THE Wilderness Society is facing a revolt from fringe green groups angry about its endorsement for a controversial timber veneer company before any new forests have been protected.
The Wilderness Society campaigns manager Vica Bayley and Australian Conservation Foundation will accompany Ta Ann Tasmania and Forestry Tasmania to Japan tomorrow to brief customers on the forestry peace deal.
The environment groups, having signed the agreement with industry, will also meet domestic customers, including Bunnings and K&D Warehouse, and banks.
Mr Bayley said meeting TaAnn's customers was part of the environment groups' obligations under the agreement. He told a Legislative Council inquiry into the legislation that the seminar would be an opportunity to inform the parties about the delay and the opportunity for forest protection still on the table.
"It's basically a situation report," Mr Bayley said.
"It would be so much more powerful and significant if we could say the legislation has passed, we are well and truly on track to delivering this agreement."
But Jenny Weber, of the Huon Valley Environment Centre, said the trip was premature as native forests earmarked for protection were still being logged to satisfy the demand from Ta Ann.
"As soon as they walk into that boardroom accompanied by TaAnn, the appearance will be that they are working alongside each other and they are endorsing their product," Ms Weber said.
She said she had been contacted by members of The Wilderness Society upset about its direction.
"What we've seen transpire by The Wilderness Society is an abandonment of the grassroots and undermining of our campaigns."
