"Conservation covenants provide permanent protection for forests, native plants and animals on private property. This involves developing plans and activities such as fencing off sensitive areas from livestock, controlling weeds and animal pests, fire management and stocking rates," Senator Macdonald said.

    "Today's milestone recognises the significant contribution that landholders have made to protecting Tasmania's native forests. I encourage more to become involved in this Program." Mr Truss said.

    Dr Kemp said the conservation covenants would ensure the permanent protection of native forests and their habitats.

    "Many poorly protected forests occur on private land and finalising these covenants will help protect habitat for endangered species such as the Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagle," he said.

    "The Mt Arthur Burrowing Crayfish and Swift Parrot, and rare plants such as Davies' Wax Flower and the Clasping-leaf Heath are among the threatened species that will be protected by these covenants. I commend the landholders for playing a vital role in protecting these vital habitats."

    The Private Forest Reserve program complements the Natural Heritage Trust bilateral agreement between the Federal and Tasmania Governments in June to improve protection of rare, vulnerable and endangered forest and non-forest vegetation communities across Tasmania.

    Forest communities to be protected under the agreement include the White Gum forest, inland Black Peppermint forest, Swamp Paper Bark forest and the Saw Tooth Banksia woodland to name a few.

    "Given that two thirds of Australia's land is privately owned or managed, it is becoming increasingly obvious that we need to focus on conserving nature on private land if we are to make serious inroads in protecting our unique flora and fauna," Dr Kemp said.