Jul 01, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. Gunns Limited to stop using 1080 poison as part of its Tasmanian forest operations effective immediately, the company said in a statement received by Lesprom Network. The poison has been used for decades as a last-resort to control native and feral animals from destroying young plantation trees. Gunns Chief Executive Greg L’Estrange Mr L’Estrange said the move was a significant step towards embracing the concerns of the community and follows extensive dialogue with a range of stakeholders. “There is no doubt 1080 has been controversial in the past and this decision is another significant move in Gunns demonstrating its social responsibility,” he said. “This is the culmination of years of hard work by our plantation management team, who have developed a range of innovative measures to replace poisons. “These include growing stronger, hardier seedlings at our advanced seedling nursery in north-west Tasmania, biodegradable netting around the seedlings and changes to when we plant. “We have also developed new strategies for the types and timing of fertiliser we use to ensure a rapid growth of the seedling to have it progress beyond the reach of browsing animals as quickly as possible. "The decrease of our reliance upon chemical usage is an integral part of the Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) certification and demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement. Gunns Limited manages a sustainable forestry business whose principal activities are the growing and selling of wood products, whilst protecting the significant environmental values and fostering communication and good relations in the community.