Most natural resources degrade over temporal and spatial scales that most people cannot conceive -- and are infinitely longer than a term of political office, In Victoria, Australia, certain forest management strategies for conservation of Leadbeater's possum, put in place now will not be effective for over 100 years, or three human generations. Most of the trees currently being harvested for timber are about 50 years old, but trees with hollows suitable for the possum need to be at least 150 years old.