3) TREESITS
If a member of the "Great Unwashed" is up a tree, they're theoretically not allowed to chop it or any dangerously close companions down. You can simply just climb up and sit there like an overdressed koala, or have an elaborate set up with suspended accommodation and a network of wires, ropes and cables between the tree‑tops.
Ideally this tactic should be used to stop roading. Anyway you look at it, once the road is in, the old growth habitat is stuffed! Harvest plans [available from local forestry] should show proposed roads. Topography and established logging rules often closely define them anyway.
If you just protect sawlogs or chip‑fodder then the "forces of darkness" will simply log somewhere else and leave your pet half‑hectare 'till you get bored and go away!
Timing is tricky. Elaborate rigs will require some planning. If you can get your materials, equipment, food, water and bods aloft on one, preferably moonlit night I then you should be able to elaborate from there, without too much interference. You'll definitely need serious gear and expertise. Rock climbing ascenders etc. are adaptable. A bow and arrow or sling is handy for getting lines aloft.
Climbing Trees - High Tech
Unless you were a coconut farmer in a past life, some climbing spikes will be needed. These are angled steel points that attach to your inner insteps or toes, or (better yet ) both. They can be bought (ask your local tree surgeon) or made. Do plenty of practice at low levels, where you wont do much damage to the undergrowth.You'll need a serious riggers belt or climbinq harness with loops or carabiners on the hips. A STIFF rope (30mm min.) with an eye splice on one end is passed through the loops, around the tree Another lighter line is carried to get past branches and tie off for safety while working.The basic technique is: two (2) firm steps, lift the rope and repeat. Even if both spikes let go, you should only slip a little way and be pinned against the tree. Scary but non‑lethal.
Climbing Trees- Low Tech
Another method for climbing trees is the "Prusic" method. All that is needed is an old climbing harness, or knotted/cheaply sewn webbing (car seatbelt) waist harness, a few carabiners and three loops of good strong rope (8mm or greater). The loops of rope should be long enough to go around the circumference of the tree, and have one end passed through the loop so it tightens and grips the tree. A short loop should be attached to the waist with a crab, and another longer one used for a leg loop. The third is used as a spare/safety for passing branches and tying into the tree while rigging platforms or whatever. Friction will be sufficient to grip the trunk. The technique is similar to the above, inchworming, or prusicing up the tree.
The advantages of this method is that it doesn't hurt the tree as much as climbing' spurs, is cheaper and means it's easier to get more bods up trees. On the down side, it's not as fast and scrubs any lichen off the tree - but if it's that or the chainsaw...
I must stress the use of sound equipment and techniques. if something busts when 40m up a brush box or mountain ash you're dead.
