A 21 year old Hobart man has been arrested following a protest in the Tarkine area of North West Tasmania today.

Sustainable Timber Tasmania has returned to the area of Sumac Spur 1d to undertake operations within the area. As such, the area has been closed to all non-Sustainable Timber Tasmania personnel.

Police were called to the scene about 8am today regarding a small number of protestors in attendance.

One man was located up a tree and allegedly refused a direction to leave the area.

Two search and rescue officers were deployed to climb the tree and take the man into custody.

The man was arrested and is being taken to Smithton Police Station to be charged.

“Tasmania Police appreciates that people have the democratic right to protest however police have a duty to take action when a protest or demonstration stops others from conducting their lawful business.   We will be actively monitoring the situation,” Acting Inspector Tony Stewart said.

“Tasmania Police has been engaging with both Sustainable Timber Tasmania and the anti-forestry protestors about planned protest activity, and we will continue to do so to ensure the safety of all people on site.”