E. regnans specimens.
3 tallest heights in 1962:
3 tallest heights in 1987:
3 tallest heights in 2000:
Diameter/girths in 2000:
Not taken
81.9m
84m
462cms/14.7m
83m
267cms/8.5m
References:
1. ANM Ltd. file note F 1:43 dated 16/7/87 held by Forestry Tasmania.
83m
309cms./9.8m
30
6.14 MOUNT FIELD NATIONAL PARK
Dominant eucalypt species: E. regnans
Average measured tree height: 70m+
P. I. Euc. class & extent: E1c (12.6 ha.)
1:25,000 map sheet name: Dobson
AMG grid reference: E 474700 N 5274850
Reserve name: Mount Field National Park
Former coupe name/s: Not applicable
Access to stand: Lake Dobson road via Lake Gordon Road
Stand history (if known): Unknown
Description of stand: Even age overmature E. regnans with wet sclerophyll understorey.
3 tallest heights in 1962:
3 tallest heights in 1987:
3 tallest heights in 2000:
Diameter/girths in 2000:
References: Not applicable
None taken
None taken
75m
532cms/16.9m
71m
348cms/11.12m
70m
351cms/11.15m
31
6.15 FLORENTINE ROAD
Dominant eucalypt species: E. regnans
Average measured tree height: 65m+
P. I. Euc. class & extent: E1b (4 ha.)
1:25,000 map sheet name: Gordonvale
AMG grid reference: E 455400 N 5282150
Coupe name: FOO 20A
Former coupe name/s: Unknown
Access to stand: Florentine road south of Eden Creek road.
Stand history (if known): Unknown
Description of stand: Even age overmature E. regnans forest with manfern and sassafras
understorey.
3 tallest heights in 1962:
3 tallest heights in 1987:
3 tallest heights in 2000:
Diameter/girths in 2000:
References: Not applicable
None taken
None taken
71m
227cms/7.23m
68m
346cms/11.04m
66m
218cms/6.95m
32
6.16 STYX 015B
Dominant eucalypt species: E. regnans
Average measured tree height: 75M+
P. I. Euc. class & extent: E1c (38 ha.)
1:25,000 map sheet name: Skeleton
AMG grid reference: E 474750 N 5258150
Coupe name: SX 015B
Former coupe name/s: Unknown.
Access to stand: Skeleton road via Gee Creek Road via Styx road.
Stand history (if known): Unknown
Description of stand: Overmature E. regnans with wet sclerophyll understorey.
3 tallest heights in 1962:
3 tallest heights in 1987:
3 tallest heights in 2000:
Diameter/girths in 2000:
References: Not applicable
None taken
None taken
81m
380cms/12.1m
(Xmas tree) 77m
334cms/10.7m
76m
310cms/9.83m
33
6.17 BENNETTS ROAD
Dominant eucalypt species: E. regnans
Average measured tree height: N. A.
P. I. Euc. class & extent: E1d (14 ha.)
1:25,000 map sheet name: Geeveston
AMG grid reference: E 486900 N 5221200
Coupe name: KD 001A
Former coupe name/s: Not applicable
Access to stand: Bennett’s road via Arve road.
Stand history (if known): Not known
Description of stand: Overmature E. regnans with a wet sclerophyll understorey.
3 tallest heights in 1962:
3 tallest heights in 1987:
3 tallest heights in 2000:
Diameter/girths in 2000:
References: Not applicable
None taken
None taken
79m
420cms/13.1m
-
-
34
6.18 ARVE BIG TREE RESERVE
Dominant eucalypt species: E. regnans
Average measured tree height: 80m+
P. I. Euc. class & extent: E1f (62 ha.)
1:25,000 map sheet name: Geeveston
AMG grid reference: E 481994 N 5222118
Reserve name: Arve Big tree reserve
Former coupe name/s: Not applicable
Access to stand: Arve Loop Road via Arve road.
Stand history (if known): Not known
Description of stand: Very overmature E. regnans with a mixed rainforest/wet sclerophyll
shrub understorey.
3 tallest heights in 1962:
3 tallest heights in 1987:
3 tallest heights in 2000:
Diameter/girths in 2000:
References: Not applicable
None taken
87m
87m
544cms/17.3m
82m
494cms/15.7m
-
35
6.19 ARVE SPUR 2
Dominant eucalypt species: E. regnans
Average measured tree height: 65m+
P. I. Euc. class & extent: E1c (15 ha.)
1:25,000 map sheet name: Picton
AMG grid reference: E 479120 N 5227200
Coupe name: PC 007D
Former coupe name/s: Not known
Access to stand: Arve Spur 2 via Arve road.
Stand history (if known): Not known
Description of stand: Overmature E. regnans with wet sclerophyll understorey
3 tallest heights in 1962:
3 tallest heights in 1987:
3 tallest heights in 2000:
Diameter/girths in 2000:
References: Not applicable
None taken
None taken
70m
394cms/12.6m
65m
318cms/10.2m
63m
271cms/8.6m
36
6.20 ARVE LOOP ROAD
Dominant eucalypt species: E. regnans
Average measured tree height: 65m+
P. I. Euc. class & extent: E1d (18 ha.)
1:25,000 map sheet name: Geeveston
AMG grid reference: E 480400 N 5224300
Coupe name: AR 051F
Former coupe name/s: Not applicable
Access to stand: Arve Loop road via Arve road
Stand history (if known): Not known
Description of stand: Overmature E. regnans with wet sclerophyll understorey.
3 tallest heights in 1962:
3 tallest heights in 1987:
3 tallest heights in 2000:
Diameter/girths in 2000:
References: None known
None taken
None taken
71m
284cms/9m
71m
268cms/8.5m
68m
248cms/7.9m
37
6.21 ARVE ROAD
Dominant eucalypt species: E. regnans/
E. globulus
Average measured tree height: 60m+
P. I. Euc. Class/extent:E1d/ER4c(10 ha.)
1:25,000 map sheet name: Picton
AMG grid reference: E 479450 N 5227800
Reserve name: Arve Tall Tree management Zone (TTMZ)
Former coupe name/s: Not applicable
Access to stand: Arve road 450 metres north of Arve Spur 2 junction.
Stand history (if known): Not known
Description of stand: Mature E. regnans and E. globulus with wet sclerophyll understorey.
3 tallest heights in 1962:
3 tallest heights in 1987:
3 tallest heights in 2000:
Diameter/girths in 2000:
References: Not applicable
None taken
None taken
60m
268cms/8.5m
-
-
38
7.0 DISCUSSION
7.1 Senescence and tall trees
The repeated measurement of the ‘Styx Big Tree’ dramatically illustrates the effect of
senescence on tree height. Of the 21 stands surveyed in this study, 14 were considered to be
over mature and senescing. Thus, most trees are shorter than they once were and these
stands are not highly prospective for further searches of ultra tall trees. Stands such as Upper
Cole, Three Huts and Hunns Creek are considered mature and thought to be approximately
200 years old. Many resident trees have thin crowns virtually intact, and have lost little or no
height. These stands are expected to remain tall for a longer period than the over mature
stands. In future, the tallest eucalypt trees will arise from regrowth produced by more recent
wild fires such as those in 1898 and 1934, or even from silvicultural regrowth following logging
of they are left unharvested for a sufficiently long period.
7.2 Tall Tree Management Zones (TTMZ’s)
In addition to large ecological reserves which contain tall eucalypt forest, there is a need for
accessible reserves of tall trees which are primarily for recreation and inspiration. Forestry
Tasmania has complimented the existing accessible reserves by setting aside ‘Tall Tree
management Zones’ which contain attractive, well stocked stands of eucalypts in areas that
are mostly used for wood production. The zones are managed specifically for aesthetic,
recreation and scientific purposes until the eucalypt trees reach senescence or are burnt by
wild fires. When no longer suitable they will be harvested and areas of younger, or undamaged
forest will be designated as Tall Tree Management Zones.
7.3 Comparison of past and present tall eucalypt heights in Tasmania
A comparison of tall tree heights taken today and historically indicates that: the actual height of
tall trees has not altered, nor has the community’s perception of what constitutes a tall tree
changed appreciably over the same period. For example, an examination of historic tall tree
heights cited in section 4.4 of this report indicates that the maximum height claimed for a
Tasmanian eucalypt was 330 feet (100.5 metres). However, trees measuring considerably less
around the 260 foot mark (79 metres), were considered equally noteworthy in 1833 (Robinson,
G. A.) and c.1900 (Big Ben/West Kentish tree). It is also interesting to note that the 330 foot
historic height record barely beats the 322 foot height obtained from a tree in the Andromeda
block in 1957. Likewise, the tallest tree found during this survey measuring 302 feet (92
metres) would have been considered an extremely tall tree 100 years ago. Such similarities
between historic and contemporary measurements in Tasmania, are contrasted by those
obtained in Victoria, where historic heights are up to 60 metres in excess of the tallest
contemporary tree. Such a discrepancy is yet to be satisfactorily explained.
39
8.0 FURTHER WORK
The following suggestions are made in regard to further technical work related to tall trees
research.
8.1 More field based work in Southern region
Further tall tree related surveys could be undertaken at other E1 stands putatively tall trees at
70m+. Such localities in the Southern region include Glow Worm Creek, McLeods Creek and
Blue Gum Spur. It would also prove useful to height trees in other regions.
8.2 More remote sensing work
Further measurement of E1 stands could be undertaken gradually by the Photographic
Interpretation section of Forestry Tasmania, so that those provisionally heighted at 70m+ could
be re-visited in the field.
40
9.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY
9.1 Books
Carder, A. 1995. Forest giants of the world, past and present. Fitzhenry & Whiteside, Ontario.
9.2 Journal articles
Brown, M. Jarman, S. J. & Williams, K. J. 1987. The tall eucalypt workshop. Proceedings of
a symposium on the reservation of Tasmania’s tall eucalypt forests. Forestry Commission,
Hobart.
Hardy, A. D. The tall trees of Australia. Victorian Naturalist. Vol. XXXV, July 1918.
Helms, A. D. A giant eucalypt (Eucalyptus Regnans) Nichols Spur, Junee, Derwent Valley,
Tasmania. Australian Forestry. Vol. 9, 1945.
Kostoglou, P. 2000. An archaeological survey of historic timber getting sites in the Tyenna
Valley vicinity. A report to Derwent District, Forestry Tasmania.
Lewin, D. W. 1906. The Eucalypt hardwood timbers of Tasmania. John Vaill, Government
printer, Hobart.
Mace, B. Mueller.-Champion of Victoria’s Giant trees. The Victorian Naturalist. Volume
113. (4) 1996.
Mount. A. B. Tall trees in the Styx Valley, Tasmania . Forestry Newsletter. Vol. 2. No. 7.
June, 1960.
Stone, M.G. 1998. Forest-type mapping by photo interpretation: A multi purpose base for
Tasmania’s forest management. Tasforests, Dec. 1998. Vol. 10. Forestry Tasmania, Hobart.
9.3 Unpublished documents
Miller, J. 1987. ANM Ltd. file note F 1:43 dated 16/7/87 held by Forestry Tasmania.
Potter, D. G. 1987. Measurement of tall tree heights. Vicinity of Styx Valley and Florentine
Valley. October 1987. Internal report to Australian Newsprint Mills.
41
10.0 APPENDIX
10.1 Recommended tree heighting methodology
During this project, it became increasingly apparent that the accurate measurement of tall
trees requires a standardised methodology which could be applied consistently. If nothing else,
the earliest attempts in this study to height trees using traditional techniques showed how prone
to over estimation, heights derived from such sources can be. This in turn has obvious
implications for the interpretation of historic height measurements. As a response to such
inaccuracy, a couple of other techniques were trialed and further refinements made in their
application to tall trees. The following section summarises the problems encountered in
heighting trees, and recommendations as to how to best overcome them.
Measuring equipment
Traditional height measurement instruments such as clinometers served the purpose
adequately until increased accuracy made available by computer assisted technology, allowed
people to be more discriminating. The one to five metre inaccuracies now known to have been
commonplace with these devices, are self evident, and more sophisticated technology beckons.
Tripod mounted theodolites have been, and continue to be the most reliable device, partially
because of their stability, but also because they are the “weapon” of choice used by
surveyors, who are the final arbiters on the actual legal heights of the tallest trees. The
consultant however feels that a monopod mounted laser range finder would provide equal
accuracy, and certainly with much less effort and potential error by calculation. In short, to
accurately height a tall tree and expect people to believe you, the job should be done using
either a laser range finder or theodolite. Climbing the tree with a tape measure was
successfully employed on this job, but is not believed to have provided the same level of
accuracy as the above mentioned devices. This method was certainly more dangerous and
time consuming!
Distance from object
The distance between the measurer and the target tree remains an issue with sophisticated
technology as it did with clinometers. Angles greater than 45 % will give erroneous heights,
and the more acute the angle, the greater the error. Experience with the laser range finder
showed that at a very proximal distance of 30 metres from the tree, a shot to the tree top with
an angle of 65 -75 degrees, produced an error of between 3 and 5 metres. Even cavalier
measurements of this type can however be used to quickly height many trees in a given stand
in order to select the tallest for more accurate measurement.
Sloping ground
A shot taken from above/uphill of the tree is best to reduce the angle between the observer
and the tree top.
Straightness of tree
Regardless of the measuring device involved, the relative straightness of the tree must be
assessed prior to measurement. A tree bending towards the measurer will falsely increase the
given height of the tree, while a tree bending away will unduly diminish its height.
Definition of tree top
In recognition of this problem, the upper most branch/ top of the tree should be the highest
straight branch. The defined top of the tree is further complicated by differences in opinion
over whether this should consist of living crown material, or a dead branch is sufficient
evidence. For the purposes of this survey, dead tops were included in the estimate of tree
42
height. Some previous measurements, including those taken by photo-interpreters, have limited
height estimates to the top of the live crown.
Definition of tree base
Almost as difficult as determining the tree top, the tree base is often unclear as;
• the ground level around the tree may be a few metres above the general ground level due
to accumulation of debris and bark over several centuries.
• if the tree base is very large, (eg. The Arve Big Tree) and the ground is steeply sloping,
then it can be problematical to determine mean base height.
Clarity of shots to tree
All instrument types require clear unobstructed views of the tree’s base and upper crown. In
order to obtain such shots in tall forest, some denudation of interfering vegetation is usually
required. As this is not acceptable in National Park or other conservation areas, heights from
such localities must remain more opportunistic.
Final independent verification
One expectation from this survey, is increased public’s interest in tall trees, and more
specifically, in discovering them. It is to be expected that many new claims of superlatively tall
trees will eventuate. The suggestions outlined here are intended to encourage potential tree
heighters to adopt best practice techniques and technology. It should be stated however, that
all serious claims will require ultimate verification by an independent survey.
43
Appendix 10.2. Table showing the tallest known trees up to 1990 compiled by S. Berrigan.
Metric
height
99m
98m
98m
98m
97m
96m
94m
93m
93m
93m
92m
92m
91m
91m
91m
90m
90m
90m
86m
80m
78m
Imperial
height
324 feet
323 feet
322.4 feet
322 feet
314 feet
308 feet
306 feet
305 feet
304 feet
302 feet
302 feet
297 feet
297 feet
296 feet
296 feet
-
Tree name
Date
Forest location
Instrument
Species
Styx 9875 tree
Styx 9845 tree
“The Terry tree”
“The Eagles tree”
The Irby Tree
Styx 314 tree
Styx 308 tree
Styx 306 tree
Styx 305 feet
Styx 304 tree
Styx 302A tree
Styx 302B tree
Huon 9083 Obliqua
Styx 297 tree
9050 White Knight
Styx 9022A tree
8992 White knight
Styx 9022B tree
The 86 Delegatensis
The 80 Obliqua
The 78 Obliqua
1962
1962
1962
1962
1962
1962
1962
1962
1962
1962
1962
1962
1962
1975
1962
1990
1990
-
Andromeda
Andromeda
Andromeda
(Snowy 23)
Unknown
Andromeda
Andromeda
Andromeda
Andromeda
Andromeda
Andromeda
Andromeda
Unknown
Andromeda
Evercreech
Andromeda
Evercreech
Andromeda
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Theodolite
Theodolite
Theodolite
Theodolite
Unknown
Theodolite
Theodolite
Theodolite
Theodolite
Theodolite
Theodolite
Theodolite
Unknown
Theodolite
Unknown
Theodolite?
Unknown
Theodolite
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
E. regnans
E. regnans
E. regnans
E. regnans
E. globulus
E. regnans
E. regnans
E. regnans
E. regnans
E. regnans
E. regnans
E. regnans
E. obliqua
E. regnans
E. viminalis
E. regnans
E. viminalis
E. regnans
E. delegatensis
E. obliqua
E. obliqua
44
Appendix 10.3
The table below provides the three tallest tree heights for each surveyed stand in 2000. Due to
time constraints, some stands only have one or two measurements.
Stand name
Styx Big Tree reserve
Lower Cole
Andromeda
Three Huts reserve
Arve Big tree
Upper Cole
Beech Creek
Hunns Creek reserve
Lawrence Rivulet Forest Res.
Junee
Styx 15B
Pagoda Reserve
Lady Binney Forest Reserve
Mount Field National Park.
Florentine River
Florentine road
Arve Loop road
Arve Spur 2
Jubilee
Bennett’s road
Arve road TTMZ
Tree 1
92m
90m
88m
87m
87m
85m
84m
83m
84m
80m
81m
79m
75m
75m
74m
71m
71m
70m
70m
64m
60m
Tree 2 Tree 3
89m
77m
85m
78m
74m
70m
86m
80m
82m
79m
74m
83m
83m
82m
81m
83m
78m
77m
76m
78m
76m
74m
73m
71m
70m
70m
64m
68m
66m
71m
68m
65m
63m
-
Stand average
85m
84m
77m
84m
85m
79m
83m
82m
82m
NA
78m
78m
74m
72m
69m
68m
70m
66m
NA
NA
NA
45
Appendix 10.4 85m+ very tall tree record sheets
Tree Species: Eucalyptus regnans
Name of stand: Styx Big Tree Reserve
Current height: 89 metres
Eucalypt class & extent: E1c (15ha.)
Diameter: 386 centimetres
Girth: 12.3 metres
Points of measurement: 40 metres south of Instruments used: Theodolite, laser range
tree with theodolite.
finder & climber deployed measuring tape.
1:25,000 map sheet name: Skeleton
AMG grid reference: E 471950 N 5259590
Former coupe name: Snowy 23 (ANM)
Current reserve name: (Styx) Big Tree
Reserve
Location of tree: Termination of 50 metre long walking track off Styx road.
Previous heighting: 1957: 322 ft./98m 1962: 95 m
1987: 83m
(measured by Terry) (measured by Davey) (measured by Potter)
Age of tree (if known): 3-400 years old.
Names of tree: Big tree /Terry tree
(surveyor’s name)
References:
1. Potter, 1987.
Recorded by: P. Kostoglou/ J. Potter
Date: 13/4/2000
46
Tree Species: Eucalyptus regnans
Name of stand: Styx Big Tree reserve
Height: 92 metres
Eucalypt class & extent: E1c (15 ha.)
Diameter: 472 centimetres
Girth: 15 metres
Points of measurement: 50 metres up slope Instrument used: Theodolite and laser range
of tree.
finder.
1:25,000 map sheet name: Skeleton
AMG grid reference: E 472000 N 5259550
Former coupe name (ANM): Snowy 23
Reserve name: (Styx) Big Tree Reserve
Location of tree: 80 metres south east of Big Tree.
Previous
Pre 1962: N.A.
1962: N.A.
1987:90.1m
measurements:
(measured by Potter)
Age of tree (if known): 3-400 years of age.
References:
1. Potter, 1987.
47
Tree Species: Eucalyptus delegatensis
Name of stand: Lower Cole
Height: 90m
Eucalypt class & extent: E1b (126 ha.)
Diameter: 307 centimetres
Girth: 9.7 metres
Point/s of measurement: 100 metres up Instrument used: Laser range finder
slope of tree.
1:25,000 map sheet name: Wylds
AMG grid reference: E 451300 N 5296120
Coupe name (FT): TI001B
Reserve name: Not applicable
Location of tree: 150 metres east of north eastern extent of Lower Cole road.
Previous measurements:
1962: N. A.
1987: 86.9m (measured by J.
Potter)
Age of tree (if known): 3-400 years (1)
References: John Hickey (Forestry Tasmania) pers. comm.
48
Tree Species: Eucalyptus delegatensis
Name of stand: Lower Cole
Height: 85 metres
Eucalypt class & extent: E1b (126 ha.)
Diameter: 295 centimetres
Girth: 9.25 metres
Point/s of measurement: 120 metres to the Instrument used: Laser range finder
north across coupe clearing.
1:25,000 map sheet name: Wylds
AMG grid reference: E 450860 N 5295820
Coupe name (FT): Lower Cole 7
Reserve name: Not applicable
Location of tree: North western perimeter of coupe at top end of Lower Cole road.
Previous measurements:
1962: None taken
1987: None taken
Age of tree (if known): 3-400 years (1).
References: John Hickey (Forestry Tas.) pers. comm.
Recorded by: P. Kostoglou
Date: 13/4/2000
49
Tree Species: Eucalyptus regnans
Name of stand: Andromeda
Height: 88 metres
Eucalypt class & extent: E1b (6.5 ha.)
Diameter: 362 centimetres
Girth: 11.55 metres
Point/s of measurement: 45 metres up slope Instrument used: Theodolite
of tree
1:25,000 map sheet name: Maydena
AMG grid reference: E 475050 N 5260880
Former compartment name (ANM):
Reserve name: Andromeda tall trees
Andromeda
reserve (ANM)
Location of tree: 30 metres west of walking track some 120 metres north of Jacques road.
Previous measurements:
1962: 99 metres (measured
1987: 88 metres (measured
by L. Davey)
by J. Potter)
Age of tree (if known): 3-400 years (1).
References:
1. John Hickey (Forestry Tas.) pers. comm.
Recorded by: P. Kostoglou
Date: 13/4/2000
50
Tree Species: Eucalyptus regnans
Name of stand: Three Huts reserve
Height: 87 metres
Eucalypt class & extent: E1b (48.1 ha.)
Diameter: 163 centimetres
Girth: 5.13 metres
Point/s of measurement: 45 metres to the Instrument used: Laser range finder
east of tree.
1:25,000 map sheet name: Gordonvale
AMG grid reference: E 458080 N 5285640
Former coupe name (ANM): Lords 51
Reserve name: Three Huts reserve (ANM)
Location of tree: 175 metres south of snig track terminus from Repulse road on northern edge
of reserve.
Previous measurements:
1962: None known
1987: None known
Age of tree (if known): 2-300 years (1)
References:
1. John Miller (formerly ANM) pers. comm.
51
Tree Species: Eucalyptus regnans
Name of stand: Three Huts reserve
Height: 86 metres
Eucalypt class & extent: E1b (48.1 ha.)
Diameter: 175 centimetres
Girth: 5.6 metres
Point/s of measurement: 40 metres to the Instrument used: Laser range finder
north/up slope of tree base.
1:25,000 map sheet name: Gordonvale
AMG grid reference: E 458080 N 5285670
Former coupe name (ANM): Lords 51
Reserve name: Three Huts reserve (ANM)
Location of tree: 100 metres south of snig track terminus from Repulse road on northern edge
of reserve.
Previous measurements:
1962: None known
1987: None known
Age of tree (if known): 2-300 years? (1)
References:
1. John Miller (formerly ANM employee) pers. comm.
52
Tree Species: Eucalyptus regnans
Name of stand: Arve Tall Tree reserve
Height: 87 metres
Eucalypt class & extent: E1f (62 ha.)
Diameter: 544 centimetres
Girth: 17.3 metres
Point/s of measurement: 50 metres uphill to Instrument used: Theodolite, laser range
Arve Loop road.
finder and climber deployed tape measure.
1:25,000 map sheet name: Geeveston
AMG grid reference: E 482820 N 5222080
Coupe name (FT): Not applicable
Reserve name: Arve Tall Tree reserve
Location of tree: 40 metres south of Arve Tree name: ‘Arve Tall Tree’
Loop road.
Previous measurements:
1962: None taken
c1990: 87 metres (taken by
district surveyors)
Age of tree (if known): 3-400 years?
References: None cited
53
Tree Species: Eucalyptus regnans
Name of stand: Upper Cole
Height: 86 metres
Eucalypt class & extent: E1a (50 ha.)
Diameter: 166 centimetres
Girth: 5.23 metres
Point of measurement: 40 metres south/up Instrument used: Laser range finder and
slope of tree.
climber deployed tape measure.
1:25,000 map sheet name: Gordonvale
AMG grid reference: E 449410 N 5287970
Coupe name (ANM): Not applicable
Reserve name: World Heritage Area
Location of tree: Approximately 250 metres north east of ridge line summit (see map below).
Previous measurements:
1962: None taken
1987: None taken
Age of tree (if known): 2-300 years?
References: None cited
Recorded by: P. Kostoglou
Date: 13/4/2000