Guidelines for collecting and conserving dendrochronology samples from Tasmanian public reserves

In the last 30 years there has been increasing recognition of the potential for dendrochronological studies on Tasmanian trees. This research is likely to provide information that can be used for historical, palaeoclimatic and palaeogeographical reconstructions. Research to date in Tasmania has focussed on the endemic conifers, in particular Lagarostrobus franklinii and Athrotaxis spp., although other species have been used. Most available evidence indicates that properly conducted tree coring does not have any adverse effect on the health of conifers. Hardwoods, however, are susceptible to staining and fungal attack and Nothofagus cunninghamii is particularly prone to damage by myrtle wilt. As some dendrochronology field practices have the potential to cause damage, there is a need to establish appropriate guidelines in this area. Much dendrochronological work occurs in reserves where scientific collecting permits are required. This paper provides a set of proposed guidelines and conditions for the issue of such permits in Tasmanian public reserves.