Chapter 5
Maintenance of the forest contribution to global carbon cycles is also released is also released 2 . CO 2 ) from the air and convert it to carbon in plant matter. air and convert it to carbon in plant matter. the ) from 2
than it expels. This is why forests are referred to as ‘carbon sinks’. Plantations established on referred are than it expels. This is why forests 2 Chapter Five Chapter cycles carbon to global contribution forest of the Maintenance The large quantity of woody tissue that trees contain means forests have the highest carbon density of all have the highest contain means forests woody tissue that trees The large quantity of sometimes centuries. When plant matter in wood for many years, stored can remain living things. Carbon mainly in the form of CO decomposes or is burnt, returned carbon is to the air, carbon sinks. land add significantly to Victoria’s agricultural cleared previously in the wood. Over time, this carbon may remains carbon for timber products, harvested are When trees of this leaching have been quantified. For internationalslowly leach out, although no meaningful estimates adopted by the United Nations Framework Convention on carbon accounting conventions (such as those is regenerated. deemed to be carbon neutral if the area are Climate Change), harvested forests Carbon accounting is the process of estimating the carbon stored and/or emitted through different land different and/or emitted through stored of estimating the carbon the process Carbon accounting is products. forest and This includes forestry uses and industry sectors. and soil. During cycle, storing carbon in both trees as an important part of the global carbon act Forests dioxide (CO absorb carbon photosynthesis, trees Introduction naturally by vegetation during respiration. during respiration. naturally by vegetation takes in so the forest exceeds the rate of respiration, photosynthesis (plant growth) forest, In a growing CO more 5 110
DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution Coverage Currency Frequency 111 ). The Indicator 1.1a the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory provides more information on the storage of more provides Indicator 5.1c ) that forests absorb from the atmosphere is stored within the biomass (woody is stored the atmosphere absorb from ) that forests 2 While the AGO has developed models to calculate the amount of carbon stored in each forest type, in each forest While the AGO has developed models to calculate the amount of carbon stored Rationale: by carbon pool over time to be assessed. Estimation biomass allow changes in total Estimates of total forest of these changes. and age class allows better understanding type forest The carbon dioxide (CO Forest biomass and carbon stocks Forest Indicator 5.1a by reported and carbon pool and, if appropriate, ecosystem biomass forest Total stages. type, age class, and successional forest VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO) assessed this data in 2002 for (AGO) assessed Office Australian Greenhouse 2003. of carbon storage estimates, and expects supporting a review categories. DSE is currently broad these are to become available in late 2006. results preliminary in above ground carbon stored 2003, the AGO has calculated that the total amount of Using data from is based on the assessment of 7.8 million hectares vegetation in Victoria This figure is 607,539,069 tonnes. have not been taken into account in the calculation of this cover in the State. Plantation resources of forest cover into two parts: tree In the analysis of the data the AGO refined figure. • (606,977,506 Tonnes), stocks in undisturbed forest; Carbon • (561,563 Tonnes). forest”. carbon stocks in “regrowth Current of 0.2Ha and a 'regrowth 2m tall and covering an area cover, crown as 20% The AGO defines a 'forest' state. at some stage since 1972 then returned to a forested that has been cleared as an area forest' in plantations. The AGO is developing methods that will enable them to assess carbon stocks and changes cycle. This is likely to be implemented in the next National Carbon Accounting System reporting carbon in wood products. (see Victoria of the vegetation types and age classes of forests has an estimate tissues) of trees, both above ground and within their root system. The rate of carbon absorption is greatest is greatest system. The rate of carbon absorption and within their root both above ground tissues) of trees, will While a forest matures. as a forest and declines of regeneration during the earliest stages in forests to its uptake. the amount is minimal compared process, emit carbon in its respiration per and type, the amount of carbon stored particularly in terms of their structure Due to variation in trees, used to assess are rate and age of trees Data on the physical size, species, growth varies. of forest hectare may change in forests Over time, carbon stored of forest. in any given area the quantity of carbon stored including: for a number of reasons, • and rainfall temperature Natural variation in climatic factors, such as • Successional stages of vegetation • and disease outbreaks. storms, or pest such as fire, health, on forest Effects harvesting activities are managed to ensure timber is harvested in Victoria which are from Forests from for wood products maintained. Removing trees that carbon stocks are sustainable and this ensures continually adds to carbon stocks, as carbon is forests them with regrowth and replacing native forests for extended periods. in wood products stored
Chapter Five Chapter cycles carbon to global contribution forest of the Maintenance Australian Greenhouse Office (2003). National Greenhouse Gas Inventory 2003. (2003). National Greenhouse Office Australian Greenhouse (Accessed 08/07/2005). System. View Emissions at: www.greenhouse.gov.au Australian Greenhouse Gas Emissions – An Greenhouse Heritage (2002). State and Territory and Department of Environment Office. Australian Greenhouse Overview. Further Reading 5 112
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) 2 2 SEQUESTRATION 2 Harvesting Land clearing/deforestation INTO ATMOSPHERE STOPS CO 2 Soil disturbance Respiration burnsWildfires or regeneration Decaying vegetation back into the atmosphere through respiration and other processes. Table 5.1 lists the CO Table and other processes. respiration through back into the atmosphere 2 FROM ATMOSPHERE RELEASE CO 2 When a tree is harvested, the carbon it has absorbed from the atmosphere is retained in its wood, roots in its wood, roots is retained the atmosphere is harvested, the carbon it has absorbed from When a tree is burntin land use, the or the soil is disturbed by a change if the tree in a wildfire, and the soil. However, accumulate forests Regenerating and growing the atmosphere. back into carbon will be released stored carbon. Regeneration/new growth Forest carbon processes Forest REMOVES CO Photosynthesis in forests Rationale: ecosystems over time forest of carbon from removals information on emissions and This indicator provides or other sectors of the economy. for comparison with other land cover types carbon dioxide (CO removes the books’ for carbon – a forest This indicator deals with the ‘balancing of Forest contribution to the carbon budget contribution to the carbon Forest Indicator 5.1b including absorption to the total global budget, ecosystems Contribution of forest peat and soil biomass, coarse woody debris, of carbon (standing and release carbon) VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S from the atmosphere during growth through photosynthesis and stores it in its woody biomass. A forest it in its woody biomass. A forest photosynthesis and stores through during growth the atmosphere from also emits CO processes within a forest. processes 5.1 Table Million tonnes Million CO 0 0 0 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 X -10 0 0 ONO 2 N 0.04 0.04 estration in Waste 4 5.3 5.3 and Forestry EMISSIONS/ 2 Land Use Change (Gg)* REMOVALS CH -4,451.50 1,881.44 -2,570.06 NET CO Agriculture REMOVALS 2 -4,451.50 0 -4,451.50 Processes Industrial EMISSIONS CO 2 0 1,881.44 1,881.44 Fugitive Emissions
into the environment come from vehicles, industry and agriculture. come from into the environment 2
Transport O emissions from Land Use Change (Deforestation) Below Ground emissions are included in Above Ground emissions. included in Above Ground emissions are Below Ground Land Use Change (Deforestation) O emissions from 2
and N 4 , CH 2 - Methane reforestation activities. reforestation – Oxides of Nitrogen Energy x 4 O – Nitrous Oxide O – Nitrous 2 Stationary Chapter Five Chapter cycles carbon to global contribution forest of the Maintenance Table 5.2 Table NO Source: Department of Environment and Heritage (2002). Department of Environment Source: (2) CO Greenhouse gas emissions by sector in Victoria (2002) Greenhouse Total Land Use, Land-Use Total Change and Forestry only an indicative estimate of sequ are so the values provided accounted for in 2008–12 only, are (1) sinks credits Greenhouse 5.1 million tonnes. Figure gas emissions in 2002 was 117 to total greenhouse contribution Victoria’s This sector includes emissions from to emissions was Stationary Energy. contributor indicates the greatest in other industries, such as manufacturing. combustion of fossil fuels of electricity and direct the production 2.4 million sector had a negative emission of 2.4 million tonnes, which means it absorbed forestry Victoria’s gas in 2002. tonnes of greenhouse 5.1 Figure Land Use Change and Forestry in Victoria (2002) Forestry Land Use Change and AND SINK GREENHOUSE GAS SOURCE CATEGORIES (1) Reforestation and A. Afforestation B. Land Use Change (Deforestation) CO In 2002, DSE supplied data to the Australian Greenhouse Office in 2002 on Victoria’s harvesting history in in 2002 on Victoria’s Office data to the Australian Greenhouse In 2002, DSE supplied burns prescribed and This information it had conducted since 1990. the number of wildfires and forests, (see Table into the atmosphere ecosystem emissions forest to determine Victoria’s was applied to a model 5.2). Emissions of CO N *Gg – gigagram = 1,000 tonnes CH CO – Carbon Monoxide Inventory (2003). Victorian Greenhouse Source: 5 114
DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 115 Further Reading Gas Inventory 2003. (2003). National Greenhouse Office Australian Greenhouse (accessed greenhouse.gov.au Information System. View Emissions at: www. Australian Greenhouse 08/07/2005). Emissions – An Gas Greenhouse Heritage (2002). State and Territory and Department of Environment Office. Australian Greenhouse Overview. 1990, 1995 and Gas Emissions, Greenhouse George Wilkenfeld and Associates Pty Ltd (2002). Victoria’s and Environment. of Natural Resources of Emissions. Report to the Department 1999: End Use Allocations Inventory (2002). View at: www.greenhouse.vic.gov.au Victorian Greenhouse VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S 3 10 30 50 90 TO DECAY ASSUMED YEARS
Chapter Five Chapter cycles carbon to global contribution forest of the Maintenance Plywood, particle and fibre board in kitchens and bathrooms board Plywood, particle and fibre poles, piles and girders pine, softwood furniture and hardwood treated Preservative framing, flooring lining and furniture and timber particle Softwood and hardwood used for flooring and lining board fibre and imported Australian forests from produced Note: This includes carbon in products Jaako Poyry Consulting (2000). Source: Estimates of carbon stocks in different product pools product Estimates of carbon stocks in different PRODUCT POOL paper and paper products Softwood pallets, cases, plywood form board, and used in shop-fitting and DIY, board and fibre pallets, palings, particle Hardwood packaging hardboard Indicator 5.1c global budget to the products Contribution of forest Rationale: and the extent to in wood products carbon stored information on the amount of This indicator provides atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. or increasing is reducing which use of wood products is contained in the woody trunks of trees. forests of the carbon absorbed by A considerable proportion in them for varying stored carbon remains and converted to wood products, harvested are When trees 5.3). and the means of its disposal (see Table of the product lengths of time, depending on the nature framing, floor lining and furnituretimber, 5.3 shows that timber used in softwood and hardwood Table pallets, cases, plywood form board, carbon for periods longer than softwood stores board particle and fibre paper and paper products. 5.3 Table Forest products and the global carbon budget products Forest 5 116
Coverage Currency Frequency DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 117 Further Reading Gas Inventory 1990 and 1995 Victoria. View at: http://www. Greenhouse State and Territory Australia’s greenhouse.gov.au/inventory/stateinv/vic.html. Accounting Options for the National Carbon Product Wood Jaakko Poyry Consulting (2000). Analysis of Canberra. Office, Report 2. Australian Greenhouse Accounting System. NCAS Technical Report 8. NCAS Technical Products. life cycle of Wood Jaakko Poyry Consulting (1999). Usage and Canberra. Office, Australian Greenhouse of Rural Sciences, Report 2003. Bureau State of the Forests Inventory (2003). Australia’s National Forest Canberra. of wood and paper the role wood products: cycling through Skog, K.E., and Nicholson, G.E. (1998). Carbon Journal Products 48:75-83. Forest in carbon sequestration. products and sources harvests and wood products: B. (1998). Forest Winjum, S. and Schlamadinger, J.K., Brown, 272–284. Science 44: sinks of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Forest The total estimated carbon stock includes products made from imported wood products and wood imported wood products made from stock includes products The total estimated carbon materials are It is important to note that no exported here. that remains Victorian forests from removed is only a very in wood products stored stock estimate. The estimated carbon included in this total carbon forests. in growing of the estimated carbon stored small proportion based on relatively They are as preliminary. regarded are in wood products Estimates of carbon stocks wood post service, of different about the average service life and decay rates, untested assumptions timber species is ongoing, concentration of different to determine the carbon Further research products. is being investigated (National timber products estimates of the lifespan of different and work on improving 2003). Inventory, Forest VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S 118
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6 societies the needs of benefits to meet socio-economic long term multiplelong term enhancement ofenhancement Maintenance andMaintenance
DRAFT – Not for further distribution Chapter Six Maintenance and enhancement of long term multiple socio-economic 6benefits to meet the needs of societies Introduction This Chapter considers the social and economic dimensions of forest management and the interactions of communities with the forest environment, including Aboriginal communties. Five indicators are used in this Chapter to measure the maintenance and enhancement of long term multiple socio-economic benefits to meet the need of our society:
Indicator 6.1 relates directly to the things we produce and consume from our forests. Both wood products and non-wood products are assessed and compared.
Indicator 6.2 considers recreation and tourism in Victoria’s State forests, including the percentage of forest available for general recreation and tourism, visitor numbers, activities, and their impacts.
Indicator 6.3 considers investment in Victoria’s forestry sector, including research and development, and community education.
Indicator 6.4 is closely related to Indicator 6.3, and examines the cultural and social values that Victoria’s communities have in relation to State forests.
Indicator 6.5 considers the employment and other needs of communities involved with forest-based activities.
Indicator 6.6 explores the involvement of Victoria’s Indigenous communities in forest management planning activities.
120 DRAFT – Not for further distribution 121 considers the values and quantities of production of non-wood forest products. products. non-wood forest of considers the values and quantities of production economies. industries to regional considers the value of forest considers the value and volume of wood and wood products in Victoria, including the value wood products considers the value and volume of wood and products. of forest of recycling considers the degree considers the supply and consumption of wood and wood products, including consumption wood and wood products, considers the supply and consumption of 6.1 Production and consumption 6.1 Production in products forest and value adding of wood and other consumption supply, This Section looks at the and State forests, Victoria’s from sourced products Victoria. of forest The indicators consider the volume their value to the economy. house is used for a number of purposes, including and plantations Timber native forests harvested from is highly prized our native forests Quality timber from for paper. materials and fibre construction, fencing of timber harvesting a by-product are Woodchips flooring for houses. by furniture makers and in hardwood sought both locally and internationally and are high quality paper products. for use in in native forests yield, making wood pulp for their high fibre have been selected especially for Eucalypt species in plantations paper manufacturing. in this Section: six indicators are There Indicator 6.1a processing. downstream added through Indicator 6.1b Indicator 6.1c per capita. Indicator 6.1d Indicator 6.1e VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S 0 $5,000,000 $25,000,000 $20,000,000 $15,000,000 $10,000,000 2002-03 2001-02 2000-01
Roading Royalty Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits Source: DSE. Forestry Victoria (2003). Logsales System. InternalDSE. Forestry data request Source: Royalties and roading fees received for sawlog between 2000/01 and 2002/03 from Victoria's 2000/01 and 2002/03 from for sawlog between fees received Royalties and roading State forests Indicator 6.1a including value added production, products and volume of wood and wood Value processing. downstream through Rationale: in value and volume of wood ascertaining trends by benefits to be monitored Enables socio-economic against management objectives. production domestic gross to Australia’s two percent industries contribute around wood and paper forest, Australia’s of royalties generated from 6.2 show that in 2002/03, the revenue and Figure 6.1 Figure product. $30 million. Residual totalled almost State forests Victoria’s logs from sawlogs and residual hardwood consequence of sawlog harvesting as a produced as not being of sawlog quality and are classified logs are for the purpose of pulp and paper production. operations. Residual logs include logs sold 6.1 Figure Wood product value and volume product Wood 6 122
Coverage Currency Frequency DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 123 0 $8,000,000 $6,000,000 $4,000,000 $2,000,000 $10,000,000 2002-03 2001-02 2000-01 Roading Royalty In addition to product royalties, there are also charges for road access. These charges are calculated access. These charges are also charges for road are there royalties, In addition to product This charge is paid by sawmill licensees forests. State from removed to the volume of logs according State in Victoria’s networks and infrastructure to maintain road and is used by DSE, as the land manager, and for fire the general community for both recreational also available to networks are These road forests. purposes. protection Source: DSE. Forestry Victoria (2003). Logsales System. Internal DSE. Forestry data request Source: Figure 6.2 6.2 Figure and 2002/03 from logs between 2000/01 for residual fees received Royalties and roading Victoria's State forests VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S
) (m Volume 3 0 800,000 600,000 400,000 200,000 1,000,000 2002-03 2001-02 2000-01
Export Domestic paper Sawn products Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits Source: DSE. Forestry Victoria (2003). Logsales System. Internal DSE. Forestry data request Source: between forests State Victoria’s 6.4 illustrates the decline in volume of sawlogs harvested from Figure and the lowest graded into four grades with the highest grade being ‘A’ 1994 and 2003. Sawlogs are such as furniture and flooring, used for high-end value products and ‘B’ are ‘D’. Sawlogs graded ‘A’ purposes. ’U‘ grade logs include speciality and durable used for construction and building while others are timbers. Volume (cubic metres gross) and use of residual log for the years 2000/01 to 2002/03 from to 2002/03 from log for the years 2000/01 and use of residual gross) (cubic metres Volume Victoria's State forests Figure 6.3 shows the volume of residual log produced from Victorian forests for the years 2000/01 to for the years Victorian forests from log produced shows the volume of residual 6.3 Figure and export. Overall, exported domestic paper production, products, down into sawn 2002/03, broken the period. over volumes have decreased log residual timber uses, such as pallets and firewood for woodchips and lower-grade generally sold Residual logs are wood products). information on more (Chapter 2 provides 6.3 Figure 6 124
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) (m Volume 3
0 4.4 64,500 144,500 130,000 339,000 600,000 500,000 400,000 300,000 200,000 100,000
2002/03 PULP LOGS (TONNES)
2001/02 )
3 23.0 49,000 412,700 163,300 625,000 2000/01 PRODUCT
1999/00
1998/99 SAWLOGS AND PEELERLOGS (m SAWLOGS
1997/98
1996/97
1995/96
1994/95 (2002). et al. A grade log B grade log C grade log D grade log U grade log Produced for export* Produced Total Stumpage ($ million) * into export woodchips. logs processed Includes Wareing Source: Produced for domestic processing Produced • Within region PNE • Outside PNE region PRODUCTION Softwood log production (cubic metres) and value ($ million) from the Plantations North East and value ($ million) from (cubic metres) Softwood log production in 2000/01 (PNE) area Source: DSE. Forestry Victoria (2003). Logsales System. Internal DSE. Forestry data request Source: for only figures As a result, limited. plantations are for the volumes supplied by Victoria’s State-wide figures and 6.1 shows the production in this Report. Table provided are the North East and Central Victoria regions grades different Victoriavalue of softwood logs harvested in North-East in 2000/01. ‘Peeler’ logs produce lifespan with high These have a long products. engineered of veneer for construction plywood and other was logs in this region In 2000/01 the export market for peeler and good quality. high strength stiffness, locally. processed to the volume small, compared 6.1 Table Figure 6.4 6.4 Figure State Victoria’s from 1994/95 to 2002/03 from gross) (cubic metres Sawlog grade and volume forests VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S 4,600 ons on , the $50,786 160,241 164,841 VALUE OF VALUE $877,353 $330,106 $372,427 $616,322 poles, fence ($MILLION) $2,683,170 $2,085,415 $1,328,238 PRODUCTION $32,622,992 $11,113,145 $13,166,030
0 30,000 30,000 2,442 0 15,870 85,050 17,905 86,159 82,805 20,125 20,544 TONNES VALUE 156,670 128,999 616,569 325,000 325,000 0 465,000 465,000 RESIDUES EXPORTED LOG EXPORT FIREWOOD PULPWOOD † *0 ) 3 532,100 532,100 SAWLOGS SAWLOGS PROCESSED PRESERVATION PRESERVATION
VOLUME (m
strainers and posts. They are usually preserved using creosote. usually preserved strainers and posts. They are sawmills only a small component of the sawlog intake by various native forest an opportunistic basis. Because these volumes are figures. volumes have been included in the native forest Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits Other Total DNRE (2002a). Source: SOURCE Small Collector or Supplier Yards Wood Friends/Relatives Sawmill/Joinery Own Land Other Private Land Roadside State Forests Land Other Crown Firewood consumption for Victoria, 2000/01 Firewood Hardwood plantations Hardwood Total † used as wharf piles, power transmission poles, telephone poles, vineyard not sawn. They are are logs processed Preservation of Victoria. cases for cooking, in particular areas for heating, and in some is the main energy source Firewood is of concern Victoria, the unlawful collection and sale of firewood to the legitimate firewood Throughout usually undertaken Such unlawful activity is to the management of our forests. broadly, industry and, more licensed legitimate prices that undercut is often supplied at firewood on a ‘cash in hand’ basis, where that it is and the areas collected less discriminating in the type of firewood suppliers. These operators are as sensitive habitat may of biodiversity, has implications for the protection (DNRE, 2002). This taken from or damaged. be removed is regulated State forests Victoria’s by the general community from The collection of domestic firewood 6.3 shows the volume and value of biodiversity values. Table of these the protection by permit to ensure 50 per cent of in Victoria in 2000/01. Approximately all land tenures from for firewood timber removed private land. from is sourced firewood Victoria’s 6.3 Table Plantation log production (cubic metres) and value ($ million) in Central Victoria, 2001/02 metres) (cubic Plantation log production SECTOR Softwood plantations Table 6.2 shows current production and value of plantation logs in Central Victoria and value of plantation logs for 2001/02. Pulpwood production 6.2 shows current Table of paper pulp. 62 per cent of softwood for the processing used woodchips that are include residues being with the remainder domestically, processed in Central Victoriawere in 2001/02 sawlogs produced exported for processing. 6.2 Table * plantati sugar gum (Eucalyptus cladocalyx) hardwood harvested from a year) are Small volumes of sawlogs (300-500 cubic metres Central Victorian Farm Plantations Committee (2003). Source: 6 126
DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 127 Further Reading (Accessed View at: www.cvfp.org.au Central Victorian Plantations Committee (2003). Website. Farm 08/07/2005). Strategy Discussion Victorian (DNRE) (2002a). Firewood and Environment Resources Department of Natural Paper. Victorian State Government Our Future. Statement. View Policy at: www.dse.vic. DNRE (2002b). Our Forests (Accessed 08/07/2005). gov.au Investigation. Final and Woodlands Forests Ironbark Conservation Council (ECC) (2001). Box Environment Report. Investigation. Draft Report for Public Comment. and Woodlands Forests ECC (2000). Box Ironbark and Issues Report. Investigation, Resources and Woodlands – Forests ECC (1997). Box Ironbark Victorian Government Printing Office, Government of Victoria (1986). Victorian TimberStrategy. Industry Melbourne. of Rural Sciences, Report 2003. Bureau State of the Forests Inventory (2003). Australia’s National Forest Canberra. R. (2002). The Timber Industry in North East M., Carruthers, G., and Baker, Poynter, K., Pigdon. B., Wareing, Consulting Pty Ltd. Victoria. Assessment. Prospect A socio economic VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S Code of Forest Practices . Supply and consumption 2001 Mail Survey of Hunters . Indicator 2.1e (Cervus elaphus) only (both sexes included), except for 2000/2001, which Indicator 6.1f. and Red Deer (Cervus unicolor)
for the re-establishment of forest. The figures presented in Table 6.4 relates to the 6.4 relates in Table presented figures The of forest. for the re-establishment (Cervus porcinus)
Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits includes Hog Deer Deer hunting based on the 6.4 are in Table to deer hunting presented The data relating Native seed collection in State of harvested areas and reseeding native seed collected for reforestation 6.4 does not include Table part of activities outlined in Victoria’s are separate operations and These are forest. of non-wood products are captured in captured are of non-wood products harvested from products of the value and quantities of non-wood forest a breakdown 6.4 presents Table seed, native tree deer hunting, between 1997 and 2001. It includes data on apiary, State forests Victoria’s extracted from and grazing. Data for non-wood resources eucalyptus oil, the extraction of earth materials, unavailable at this time. and plantations are private native forests Apiary of about 5,100 tonnes flora. Each year, on access to native in Victoria largely relies Honey production in Victoria, per cent of the national total. Nearly 50 per cent of the amounting to 15.6 honey is produced exported, mainly to the United Kingdom. of honey is annual production important had a farm gate value of $7.9 million. It is honey and beeswax products In 1997/98, Victoria’s year to year depending on the flowering fluctuates significantly from to note the value of honey production weeds. The Victorian estimates that Apiarists’ Association and introduced of native vegetation, crops in Victoria, which means apiarists and 85 per cent of honey production between 80 native flora provides income. of as a source upon native forests significantly rely of the actual harvest. an ‘index of take’ rather than an accurate assessment (DNRE, 2001). These provide to Sambar deer The data relates for Timber Production use. The value of seeds varies for each number of permits issued to collectors for private and commercial Eucalypts do not species and this value can vary between the years due to demand and supply of seeds. and when they do, the amount and quality can vary significantly. set seed every year, Indicator 6.1b products non-forest of and quantities of production Value Rationale: in value and quantities of non- ascertaining trends by benefits to be monitored Enables socio-economic against management objectives. wood production honey including not timber related, are State forests A number of activities performed in Victoria’s The annual products. deals specifically with these non-wood forest and mining. This indicator production in fully described is more products of non-timber forest removal Non-wood product value and quantities Non-wood product 6 128
Coverage Currency Frequency DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 129 - - - 75 512 970 9,854 4,678 5,312 9,500 3,393 ion ere ere 23,461 31,565 16,733 91,066 billion (Gill stry in 133,600 810,670 117,411 stry. These stry. de the part- n services 2 11 76 75 14 3,140 4,115 6,204 4,971 8,500 10,926 22,329 18,600 80,486 127,743 810,670 101,421 8,616,290 - 4 49 75 405 2,736 8,269 2,478 5,656 24,103 54,046 82,678 13,500 116,207 221,613 140,519 120,125 4,454,893 - 13 77 75 250 373 1,545 4,266 8,500 23,578 12,254 49,004 96,704 10,699 74,987 177,741 282,702 7,747,597 ) 3 (tonnes) ††
DSE royalties ($) DSE royalties Royalties ($) Salt extraction ($) DSE royalties grazed (ha) Area Oil produced (kg) Oil produced ($) DSE royalties Sand, gravel etc extracted (m DSE Royalty ($) Raw seed (kg) value of raw seed ($) Total Total industry that use forests (%) industry that use forests Total ($) DSE royalties Deer taken Capsules (kg) Value of production**($) Value (tonnes) Honey produced Wax NON-WOOD PRODUCT 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01
OIL SEED
GRAZING EXTRACTION EUCALYPTUS EUCALYPTUS NATIVE TREE NATIVE DEER APIARY* figures are very conservative, as the data captured for this ABS survey only represents full-time producers. It does not inclu full-time producers. for this ABS survey only represents very conservative, as the data captured are figures who make up a large sector of the beekeeping industry. time producers, on a contractual basis, the majority of pollinatio being provided increasingly for the State. Although pollination services are managed or feral bee colonies). Th (by commercially grower on an incidental basis, at no charge to the continue to be provided contracted to service the almond indu 000 hives were available. It is known that 12 figures pollination production minimal are $1 Australia is estimated to be around Victoria in 2000. The potential annual value of domestic pollination across North-West 1997). Eucalyptus oil eucalyptus leaves (FMA), where Management Area the Bendigo Forest Eucalyptus oil is derived mainly from of oil operated major processor harvested in the Inglewood and St. Arnaud In 2003, Victoria’s are areas. The economic value of eucalyptus over 50 per cent of oil distilled in Australia. producing in this region, generating five to ten ‘full- $125,000 each year to producers, on public land is around oil production * on the Apiary indu used to report Commodities survey were of Statistics (ABS) Agricultural the Australian Bureau from Figures ** $10 mill value of honey is approximately the annual production Studies by Russell Goodman (pers. comm. 2002) have shown that †† not available). are jelly figures only (royal highlights the quantity of beeswax produced This figure Table 6.4 Table in Victoriaand 2001 between 1997 products of non-wood and quantities of production Values VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S l no longer be er discussed 600 licences are granted in Victoria under this 600 licences are
Around 450 licences are granted in Victoria under this 450 licences are Around Around
and along river frontages on Crown Land. on Crown and along river frontages 1
Mineral Resources Development Act 1990. Mineral Resources Development Act 1990. Extractive Industries Development Act 1995. Victoria's State of the Forests Report 2008 Victoria's The Act each year. The Act each year. allowed in the Alpine National Park. It will however, continue elsewhere in the high country State forest. This will be furth in the high country State forest. continue elsewhere allowed in the Alpine National Park. It will however, in Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits 1 the government decided in May 2005 that cattle grazing wil significant area, this environmentally to better protect In order Further Reading (DNRE) (2001). Mail Survey of Hunters in Victoria 2001 and Environment Department of Natural Resource – for DNRE). by the Game Management Unit Unpublished (Produced Investigation-Final and Woodlands Forests Conservation Council (ECC) (2001). Box-Ironbark Environment Conservation Council. East Melbourne.Report. Environment (2000). Utilisation of Victorian Committee Native Flora and Fauna - and Natural Resources Environment Melbourne. Victorian GovernmentInquiry report. Printer. Impact of the Australian (1998). The Economic value and Environmental Gibbs, D.M.H and Muirhead, I.F. for the Australian Beekeeping Industry). prepared Unpublished (report Beekeeping Industry. Access to Public Lands and their Secure Gill, R. (1996). The Benefits to the Beekeeping Industry and Society from and Development Council of Australia (unpublished). Report to the Honeybee Research Resources. Melliferous in Victoria. Rural Industries Goodman, R. (2001). Beekeepers use of Honey and Pollen Flora Resources and Development Corporation. Canberra. Research Cattle grazing each year in summer and early is usually for periods of up to 12 weeks public forests Grazing in Victoria’s to supplement the capacity of the private lands used generally used autumn. Licensed grazing blocks are to individual operators, their economic is important areas by licence holders. While access to these forested generated to Victoria is minimal. The majority of ‘bush grazing’ occurs in importance in terms of revenue sub-alpine areas Extraction of earth materials Extraction of earth sand, loam, include stone, gravel, limestone, lime, forests Victoria’s from Earth materials extracted such as industry for infrastructure used mainly in the construction are products clay and earth. These mix, in roads concrete in used as a coarse aggregate and dams. Crushed stone is mainly buildings, roads in the is used mainly as fine aggregate filling material. Construction sand and railways, and as graded and packing in the manufacturing of bricks, and in filling but also mortar, and manufacturing of concrete but where of concrete, in the manufacturing used mainly as a coarse aggregate applications. Gravel is cement. The construction. Limestone is used to manufacture availability permits, it is also used in road tiles and pipes. bricks, used to manufacture is brick clay, State forests Victoria’s bulk of clay taken from or tourist activities. They exploration in VictoriaMining leases and licences can be granted for commercial, approximately were of mining, fossicking and exploration. In 2002, there granted to cover all aspects are Mining hectares. 360,000 of around covering a total area forests, 800 mining licences granted in Victoria’s minerals and other licences or leases granted for purposes associated with extracting ores, tenements are as small as one areas and range in size from of land tenure metals. These tenements occur regardless by two main pieces of legislation: controlled are Tenements in excess of 150,000 hectares. to areas hectare, • • time equivalent’ jobs. These oils are used for a range of purposes including: pharmaceuticals, toiletries, of purposes including: pharmaceuticals, toiletries, used for a range These oils are time equivalent’ jobs. sprays and insect repellents. such as wax candles, garden and industrial products confectionery, Cattle grazing can impact on regenerating forest through trampling and browsing of young seedlings. This of young seedlings. trampling and browsing through forest Cattle grazing can impact on regenerating needs to be particularly following harvesting. Grazing, therefore, areas, of forest regeneration can reduce minimised. that impacts are to ensure monitored 6 130
DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution Coverage Currency Frequency 131 Rationale: in Victoria, and the consumption of wood and wood products in the the trends This indicator measures industries to meet society’s and timber forests Victoria’s It also illustrates the ability of supply. of sources resources. forest faced by Victoria’s and the demand pressures demand for wood products, softwood industry: pulp and paper, sectors of the Victorian five main products wood and wood are There and export chips (Victorian Wood wood-based panel products timber, sawn hardwood sawn timber, Japan was the principal export market for Victorian 1993). In 2003, woodchips Party, Working Products and Taiwan. Korea followed by Indonesia, forests, both native and plantation from about timber usually represents timbers, the output volume of sawn Due to the level of defect in hardwood 1993). A substantial volume of sawlogs (Industry Commission, hardwood of the input volume of a third In the harvested for sawn products. sections of trees timber is also contained in branches and defective prior to the of this material was left to waste, as no market existed for these residues past, a proportion 1950’s. Organisation (CSIRO) Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Australia’s In the early 1950’s, led to the for converting eucalypt chips to paper pulp, which process developed a cost-effective in Central Gippsland in 1961. In 1981, a newsprint establishment of a pulp and paper mill at Maryvale significantly expanding at Albury in NSW, chips was established mill using both softwood and hardwood branches and of the market for sawmill residues, expansion the market for unused wood. The most recent of an export woodchip industry at Eden in south easternlow quality logs began with the establishment converted their manufacturing operations to use both eucalypt as Japanese companies This occurred NSW. pulp. and pine (softwood) (hardwood) dramatically, softwood plantations increased from timber sourced of Victoria’s 1950, the proportion From per annum by per annum in 1950 to over 3,000,000 cubic metres less than 200,000 cubic metres from appears to have native forests Victoria’s sawlogs taken from The volume of hardwood the late 1980’s. The expansion occurring in the early 1960’s. declined slightly over the same period, with peak production in the sawn wood products. timber to lose market share has caused hardwood of softwood products Victoria between 2000/01 imported and exported from of the timber products 6.5 shows an analysis Table between 2000 and 2003, However, and 2002/03. Overall, Victoria is a net importer of timber products. dramatically. and sawnwood exports increased roundwood Victoria’s imported to Victoria, between 2000/01 and 2002/03. of timber products a breakdown 6.6 provides Table Wood supply and consumption supply and consumption Wood Indicator 6.1c consumption per including of wood and wood products, Supply and consumption capita. VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S
227 26.10 808.30 299.30 213.30 247.20 311.40 17,050 49,744 10,529 751.90 146,977 103,125 1,107.60 1,011.90 1,333.10
321 24.30 12,383 575.00 922.00 329.40 205.30 229.60 322.30 13,782 36,346 131,765 1,251.40 1,124.40 1,446.60 89,688
na 167 26.00 9,443 18,006 390.50 403.60 794.10 185.70 211.70 570.30 421.90 992.20 23,590 112,918 119,823 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 $’000 $’000 kt $’000 ‘000 m ‘000 m ‘000 m ‘000 m ‘000 m ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m ‘000 m ‘000 m $’000 $’000 † Coniferous Eucalypts Total Total Total Total Total Total Total Coniferous Eucalypts Total* Coniferous Eucalypts Total Total
Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits Apparent Consumption* Apparent Exported Roundwood Imports Exported Sawnwood * Apparent consumption is calculated as production plus imports minus exports. consumption is calculated as production * Apparent of this product. † Detailed Victorian Data Not available for $ Value ABARE (2003). Source: Exported miscellaneous forest products Exported miscellaneous forest Doors Other Exported Woodchips Imports and Exports of timber products from Victoria and 2002/03 between 2000/01 from of timber products Imports and Exports TYPESawnwood UNIT 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 Table 6.5 Table Production 6 132
DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 133 14,061 2.37 1,819 1.52 1,039 18.09 2,929 4.19 1,543 32.40 12,442 4.61 3,301 59.29 20,215 35.65 13,785 57.82 31,421 27.70 26,865 38.00 4.02 7,197 2.38 1,715 21.89 15,147 6.04 4,246 13.11 7,850 42.90 28,809 (continued over page) 8,847 2.15 1,898 1.67 1,181 9.40 2,820 3.77 3,358 29.55 11,427 3.97 2,763 46.69 20,368 42.63 16,583 47.32 23,877 22.48 24,196 26.17 4.17 5,074 2.87 1,014 14.81 9,992 4.24 3,674 5.45 3,853 27.51 18,874 9,970 1.81 1,858 1.77 1,400 11.81 2,961 3.00 1,730 35.70 13,638 9.32 3,580 59.83 21,909 45.63 18,178 46.14 22,644 15.50 17,877 26.82 4.72 8,376 2.69 2,126 11.70 7,514 5.56 4,303 7.10 3,564 27.07 17,559 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 Radiata Pine Western Red Cedar Other Coniferous Keruing, Merbau Kapur, Meranti, Lauan, Seraya Softboard and other Softboard fibreboards Total Total Douglas Fir Other Total Total Particleboard Hardboard Medium density fibreboard Total Total Interior Glueline Structural Overlaid
Imports of roughsawn Imports of roughsawn sawnwood broadleaved Imports of roughsawn Imports of roughsawn sawnwood coniferous Imported Board Products Imported Board Imported Veneers Imported Plywood Table 6.6 6.6 Table to Victoria between 2000/01 and 2002/03 products Imports of specific timber TYPE UNIT 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S 23.10 16,152 6.61 5,095 8.46 7,556 77.10 50,835 0.36 305 6.75 6,847 170.20 96,142 2.49 1,304 36.41 20,728 26.16 14,639 4.49 3,984 8.84 8,759 80.00 47,949 0.51 188 6.67 7,045 149.60 83,816 1.43 932 39.10 19,636 15.20 9,201 5.58 4,298 10.75 10,953 67.9 42,259 0.86 353 5.27 5,285 143.80 77,564 2.81 1,371 33.57 16,437 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 ‘000 m $’000 Total Total Douglas Fir Radiata Pine Other Coniferous Meranti, Lauan, Seraya Other Broadleaved Ramin Other Broadleaved Total Total
Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits TOTAL DRESSED DRESSED TOTAL TIMBER -IMPORTED ABARE (2003). Source: medium density fibreboard particleboard, plywood, veneer, wood-based panel sector produces Victoria’s located at were plants that used softwood thinnings and residues In 2003, particleboard and hardboard. One plant softwood logs. structural plywood from produced Ballarat and Benalla, and a plant at Myrtleford veneers. also produced Imports of dressed coniferous coniferous Imports of dressed sawnwood broadleaved Imports of dressed sawnwood Table 6.6 (continued) 6.6 Table to Victoria between 2000/01 and 2002/03 products Imports of specific timber TYPE ROUGHSAWN TOTAL TIMBERS -IMPORTED UNIT 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 6 134
DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 135 Further Reading and Wood (2003). Australian Forest Economics (ABARE) and Resource of Agricultural Australian Bureau 2003. and June Quarters March Statistics. Product Victorian State Our Future. Our Forests (DNRE) (2002). and Environment Resources Department of Natural 08/07/2005). (Accessed Government Policy Statement. View at: www.dse.vic.gov.au Report No. 32. Australian Products. Forest to Australia’s (1993). Adding Further Value Industry Commission Government p. 55. Publishing Service, Canberra. Industry in Victoria. Department of Products Party (1993). The Wood Working Products Victorian Wood Melbourne.Conservation and Natural Resources, VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S 175.4 399.3 657.3 1,232.0 457.1 1,316.5 2,103.2 3,876.8 400.9 855.6 1,897.9 3,154.3
Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits While concise figures are available on the value of wood sourced from Victoria’s State forests, it has not State forests, Victoria’s from available on the value of wood sourced are While concise figures Report, therefore, and plantation. This forest for private native been possible to locate statewide figures (FMA) as an example. Management Area North East Forest data on the timber industry in Victoria’s presents goods to the value the plantation softwood sector in the North East FMA produced 6.8). Overall (SeeTable of $209.3 million in 2000/01. Turnover ($ million) of wood and paper businesses in Victoria in 1994/95 and 1999/2000 Turnover PROCESSING ACTIVITYLog sawmilling & timber dressing manufacturing Other wood product Paper & paper products Total * 1994-1995 not collected in 1994-95. Data on value-added were ABS (2001), ABARE (1997; 2001; 2002). Source: 1999-2000 1999-2000* VALUE-ADDED Indicator 6.1d of regional as a percentage production of wood and non-wood products Value value of production. Rationale: economies. industries to regional of the contribution of the forest a useful measure This indicator would be industries had an annual turnover $540 forest of approximately native In 2001, it was estimated Victoria’s $1.8 4,000 people. The output of these industries contributed around employed over million and directly an estimate of business turnover6.7 provides billion to the Victorian economy in 1999 (DNRE, 2001). Table was industries in Victoria Overall there in 1994/95 and 1999/2000. and softwood processing for hardwood the period. over increase a strong 6.7 Table Value of forest products of forest Value 6 136
Coverage Currency Frequency DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 137 1.8 1.6 1.8 1.6 8.7 4.1 4.0 50.5 93.0 36.3 38.1 55.6 20.3 93.0 26.0 38.1 25.0 67.1 276.4 146.9 209.3 ($ MILLION) SAWMILLS ($ MILLION) SAWMILLS MILL-DOOR VALUE OF PRODUCTION MILL-DOOR VALUE Sub-total Sawmilling in area Sawmilling outside area Export of woodchips Sub-total Sawmilling in area Sawmilling outside area in area production Panel board in area Roundwood preservation Pulp/paper outside area Export of woodchips Export of logs Sawn timber Sawmill residues Total Sawn timber Sawmill residues* Mill-door value of panel products timbers Mill-door value of preservation (2002). (2002). et al. et al. All logs produced in the area will be transported by firms located in the area. will be transported in the area All logs produced will be transported by firms located in the area. of primary industries in the area All products will be transported by firms from for processing ‘imported’ into the area All logs or timber products outside the area. log from derived by the area harvesting and log carting are production No benefits, apart from or export operations located outside the area. processing Hardwood Native forest * used for manufacturing panel board. residue Excludes Wareing Source: 6.9 assume that: 6.8 and Table in Table It is important to note that the data presented • • • • Total Total SECTORSoftwood PRODUCT OF GOODS PRODUCED BY MILL-DOOR VALUE Table 6.9 shows the mill-door value of the softwood and hardwood processing in the North East FMA. processing 6.9 shows the mill-door value of the softwood and hardwood Table in 2000/01. within this Area of plantation softwood was processed $147 million worth Approximately 6.9 Table in North East Victoria, 2000/01 primary processing ($ million) of softwood and hardwood Value Total Wareing Source:
SECTORSoftwood plantations PROCESSING ACTIVITY Table 6.8 Table East Victoria, industries in North 2000/01 and log-processing timber production Mill-door ($million) of VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S
Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics (ABARE) (2002). Australian Forest and Wood and Wood (ABARE) (2002). Australian Forest Economics and Resource of Agriculture Australian Bureau Sept and December Quarters 2001. Statistics, Products of Industry VictoriaABARE (2001). Manufacturing Australian Bureau 1999-2000. Catalogue No. 8221.2, Statistics, Canberra. 1996. ABARE, Statistics, Sept and December Quarters Products and Wood Forest ABARE (1997). Australian Canberra. Timber (DNRE) (2001). and Environment Paper. Pricing Review Discussion Resources Department of Natural Jaakko Poyry Consulting. R. (2002). The Timber Industry in North East M., Carruthers, G., and Baker, K., Pigdon, B., Poynter, Wareing, Consulting Pty Ltd. Victoria. Assessment. Prospect A socio economic Further Reading 6 138
DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution Coverage Currency Frequency 139 Further Reading Manufacture of Production, Credentials K. (2001). The Environmental England, J. and Whittaker, Attiwill, P., – Australia. Fisheries and Forestry for Agriculture, in Australia: A Report Prepared Fibre and Re-use of Wood The University of Melbourne, Melbourne. Australian Paper Industry Council (2003). Statistics for 2002/03. of Rural Sciences, Report 2003. Bureau State of the Forests Inventory (2003). Australia’s National Forest Canberra. Rationale: occurs. products of forest or reuse the extent to which recycling This indicator identifies the volume of solid waste for reduces base, resource forest conserves Victoria’s products Recycling forest gas emissions. greenhouse land-fill, and can help reduce and a change programs, kerbside collection in Victoria. Improved product forest Paper is the main recycled in Victoria. Timber rates of recycling waste is increased in community attitudes have contributed to to a much lesser extent. recycled however, for so too does the opportunity increases, products forest As the domestic and worldwide demand for with The Victorian Governmentin the Victorian community, recycling. actively encouraged recycling has industries in 2002/03. During this period, paper recycling capital investments of $1.5 billion dollars in industries (Australian Paper Industry Council, 2003). Victoria 2,450 individuals in paper recycling employed 23 per cent of timber waste generated by MelbourneIn 2001, approximately was recycled industries of specialist furniture 2003). Recycled timber is used by a number Inventory, (National Forest or reused is limited, these companies appear to have identified a niche companies. While information on the market wood inputs as a major selling point. Recycled timber for woodcarving and other market, using recycled amongst artisans. art is also very popular related Recycling Indicator 6.1e products. of forest of recycling Degree VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S ) are the only ) are Tree Fern Tree Indicator 6.1b. , which prescribes measures for measures , which prescribes Dicksonia antarctica ) and Soft Tree Fern ( ) and Soft Tree Tree Fern Management Plan Tree permit is required for all commercial tree fern tree harvests and for non- for all commercial permit is required Cyathea australis
contains management prescriptions, guidelines and directions to achieve sustainability. to achieve sustainability. guidelines and directions contains management prescriptions, Value and quantities of production of non-wood products are captured in captured are of non-wood products and quantities of production Value
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act two species available for harvesting). A harvests located in critical habitat. commercial DSE. available from are fernsAll tree Tags must be tagged up to and including the point of sale. Restricting commercial harvesting to sites of low conservation significance. Restricting commercial fern harvesting of significant tree with the exemption of some salvaging species, commercial Prohibiting Fern ( operations. (Rough Tree Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) (2001) Victorian Tree-fern Management Plan Management (DNRE) (2001) Victorian Tree-fern and Environment Department of Natural Resources December 2001. Further Reading Case study: Tree fernVictoria harvesting in Case study: Tree the State’s from sourced fern a good example of a common non-wood product provides tree industry Victoria’s in the moist gullies under the canopies of eucalypts. forests Victoria’s These ferns found throughout forests. are public land, from to be removed Victorian Government ferns forests native policy does not permit tree from In 2001, the Department of Natural such as roadlines. being permanently cleared, areas other than from (now DSE) developed a and Environment Resources Indicator 6.1f of non-wood products. Supply and consumption/use Rationale: non-wood products. derive socio-economic benefits from can region Communities within a Many products limited. in Victoria are products and demand of non-wood forest Data available on the supply to it difficult This makes aggregated. are so the figures outside forests, environments in also produced are fully described in is more products of non-timber forest specific information. The annual removal separate forest Indicator 2.1e. Non-wood supply and consumption Non-wood supply • • the sustainable use of wild-harvested tree ferns,the sustainable use of wild-harvested tree being private land. with the main focus fernOn private land, a target for tree harvesting has not been calculated. However the Management Plan contained within this Plan include: Some examples of the directions • • 6 140
Coverage Currency Frequency DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 141 considers the number, range and use of recreational and tourism activities available in a and range and use of recreational considers the number, and tourism which are sites available for recreation of forest considers the proportion considers the area and percentage of forest land available for general recreation and available for general recreation land of forest and percentage considers the area considers the number of visits to State forests each year. considers the number of visits to State forests 6.2 Recreation and tourism 6.2 Recreation in a and tourism of opportunities for recreation range a broad managed to provide are forests Victoria’s to significant infrastructure high visitation sites with opportunities range from varity of settings. These the intrusion of the modern where sites, to a walking track and cleared day may be largely limited remote estate, generally in a less an important part of the public recreation provide forests space for camping. State be concentrated in a small tends to in parks. Recreation to that offered setting developed and less crowded is provided. infrastructure sites and trails where around usually area, total forested of the State’s proportion as bushwalking, picnicking and opportunities to parks such many similar recreational Whilst providing opportunities that range of recreational also importantly cater for a broader State forests camping, Victoria’s as horse riding and trail bike riding. Sporting bodies such for elsewhere, not catered may be limited or are mountain biking, and hunting. car rallies, for events, such as rogaining, also use State forests tourism, with the capacity for also make an important contribution to nature-based State forests Victoria’s tour operations. in commercial further growth in this Section: four indicators are There Indicator 6.2a tourism. Indicator 6.2b given region. Indicator 6.2c Indicator 6.2d impacted unacceptably by visitors. VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S Chapter Six Maintenance and enhancement of long term multiple socio-economic 6benefits to meet the needs of societies
Coverage Forests for recreation and tourism
Currency Indicator 6.2a Area and percentage of forest land available for general recreation and tourism. Frequency
Rationale: The indicator provides information on access for recreational and tourism uses of forests. It also provides a fairly coarse measure of the extent to which forest management is providing for the recreational needs of the community.
Government policy decisions determine the area of forest available for recreation and tourism in Victoria, and the types of activities permitted. Where management plans are in place, detailed guidelines are usually specified regarding the types of visitor opportunities that will be provided, the recreation and tourism activities that will be permitted (or prohibited) and the conditions of use.
In 2002, the Victorian Government released its policy for Sustainable Recreation & Tourism on Victoria’s Public Land. This policy provides a basis for coordination between the Government and its public land management agencies such as DSE, Parks Victoria and Committees of Management for Crown land reserves. It applies to all public land in Victoria, and sets out desired outcomes and approaches for managing recreation and tourism.
Table 6.10 clearly defines forested areas in Victoria that are managed for recreational purposes. Nature conservation areas include national parks, such as the Grampians, Wilsons Promontory, Little Desert and Alpine National Parks. Recreational pursuits are not permitted in three per cent of this area, as it is set aside for water catchment protection and reference areas. Multiple-use forests (State forests), usually contain networks of roads and tracks which are suitable for four-wheel drive access, but offer limited access for standard vehicles. This type of forest is also a ‘working forest’, where timber harvesting operations and recreational activities are not permitted in the same area. Prescribed burning programs and severe weather events may also limit access to areas within forests. In these cases, some areas may be temporarily closed.
Table 6.10 DRAFT – Not for further distribution
Area and percent of forests managed for general recreation and tourism in Victoria in 2000
DATA TYPE * MULTIPLE - NATURE CONSERVATION OTHER CROWN LAND PRIVATE LAND USE FORESTS RESERVES
Area (ha) 663,450 2,956,950 103,850 13,150
Percentage of total forest 20% 97% 50% 1%
* Multiple use forests – areas that are actively managed for recreation assessed.
Source: National Forest Inventory (2003).
Further Reading Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) (2002). Sustainable Recreation & Tourism on Victoria’s Public Land. State Government of Victoria.
Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). Forest Management Plans. View at www.dse.vic.gov. au (Accessed 08/07/2005).
National Forest Inventory (2003). Australia’s State of the Forests Report 2003. Bureau of Rural Sciences, Canberra.
142 VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT
Visitor activities Coverage
Indicator 6.2b Currency Number, range and use of recreational/tourism activities available in a given region. Frequency
Rationale: This indicator is useful because it provides information on the diversity of recreation opportunities across the state.
Victoria’s State forests offer a variety of recreational opportunities, ranging from scenic drives to hang- gliding. A range of specific activities may be actively catered for at a single site, including picnicking and camping. Victoria’s State forests allow greater access for four-wheel driving, mountain-bike riding, horse riding, dog walking and mineral prospecting than national parks. Nature study, bushwalking and sightseeing are popular recreation and tourism activities in Victoria’s national parks. Figure 6.5 provides a breakdown of the types of activities carried out in Victoria’s State forests. Many activities require little in the way of infrastructure, except for roads to access the required sites.
Figure 6.5
Recreational activities in State forests in Victoria (1995)
Picnics and swimming 14% Walking 9% Camping 9% Boating 3% Fishing 8% Rafting 4% 4WD and trail bike rides 14% Forest drives 8%
Firewood collecting 3% DRAFT – Not for further distribution Hunting introduced animals 5% Nature watching 8% Other 8% Horse riding 7%
Source: Read Sturgess and Associates (1995).
DSE has a Recreation Facilities Database Project underway, which is recording all recreation infrastructure in Victoria’s State forests, its location, condition, and the management actions required to maintain public safety. It is estimated there are more than 350 recreation sites (day-visitor areas and camping grounds) and 135 recreation tracks within our State forests. Over 4 million day visitors enjoy these recreation facilities each year. For more information relating to Victoria’s national parks, please refer to the State of the Parks Report 2000.
Tour operators also provide a range of nature-based activities for visitors to Victoria’s forests. These operators require a licence to operate on public land and are managed by Parks Victoria using the Tour Operator Management System.Table 6.11 provides an estimate of the activities that DSE actively promoted in State forests during 2003. As discussed above, this database is currently being finalised and is due for completion in 2006.
143 6 7 4 8 1 0 8 1 5 3 0 8 9 30 20 15 53 51 14 300 125 280 135 320 NUMBER^ e camping ying (refer ying (refer ed better Sites Sites Sites Sites Sites Tracks Tracks Tracks Tracks Tracks Tracks Tracks Sites Sites Sites Sites Sites †
and picnicking are both promoted). and picnicking are section “Recreational fishing in Victorian forests”). Sites listed are actively promoted as the fishing experience is consider actively promoted Sites listed are fishing in Victorian forests”). section “Recreational locations. to other State forest compared RECREATIONAL FACILITY RECREATIONAL Short trails (<1 hr) Medium trails (1-4 hrs) Day trails (>4 hrs) Overnight Trails Multiple days Trails number of trails Total sites^^ number of recreation Total Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits ^ Each facility is only counted once. † mountain biking, four wheel driving etc 6.12 above eg walking, as detailed in Table activities Trail hang gliding etc. 6.12 above eg camping, picnicking, detailed is Table are Site activities ^ ^ * can occur on a single track or site (eg. at a single sit than once as multiple activity groups The number may be counted more The number of State forests. facilities available in Victoria’s of the recreational 6.12 lists an estimate Table cent of the State being assessed at low at this stage due to only 70 per is relatively walking trails recorded the time data was collected. 6.12 Table (2003) State forests facilities in Victoria’s Recreational Wildlife Watching Camping Caravaning Cultural Heritage Study** Fishing*** Fossicking Hang Gliding Paddling Picnicking Rock Climbing ** Indigenous and European Includes appl and guidelines restrictions waterways, with several exclusions, fishing can be undertaken in most forested ***Recreational Number of sites focused on particular recreation/tourism activities in Victoria’s State forests in State forests activities in Victoria’s on particular recreation/tourism Number of sites focused (2003) that DSE actively promotes ACTIVITY GROUPFour Wheel Driving Mountain Biking Horse Riding Scenic Drive Bike Riding Trail Walking Dog Walking MEASURE NUMBER* Table 6.11 Table Source: Recreational Facilities Database, DSE. Recreational Source: 6 144
DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 145 50 35 790 252 811 204 TOTAL 1,100 1,042 0 6 1 1 19 29 29 11 NATURE NATURE RESERVES CONSERVATION CONSERVATION 4 2 66 88 23 45 15 111 PARKS REGIONAL 7 8 34 36 175 142 176 124 STATE STATE PARKS 38 24 726 631 147 840 531 195 PARKS Further Reading on & Tourism (DNRE) (2002). Sustainable Recreation and Environment Department of Natural Resources State Government Public Land. of Victoria. Victoria’s Viewed at: page ‘Visiting State forests’. (DSE) recreation Department of Sustainability and Environment (Accessed 08/07/2005). www.dse.vic.gov.au (Accessed 08/07/2005). Parks Victoria (2003). View at: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au for the a report State Forest, Use of Victoria’s Read Sturgess and Associates (1995). Recreational (Unpublished). Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Medium walks (3-8 km) Day trails (8-12 km) Overnight trails (>12 km) walks Total Parks Victoria (2003). Source: Day visitor areas Camp grounds sites recreational Total Short walks (<3 km) Recreational facilities throughout Victoria’s park system (2003) park system Victoria’s facilities throughout Recreational FACILITY NATIONAL Table 6.13 lists the recreational facilities available in Victoria’s forests managed by Parks Victoria. These forests facilities available in Victoria’s 6.13 lists the recreational Table to large population to their proximity focus on visitor management due to have a greater tend forests to visitor demands, the number and In response of popular natural features. the presence and/or centres managed by Parks Victoria. forests in facilities tend to be greater range of recreational 6.13 Table VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S
Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits Indicator 6.2c per annum. Number of visits Rationale: use and the of the level of overall recreation an indication because it provides The indicator is useful and tourism. recreation in determining the sustainability of demand. It is a key variable have multiple because most forests the number of visitors to Victoria’s and costly to measure It is difficult them. In addition, the pattern entry points, and visitor use is dispersed throughout of visitor use varies weekends, holiday periods, and seasons. The type of support facilities between weekdays, tremendously visit includes an overnight significantly when a stay. impacts increase of the visitor-related and the nature visits than lesser more receive to the general community promoted well signposted and Sites that are known sites. of actual counts and mixture a are used for monitoring visitor numbers in forests Methods currently due to the cost monitored is not regularly days in State forests estimates. The number of visitors or visitor possible, data have been collected by activity type (such as often used. Where involved, so estimates are State forests. all of Victoria’s across hiking and camping) and reported in each Forest State forests to Victoria’s estimated numbers of visitor days/nights 6.14 provides Table recreation (FMA) for 1995/96. It is estimated over four million day visitors enjoy these Management Area Facilities Database to provide developing the Recreation DSE is currently each year. facilities in State forests public to maintain to location, condition and the management actions required uniform information related the public through facilities. The database will be accessible to the general safety when using recreation experiences, including maps opportunities for people to plan their recreational DSE website. It will provide they wish to visit. of the areas in national parks, State parks and other parks and visit forests an estimated 16.8 million people Every year, 26.7 approximately to grows Victoria this figure Across within the Melbourne area. gardens Metropolitan million (Parks Victoria, 2003). outdoor the State’s stakeholders involved in (ORC) represents Centre Outdoor Recreation Victoria’s some 285,000 represented In 1999, the ORC estimated that its financial members, who industry. recreation Victoria. club and organisation members, spent in excess of $100 million on their activities throughout members of a formal club or are participants The ORC estimates only 10 per cent of outdoor recreation outdoor association, suggesting that as many as 2.8 million Victorians could participate in one or more basis, spending close to $1 billion dollars each year (DNRE, 2002). activities on a regular recreation Visitor numbers 6 146
Coverage Currency Frequency DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 147 34,465 259,377 977,630 362,208 119,438 320,525 195,690 110,253 161,390 606,236 126,392 470,489 1,776,927 5,845,226 3,055,756 14,422,000 . VISITOR DAYS 2000/1# VISITOR DAYS CONSERVATION RESERVES: RESERVES: CONSERVATION † 40,000 55,000 70,000 193,000 156,000 209,000 140,000 198,000 125,000 587,000 233,000 644,000 318,000 405,000 162,000 North-East Forest Management Area Profile 3,535,000 DAYS/NIGHTS 1995/6 DAYS/NIGHTS STATE FORESTS: ESTIMATED VISITOR FORESTS: ESTIMATED STATE Recreational data on Wangaratta and Wodonga FMAs are presented in the in presented FMAs are and Wodonga data on Wangaratta Recreational ** to be an underestimate. known figure Otway † Read Sturgess and Associates (1995). Source: # Parks Victoria Visitor Statistics 2000/01. Source. Further Reading for the a report State Forest, Use of Victoria’s Read Sturgess and Associates (1995). Recreational (Unpublished). Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Parks Victoria Visitor Statistics 2000/01. Parks Victoria home page. View at: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au. (Accessed 07/08/2005). East Gippsland TOTAL * for management purposes. management area forest FMAs have been amalgamated into one North-East and Wodonga Wangaratta Otway** Portland Horsham Tambo Central Gippsland Dandenong Mid Murray Mildura Midlands Bendigo FMA Benalla Mansfield Wangaratta* Wodonga* Central Table 6.14 Table Management by Forest and Conservation Reserves to State forest Estimated visitor days/nights in Victoria (FMA) Area VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S 5% 13% 11% 48% 23% (NO.= 100) MIDLANDS 13% 10% 10% 35% 32% OTWAY OTWAY (NO.= 100) Victoria’s State of the Victoria’s 7% 8% 15% 53% 17% (NO.= 200) MELBOURNE
for more information on these nodes). information on these for more
Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits Overall perception of how Victoria’s State forests are being managed (2002) are State forests of how Victoria’s Overall perception OVERALL PERCEPTION OF HOW VICTORIA’S FORESTS ARE BEING MANAGED STATE well Very Fairly well Not too well Not well at all opinion Unsure/No (2002). TQA Research Source: Indicator 6.2d impacted and tourism, which are sites available for recreation of forests Proportion visitors. unacceptably by Rationale: experiencing that are used for recreation sites being of forest measure a broad This indicator provides impact. visitor extreme with For example, areas managed for a range of values that occasionally clash. are State forests Victoria’s visitors, as these level of impact from an unacceptable suffer a high conservation or natural value often and tourism. Symptoms of unacceptable visitor impact most popular for recreation at times the are areas compaction, and/or stream erosion, vegetation cover, can include site degradation, loss of significant balance these different all used to plans are and management sedimentation. Zoning systems, land tenures values. forest day walks Of the range of visitor activities in forests, usually localised. visitor impacts are areas, In forested certain species. At some sites, vegetation and threatened overall potential to affect have the greatest communities and habitats. vegetation affect activities, such as horse riding, continue to formal, on-site is determined annually through multiple-use State forests Visitor impact in Victoria’s with monitoring undertaken, in tandem with other inspections conducted by DSE field combined that visitors have an unacceptable impact on approximately management activities. It has been determined Parks Victoria (which manages multiple-use forests. sites located in Victoria’s nine per cent of recreational visitor days, to assess visitor numbers, also has an annual monitoring program conservation reserves) nature assessed to identify parks under the of visitor use is broadly impact and potential impact. The distribution potential impact. of greatest areas then assessed to identify the visitors. These are from pressure greatest as either sites (destination nodes) or tracks (transit nodes) (see classified are Areas Unacceptable visitor impacts Unacceptable visitor Parks Report 2000 from community survey undertaken in 2002 asked respondents An independent Victorian State forest Melbournea series of (200 participants), the Midlands (100 participants) and the Otways (100 participants) management, and the ways in which they spent time of State forest to their perceptions questions relating State forests 6.15, only 17.5 per cent of people surveyed believed Victoria’s As indicated in Table in forests. not well managed. were 6.15 Table 6 148
Coverage Currency Frequency DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 149 Further Reading Parks Victoria Policy and Strategy (2000). State of the Parks Report 2000. The Parks system. National Parks Group. Management Division. Creative for the a report Forest, State of Victoria’s Use Read Sturgess and Associates (1995). Recreational (Unpublished). Department of Conservation and Natural Resources of Key Outcomes 2. Presentation Community Survey – Wave (2002). Victorian State Forests TQA Research Unpublished. Internal Environment. and Report to the Department of Natural Resources – Final Version. Evidence of visitor impacts on State forests includes erosion, trampling, compaction of root systems and compaction of root trampling, includes erosion, on State forests Evidence of visitor impacts species have also been observed. Visitor impacts on threatened for firewood. of trees damage or removal leaving nests following (eg. birds impacts include changes in animal behaviour For example, potential Despite this, little of plants. and damage to or removal of sightings, in the frequency disturbance), changes multiple- associated with Victoria’s impacts of visitors on the natural values to the actual relating research was available in 2003. reserves conservation and nature use State forests include strategic State forests impacts in Victoria’s strategies to avoid or minimise unacceptable Preventative and tourism strategies), use of the recreation Management Plans and area-specific planning (using Forest public education, site planning, facility provisions), (which guides appropriate Levels of Service framework managed by Parks conservation reserves employed in nature Similar strategies are and enforcement. Victoria. VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S
considers the Rates of Return on Investment. considers the level of expenditure on research and development. and on research considers the level of expenditure considers the value of investment in Victoria’s forest sector. sector. forest considers the value of investment in Victoria’s considers the extension and use of new and improved technologies. improved considers the extension and use of new and
Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits This Section examines the economics of investing in Victoria’s forest sector, as well as the importance of as well as the sector, forest the economics of investing in Victoria’s This Section examines plantation sector has grown and education. The State’s and development, new technologies research research Forest-related investment. foreign past decade, attracting new domestic and considerably over the marginally. has increased and plantations, in Victoria, native forests for both and development expenditure operations to become more technologies have allowed forestry and improved At the same time, new sustainable. while ensuring these activities are timber resource use of the and permitted greater efficient, four indicators used in this Section: are There Indicator 6.3a Indicator 6.3b Indicator 6.3c Indicator 6.4d 6.3 Investment in the forest sector in the forest 6.3 Investment 6 150
DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution Coverage Currency Frequency 151 19,129 87,842 70,904 138,818 48,500 16,000 34,500 96,400 ACTUAL EXPENDITURE ($) '000 n/a n/a 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 50,200 14,300 Approximately 2,600 fire-trained staff, including fire fighters, aircraft specialists and support staff. fighters, aircraft including fire staff, 2,600 fire-trained Approximately operations and coordination. that work in planning, prevention, management staff 75 full-time fire season. fighters employed during each fire 600–800 full-time seasonal fire of water. drive vehicles, each holding 400 litres 350 special four-wheel tankers. drive fire 81 four-wheel Fire, Prevention and Planning Prevention Fire, from Victorian forests dedicated to protecting The Victorian Government and resources significant staff has At June 2003, DSE had: wildfires. • • • • • Fire operations includes expenditure on fuel reduction burns, and expenditure for wildfire control. The large control. burns, for wildfire on fuel reduction and expenditure operations includes expenditure Fire the Alpine and Big and rehabilitating of controlling result for the 2002/03 period is a direct expenditure training costs associated with employing between 600 and planning includes prevention Fire Desert fires. plans. and response readiness the completion of fire and and 800 seasonal firefighters, including DSE, DPI and Parks Victoria attended 857 wildfires, from season, crews During the 2002/03 fire significantly exceeding parks and forests, burnt of Victoria’s Fires nearly 1.2 million hectares eight in NSW. burning 117,000 hectares. the 20-year average of 621 fires, around Sustainable Forest Production and Industry Development Production Sustainable Forest DSE (2003). Source: Operations Fire PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES Operations Fire Planning and Prevention Fire Management Services Sustainable Forest Performance measures for Department of Sustainability and Environment, 2000/2001 to 2002/03 for Department of Sustainability and Environment, Performance measures Rationale: management, further commitment to forest indication of the long-term and short-term an Provides uses. and other forest processing depends on in the future meet its own demand for wood and non-wood products ability to Victoria’s over industries. During the 1990’s, and its continued investment in forest its sustainable use of forests initiatives in Victoria. This included the and wood processing $680 million was invested in new forest in the Victorian of the Governmentestablishment of new plantations, the purchase resources plantation facilities. Specific in new equipment for wood processing east and north east of the State, and investment to private industry investment was not available for this Report. information related for 2002/03 (inputs) for key performance categories in DSE. The figures expenditure 6.16 provides Table information about each category is below. More Alpine fires. highlight the impacts of the Big Desert and 6.16 Table Value of investment Value Indicator 6.3a health and forest growing, in forest of investment, including investment Value tourism. and recreation wood processing, forests, management, planted VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S was implemented with initiative, resulted in the closure of around 30 of around in the closure initiative, resulted Voluntary Licence Reduction Program (VLRP) Voluntary Our Forests, Our Future
31 first-attack bulldozers. as needed. hired are additional resources 6 large bulldozers, and jointly managed with the CFA. which are aircraft, 23 specialised contracted Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits Further Reading Victorian State Our Future. (DNRE) (2002). Our Forests and Environment Department of Natural Resources (Accessed 08/07/2005). Government Policy Statement. View at: www.dse.vic.gov.au (DSE) (2003). Annual Report 2003. View at www.dse.vic.gov. Department of Sustainability and Environment au (Accessed 08/07/2005). Management Plans. View www.dse.vic.gov.au at Forest Department of Sustainability and Environment. (Accessed 08/07/2005). Sustainable Forest Production and Industry Development Production Sustainable Forest In 2003, the Victorian Government’s Sustainable Forest Management Services Sustainable Forest Plans forests. management of Victoria’s 10-year blueprints for the sustainable Management Plans are Forest on the Gippsland and Mildura Forest Victoria. Work the 14 FMAs across being developed for each of are while substantial community consultation was undertaken on Management Plans was completed in 2003, also consistent with each of the five Regional Forest They are those for Portland; Horsham and Bendigo. 20-year plans for the conservation and sustainable Victoria, which are in place across (RFAs) Agreements native public forests. management of Australia’s In 2003, it established a trial of community of fronts. DSE works with the community on a number and the community determined management direction near Ballarat, where Forest in the Wombat forestry implementation in conjunction with land managers. such as walking facilities new or upgraded recreational DSE also worked with the community to deliver upgrades, including platforms. A number of sites received tracks, car parks, camping facilities and viewing Falls near Noojee, Marriners Falls and Sabine Falls near Apollo Toorongo Trail, the Gippsland Lakes Tramway Ranges. Bay as well as Lake Elizabeth in the Otway 40 sawlog licences to be handed back. Overall, prompting Taskforce, the Industry Transition assistance from target. The VLRP, bought back in 2003, exceeding the program of sawlogs were 265,000 cubic metres part of the Victorian Government’s sawmills across the State in the Portland, Midlands, Tambo, Dandenong, Central Gippsland, East Gippsland Dandenong, Central Gippsland, East the State in the Portland, Midlands, Tambo, sawmills across and the North East FMAs. Government to the timber industry to help transition assistance was provided for employment. other opportunities and provide their workforce • • • detection networks, such as works in Victoria included maintaining fire prevention 2003, fire Throughout plans, and response readiness agreed to meet standby rosters staff preparing and local offices, towers fire seasonal risk. personnel to meet the projected 2,600 fire and training and equipping Bendigo, North East and Port plans for the Portland-Horsham, protection fire of During 2003, major reviews local the CFA, in consultation with land managers, conducted (FMAs) were Management Areas Phillip Forest to support and infrastructure communication networks Existing fire and the community. groups interest Authorities Council upgraded and maintained. DSE joined the Australasian Fire operations were fire to securing $20 million in management organisations in a partnership approach and other national fire for Bushfires. Commonwealth Government Centre funding for a National Cooperative Research 6 152
DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution Coverage Currency Frequency 153 2 500 2,000 4,500 ($‘000) 2000-01 2,300 1,900 4,200 ($‘000) 1999-2000 2,100 1,800 3,900 ($‘000) 1998-99 2,000 1,600 3,600 ($‘000) 1997-98 1,900 1,400 3,300 ($‘000) 1996-97 1,800 1,200 3,000 ($‘000) R&D EXPENDITURE* on native forests Research 1995-96 Expenditure on research and development in Victoria between 1995 and 2001 on research Expenditure Rationale: and development. research on forest-related of the level of expenditure a measure This indicator provides regional is a leading Science Centre) (formerly the Forest and Ecosystem Science School of Forest Victoria’s carbon to investigate issues such as salinity, scientific methods It applies rigorous agency. research forest sustainable native and softwood plantations for sawlogs and fibre, hardwood sequestration, farm forestry, School is a joint initiative of DSE and The ecology and management. The management, and fire forest and teaching facilities. University of Melbourne, world class research with over $5 million invested to ensure opportunities, as well as basic and applied research. undergraduate and postgraduate It offers program scientific (ARI) also delivers aspects of DSE’s The Arthur Rylah Research Institute for Environmental and monitoring, and technical services. Based at Heidelberg, the ARI was established survey via research, Its main focus is by the Victorian Government for applied ecological research. in 1970 as a leading centre land management sustainable and management advice on environmentally strategic research to provide from The annual budget of the institute is $6 million, which is primarily sourced policies. and resource-use this and development has not been assessed at research on forest outside DSE. Private industry expenditure stage. forest to sustainable relating and development expenditure research 6.17 shows that DSE’s Table steadily between 1995 and 2001. management increased 6.17 Table Research and development expenditure Research Indicator 6.3b and development. on research Level of expenditure VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S Research on plantations Research * Data provided for Expenditure on Research and Development was extracted from the Forest Science Centre’s funding budgets. Science Centre’s the Forest and Development was extracted from on Research for Expenditure * Data provided Further Reading (DSE) (2003) Annual Report 2003. View at www.dse.vic.gov. Department of Sustainability and Environment au (Accessed 08/07/2005). of Rural Sciences, Report 2003. Bureau State of the Forests Inventory (2003). Australia’s National Forest Canberra. (Accessed and Ecosystem Science. View at: www.forestscience.unimelb.edu.au School of Forest 08/07/2005). Total (cotinued over page) Improves safety in the workplace, in both mill and field operations. Improves information management and demonstrates Allows for improved activities. management in forest continual improvement and the service to hardwood provides Science Centre Forest softwood plantation growers. Minimises soil disturbance. Reduces sediment loading into streams. loading into streams. Minimises soil disturbance. Reduces sediment of wet weather and Enables harvesting to continue during periods winter period. Increases can extend the harvesting season into the flexibility in harvesting operations. operations. of harvesting productivity safety and increased Improved with snig tracks. Reduces soil compaction and disturbance associated volume current forest, of productive in data on area Improvements in timber volume. and growth techniques in aerial assessment of eucalypt flowering, Improved the combined with monitoring / trapping sites, has improved capabilities of identifying the location of potential seed predicative assessment and Less time is spent conducting on-ground crops. locating seed crops. with plants that regenerate of vegetation (predominantly Small areas ferns) designated such as tree within a coupe are vegetatively, within the able to be felled are zones. Trees machinery-free islands, but mechanical disturbance, particularly understorey disturbance to soil, is minimised.
Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits Understorey islands Understorey in use of safety Increase management systems Management System Environmental (EMS) Foliage nutrient analysis Mechanical harvesting Shovel logging (data Inventory improvements collection, modelling and analysis) Seed assessment New and improved technologies adopted by DSE between 1998 and 2003 New and improved NAME OF TECHNOLOGY and matting Cording IT DOES EXPECTED CONTRIBUTION OR WHAT Indicator 6.3c technologies. of new and improved Extension and use Rationale: industries and in forest-based management in forest continuous improvement This is an indicator of use. the sustainability of forest to relevant on continual relies purposes sustainably for production State forests The goal of managing Victoria’s and in developing and adopting new technologies to allow for more in management skills, improvement and use of technologies is a useful indicator of progress use. Identifying the growth resource efficient School 6.18 lists new technologies adopted by DSE, or investigated by the Table management. in forest to Ecosystem Science between 1998 and 2003, and describes their expected contributions and of Forest management in terms of their operational applicability. sustainable forest industry. new technology for the plantation and native forestry Private industry also invests significantly in available for this Report. data were no comprehensive However, 6.18 Table New technologies New technologies 6 154
Coverage Currency Frequency DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 155 Can assist in lowering water table and to reduce the effects of of effects the water table and to reduce Can assist in lowering a wood product. Can utilise saline water to produce salinity. species in the genetic material used for plantation Improvements growth in desirable characteristics, such as increased have resulted financially more have made plantations a rate. These improvements attractive option for farmers. analytical capabilities. Rapid Use of GPS and GIS has increased accessibility to times. Increased communication response information. (Eucalyptus Further Reading 2003. View (DSE) (2003). Annual Report at www.dse.vic.gov. Department of Sustainability and Environment au (Accessed 08/07/2005). (Accessed 08/07/2005). View at: www.forestsciencecentre.vic.gov.au Science Centre. DSE (2002). Forest Practices Practices News 2 (4). Forest Forest Wilkinson, of Snig Tracks, G. (2000). Matting and Cording Hobart. Board, Broader adoption and accessibility adoption and accessibility Broader of computer technology and communications * and matting. for cording technologies and have developed prescriptions DSE monitor and establish studies into improved DSE (2002). Source: Development and use of salt-resistant of salt-resistant Development and use eucalypt hybrids plantation species, eg Improved blue gum Tasmanian Table 6.18 (continued) Table 2003 adopted by DSE between 1998 and technologies New and improved NAME OF TECHNOLOGY IT DOES CONTRIBUTION OR WHAT EXPECTED globulus) VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S
Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits * FMA and East Gippsland FMAs. Tambo Includes (sawlog and pulpwood) timber production Total Central Gippsland East Gippsland Funds invested in plantations Ltd. Australian Paper Pty. Hancock VP. per year (1995/96) 1.90 million cubic metres per year (1995/96) 0.45 million cubic metres $250 million (at cost, 1998) Region) LaTrobe ~$134 million (1998, Case Study: Contribution of the Forest Industry to Gippsland’s Industry to Gippsland’s the Forest Case Study: Contribution of Economy industry (including plantations) to contributions of the forest available on the are Few detailed figures Agreements Management Plans and Regional Forest economic development in Gippsland. Forest regional Gippsland provide Catchment Management Strategies for East and West regional coupled with new (RFAs) the following insights. industries value of forest processed Gross Central Gippsland East Gippsland* $600 million per year (1995/96) year (1995/96) $74 million per Indicator 6.3d Rates of Return on Investment Rationale: industries indicates that An acceptable internal and forest-based rate of return on investment in forests to invest in them. enough society values its forests Return industry depends on several factors including site cost, productivity, on investment in the forest a plantation The species used in market price of final products. management and associated costs, and the rates and market prices, and thus the rate of return on an investment. The Internal growth can also affect Rate of Return investment, and over the life of the (IRR) is the rate at which the capital invested grows the IRR is considered opportunities. In the private sector, it allows comparisons between investment disclosed. is not readily and commercial-in-confidence and a licence charge, a roading royalty, is charged a product native forests Timber Victoria’s harvested from returned and licence fees are royalty a specified volume and species entitlement. Product fee that provides is used to fund their construction, maintenance and the charge for roads while to consolidated revenue, networks. road associated with forest other asset replacement sector is an initial financial cost to operators. forestry The acceptance of new technologies in the whether the investment they make in new technology will be Contractors and mill operators need to assess feasible. With and operationally environmentally the automation of milling equipment, many economically, and sawn recovery, log size, improve decreased technology that will address converting to new sawmills are return is achieved. a greater generated. This will ensure in less timber waste being result Return on investment 6 156
Coverage Currency Frequency DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 157 Further Reading Agreement. (2000). Gippsland Regional Forest Australia (AFFA) Fisheries and Forestry Agriculture, Australia. Fisheries and Forestry Agriculture, Australia. Fisheries and Forestry Agriculture, Agreement. (1997). East Gippsland Regional Forest AFFA East Management Plan for Forest (DNRE) (1995). and Environment Resources Department of Natural 08/07/2005). (Accessed on 1995. ViewGippsland - December at: www.dse.vic.gov.au Sciences, of Rural Report 2003. Bureau Forests State of the Australia’s Inventory (2003). National Forest Canberra. (Accessed on 08/07/2005). Plantations North East Incorporated. View at: www.plantationsnortheast.com.au VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S Chapter Six Maintenance and enhancement of long term multiple socio-economic 6benefits to meet the needs of societies 6.4 Cultural, social and spiritual needs and values The social and cultural values offered by Victoria’s forests are generally intangible, as they may be physical and mental experiences. Indigenous people have close ties to their land and forests are an integral part of expressing their cultural, social, religious and spiritual values. For non-Indigenous Australians there are also many places of cultural value located in forest areas. Forests need to be managed to take these into account.
There are three indicators in this Section:
Indicator 6.4a (i) considers the area and percentage of forest which are formally managed to protect people’s cultural, social, religious and spiritual values.
Indicator 6.4a (ii) considers the proportion of places on non-Indigenous cultural value in forests formally managed to protect those values.
Indicator 6.4b considers the non-consumptive use forest values. DRAFT – Not for further distribution
158 VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT
Areas formally managed to protect Indigenous values Coverage
Indicator 6.4a (i) Currency Area and percentage of forest land in defined tenures, management regimes and Frequency zonings which are formally managed in a manner which protect people’s cultural, social, religious and spiritual values, including non-consumptive appreciation of country.
Rationale: To ensure that adequate land is placed appropriately under the range of tenure classifications and/or dedicated management regimes to protect Indigenous peoples’ values associated with forests. These values include access and custodial rights, cultural maintenance and ceremony and education.
Aboriginal people have always used Victoria’s forests as a source of food and shelter. Forest resources were also used for medicines, clothing, tools, weapons, implements, and other items. The activities of Aboriginal people within forests have left behind a legacy of cultural heritage sites that form an important part of Victoria’s cultural heritage. In recent years, there has been increased emphasis on appropriate recognition and management of these sites. Victoria’s Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972 and the Commonwealth’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Heritage Protection Act 1984 work together to assist in the protection and preservation of sites and objects.
Table 6.19 indicates sites that have been identified and recorded during Aboriginal cultural heritage surveys on Victoria’s forested public land.
Table 6.19
Known sites of Aboriginal cultural heritage significance on forested public land in Victoria (2002)
PLACE TYPE NUMBER OF SITES
Aboriginal place 7 Artefact scatter 2,841 DRAFT – Not for further distribution Collection 6 Quarry 28 Fish trap 51 Grinding grooves 7 Hearth 52 Burial 21 Mound 394 Multiple component place 510 Oven* 1 Ring 0 Art site 102 Rock Well 41 Scarred tree 2,628 Shell deposit 438 Sub-surface cultural deposit 17 Soil/pit feature 0 Stone arrangement 18 Stone structure 123 Total 7,285 * A small mound that is the remains of a cooking fire, characterised by fragments of charcoal, bone and clay particles on the surface and further down the soil profile.
Source: McConnell (2002). 159 , 2002). The system et al.
Forest areas that need to be formally managed to protect Indigenous values are identified through identified through are Indigenous values to protect that need to be formally managed areas Forest during the forest Victoria (AAV) communities and Aboriginal Affairs consultation with Aboriginal harvest Proposed (WUP) processes. Utilisation Planning and Wood management management, fire of significant cultural sites and a list of coupes containing sites heritage checked for recorded are areas engages a consultant to work with DSE site is likely to be affected, If a registered heritage is prepared. either by altering the the site, members to decide how to best protect local Aboriginal community artefacts. or relocating boundary, harvesting technique, changing the coupe being developed for State Management Plans are consulted when Forest Aboriginal communities are the through also consulted Plans for national parks. Communities are along with Management forests, lands. on other Crown proposed any activities that are Native Title regarding process on a coupe during harvesting, harvesting is stopped and advice an Indigenous value is identified Where or the local Indigenous community. Liaison Officer either the DSE Indigenous is sought from Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits Aboriginal contacts web page: Aboriginal Affairs Victoria. View at : www.dvc.vic.gov.au (Accessed (Accessed Victoria. View at : www.dvc.vic.gov.au Aboriginal contacts web page: Aboriginal Affairs 08/07/2005). (Accessed 08/07/2005). Victoria. Occasional Reports Series. View at: www.dvc.vic.gov.au Aboriginal Affairs (Accessed 08/07/2005). Aboriginal Heritage Guidelines. View at: www.dvc.vic.gov.au K., and Wickman, S. (2002). Aboriginal Heritage Management in Victorian Forests. McConnell, A., Buckley, Gippsland Gippsland and East Report Vol.3, Draft Project & Environment. Department of Natural Resources Regions. Further Reading Victoria formally manages public forests to protect the cultural, social, religious and spiritual values of social, religious the cultural, to protect Victoria formally manages public forests are of whether they regardless legislative protection afforded Aboriginal places are Indigenous people. All include: Indigenous culture to protect or not. Other processes registered • • • heritage management to assist in the development of an Aboriginal Consultation is an ongoing process better this management system is to provide The objective of State forests. system for Victoria’s such operations starting, prior to forestry values in a forest identification of the range of Aboriginal heritage burning and fuel-reduction construction, timber harvesting (McConnell as road for Aboriginal heritage protection, ability to meet the legislative requirements DSE’s is intended to improve Aboriginal concerns Aboriginal community management activities, and increase address about forest participation in these activities. 6 160
DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution Coverage Currency Frequency 161 5 3 4 48 82 93 99 97 219 508 175 1,372 2,800 1,467 1,428 NUMBER Since 1970, the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) [formerly the Land Conservation Since 1970, the Victorian Environmental management and use of Council (LCC)] has conducted special investigations to examine the protection, historic places on public land in Victoria. These investigations have led to the designation of 160 historic of historic and cultural in Victoria for which the primary land use is the protection (to 2003), reserves located in State forests. were About 105 of these historic reserves features. LAND TENURE Historic places in State forest parks and reserves Historic places in forest Total DSE (2002). Source: Public utilities Recreation Scientific facilities Settlement Transport Forestry and timber industry Forestry Maritime industry Military Mining and Mineral Processing Monuments, memorials and cairns Historic places on public forested land in Victoria, (2001) Historic places on public forested HISTORIC PLACES Cemeteries and burial sites Farming and grazing Rationale: values, such as for non-Indigenous cultural management regimes and monitors This indicator measures and social heritage values. education, aesthetic, historical, research, including sawmill and settlement in Victoria of historic places in forests, has left a rich legacy European paths, bridges, hotel sites and abandoned settlements. These tramway sites, cemeteries, mining sites, bridle delegated managers such as Parks Victoria. through by DSE, or indirectly managed either directly sites are or the International of the Burra Charter, with the principles accordance managed in Historic places are Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). Historic Places in DSE’s have been carried out and recorded Since the early 1980s, surveys of historic places and 1,372 State forests, in Victoria’s recorded were 1,428 historic places database. In 2001, approximately land had not system. Sites on private within the parks and reserves areas in forest historic places recorded historic detail on these historic places. Of the total recorded more 6.20 provides been fully assessed. Table places, 165 listed on the Victorian Register in 2001. Heritage 6.20 Table Areas formally managed to protect places of non-Indigenous value places of non-Indigenous formally managed to protect Areas Indicator 6.4a(ii) formally managed cultural value in forests of places of non-Indigenous Proportion those values to protect VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S , National Parks Act 1975 View at: www.dse.vic.gov.au View at: www.dse.vic.gov.au . ) forests along the Murray River, and the Murray River, along ) forests Eucalyptus camaldulensis
Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits Further Reading Historic Places Section. View at: (DSE) (2002). Webpage: Department of Sustainability and Environment 08/07/2005). (Accessed www.dse.vic.gov.au Management Plans Forest Department of Sustainability and Environment. (Accessed 08/07/2005). (Accessed 08/07/2005). Council (VEAC). View Assessment at: www.veac.vic.gov.au Victorian Environmental 08/07/2005). (Accessed Victorian Heritage Register Online. View at: www.doi.vic.gov.au (Accessed 08/07/2005). Victorian Heritage Council. View at: www.heritage.vic.gov.au where those parks and reserves are included in the schedule to the Act. Within included in the are these parks and reserves, those parks and reserves where plans, which may specify management objectives to protect management is guided by park management planning documents also guides the management of historic cultural heritage places. A range of heritage management outcome for a place. They brief strategic documents that specify a desired places. These are Action Plans and Heritage Maintenance Plans. include Heritage Action Statements, Heritage Cultural heritage inventories have been completed for most areas of Victoria. that It is estimated have been completed for most areas Cultural heritage inventories land. In 2003, a gap in on public areas forest 10 per cent of data is available for approximately insufficient gum ( for the red survey information existed Otway Ranges. forested and densely sites in the remote for sawmill and tramway plans address and park management been made in the way that forest have Significant improvements historic places is incorporated into annual on the location and significance of historic heritage. Information burning Utilisation Plans, fuel-reduction plans, and roading Plans, including Wood Management Forest for of places may also be developed plans for historic places or groups plans. Conservation management vulnerable sites. the most significant or of further research, management activities, or as the result in the course of forest New sites discovered forest through protected Historic Places Section for assessment. Significant sites are to DSE’s reported are or heritage management plans, as outlined above. management prescriptions information for these Parks Victoria also maintains an inventory of historic places. Management-related opportunities, and management regime, current historic sites includes their description, condition, System, which can be Asset Management to Parks Victoria’s constraints and risks. This inventory is linked initiate conservation works. and used to record under the protected are reserves Historic places in national parks and conservation 6 162
DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution Coverage Currency Frequency 163 5% 4% 1% 78% 12% (NO.= 100) MIDLANDS 4% 5% 2% 79% 10% OTWAY OTWAY (NO.= 100) 4% 6% 59% 18% 13% (NO.= 200) MELBOURNE was a follow-up to a 1988 benchmark survey, and was conducted and was conducted was a follow-up to a 1988 benchmark survey, . Indicator 6.2b The Victorian community can experience the benefits offered by forests in a number of ways. The following by forests The Victorian community can experience the benefits offered to be exhaustive Victoria. uses in This list is not considered list outlines a range of non-consumptive forest value systems. of forest due to the individual nature • Fossicking • Car touring • Four wheel driving watching • Nature • Picnics bike riding • Trail • Camping • Hang gliding training • Defence force The State forests. An independent survey conducted in 2002 evaluated visitor behaviour in Victoria’s • Orienteering State Forest Community SurveyVictorian drives • Forest State as well as Melbourne in Victoria regarding areas to establish community perceptions in two regional interviewed (200 in Melbourne uses, values and management. In total, 400 people were and 100 forest • Walking • Horse riding asked when they last 6.21 shows when people were Table each in the Otway and Midlands regions). • Car rallies protection • Water Victoria had regional (over 75 per cent) of those from proportion in Victoria, a greater visited a State forest • Photography with 50 per cent of those interviewed in Melbourne.visited in the 12 months, compared 6.21 Table • Swimming • Conservation and protection of biodiversity Thought to have visited in last 12 months, but not sure long ago to recall Too Never visited a State forest (2002). TQA Research Source: Visiting Victoria’s State forests in the 12 months prior to June 2002 State forests Visiting Victoria’s FORESTS % VISITING STATE in the last 12 months Definitely visited a State forest 12 months previously than greater Definitely visited a State forest Rationale: to and is designed place upon forests of values that communities the breadth This indicator recognises and uses such as recreation for non-consumptive areas accessibility and availability of forest the measure aesthetic appreciation. the and measures of values that communities place upon forests, the breadth This indicator recognises conservation, for non-consumptive uses. These uses include areas accessibility and availability of forest This indicator also includes community satisfaction with existing use and and education. recreation cultural and spiritual values, including of non-consumptive and non-use forest opportunities for expression State forests, of community satisfaction in Victoria’s measure values. While we have no comprehensive a basic indication about non-consumptive uses of forests, available that can provide some limited data are in which was provided Non-consumptive use forest values use forest Non-consumptive Indicator 6.4b values. use forest Non –consumptive VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S 0 5% 1% 1% 63% 20% 18% 16% 13% 33% 53% (NO.= 100) (NO.= 100) MIDLANDS MIDLANDS 0 3% 2% 2% 56% 32% 19% 18% 12% 40% 45% OTWAY OTWAY OTWAY OTWAY (NO.= 100) (NO.= 100) 6% 6% 60% 24% 21% 13% 11% 11% 19% 41% 33% (NO.= 200) (NO.= 200) MELBOURNE MELBOURNE
Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits Source: TQA Research (2002). TQA Research Source: by being a partner in provide the values that forests DSE actively encourages the community to appreciate the world for 30 years Day has been celebrated around Forestry Day celebrations. World Forestry World them. The and the many benefits we gain from communities of the importance of forests to remind local the State where carried out throughout and activities are 21 each year, day is celebrated on March and forest understanding of forestry that aim to improve information and organise activities provide staff management. Further Reading Activities in State Notes for Recreational (DSE). Forestry Department of Sustainability and Environment (Accessed 08/07/2005). View at: www.dse.vic.gov.au Forests. of Key Outcomes 2. Presentation Community Survey – Wave (2002). Victorian State Forests TQA Research Internal Unpublished. and Environment. Report to the Department of Natural Resources – Final Version. Time spent in Victorian State forest during previous visit during previous Time spent in Victorian forest State FOREST WHEN LAST VISITED TIME SPENT IN STATE nights One or more Half day / full day trip A few hours / just driving through Never visited a State forest Scenic driving Camping it all / relaxing Getting away from Never Visited a State forest than one or all. could answer to more respondents unprompted, were * responses (2002). TQA Research Source: a Often this activity is combined with to collect firewood. many people visit State forests areas, In regional picnic, barbeque or a scenic drive. by an individual or group. will limit the type of activity undertaken The amount of time spent in a forest spent less than one day in the forest. 6.23 shows that 75 per cent of the survey respondents Table Melbourne. from popular for survey respondents Overnight more visits were 6.23 Table Types of Activity undertaken in Victoria’s State forests State forests of Activity undertaken in Victoria’s Types WHEN LAST VISITED ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN FOREST A VICTORIAN STATE Bushwalking / habitat / wildlife Looked at the environment BBQ / picnic / recreation Table 6.22 represents responses given by interviewees when asked what activity they undertook when they last when asked what activity they undertook given by interviewees responses 6.22 represents Table was the most Bushwalking than one response. more allowed to provide were Respondents visited a State forest. only one respondents, Of regional environment. of the by a general appreciation followed activity, favoured a State forest. had never visited in the Otway region the Midlands and two percent in percent 6.22 Table 6 164
DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 165 considers the viability and adaptability of forest-dependent Indigenous communities. considers the viability and adaptability of forest-dependent considers the viability and adaptability to the changing social and economic conditions of considers the viability and adaptability to the considers average wage rates and injury rates in major forest sector job categories. in major forest considers average wage rates and injury rates considers the area of land available and accessible for Indigenous people to exercise their of land available and accessible for Indigenous people to exercise considers the area considers direct and indirect employment in the forest sector, and forest sector employment sector and forest sector, employment in the forest and indirect considers direct
6.5 Employment and community needs and community 6.5 Employment sector to communities of the forestry the value of employment and the viability This Section investigates sector by the forestry provided jobs indirect and direct on it for their livelihoods. The number of which rely is often a major employer in rural areas of many communities. The timber industry is vital to the viability (fuel, include suppliers of services to this industry benefits in a small town. Indirect and can be a mainstay and services and businesses such as shops, doctors, and contractors) and the flow on mechanical repairs an economically viable community. schools that thrive in based of smaller mills into larger ones (often in mechanisation of timber mills, amalgamation Increases levels in loads will mean employment truck configurations to cart greater in one location) and improved timber industry will continue to decline. native forest Victoria’s in this Section: five indicators are There Indicator 6.5a in a community. of total employment as a proportion Indicator 6.5b Indicator 6.5c (i) VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S communities. forest-dependent Indicator 6.5c (ii) Indicator 6.5d or individual and family cultural and spiritual needs. rights to meet subsistence inherent 0.7 2.6 8.5 6.2 17.3 18.0 (‘000 EMPLOYEES)
Average 1999-2000. Average
Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits Total Forest-based Industry Forest-based Total * and Victorian Manufacturing Industry figures. a combination of ABS Labour Force These data are Source: main employment three are industries, there of these timber-based Within and supply areas production the management. sectors: 1) harvest and log haulage, 2) mill operators, and 3) forest such as trimming and debarking of logs ready Timber and perform on-site processing fell trees harvesters timber operators produce sites. Mill for haulage. Log haulers load and transport logs to processing management sector covers the people who plan and manage the actual the logs. The forest from products after harvesting and, in the areas of forest regeneration including the timber harvesting process, forest, enforce Officers DSE Forest Within this sector, as they grow. case of plantations, the quality of the trees and by 2001, these Officers, 386 Forest were field. In 1996, there in the legislative and other requirements to 418. numbers had increased log harvesting and carting in both softwood plantations and for generally responsible Contractors are log harvesting and haulage sector is an economically significant in Victoria. native forest The native forests 700 employed approximately industry for many Victorian In 2002, the sector directly rural communities. to small firms with 20 to 30 employees. It owner-operators people. These contractors ranged from employed in industries servicing indirectly was estimated in this period that a further 1,000 people were harvesting and haulage contractors and their families (DNRE, 2002). Direct and indirect employment figures for forest based industries (1999/2000) for forest employment figures and indirect Direct SECTOR and logging* forestry Total Log sawmilling and timber dressing wood products Other manufactured paper and paper products Total manufacturing wood and paper products Total Indicator 6.5a sector employment sector and forest the forest employment in and indirect Direct of total employment as a proportion Rationale: in meeting community needs. of the contribution of forests measure Employment is an important timber industry had an annual turnover forest of around native In 2001, it was estimated that Victoria’s $1.8 approximately employed over 4,000 people. These industries contributed $540 million, and directly of Statistics direct Australian Bureau 6.24 provides billion to the Victorian economy (DNRE, 2001). Table together with management, transport, distribution and further processing, in forest employment figures which total over 18,000 people for the sector. industries, forest from employment generated indirect 6.24 Table Employment 6 166
Coverage Currency Frequency DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 167 Further Reading View at Victorian and Industry. Manufacturing (2001). Labour Force of Statistics (ABS) Australian Bureau (Accessed 08/07/2005). www.abs.gov.au Examination of Log Harvesting and (DNRE) (2002). and Environment Resources Department of Natural Sector. in the VictorianHaulage Arrangements Hardwood June 2001. Jaakko Poyry Consulting. DNRE (2001). Timber Discussion Paper. Pricing Review Sciences, of Rural Report 2003. Bureau Forests State of the Australia’s Inventory (2003). National Forest Canberra. VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S Chapter Six Maintenance and enhancement of long term multiple socio-economic 6benefits to meet the needs of societies
Coverage Wage and injury rates
Currency Indicator 6.5b Average wage rates and injury rates in major employment categories within the Frequency forest sector
Rationale: A sustainable industry will ensure high levels of workforce health and welfare and wage rates comparable with other rural industries.
A sustainable industry will strive to safeguard the health of its workforce and maintain wage rates comparable with similar industries. Changing injury or wage rates often have implications for employment quality and desirability. Lower rates can have negative impacts on the future of the timber industry, forest management agencies and forest-dependant communities. However, it is not always practical to ascertain average wages, as this does not allow for part-time workers, contractors and seasonal variation.
Overall, Victoria’s forestry sector has experienced a greater increase in spending on wages than in employment numbers. This may be attributed to an increased emphasis on positions requiring a higher skill level, resulting in higher associated wages and a possible reduction of lower skilled positions. Alternatively, it may indicate that higher wages have been offered to attract employees to the industry.
Average wage and injury rates in Victoria’s forestry sector were unavailable for the preparation of this report. Alternatively, a case study has been provided to illustrate average wages in the timber industry regions of Victoria.
Case Study: The Timber Industry Road Evaluation Study (TIRES) In 2001, Victorian local government association Timber Towns Victoria commissioned research into the current and future transport infrastructure requirements of the wood and wood products industry. The Timber Industry Road Evaluation Study (TIRES) shows the 1998 employment statistics of wood and wood DRAFT – Not for further distribution products for four of Victoria’s five timber production regions, (see Table 6.25) (excluding the north western region of Victoria).
Assuming an average wage of $700 a week, the total income derived each year from direct and indirect employment in the wood and wood products industries in these regions was more than $500 million.
Table 6.25
Employment, sales and production figures for TIRES Regions, Victoria (1998)
TOTAL DIRECT & ESTIMATED TOTAL TIRES REGION INDIRECT EMPLOYMENT ANNUAL INCOME*
Central West 412 $14,996,800 South-West 1,341 $48,812,400 Gippsland 8,331 $303,248,400 North-East 3,975 $144,690,000 Total 14,059 $511,754,980 * Estimate is based upon a $700 per week average wage.
Source: Timber Industry Road Evaluation Study (2002).
168 VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT
Viability of forest-dependent communities Coverage
Indicator 6.5c(i) Currency Viability and adaptability to changing social and economic conditions of forest Frequency dependant communities.
Rationale: Communities with a high economic and cultural dependence on forest and forest-related industries should be sustainable into the future. This indicator provides a measure of the extent to which communities are able to respond and adapt to change successfully.
In 2002, the Victorian Government released its Our Forest Our Future (OFOF) policy statement. This statement was significant in its implications for Victoria’s native forest timber industry and regional timber towns, as it made a commitment to a sustainable timber industry for Victoria based on sustainable levels of harvesting. Levels of harvesting were revised by taking into account changes in the area available for timber harvesting, following additions to the conservation reserve system during the Regional Forest Agreement (RFA) process, and to incorporate new information about the available volume of sawlogs in Victoria.
These revised estimates of available resource resulted in a reduction in the licensed volume of timber that could be harvested in Victoria. Sawlog harvesting in State forest was reduced by about a third (31 per cent). The most dramatic change was in the Midlands region, where available timber for harvesting was reduced by approximately 80 per cent.
The aim of Our Forests Our Future is to ensure Victoria continues to have a sustainable hardwood timber industry, while ensuring communities dependent on these forests are supported and protected. Up to $80 million was provided over four years to buy back licences, assist displaced workers and assist affected communities. This was particularly important for a number of regional centres and rural towns, particularly in eastern Victoria, where local economies largely or partly depend on the timber industry for their economic health and well being. The changes brought about by Our Forests Our Future are part of a series of changes the Victorian hardwood timber industry has been adjusting to over the last 20 years, particularly DRAFT – Not for further distribution in relation to changing markets and regulatory conditions.
Financial assistance was provided to assist affected regional communities and businesses that provided ancillary support and downstream services through two programs: the Timber Towns Support Program and the Timber Towns Investment Support Program. The first provided $8.74 million for 35 projects across 10 Shires, and the second is facilitating around $66 million of private sector investment in some 30 regional businesses and business networks. This investment is expected to generate around 800 jobs in affected timber towns over a three year period.
Further Reading Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) (2002). Our Forests Our Future. Victorian State Government Policy Statement. View at: www.dse.vic.gov.au (Accessed 08/07/2005).
169
Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits Indicator 6.5c (ii) Indigenous communities. Viability and adaptability of forest-dependant Rationale: on forest dependent communities are benefit to know how much Indigenous It is important for societal cultural heritage. of their traditional values and for their viability and for the maintenance resources for food and forests depend on the State’s While Aboriginal communities in Victoria do not presently them to have with the land has prompted the historical, spiritual, and cultural connections they shelter, management activities, recognition involvement in forest increased resources, access to forest seek greater employment heritage values, and increased for cultural better protection of native title rights and interests, sector. opportunities in the forest The Victorian Government Heritage organisations to has established five Regional Aboriginal Cultural defined as the North the State. These organisations are across cultural heritage management coordinate & Wimmera Within there South West Kulin Nation, North East, regions. and Gippsland these regions West, 6.6) in Victoria that assist with cultural heritage Local Aboriginal Communities (see Figure 24 recognised are management for Indigenous people. Viability of forest-dependent Indigenous communities Viability of forest-dependent
Published with permission of Brambuk Board. 6 170
Coverage Currency Frequency DRAFT – Not for further distribution
Kilometres 25 050100 DRAFT – Not for further distribution
171
Yarram Yarram
Portland Portland
Colac Colac
Traralgon Traralgon
Geelong Geelong
Melbourne Melbourne Bairnsdale Bairnsdale
Orbost Orbost
Ballarat Ballarat
Alexandra Alexandra
Horsham Horsham Bendigo Bendigo
Benalla Benalla
Wodonga Wodonga
ot ot uryGubr iesCasIncorporated Clans Rivers Goulburn Murray Yorta Yorta
olmGou brgnlC-prtv Ltd Co-operative Aboriginal Goolum Goolum uudeiTieLn opnainadClua eiaeCuclInc. Council Heritage Cultural and Compensation Land Tribe Wurundjeri
ipln n atGpsadAoiia ooeaieLtd Co-operative Aboriginal Gippsland East and Gippsland etGpsadAoiia ooeaieLtd Co-operative Aboriginal Gippsland West
rmiga brgnlTrust Aboriginal Framlingham ahuogAoiia ooeaieLtd Co-operative Aboriginal Wathaurong
a atGpsadAoiia Corporation Aboriginal Gippsland East Far wnHl n ititAoiia ooeaieLtd Co-operative Aboriginal District and Hill Swan
oadrkKoiC-prtv Ltd Co-operative Koori Coranderrk hpatnAoiia rsCuclC-prtv Ltd Co-operative Council Arts Aboriginal Shepparton
eta ipln brgnlHat n osn ooeaieLtd Co-operative Housing and Health Aboriginal Gippsland Central ublr brgnlC-prtv Ltd Co-operative Aboriginal Rumbalara
apJna ooeaieLtd Co-operative Jungai Camp jrd brgnlCorporation Aboriginal Njernda
rmu Incorporated Brambuk uryVle brgnlC-prtv Ltd Co-operative Aboriginal Valley Murray
edg j j rn brgnlAscainIncorporated Association Aboriginal Wrung Dja Dja Bendigo ogiAoiia oni atGpsadIncorporated Gippsland East Council Aboriginal Moogji
alrtadDsrc brgnlC-prtv Ltd Co-operative Aboriginal District and Ballarat idr brgnlCorporation Aboriginal Mildura
BRGNLCOMMUNITIES ABORIGINAL ae nrneAoiia Corporation Aboriginal Entrance Lakes
ao Roads Major aeTesAoiia Trust Aboriginal Tyers Lake
einlCentres Regional erpJaaEdr brgnlCorporation Aboriginal Elders Jmara Kerrup
Legend Mildura
Victorian Aboriginal communities (2003) communities Aboriginal Victorian FIGURE 6.6 6.6 FIGURE The aim was to adopt a The aim was to adopt Engaging Indigenous Communities (Native Title and Cultural Engaging Indigenous Communities (Native Wimmera partnership (WIRMp). Indigenous Resource Management program in late November 2003, and was accredited by the national training authority. It is by the national training authority. and was accredited in late November 2003, program Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits Further Reading (Accessed 08/07/2005). Victoria. View at : www.dvc.vic.gov.au Aboriginal Affairs (Accessed 08/07/2005). Victoria. Occasional Reports Series. View at: www.dvc.vic.gov.au Aboriginal Affairs 08/07/2005). (Accessed Aboriginal Heritage guidelines. Viewwww.dvc.vic.gov.au at: State of (2001). Indigenous Partnership Strategy. and Environment Department of Natural Resources Victoria, East Melbourne. (2003). Draft Strategy for Team Strategy for Aboriginal Managed Lands in Victoria (SAMLIV) Project Aboriginal Managed Lands in Victoria. SAMLIV Steering Committee, Melbourne. Cultural heritage is fundamental to the traditions, spirituality, laws and customs of Aboriginal Australians, laws and customs to the traditions, spirituality, Cultural heritage is fundamental facilitate To to maintain their identity. sites is critical if Indigenous people are and conserving cultural Region Native Title in the South West Coordinator Titleinformation on Native and Cultural Heritage, DSE’s initiated the Case Study: Wimmera Indigenous Resource Management Management Indigenous Resource Case Study: Wimmera Partnership Project legislation and broader whole of Government and implementing the respective to understanding approach management. in natural resource issues of Indigenous recognition each and respect managers to understand all Indigenous communities and resource WIRMp saw a need for learning a cross-cultural and proposed Recognising the challenges, the group values and cultures. other’s that engaged with Indigenous communities and encouraged partnerships. exchange program and establishing training program and operating a cross-cultural key aims of developing The project’s and community its staff has seen the WIRMp group, practical stakeholder communication processes Indigenous with, and respect, obligation to reconcile members uphold the legislative and moral communities. WIRMp established its Heritage) nationally to all can be delivered initiative, and Business Training the Innovative now available through is that the ‘cultural training’ component managers. A condition of the program land and natural resource understanding ensuring a new level of cross-cultural Indigenous community, by the local must be delivered communities. and employment opportunities for Indigenous Envirofund. was funded through This project 6 172 DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution Coverage Currency Frequency 173 Forests the National Parks Act 1975, There are no formal areas of State forest set of State forest areas no formal are There provides for the Secretary of DSE to give written authorisation, subject for the Secretary provides Wildlife Act 1975 Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987. or the Promote the social, economic and cultural development of Victoria's Aboriginal communities. Promote Victoria's Aboriginal cultural heritage. and promote Protect government and monitoring of the development of to the delivery coordination policy relating Improve and services to Victoria's Aboriginal people. of programs between government relationships agencies with Victoria's Aboriginal effective and strengthen Promote Victoria). communities (Aboriginal Affairs to conditions, for protected wildlife to be hunted, taken or destroyed for Aboriginal cultural purposes. for Aboriginal wildlife to be hunted, taken or destroyed to conditions, for protected under the not recognised hunting and gathering rights are Traditional Act 1958, their cultural practices and/or meet their spiritual needs. aside specifically for Indigenous people to perform missions, of land comprising former Aboriginal reserves, In Victoria, over the last 35 years, small parcels Aboriginal legislation to Aboriginal groups. through cemeteries or historic sites have been granted land, while governments have also leased community groups behalf of Aboriginal communities) (on of land to the Victorian of Acts have been used to grant specific parcels land. A number have purchased 2003). Aboriginal Community (SAMLIV, the Department on Unit within DSE represents Management Policy The Indigenous Land and Resource Indigenous aspirations to land and natural to address native title issues and facilitates policy development on public land within Victoria. management The unit also contributes to the development of resource whole of government comprehensive Indigenous policy outcomes. DSE attempts to work closely to ensure outcomes for all Victorian Aboriginal communities. Victoria. matters in on other aspects of Aboriginal-related handles advice Victoria (AAV) Aboriginal Affairs by other Victorian Government to services provided agencies, policy advice related may provide AAV within the Aboriginal community. delivered Commonwealth departments, or to services to: Victoria are The key aims of Aboriginal Affairs • • • • and understanding about knowledge performs is to promote An important part of the work AAV also administers legislation that protects AAV Aboriginal people within the general community. Victoria’s on close cooperation with the various Aboriginal Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria. This function relies the State. communities around Further Reading (Accessed 08/07/2005). Victoria. View at: www.dvc.vic.gov.au Aboriginal Affairs (Accessed 08/07/2005). Victoria. Reports Series. View Occasional at www.dvc.vic.gov.au Aboriginal Affairs (Accessed 08/07/2005). State of Victoria. Wildlife Act 1975. View at: www.dms.dpc.vic.gov.au (2003). Draft Strategy for Team Strategy for Aboriginal Managed lands in Victoria (SAMLIV) Project Aboriginal Managed Lands in Victoria. SAMLIV Steering Committee, Melbourne. Rationale: with to country in accordance cultural and traditional lifestyles and access the opportunities for measure To native title or other rights. Section 28A of the Land for Indigenous needs Land for Indigenous Indicator 6.5d their inherent Indigenous people to exercise land available and accessible for of Area and spiritual needs. or individual and family cultural rights to meet subsistence VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S Chapter Six Maintenance and enhancement of long term multiple socio-economic 6benefits to meet the needs of societies 6.6 Indigenous participation and management The sole indicator in this Section considers the extent to which forest management frameworks maintain and enhance Indigenous values. Indicator 6.6a tracks the ways in which Indigenous people participate in decisions about active forest management regardless of where it occurs. This indicator summarises the opportunities for Indigenous values to be recognised as significant on lands not under Indigenous ownership, and the ways in which management frameworks can maintain those values. DRAFT – Not for further distribution 174 VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT Maintaining and enhancing Indigenous values Coverage Indicator 6.6a Currency Extent to which the management framework maintains and enhances Indigenous Frequency values including customary, traditional and native title use by Indigenous peoples and for Indigenous participation in forest management. Rationale: This indicator measures the extent to which Indigenous people participate in forest management. Ultimately, active participation in management reflects the relationship of people with the land. In 2001, DSE launched an Indigenous Partnership Strategy. This Strategy includes initiatives on Cultural Heritage, Land and Natural Resource Management and Indigenous Employment. The implementation of these initiatives has commenced. DSE has established an Aboriginal Heritage Management in Victorian Forests project for the Gippsland and East Gippsland Regional Forest Agreement Areas (RFAs). This project aims to provide: • A set of principles for the management of Aboriginal values in DSE-managed forests. • More identification of the range of Aboriginal heritage values in areas of Victoria’s State forest prior to site development (including harvesting), conducted by appropriately qualified and trained Indigenous people from the local area, in particular traditional owners of the area. • Some additional research at the regional level to identify the range of Aboriginal values, also conducted mainly by appropriately qualified and trained Indigenous people from the local area in particular traditional owners of the area. In addition to gaining an increased awareness of Indigenous values in DSE managed forests, DSE will use the results of this work to mitigate disturbance of important Indigenous values by developments, in particular timber harvesting and road construction, and for strategic planning and management purposes. DRAFT – Not for further distribution Case Study: Aboriginal cultural values training and employment program, Swan Hill Changes to the forest management planning process in Victoria have been combined with an employment training program in the Mildura Forest Management Area (FMA) to increase local Aboriginal participation in land management. In 2001, positions for six Regional Indigenous Facilitators were created to improve the working relationship between Indigenous communities, DSE, and its service providers. The program also provided training and assistance to employees that were required to perform cross-cultural work as part of natural resource management in Victoria. Training for the six facilitators began at Nyah State Forest and was designed to teach the many different skills a natural resource land manager requires. Skills included techniques of archaeological surveying, safe and effective use of chemicals, fencing, chainsaw skills, front-end loader accreditation, seed collecting for plant propagation, and basic fire management. Other training events involved environmental rehabilitation works at the Merbein Common, construction of a footbridge and walking trail in the Nyah State forest and the fencing of a burial site at Wallpolla Island to protect it from wind erosion. In June 2000, a detailed archaeological survey of the Nyah State forest was conducted in consultation with representatives of the Swan Hill and District Aboriginal Cooperative. 175 Chapter Six Chapter socio-economic multiple long term of and enhancement Maintenance of societies to meet the needs benefits Aboriginal contacts web page: Aboriginal Affairs Victoria. View at : www.dvc.vic.gov.au (Accessed Victoria. Viewwww.dvc.vic.gov.au at : page: Aboriginal Affairs Aboriginal contacts web 08/07/2005). (Accessed 08/07/2005). Victoria. View Occasional Reports Series. at: www.dvc.vic.gov.au Aboriginal Affairs State of Partnership Strategy. (2001). Indigenous and Environment Resources Department of Natural Victoria, East Melbourne. Further Reading 6 176 DRAFT – Not for further distribution Chapter 7 Legal, institutional and economic framework for forest conservation and sustainable management . Australia’s State of the Forest Report 2003 Australia’s illustrates that Victoria has many sources of data and information to support its decision- illustrates that Victoria has many sources and development, new may come about by research how improvements explores considers the laws, regulations and guidelines applicable across all of Victoria’s forest estate. forest all of Victoria’s across and guidelines applicable considers the laws, regulations community increased to public participation in decision making, investigates commitment important a sector and how it may provide examines the ability to attract money into Chapter Seven Chapter conservation for forest framework and economic institutional Legal, management and sustainable Indicator 7.4 information, and the scope and used to provide Both the process policy. on forest making processes section. described in the measuring, monitoring and reporting of data are reliability Indicator 7.5 the development and implementation of new and through information, changes to operational practices policy. This Chapter examines the legislative and institutional aspects of sustainable forest management. It is sustainable forest the legislative and institutional aspects of This Chapter examines aspects of forestry. environmental that cover the social, economic and divided into five sub sections Indicator 7.1 of public participation in to Indigenous people and the role of ownership with regard It also describes issues the planning process. Indicator 7.2 maintenance of human review, periodic planning, assessment and policy for a requirement awareness, also covered and guidelines are of laws, regulations Enforcement physical infrastructure. skills and resource under this sub section. Indicator 7.3 long industries where related for forest This is especially relevant sector. into that incentives to reinvest financial the basis to identify provides An economic framework term investment and planning is required. including trade. policy and regulation, be gained, through and other impediments, or opportunities to trade and a State basis due to the impact of foreign on These indicators cannot be satisfactorily measured in detail is provided taxation laws. More Introduction 7 178 DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 179 Forest Act Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act Code of Practice for Fire Management on , the , Forest Management Plans and Action Statements under the Management Plans and , Forest Code of Forest Practices for Timber Production for individual species and communities. , the Public Land 1988 7.1 Legal framework legal frameworks support sustainable the way in which State and Commonwealth This sub section details mechanisms to clarify legal framework includes legislation, regulations, Victoria’s management. forest periodic planning codes of practice, international, rights, agreements, property regional national, state and values associated with and environmental and public participation. The cultural, social and review, also investigated. are Indigenous Australians in the in Victoria play a key role (RFAs) Agreements Regional Forest perspective, the five forest a public From Commonwealth and between the These agreements State forest. for Victoria’s management framework that is system the Victorian Government State for a reserve operate for a twenty year period and provide representative. adequate and comprehensive, for protection instruments, which ensure legislative and regulatory supported by various are RFA’s management include: the instruments used in forest biodiversity values. Specific legislation and VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S 1958 Chapter Seven Legal, institutional and economic framework for forest conservation 7and sustainable management Coverage Indigenous peoples’ property rights Currency Indicator 7.1a Frequency Extent to which the legal framework (laws, regulations, guidelines) supports the conservation and sustainable management of forests, including the extent to which it provides mechanisms to clarify property rights and establish appropriate land tenure arrangements that recognise traditional management practices and self management as well as the existence of native title and the customary and traditional rights of Indigenous peoples. Rationale: The indicator is useful as it identifies changes to: • The legal system and frameworks for land ownership and management, including self management; • The legal system and frameworks for Indigenous land; and • Ownership and other inherent rights relating to land, particularly the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples. The Commonwealth Government enacted the Native Title Act 1993 and established the Indigenous Land Corporation in 1996 to purchase land for Indigenous groups that have been displaced from their lands. The Commonwealth Regional Forest Agreement Act 2002 specifies that the management of forests must include the protection of Indigenous heritage values. Approximately half of Victoria’s State forests and national parks are, or have been, subject to native title claims. The first Victorian application for a determination of native title was lodged in 19941. As at 2003, a further 19 native title claims have been lodged (Land Information Group, 2001). Since 1999, the Victorian Government has strengthened its focus on the mediation of native title claims over public land. Consultation with Aboriginal communities by government agencies has become more DRAFT – Not for further distribution widespread and consistent since 1995. In 2001, DSE established the Indigenous Land and Resource Management Policy Unit and established Regional Native Title Coordinators to focus on the administration of, and compliance with, native title requirements. Table 7.1 summarises the legislation and mechanisms for protecting the rights of Indigenous people within Victoria. 180 1 Yorta Yorta Aboriginal Community Native Title Determination Application VN 94/1, accepted by The Native Title Registrar on 26 May 1994. VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT Table 7.1 Existence of legislation and mechanisms to address issues relating to property rights, native title, cultural heritage and intellectual property rights for Indigenous peoples ISSUE RATING* Land Rights The legal framework has mechanisms to clarify property rights. Yes The legal framework has mechanisms to establish appropriate land tenure arrangements that Partly recognise traditional management practices and self-management. Native Title The legal framework has mechanisms that recognise the existence of native title. Yes Cultural Heritage The legal framework has mechanisms to recognise the customary and traditional rights of Partly Indigenous peoples. Allows traditional management on relevant public land (eg. joint management). Partly Allows access to public land for traditional activities (foraging, hunting, and ceremonial). Partly Allows access to sacred sites on public land. Partly Allows access to sacred sites on private land. No Allows access to sacred sites on leasehold land. No The legal framework has mechanisms to protect Indigenous peoples’ cultural heritage. Yes Intellectual Property Rights The legal framework provides for the protection of Indigenous intellectual property. No * Yes. The mechanism exists and is fairly comprehensive. No. The mechanism does not exist. Partly. The legislation or mechanism exists but does not cover all aspects or is limited in its application. Source: Updated from the National Forest Inventory (2003). A number of agencies have purchased culturally significant freehold land for Aboriginal communities at DRAFT – Not for further distribution various times, including Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Commission (ATSIC) and the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC). For example, the ILC purchased Yielima Run in Barmah Forest for the Yorta Yorta Nations Aboriginal Corporation. Where land has been permanently reserved for specific purposes, such as the creation of a national park, legislation is required to change this status (eg. to excise land from a park). However, other legislation may have the capacity to reserve land for Aboriginal purposes. For example, the Dharnya Centre2 is reserved under the Forests Act 1958 for Aboriginal purposes. The following list provides examples of where a relevant piece of legislation has been used for transferring land to Aboriginal groups in Victoria in recognition of their ties with the land: Aboriginal Lands Act 1970: Vested to Aboriginal Trusts, lands previously reserved for the use of Aboriginal people at Lake Tyers and Framlingham, whose membership was composed largely of people who lived on the reserves. This was the first legislation in Australia that gave direct control of land to Aboriginal people. Aboriginal Lands Act 1991: Authorised grants to local Aboriginal organisations for freehold titles of cemeteries at the former Aboriginal mission sites known as Ebenezer Mission (Dimboola), Coranderrk Mission (Healesville), and Ramahyuck Mission (Stratford). The land is granted for cultural and burial purposes. 181 2 The Dharnya Centre is a Visitor and Information Centre in the Barmah State Park Enables the Minister Provides for land to be set aside as for Provides Transferred two parcels of land to the Aborigines’ of land to the two parcels Transferred Authorised a Crown Grant to the Murray Valley Grant to the Murray Valley Authorised a Crown Chapter Seven Chapter conservation for forest framework and economic institutional Legal, management and sustainable “archaeological areas” for the control of entry and preservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage in the area. of Aboriginal cultural heritage in the area. of entry and preservation for the control areas” “archaeological have been added land. No areas land and freehold in Victoria on Crown areas nine archaeological are There since the mid-1980s. Act 1984 (Cth): Strait Islander Heritage Protection Aboriginal and Torres to an Aboriginal place or object, and any terms and in relation to make a declaration of preservation in Victoria made over Bucks Sandhill in was of preservation conditions. The first on-going declaration in December 2001. Barmah Forest Aboriginal Co-operative for “Aboriginal cultural purposes”. This land at Robinvale had been used for for “Aboriginal cultural purposes”. This Aboriginal Co-operative Aboriginal people during the 1960s. transitional housing for Act 1972: and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Archaeological Further Reading (Accessed Victoria. View at: www.dvc.vic.gov.au Aboriginal contacts web page: Aboriginal Affairs 08/07/2005). (2001). Victorian Native TitleLand Information Group Applications and Determinations. of Rural Sciences, Report 2003. Bureau State of the Forests Inventory (2003). Australia’s National Forest Canberra. (Accessed View www.dms.dpc.vic.gov.au at: Victorian and Parliamentary Documents. Website. Legislation 08/07/2005). Aboriginal Lands (Aborigines’ Advancement League) (Watt Street, Northcote) Act 1982 and Northcote) Act Street, Advancement League) (Watt Aboriginal Lands (Aborigines’ (Northcote Land) Act 1989: the Aboriginal Land and for “Aboriginal cultural and Centre” (AAL) for use as an “Aboriginal Community Advancement League purposes”. recreational Land) Act 1992: Aboriginal Land (Manatunga 7 182 DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution Coverage Currency Frequency 183 This Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes RATING Flora and Forests Act 1958. . Other mechanisms that are overseen by local government. Other mechanisms that are and Catchment , and contain guidelines for the conservation of species and genetic diversity , and contain guidelines for the conservation , detailed Forest Management Plans are developed for each area following a complex for each area developed Management Plans are , detailed Forest National Parks Act 1975 Yes = The legislation exists and is fairly comprehensive. Yes No = The legislation does not exist. Productive Capacity Productive Ecosystem Health and Vitality Soil and Water Socio-economic for periodic policy review Legislation provides Existence of legislation that provides for periodic forest-related planning, assessment, policy for periodic forest-related Existence of legislation that provides land tenure sectors for all forest with relevant and coordination review ISSUE Biological Diversity Management Authorities are also in place for vegetation management on private land. also in place for vegetation management on Management Authorities are the listed under processes threatening Management plans incorporate the list of potentially and retention statements on habitat tree They also contain action Management Area. within each Forest to Management Plan lists species relevant Each Forest and understorey. rainforest of old growth, protection management forest conservation importance. Each plan also prescribes and their ecological and the area of these species. habitat requirements activities that allow for conservation of the Management planning. Forest 7.2 summarises the existence of legislation for periodic forest-related Table change occurs that warrants an earlier every 10 years unless a substantial generally reviewed Plans are review. 7.2 Table Act and associated Regulations are supported by Victoria’s five Regional Forest Agreements, covering West covering West Agreements, Forest five Regional supported by Victoria’s Act and associated Regulations are of the Victoria, Gippsland, East Gippsland and the North East. Under the provisions Central Highlands, Forests Act 1958 Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 Rationale: commitment to achieving demonstrates a regional This indicator shows how the legal framework management. sustainable forest In Victoria, of legislation applies to the management of State forests. and diverse range A comprehensive is the the key piece of legislation governing State forest management within forest values. that considers all forest assessment process under reserved are other forests Agreements, under the Regional Forest reserved In addition to the areas the Planning, assessment and review Planning, assessment Indicator 7.1b guidelines) supports the legal framework (laws, regulations, Extent to which the to which including the extent sustainable management of forests, conservation and that and policy review planning, assessment, related for periodic forest it provides sectors. with relevant values, including coordination the range of forest recognises VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S It 3 nd the imber) tate. These Provides a framework for a land management system and framework for a land management system a Provides Sets up a framework for the integrated management and Sets up a framework Establishes a legal and administrative structure to conserve native Establishes a legal and administrative structure Governs the reservation of public lands for public purposes (eg. Governs of public lands for the reservation Established the Environment Protection Authority and other Protection Established the Environment Makes provision for Victorian Heritage Rivers, which provides protection for protection for Victorian Heritage Rivers, which provides Makes provision Allows ownership of trees to be separated from ownership of the land that separated from to be Allows ownership of trees . Provides for the protection and conservation of places and objects of non-Aboriginal and conservation for the protection Provides Provides the legislative framework for the regulation, management and conservation management and conservation the legislative framework for the regulation, Provides Governs the use of State forests for timber, grazing and other forest products. The Act products. forest grazing and other Governs for timber, the use of State forests Consolidates the law relating to mines and mining in Victoria. to mines and mining in Consolidates the law relating Governs the management and disposal of unreserved Crown lands. This Act governs Governs Crown the the management and disposal of unreserved Act 2004. This Act provides the framework for sustainable forest management, the allocation of timber resources to VicForests a to VicForests of timber resources management, the allocation the framework for sustainable forest Act 2004. This Act provides one measure management framework moves DSE away from management of timber harvesting operations. The new sustainable forest es range of criteria and indicators assessing the condition of the whole forest of sustainability (sawlog volumes) to a broader criteria and indicators will be developed in 2006 using technical expertise within and outside of DSE. Chapter Seven Chapter conservation for forest framework and economic institutional Legal, management and sustainable 3 for 2003. In June 2004 the Victorian (T Government current enacted the Sustainable Forests in this Report are Data presented Legislation protects many of the values related to conservation and sustainable forest management. Some management. and sustainable forest to conservation values related many of the Legislation protects examples include: Act 1994: Protection Catchment and Land water in the management of land and of catchments, encourages community participation protection animals. It establishes the Victorian on noxious weeds and pest and sets up a system of controls resources This Authorities, and defines their regions. Council and Catchment Management Catchment Management land management particular strategies and regulates catchment the development of regional Act requires activities. and Lands Act 1987: Conservation, Forests by DSE, for legislation administered provisions financial and enforcement necessary administrative, provides of Sustainability the head of the department (now the Department created legislation. It including forests and timber management corporate. The Codes of Practice (eg. for fire (DSE)) as a body and Environment financial and other provide of DSE to under this Act. The Act permits the Secretary created are production) to enter management practices. It also enables the Secretary assistance to land owners to follow good land to manage land for conservation. with private land owners agreements 1987: Lands (Reserves) Act Crown recreation, conservation, water production, hospitals or schools). hospitals water production, conservation, recreation, Act 1970: Protection Environment to activities that may damage relating agencies, governing offences environment permits and prosecuting the environment. Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988: flora and fauna. The Act provides for management of threatened species and potentially threatening species and potentially threatening threatened for management of flora and fauna. The Act provides native species. that may affect processes Fisheries Act 1995: for the ecologically sustainable objectives of Victorian fisheries including aquatic habitats. It specifies broad fisheries. management of Victoria’s Rights Act 1996: Forestry party investments for land, including third on. It facilitates investment in plantations on private grow trees trading. the purpose of carbon credit Act 1958: Forests management planning, and the setting of sustainable timber yields. management, forest fire regulates was amended during the spring session of Parliament in to remove the requirement for the Secretary to for the Secretary the requirement was amended during the spring session of Parliament in to remove the Secretary supply timber within a permitted margin of the legislated sustainable yield rates. Instead, legislated sustainable yield rates. that timber supplied does not exceed the must ensure Heritage Act 1995: significant places cultural heritage significance. The Act established a Victorian Heritage Register to record work, and to to conduct public awareness and objects, and a Heritage Council to oversee the Register, advise the Minister on heritage protection. Heritage Rivers Act 1992 scenic or conservation, recreation, with significant nature public land in parts of rivers and catchment areas cultural heritage attributes. Land Act 1958: lands for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes. and licences to use, Crown grant of leases over, Mines Act 1958: 7 184 DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 185 1992. It makes further 3 Establishes the Victorian Environmental Establishes the Victorian Environmental Confers additional functions and powers on the Victorian Confers additional functions State-Owned Enterprises Act Regulates activities of the corporations that collect, treat or supply water, and or supply water, collect, treat Regulates activities of the corporations that Provides for the establishment, protection and management of national parks, the establishment, protection for Provides Governs the protection of underground and surface water resources, including water and surface water resources, Governs of underground the protection VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S provision for the management of plantations. for the management provision Act 1989: Water purposes. industrial, agricultural and environmental catchments, and water allocations for domestic, Industry Act 1994: Water treat wastewater. This Act also governs the preparation of drought-response plans. This Act also governs of drought-response the preparation wastewater. treat management: in forest Other Victorian role Acts with a Alpine Resorts Management Act 1997 Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972 Biological Control Act 1986 Country Fire Authority Act 1958 1994 Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act Extractive Industries Development Act 1995 Pulp Agreement) Act 1996 Forests (Wood Control) Act 1972 Land Conservation (Vehicle Act 1958 Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works Mineral Resources Development Act 1990 Murray Darling Basin Act 1993 Act 1995 Parks Victoria Planning and Environment Act 1987 Plant Health and Plant Products Act 1995 Reference Areas Act 1978 Act 1972 ConservationVictorian Trust Wildlife Act 1975. Victorian forests: Commonwealth Acts of Parliament affecting Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 Aboriginal and Torres Australian Heritage Council Act 2003 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Export Control Act 1992 Regional Forest Agreements Act 2002 Assessment Council, which conducts investigations and makes recommendations relating to the protection to the protection relating conducts investigations and makes recommendations Assessment Council, which of public land. and natural resources management of the environment and ecologically sustainable Victorian Act 1993: Plantations Corporation the Plantations Corporation, established under National Parks Act 1975: National Parks Act 1975: parks, marine sanctuaries, wildernessState parks, marine national parks, wilderness and and remote zones the National Parks Advisory of DSE, and functions of the Secretary It establishes the roles natural areas. those for specialised uses and activities, including committees. This Act also provides Council and advisory nature. of a non-conforming Council Act 2001: Assessment Victorian Environmental Chapter Seven Chapter conservation for forest framework and economic institutional Legal, management and sustainable Aboriginal contacts web page: Aboriginal Affairs Victoria. View at: www.dvc.vic.gov.au (Accessed Victoria. View at: www.dvc.vic.gov.au page: Aboriginal Affairs Aboriginal contacts web 08/07/2005). (Accessed 08/07/2005). ViewCommonwealth Legislation. at: www.scale.law.gov.au Management Plans. View at: www.dse.vic.gov. Forest (DSE). and Environment Department of Sustainability au (Accessed 08/07/2005). and Animals and Communities. ViewGuarantee Act - Action Statements for Plants DSE. Flora and Fauna at: (accessed 08/07/2005). www.dse.vic.gov.au (Accessed 08/07/2005). View at: www.dse.vic.gov.au DSE. Flora and Fauna Guarantee Listing procedures. of Rural Sciences, Report 2003. Bureau State of the Forests Inventory (2003). Australia’s National Forest Canberra. (Accessed View www.dms.dpc.vic.gov.au at: Victorian and Parliamentary Documents. Website. Legislation 08/07/2005). Further Reading 7 186 DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution Coverage Currency Frequency 187 policy statement, the Victorian Government initiated a Our Forests Our Future process to explore an appropriate model for community engagement in the Wombat State Forest. This State Forest. model for community engagement in the Wombat an appropriate to explore process management in Australia. The University of Melbournewas the first time this had been done for forest international models, along with Australian land management models. The reviewed community forestry the design and implementation of a model a basis for the community to form a view about provided results to the local area. that was appropriate Management participation in developing Forest its focus on encouraging public DSE plans to strengthen Operations Plans. Plans and Fire Protection Plans, Fire Further Reading School of Management - A Review. (2002). Collaborative Forest D., Petheram, J. and Stephen, P. Gilmour. The University of Melbourne. Management, The Institute for Land and Food Resources, Resource to the Minister for steering group Community Consultation (2002). Report by the Forest Wombat John Thwaites, MLA. Environment Rationale: and participation in public policy and decision- transparency assess whether the legal framework ensures To level. making at the regional is a key component of Victorian Government Community engagement in public forests planning processes, construction, and timber harvesting. When road protection, operations, fire to fire including those relevant such as it consults with a range of key stakeholder groups, DSE is developing timber harvesting plans, Indigenous communities. during process (RFA) Agreement of the Regional Forest Community consultation was a major part and made available to the public, who could make prepared and maps were Draft plans the 1990’s. taken into account. these comments were a final plan was approved Before submissions in response. In some instances, discussion papers are Management Plans. is conducted for Forest This same process level of a draft plan, and they permit a greater made available to the public prior to the development conducted Management Plan are each Forest for revising of community participation. Public forums with departmental issues give the public an opportunity to talk through the State. These forums around concerns about they may have. representatives These plans list proposed annually. and reviewed years, valid for three Operation Plans are All DSE Fire burning, and ecological burns, year burningprescribed fuel reduction including allocated to a three cycle. ensures This process they can be approved. before agreement inter-departmental These plans require species and other legislative floral and faunal protected that sites of Aboriginal heritage, cultural sites, burn The general community is also inappropriate regimes. assessed and excluded from are requirements actively encouraged to comment, so any concerns can be acted upon. In 2002, as part of the Public participation Indicator 7.1c guidelines) supports the legal framework (laws, regulations, Extent to which the to including the extent sustainable management of forests, conservation and in public policy and decision for public participation opportunities which it provides to information. and public access to forests making related VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S . The EPA Victoria independently audits . The EPA This Code regulates fire prevention prevention fire This Code regulates Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987 1987 This Code governs on public timber harvesting Planning and Environment Act in Victoria governing focus on timber the management of forests Codes of Practice forests. production. Chapter Seven Chapter conservation for forest framework and economic institutional Legal, management and sustainable Indicator 7.1d guidelines) supports the legal framework (laws, regulations, Extent to which the to which including the extent sustainable management of forests, conservation and best practice codes for forest development and application of it encourages the management. Rationale: and management systems compliance with environmental Codes of practice indicate a commitment to management practices. in forest continuous improvement The two main Best practice codes Acts. for compliance under various management. Both have legal requirements harvesting and fire under the is required Compliance with the Codes on public land and, on private land, under the for the harvesting activities undertaken on public land each compliance with the timber harvesting Code The Codes can be summarised as follows: year. 1996: Practices for Timber Production, Code of Forest and private land in Victoria. It establishes state-wide standards to protect water quality and soils, and to protect and private land in Victoria. It establishes state-wide standards Practices for The Code of Forest areas. all harvested regenerate an obligation to adequately introduces to conducted appropriately timber harvesting operations are commercial that Timber ensures Production they: ensure • an internationally industry. Promote competitive forest • with the values associated of the wide range of environmental compatible with the conservation Are • for continuous timber proposed management of native forests the ecologically sustainable Promote in 2005/06. Timber Practices for is to be reviewed The Code of Forest Production Land, 1995: Management on Public Code of Practice for Fire obligations on land managers to record rigorous operations on public land. It places and suppression or other ecosystems where of forests consider the ecological requirements and undertake research, fires, Management on Public Land is to be management occurs. The existing Code of Practice for Fire fire Code will contain multiple objectives consistent with public in 2005. It is envisaged the revised reviewed public land management objectives, and management with broader It will integrate fire land stewardship. local government It will aim to better influence focus on community engagement and information transfer. planning on private land. protection planning and link to fire 7 188 Coverage Currency Frequency DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 189 † ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ (continued over page) In some cases ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Fauna species or endangered Rare Landscape (cultural heritage) Archaeology Geomorphology Water quality & stream protection quality & stream Water Salvage operations Steep country Conservation of other values Flora Road maintenance Harvesting Design, planning & equipment weather Wet Snig tracks & landings Planning & siting roads Road design & construction & tracks Upgrading existing roads Rock quarries & gravel pits construction Bridge, causeway & ford Care of soils Care quality & flow Water Site productivity Timber harvesting plans Access to the forest Table 7.4 Table (2003) used in forests* Range of content themes in codes of practice Planning Other crown land Other crown Leasehold land Private land Plantations Practices for Timber (1996). * Code of Forest Production on Public Land (1995). Management † Code of Practice for Fire Legislative requirement to apply codes of practice used in forests by tenure (2003) by tenure in forests to apply codes of practice used Legislative requirement TENUREMultiple-use forest reserves conservation Nature TIMBER CODE* FIRE CODE Table 7.3 shows the way that these Codes apply throughout Victoria. Table 7.4 lists the broad range of 7.4 lists the broad Victoria. Table throughout 7.3 shows the way that these Codes apply Table themes they cover. 7.3 Table VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ es. Regional Forest Regional Forest are developed in consultation with experts in disciplines such as are ) and contains guidelines for the conservation of species and genetic set out the environmental and operational requirements to be followed and operational requirements set out the environmental ), or in the Statements of Resources, Uses and Values, provides much of the background much of the background provides Uses and Values, ), or in the Statements of Resources, Forest Management Plans Forest = The content theme exists in a code of practice that is used in the State but it is not necessarily covered on all land tenur used in the State but it is not necessarily covered = The content theme exists in a code of practice that is Chapter Seven Chapter conservation for forest framework and economic institutional Legal, management and sustainable Apiary Grazing Recreation Socio-economic Occupational Health and Safety which Management Procedures, Utilisation and Forest Supplementary to the Codes, DSE has in place on outline operational requirements govern These procedures all harvesting operations in State forests. a logging coupe. entering and authorised officers contractors timber harvesting coupes and for roading 2001 The Utilisation Procedures, they in Victoria and on other public land where timber harvesting in Victoria's State forests for commercial timber harvesting must comply Operator engaged in commercial Every contractor and licensed Forest apply. with these procedures. management forest by these Codes and Procedures, provided protection In addition to the environmental biodiversity including Victoria’s of values need to be protected, that a range recognise planning processes resources. cultural heritage and recreation catchment management, water resources, wildlife biology, botany, forestry, and economic uses and about the natural, cultural, social, resource planning, using information gathered in the The extensive biological, social and cultural data presented in the planning area. values of the forests to support the associated (prepared Regional Assessments (CRA), existing Comprehensive (RFA) Agreements based. information upon which the management strategies in the Plans are of specific values and and Special Management Zones contribute to the maintenance Special Protection also set aside in formal conservation reserves are Areas the development of structural diversity in forests. Management Plans identify and strategic wildlife corridors. In conjunction with the zoning system, Forest for managing and distribution of ecosystems, and make recommendations the structure affecting processes apply. every 10 years, unless special circumstances generally revised species. Plans are threatened under the (provided processes Management Plan incorporates the list of potentially threatening Each Forest Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 Range of content themes in codes of practice used in forests* (2003) in codes of practice used in forests* Range of content themes establishment Forest Reforestation Maintaining forests management Fire Pest, disease, weed control Use of chemicals Thinning / uses Non-wood products They also contain Action Statements on habitat tree Area. Management diversity within each Forest to the Each Plan lists species relevant and understorey. rainforest of old growth, and protection retention activities that allow for the habitat needs their ecological and conservation importance, and prescribes area, of these species to be conserved. Table 7.4 (contined) 7.4 Table ✔ * That is: based on the main Codes of Practices used in forests. are The themes presented • Practices for Timber Code of Forest Production. • Management on Public land. Code of Practice for Fire 7 190 DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 191 Plans. View at: www.dse.vic.gov.au (Accessed 08/07/2005). Plans. View at: www.dse.vic.gov.au DSE. Fire Protection Plans. View at: www.dse.vic.gov.au (Accessed 08/07/2005). Plans. View at: www.dse.vic.gov.au Protection DSE. Fire 08/07/2005). (Accessed Operations Plans. View at: www.dse.vic.gov.au DSE. Fire 08/07/2005). (Accessed for Victoria. View at: www.affa.gov.au Agreements Regional Forest Further Reading Management (DCNR) (1995). Code of Practice for Fire Department of Conservation and Natural Resources on Public Land 1995. (DNRE) (2002). Audit of Compliance with the Code of and Environment Department of Natural Resources of Victoria. in State forests Practice for Timber (and associated prescriptions) Forest Production in Victoria. harvesting in State Forests for all commercial DNRE (2001). Utilisation Procedures Practices for Timber 1996. DNRE (1996). Code of Forest Production with the Code of (DSE) (2003). Audits of Compliance Department of Sustainability and Environment in 2002. and Forests Parks Management on Public Land conducted in Victoria’s Practice for Fire Management DSE. Forest Public participation is an integral component of the development of each Forest Management Plan. The Management of each Forest an integral component of the development Public participation is commenting public workshops and forums, and by attending in the planning process public can participate address the Plans appropriately been published. DSE has sought to ensure plan once it has on a proposed a wide range of and links with by establishing relationships planning process issues raised during the Management final Forest completed, a are the planning processes and individuals. Once groups interested of DSE. with the endorsement of the Secretary released Plan is confirmed, and timber fire, (roading, Management System (EMS) for key activities Environmental DSE is developing an framework a systematic The EMS will provide in State forests. and recreation) harvesting, regeneration impacts that may occur as a result environmental to assist DSE in identifying and managing and process management and objectives and targets for sustainable forest of its activities. It will help to establish clear The EMS is scheduled for implementation performance. in environmental support continual improvement 2005. from VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S which provides seven which provides Native Title Act 1993 (Commonwealth). Code of Forest Practices for Timber Indigenous Partnership Strategy (IPS), Indicator 7.1b. and and the State Planning Scheme. The pieces of legislation relevant to this indicator are presented presented to this indicator are of legislation relevant and the State Planning Scheme. The pieces Indicator 7.1a Chapter Seven Chapter conservation for forest framework and economic institutional Legal, management and sustainable DSE recognises that Indigenous communities have a strong cultural connection and are important important cultural connection and are strong that Indigenous communities have a DSE recognises the traditional owners of our land and considered management. They are stakeholders in natural resource DSE delivers its commitment public native forests. in managing Victoria’s waters and they play a vital role the to Indigenous communities through with Indigenous communities. relationships and facilitators dedicated to strengthening coordinators completed the Indigenous Cultural Awareness than 30% of DSE staff Under the IPS in 2002/03, more Indigenous culture, for appreciation a greater aims to provide This program under the IPS. offered Program within and practical tools to help develop partnerships with Indigenous communities, and build relationships opportunities for Indigenous people to strengthen communities. During 2001/02, DSE also provided across training course A five-day law enforcement their culture. their understanding of legislation used to protect community members in 2002 to and Aboriginal was also completed by 15 Regional Cultural Heritage staff Aboriginal cultural heritage. Victoria’s understanding of the legislation protecting increase Further Reading (DNRE) (2002). 2002 Annual Report. and Environment Department of Natural Resources (DSE) (2003). Annual Report 2003. View at: www.dse.vic. Department of Sustainability and Environment (Accessed 08/07/2005). gov.au Production for Consultation processes include Regional Forest Agreements, the Agreements, include Regional Forest Consultation processes Indicator 7.1e guidelines) supports the legal framework (laws, regulations, Extent to which the to which including the extent sustainable management of forests, conservation and scientific cultural, social and/or for the management of environmental, it provides in all aspects the participation of Indigenous peoples and ensures values in forests, management. planning and of forest Rationale: of the legal framework to include and quantitative measurement for qualitative This indicator provides management; including the social and/or scientific values in forest cultural, special environmental, and value systems. It allows for Indigenous self- perspective’s and inclusion of Indigenous recognition the articulation of values by Indigenous people. determination through collected for other data an analysis of the legal framework through This indicator is designed to provide indicators. management activities has increased in planning forest The participation of Aboriginal communities Commonwealth legislative consistent over the past 10 years. This has evolved from and become more their native title claimants be consulted about any planned activity that may affect that native requirements title rights. it manages, The Victorian people in the forests Government the cultural values of Indigenous recognises consulted during the Indigenous people are processes. and actively encourages their input into planning under the Management Plans as required development of Forest Specific values and participation by Indigenous people participation by Indigenous Specific values and 7 192 Coverage Currency Frequency DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 193 7.2 Institutional framework 7.2 Institutional to the management relevant and guidelines that are regulations law enforcement, This sub-section covers State forests. of Victoria’s and other issues. Public forums community participation in forest-related DSE actively encourages public avenue to discuss issues with the general becoming a valuable activities are community engagement and other key stakeholders. in a variety of Victorian locations and through offered are for school children Educational opportunities natural resource of forestry, A wide variety of tertiary courses in the fields at Toolangi. centre a resource also available Victoria are management and park management throughout forest is a major component of DSE’s within State forests infrastructure Maintaining and providing management and fire harvesting, recreational for timber management activities. Road access to forests purposes also needs to be provided. VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S 12 472 220 *240 ($‘000) 2000-01 ted are for ted are - 30 180 210 ($‘000) 1999-2000 - 130 170 300 ($‘000) 1998-99 - 130 170 300 ($‘000) 1997-98 - 120 170 290 ($‘000) 1996-97 - 110 170 280 ($‘000) multiple-use forests only. multiple-use forests Chapter Seven Chapter conservation for forest framework and economic institutional Legal, management and sustainable Education programs School/children Communication with general public Extension programs Total * repor All other education figures forests. and multiple-use conservation reserves for nature includes expenditure figure This DSE/DNRE Internal Budgets. Source: Expenditure on forest education by DSE in Victoria from 1995 to 2001 education by DSE in Victoria from on forest Expenditure EXPENDITURE 1995-96 Indicator 7.2a the conservation and institutional framework supports Extent to which the to facilitate public including the capacity of forests, sustainable management that and extension programs public education, awareness provide involvement and information available. related make forest Rationale: and support is essential for the sustainable awareness An institutional commitment to building community management of forests. The Victorian their Government to increase has boosted opportunities for the general community in recent forests the sustainable management of Victoria’s understanding, support and participation in years. along with opportunities to be and extension programs, a range of education, awareness DSE provides not available are community engagement activities and publications. Figures involved in specific projects, segments in the media. for public education and awareness to engage young Victorians in the of education programs In 2002–03, DSE conducted a large number the issues. DSE operates of environmental their knowledge and to improve management of our forests, a range teachers to provide near Healesville, which employs professional Discovery Centre Forest Toolangi at the fieldwork program Over 8,000 students complete a forest programs educational of forest-related Sawmill, view harvested and regenerated Graton’s inspect They can walk in the rainforest, each year. Centre within the area. forest and marvel at the beautiful areas, Smith TimberIn 2002, DSE formed partnerships with Neville Industries and Australian Paper to develop to schools unable to visit the education programs forest education trailers to provide two mobile forest these trailers, including operated from Victoria participated in programs Over 1,100 students across Centre. 7.5 indicates the investment DSE made in education Melbourne. metropolitan Table students throughout services between 1995 and 2001. 7.5 Table Public information and education Public information 7 194 Coverage Currency Frequency DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 195 5 5 20 16 80 120 117 NUMBER Further Reading Sciences, of Rural Report 2003. Bureau State of the Forests Inventory (2003). Australia’s National Forest Canberra. General public Primary schools Secondary schools Inventory (2003). National Forest Source: Interpretation centres/walks Interpretation walks Guided interpretative Displays in public places programs Volunteer for: Number of reports/publications Number of public education, awareness and extension programs in Victoria (2001-02) programs and extension awareness Number of public education, ACTIVITY opportunities Number of public involvement Table 7.6 outlines the number of public awareness, education and extensions programs conducted by the and extensions programs education 7.6 outlines the number of public awareness, Table on an ad hoc basis and may the State Victorian Government held around Public forums are in 2001/02. cover a number of issues. 7.6 Table VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S Chapter Seven Chapter conservation for forest framework and economic institutional Legal, management and sustainable Indicator 7.2b the conservation and institutional framework supports Extent to which the to undertake and including the capacity of forests, sustainable management including review planning, assessment, and policy related forest implement periodic planning and coordination. sectoral cross Rationale: the basis for institutions provide by the responsible and policy review planning, assessment Periodic regional management. in forest continuous improvement in Victoria, planning as Forest such related in place to implement periodic forest processes are There Management Plans (FMPs). information becomes new where years. However, every 10 reviewed Management Plans are Forest The amended accordingly. the guidelines or actions in FMPs are available, or if changes in policy occur, of the in supplementary documentation, as was done following the signing amendments can be reported the zoning scheme detailed in the East Gippsland FMP where Agreement, East Gippsland Regional Forest which provide Management Procedures, into the Forest was amended. They can also be incorporated advice written strategies described in the FMPs, or through operational detail to help in implementing in FMP documented amended, they are FMP guidelines or actions are detailing the changes. Where reviews. contained implementing actions and guidelines towards Reporting is undertaken to demonstrate progress in implementing forest a summary of achievements and progress within FMPs. They also provide (FMAs) without a FMP in place. Management Areas for Forest management programs management in forest the basis for continuous improvement plan that provides related Another DSE forest a systematic (EMS). The EMS will provide Management System Environmental will be the the State forests to be quantified risks to be identified, for gaps in policy and procedure framework for environmental The EMS is scheduled for is protected. that the environment and for actions to be developed to ensure implementation in 2005. Planning and review 7 196 Coverage Currency Frequency DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 197 the ratio is point n ha) (Parks 10 years, or when circumstances 10 years, or when circumstances warrant a major review. Although no time period is specified, the document contains a plan for implementation three-year of management strategies. Yes Yes CROSS-SECTORAL INVOLVEMENT IN THE CROSS-SECTORAL INVOLVEMENT PLANS?DEVELOPMENT OF THESE REVIEW PERIOD (YEARS) AREA UNDER FOREST HA) MANAGEMENT PLANS (‘000 1,970 (58% - Completed) 803 (24% - Proposed) 2,800 (77%)* in time. It is estimated that 65% of forested nature conservation reserves have management plans. This calculation is based on conservation reserves nature in time. It is estimated that 65% of forested (3.6 millio conservation reserves of nature (3 million ha) to total area conservation reserves nature of forested of total area Victoria 2000, 2001). Further Reading Annual Management Area (DSE). Departmental Forest Department of Sustainability and Environment Reports and Major Achievements. (Accessed: 08/07/2005). Management Plans. View at: www.dse.vic.gov.au DSE. Forest Parks Victoria (2001). Annual Report 2000-01. Parks Victoria Report 2000. Park Profiles. (2000). State of the Parks Private land Leasehold land land Other Crown * at th areas forested be distinguished from which cannot of non-forest, includes some area to 30 June 2003 This figure Current not available for these tenures. Data are Multiple-use forests conservation Nature reserves Areas under forest management plans, cross-sectoral involvement and review issues associated involvement and review cross-sectoral management plans, forest under Areas with these plans, Victoria (2001) TENURE Table 7.7 shows the hectares of forest in Victoria that are managed under a FMP. Not all Conservation Not all Conservation managed under a FMP. Victoria in that are forest of 7.7 shows the hectares Table such as grasslands and wetlands. areas cover non-forested included, as some Reserves are 7.7 Table VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S Chapter Seven Chapter conservation for forest framework and economic institutional Legal, management and sustainable Indicator 7.2c the conservation and institutional framework supports Extent to which the to develop and maintain including the capacity of forests, sustainable management disciplines. relevant skills across human resource Rationale: management. to implement sustainable forest required skills are levels of human resource Appropriate with an university graduates recent that provides DSE operates a Graduate Recruitment Scheme DSE work units different Victorian to working in the Graduates work with three public service. introduction range of areas. a broad from them with opportunities to develop skills over a 12-month period, providing graduates return to ‘on-going’ employment in their selected At the conclusion of this ‘development year’ by DSE under this scheme in 2002/03. employed Seven graduates were department or agency. range of training opportunities in forest a broad In addition to the Graduate Recruitment Scheme, in Victoria. providers by a range of educational offered management are diploma and certificate courses available in the graduate and postgraduate degrees, 7.8 presents Table Victoria with their location and the time each takes to complete. The Bachelor of Science in 2003, along by The University of Melbourne near includes a component based at Creswick offered degree (Forestry) while learning environment the opportunities for students to study in a forest Ballarat that provides science and management. fundamentals of forest Developing skills 7 198 Coverage Currency Frequency DRAFT – Not for further distribution - 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 * * * * 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 1 2 2 4 1 3 3 3 2 2 3 3+ 1.5 1-2 DRAFT – Not for further distribution 199 NUMBER OF YEARS Environmental Management Environmental Diploma of Environmental Management Studies Diploma of Environmental Management Diploma of Natural Resource Management Diploma of Natural Resource Diploma in Conservation and Land Management. Management Diploma of Natural Resource Management Diploma of Natural Resource Certificates in: & Management) Growing (Forest Products & Forest Forest Forestry Management Resource Bachelor of Arts (Environmental Studies major) Bachelor of Arts (Environmental Management Bachelor of Resource & Land Management Advanced Diploma / Diploma in Conservation Management Advanced Diploma of Forestry Management) Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Graduate Diploma Land Rehabilitation (GDLR) Management Diploma in Natural Resource Management Diploma of Natural Resource Management Diploma of Environmental Diploma in Conservation and Land Management Bachelor of Arts (Eco-Communication) Science Bachelor of Environmental Management) Bachelor of Science (Environmental Graduate Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology Ecology) Diploma of Applied Science (Conservation Management Diploma of Natural Resource Bachelor of Forestry Science) Postgraduate Diploma (Forest Science) Masters (Forest PhD (Forestry) Studies specialist program) Bachelor of Arts (Environmental Bachelor of Applied Science(Environmental Science major) Bachelor of Applied Science(Environmental (Conservation Ecology) Science Bachelor of Environmental Management) (Environmental Science Bachelor of Environmental Science (Integrated Catchment Management) Bachelor of Environmental Bachelor of Park Management major) (Environmental Bachelor of Technology Holmesglen Institute of TAFE Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE Sunraysia Institute of TAFE East Gippsland Institute of TAFE Other divisions) Universities (with TAFE a range of institutes offer and TAFE Certificate courses. Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE Chisholm Institute of Tech. Chisholm Institute of Tech. Institute of Tech. Gordon Institute of Tech. Gordon Institutions TAFE Deakin University Monash University RMIT University University of Melbourne University of Ballarat *Also includes workplace-based apprenticeship and training programs. *Also includes workplace-based apprenticeship EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONEDUCATIONAL Universities University LaTrobe TITLE OF COURSE Table 7.8 Table the number of years and to forests, tertiary qualifications with relevance List of institutions and courses (2002). full-time study to complete VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S Chapter Seven Chapter conservation for forest framework and economic institutional Legal, management and sustainable Further Reading Scheme. View (DSE). Graduate Recruitment at: www.dse.vic. Department of Sustainability and Environment (Accessed 07/08/2005). gov.au View at: Website. Furnishing Products, and Pulp and Paper Industries Pty Ltd. (FAFPESC). and Forest Forestry 07/08/2005). (Accessed www.fafpesc.com.au Under its obligations to Occupational Health and Safety legislation, DSE ensures all field staff are appropriately appropriately are all field staff DSE ensures Occupational Health and Safety legislation, Under its obligations to DSE contracts an industry-owned company perform in the field. For training purposes, trained in activities they (National FurnishingLtd FAFPESC and Pulp and Paper Industries Pty Products, and Forest known as Forestry is Furnishing FAFPESC Products, and Pulp and Paper Industries). Forest and Forestry Skills Company for the and Victorian as the organisation that advises the industry Governmentrecognised on vocational education be applied industry to develop industry skills that can leadership to assist the provides and training needs, and These include: industry sectors. related in all forest range of accreditations broad a offers FAFPESC nationally. • Haulage and Management Growing Forest and • Harvesting • Sawmilling and Processing • Timber Manufacturing Product • and Manufacturing Production Panel/Board Wood • Pulp and Paper Manufacturing Merchandising. • Timber operators in forest to accredit FAFPESC by offered The Victorian timber industry uses the training programs body such timber mill. A recognised either on a coupe or at a to fulfil their role, the disciplines they require that Occupational Health and all personnel involved in harvesting operations to ensure as this must accredit followed. Safety guidelines are that they and compliance activities. This ensures also undertake training in legislation enforcement DSE staff for administering. responsible they are of, the legislative mechanisms that aware understand, and are 7 200 DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution Coverage Currency Frequency 201 Rationale: management and use. forest underpins efficient infrastructure The development and maintenance of physical timber harvesting, conservation, for a range of purposes, including DSE maintains and builds infrastructure includes: This infrastructure management, and recreation. fire • Road, track and trail networks towers • Fire • Buildings (workshops, sheds, etc.) • Bridges and water crossings • gates dams, water points and pumps Fire and • Fences • Helipads and air strips • Signage • toilet facilities drinking water and Picnic areas, • Huts • Lookouts • accommodation for construction workers and firefighters Remote facilities. • Telecommunication DSE manages State forests. access to Victoria’s that provide types of roads 7.9 shows the various Table It should be noted that a complete summary public forests. within 26,000 kms of roads approximately of the State was not available for this Report. Road track and trail networks in some areas of road, and bridges, weather conditions, the condition and classifications depend upon the load limits of roads in in State forests infrastructure of all roading a review and its width. DSE undertakes surfacing of the road, under its management. of all roads to update and maintain a register order Infrastructure Indicator 7.2d the conservation and institutional framework supports Extent to which the to develop and maintain including the capacity of forests, sustainable management and products the supply of forest to facilitate physical infrastructure efficient management. forest services and support VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S 0 398 455 2,587 8,518 14,356 26,314 0 88 392 115 1,165 2,264 4,024 0 0 17 269 9,66 1,616 2,867 0 120 730 157 1,485 4,221 6,713 0 190 166 1,196 4,253 6,905 12,710 Chapter Seven Chapter conservation for forest framework and economic institutional Legal, management and sustainable Further Reading 2003. View (DSE) (2003). Annual Report at: www.dse.vic. Department of Sustainability and Environment (Accessed 07/08/2005). gov.au (Accessed 07/08/2005). View at: www.dse.vic.gov.au and Other Emergencies. Website. DSE Fire * Refer to Glossary for explanation of Classes only. Approximates DSE (2003). Source: towers towers. Fire management in Victoria is fire for forest Another important type of infrastructure towers 70 fire approximately presently are There areas. particularly in remote vital in detecting fires, are These fire the maximum coverage of parks and forests. the State to ensure strategically located around danger index, the periods, depending on the fire season, for varying during the fire staffed towers are in place for Co-operative arrangements are activity. of fire likelihood of lightning storms, and the presence located within the building of towers are or where the CFA), towers operated by other bodies, (such as another organisation. Road classification types for roads within Victorian State forest, by kilometre (Km) (2003) by kilometre within Victorian State forest, for roads Road classification types CLASS5A 5B 5C 5D GIPPSLAND5E Unknown EAST NORTH Km* Total WEST NORTH SOUTH WEST KM* TOTAL Table 7.9 Table 7 202 DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution Coverage Currency Frequency 203 Forests Code of Forest Practices in multiple use forests are the removal of firewood without a licence, and driving a vehicle off a licence, and driving a vehicle off without of firewood the removal are in multiple use forests 1958 To monitor compliance with legislation and guidelines, and to investigate their breaches, DSE employs their breaches, monitor compliance with legislation and guidelines, and to investigate To and legal officers. based specialist field staff regionally officers, trained enforcement can be fined, given a custodial sentence, or legislation breach Individuals, organisations or companies that and guidelines covering timber is generally very high compliance with legislation, regulations both. There of the 7.10 indicates that the number of breaches harvesting on public land. Table committed under the of the most common offences (1996) is generally consistent over time. Two Act road. Rationale: effectively. implemented mean that plans are and guidelines of laws, regulations Enforcement Enforcement Indicator 7.2e the conservation and institutional framework supports Extent to which the laws, to enforce including the capacity of forests, sustainable management and guidelines. regulations VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S 5 1 7 4 1 5 32 99 18 57 16 41 43 629 100 122 178 State The t of key bjective to e, multiple- 0 0 1 7 0 1 9 95 76 27 37 48 73 46 15 491 151 2 1 7 3 0 5 1 2 60 31 35 56 20 54 100 409 132 . 0 2 0 4 3 2 97 36 22 19 42 16 17 122 103 466 103 4 0 6 3 0 0 31 90 65 92 36 79 12 16 146 151 641 Forests Act 1958 ’96/97 ’97/98 ’98/99 ’99/00 00/01 carried out work not covered by licence or not done according by licence or not done according carried out work not covered 5 Mineral Resources Development Act 1990 3 4 6 1 7 2 Timber Practice for Timber in compliance (Code of Forest Harvesting Regulations 2000 applies penalties for non-Code Production) in the first part of the tabl reported were On private land, local government monitors compliance. These figures only. forest the from although a summary of the results not recorded, Management were to the Code of Practice for Fire Breaches use forest. a snapsho This level of audit provides based on a draft Level 1 audit procedure. 2001 Audit is listed. The data obtained were burn or wildfire). management operation (prescribed performance indicators undertaken by a single auditor on the day of a fire with the o under review, is currently two districts of Victoria.2001 Audit comprised five burn The Audit process zones across in monitoring and management. the scope of the Audit to achieve continual improvement broaden have also been included. Royalty avoidance figures also included in this category. and damage to flora and fauna were Damage to signs, buildings, other man-made structures without a licence. guns or use guns in permitted areas prohibiting Use/possess/carry gun or weapon in areas Land Officer. operations and/or obstruct/assault authorised Crown Hinder or obstruct forest The holder of licence under the to the Act. This category also includes penalty infringement notices for unsafe worksites. Without a licence, conducted an activity for which a licence may be issued under the Chapter Seven Chapter conservation for forest framework and economic institutional Legal, management and sustainable Resource protection (dumping rubbish, soil disturbance, fires) protection Resource Signage (damaging signs) fence posts etc.) (firewood, produce Theft of forest (accessing unauthorised areas) Vehicle Other: Firearms/Weapons operations Other: Hinder or obstruct forest zone Other: Enter restricted Number of breaches relating to, enforcement of laws, regulations and guidelines in Victoria and guidelines of laws, regulations to, enforcement relating Number of breaches (1996/97 to 2000/01) Practices of Code of Forest Number of breaches Multiple-use forests land of legislation on Crown Number of breaches not allowed) are they where areas Animals (bringing into Behaviour Camping (in unauthorised areas) Fee avoidance Table 7.10 Table Other: Hunting to the general public related number of breaches Total 1 2 3 4 5 6 Other: Give misleading information Other: Mining offences Other: No licence 7 Source: Offence Management Unit (2002). Offence Source: 7 204 DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 205 Australia’s State of the Forests Australia’s . Indicator 7.3b is only provided, and we refer you to and we refer is only provided, Indicator 7.3a for information on trade policies, referred to in for information on trade policies, referred Report 7.3 Economic framework 7.3 Economic This sub-section is concerned investment levels, and how factors such as the economic environment with that a range of products provide Forests management. forest conditions affect taxation policies and trade harvested and traded are whether the products of this trade may affect can be traded. The economics investment in and any form of conservation, management, or for required In addition, funds are sustainably. by the timber industry. and fiscal framework in which forests allow some tracking of the economic Indicators in this sub-section import and export of forest a snapshot of policies affecting They also provide meet the marketplace. level. at a national more measured These indicators are products. Base information for VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S . Australia’s State of the Forests Report 2003 Australia’s Chapter Seven Chapter conservation for forest framework and economic institutional Legal, management and sustainable Further Reading of Rural Sciences, Report 2003. Bureau State of the Forests Inventory (2003). Australia’s National Forest Canberra. Government investment and taxation policies can affect investment in forest growing and timber processing and timber processing growing Government investment in forest investment and taxation policies can affect industries. Data concerning be found in this indicator can Indicator 7.3a policies and measures) economic framework (economic Extent to which the through of forests and sustainable management supports the conservation the recognise which environment policies and a regulatory investment, taxation out of the the flow of capital in and of investments, permits long-term nature and non-market economic valuations, to market signals, sector in response forest and products long-term demands for forest to meet in order public policy decisions services. Rationale: Investment and taxation Investment and forests The Victorian Government of the State’s supports the conservation and sustainable management which began in 1997, process, (RFA) Agreement Forest in a variety of ways. Following the Regional (FISAP) by the Industry Structural Adjustment Program to establish the Forest $42 million was provided Commonwealth and Victorian Governments. The aim of FISAP was to support the development of a and to help businesses and workers timber industry, native forest competitive, sustainable and value-adding process. of the RFA by the outcomes and adversely affected in the industry directly and FISAP in the native timber industry, significant adjustments has required process the RFA It is recognised of RFA’s. to leave as a result and workers forced assistance to businesses provides hardwood financial assistance to existing and potential participants in the native forest FISAP also provides the performance in capital equipment that will improve This is to encourage investment timber industry. and add value to the ability of the industry to process of the harvesting and haulage sector and enhance skills in the industry. marketing and promotional and to increase timber, native forest of changing to the challenges timber industry is continuing to respond hardwood native forest Victoria’s on of 2003, total expenditure the end To production. in native forest markets and community interest FISAP was $24.2 million, with the Victorian government contributing $9.6 million and the Commonwealth contributing $14.5 million. 7 206 Coverage Currency Frequency DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution Coverage Currency Frequency 207 . Australia’s State of the Forests Report 2003 Australia’s National Forest Inventory (2003). Australia’s State of the Forests Report 2003. Bureau of Rural Sciences, of Rural Report 2003. Bureau State of the Forests Inventory (2003). Australia’s National Forest Canberra. Further Reading Rationale: to international equitable access policies provide Non-discriminatory trade markets. Data concerning for state level reporting. this not relevant This indicator is based at a national level and indicator can be found in Trade policies Trade Indicator 7.3b policies and measures) economic framework (economic Extent to which the non- through of forests and sustainable management supports the conservation products. policies for forest discriminatory trade VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S , which considers Australia’s compatibility , which considers Australia’s Indicator 7.4c project has used a scale of 1:25,000 to map forest resources across the the across resources used a scale of 1:25,000 to map forest has project Chapter Seven Chapter conservation for forest framework and economic institutional Legal, management and sustainable State. All techniques used in the process have been documented and reviewed. State. All techniques used in the process with other nations in measuring and reporting on indicators. on indicators. with other nations in measuring and reporting of data gathering by sharing the efficiency improve and reporting for measuring Compatible protocols accuracy and usefulness of global assessments. Victoria’s information. Compatibility also enhances the Statewide Forest Resource Inventory These three indicators are concerned in the conservation and monitor changes indicators are to measure with the capacity These three and the and measuring forests, This involves assessing, monitoring of forests. and sustainable management of the statistics produced. reliability State and a partnership between the Commonwealth, Inventory, National Forest At a national level, the State and assessment and reporting. Governments, for national forest responsible is primarily Territory data. owners and managers also collect forest agencies and private forest Territory the a result, As timber production. for commercial managed has focused on areas Much of the assessment non-timber attributes. The issue and forests for privately managed information are main gaps in our forest to of compatibility between assessments is central 7.4 Capacity to measure and monitor to measure 7.4 Capacity 7 208 DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 209 . State of Victoria’s Forest Report 2008 State of Victoria’s Rationale: framework of indicators. under the regional summarise data availability and currency To An management have been used for this report. level indicators of sustainable forest Australian regional is available forests Victoria’s and up-to-date information about understanding of the extent that relevant of the capacity to demonstrate sustainable forest a measure provides against the indicators to report for and prioritise data collection activities management. In turn, to review managers this allows forest and monitoring. and timely measurement relevant should be made to data overview for each of the indicators. Reference a cursory This indicator provides of the data. discussion of the nature comprehensive for a more full indicator description each respective indicators to make a comparison of the data status between indicators. While some It is not appropriate level on regional some rely Similarly, narrative in nature. more others are depend on data for reporting, at the national level. only relevant data, while others are in 2003. DSE to forests quality of data for VictoriaThis indicator summarises the availability and relating suitable to the Victorian context. to select criteria and indicators that are will be undertaking a program fields. A final list of these with specialists in relevant These indicators will be assessed in consultation data will be end of 2006. Collection of the relevant indicators is expected to be completed at the against in the to be reported undertaken in 2007/08 in order Availability of data Availability Indicator 7.4a and sustainable monitor changes in the conservation and Capacity to measure up-to-date data, availability and extent of including forests, management of or describing indicators information important to measuring statistics and other 1–7. associated with criteria VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S Frequency (continued over page) Annual to 5 yearly than Greater 5 years Currency 1998+ Coverage Whole State Assessed Incomplete data 1997 1980 - COVERAGE CURRENCY FREQUENCY Chapter Seven Chapter conservation for forest framework and economic institutional Legal, management and sustainable 7 210 State level Data complete at the Table 7.12 Table Partial data once work available, or only required Scientific studies or limited No data available Case study Incomplete Once only No data No Data No data 2.1g Effective native forest regeneration native forest 2.1g Effective 2.1d Annual removal of wood products 2.1d Annual removal products 2.1e Non-timber forest 2.1b Growing stock in native forests available for timber production stock in native forests 2.1b Growing 2.1c Plantations of native and exotic species Criterion 2: Maintenance of productive capacity of forest capacity of forest Criterion 2: Maintenance of productive ecosystems 1.3c Genetic resource conservation plans 1.3c Genetic resource available for timber production 2.1a Forest 1.2c Species monitoring 1.3 Genetic Diversity dwelling species 1.3a Genetic variation in forest 1.2 Species diversity dwelling species 1.2a Species diversity Forest dwelling species 1.2b The status of forest 1.1b Forest growth stage by tenure growth 1.1b Forest 1.1e Fragmentation of forests 1.1a Extent of area by forest type and tenure by forest 1.1a Extent of area Criterion 1: Conservation of biological diversity Criterion 1: Conservation of biological 1.1 Ecosystem diversity Data availability, coverage and currency to address each indicator (2003) to address coverage and currency Data availability, Table 7.11 Table 7.12 for Table Key for indicator coverage DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution Frequency 211 Currency Coverage 6.1d Value of forest products as a % of GDP products of forest 6.1d Value 6.1e Recycling 6.1f Non-wood supply and consumption 6.1b Value and volume of non-wood forest products of non-wood forest and volume 6.1b Value supply and consumption 6.1c Wood 5.1b Forest contribution to the carbon budget 5.1b Forest carbon budget contribution to the products 5.1c Forest Criterion 6: Maintenance and enhancement of long term multiple socio-economic benefits to meet the needs of societies 6.1 Production and consumption of wood products and volume 6.1a Value 4.1f Biodiversity of water bodies of water bodies 4.1g Physio-chemical properties 4.1h Persistent toxic substances contribution to global carbon Criterion 5: Maintenance of forest cycles biomass and carbon stocks 5.1a Forest 4.1b Protection of soil and water by forests 4.1b Protection flow stream 4.1c Forest 4.1d Soil organic matter 4.1e Soil physical damage 3.1b Air pollutants ecology as indicated by changed biophysical and 3.1c Changes in forest chemical components of soil and water Criterion 4: Conservation and maintenance resources hazard 4.1a Soil erosion Criterion 3: Maintenance of ecosystem health and vitality Criterion 3: Maintenance health forest 3.1a Factors affecting VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S Table 7.12 (continued) Table each indicator (2003) to address coverage and currency Data availability, Frequency Currency Coverage Chapter Seven Chapter conservation for forest framework and economic institutional Legal, management and sustainable 7 212 7.1e Special values and Indigenous people’s participation 7.1e Special values and Indigenous people’s 7.1c Public participation 7.1d Best practice codes 7.1b Planning, assessment and review Criterion 7: Legal, institutional and economic framework for forest Criterion 7: Legal, institutional and economic framework for forest conservation and sustainable management 7.1 Legal framework rights 7.1a Indigenous peoples’ property 6.6 Indigenous participation and management 6.6a Maintaining and enhancing Indigenous values 6.5c(ii) Viability of forest dependant Indigenous communities dependant 6.5c(ii) Viability of forest 6.5d Land for Indigenous needs 6.5b Wage and injury rates 6.5b Wage communities dependant 6.5c(i) Viability of forest 6.5 Employment and community needs 6.5a Employment and community needs 6.4a(ii) Areas formally managed to protect places of non-Indigenous places of non-Indigenous to protect formally managed 6.4a(ii) Areas values values 6.4b Non-consumptive use of forest 6.4 Cultural, social and spiritual needs and values 6.4 Cultural, social and spiritual needs Indigenous values to protect formally managed 6.4a(i) Areas 6.3c Utilisation of new technologies 6.3d Return on investment 6.3 Investment in the forest sector sector 6.3a Investment in the forest development and education on research, 6.3b Expenditure 6.2c Visitor numbers 6.2d Unacceptable visitor impacts 6.2b Visitor activities 6.2 Recreation and tourism 6.2 Recreation and tourism and for recreation 6.2a Forest Table 7.12 (continued) Table each indicator (2003) to address coverage and currency Data availability, DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution Frequency 213 Currency Coverage 7.4c Compatibility with other countries and development 7.5 Capacity to conduct and apply research and development aimed at 7.5a Capacity to conduct and apply research scientific understanding increasing 7.3 Economic Framework taxation 7.3a Economic framework Investment and policies 7.3b Trade 7.4 Capacity to measure and monitor and monitor availability of data 7.4a Capacity to measure 7.4b Monitoring and reporting 7.2b Planning and review 7.2c Developing skills 7.2d Infrastructure 7.2e Enforcement 7.2 Institutional framework and education 7.2a Public information VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S Table 7.12 (continued) Table each indicator (2003) to address coverage and currency Data availability, ± 5% Statewide Forest Resource Inventory project collects data on private plantations from plantations from collects data on private project 95% State forest 25% National Parks 10% Private land is primarily responsible for undertaking national forest assessment and national forest for undertaking is primarily responsible National Plantation Inventory (NPI) project. This project conducts field assessments of State forest by measuring forest type, age class, by measuring forest conducts field assessments of State forest This project project. National Forest Inventory (NFI) Chapter Seven Chapter conservation for forest framework and economic institutional Legal, management and sustainable reporting. States, Territories and private forest owners feed information gathered locally into this process. locally into this process. owners feed information gathered and private forest States, Territories reporting. condition is the of assessing the forest process main inventory Victoria’s (SFRI) for the eastern DSE intends to complete this program and condition among a number of other variables. data collected is at a scale of 1:25,000. by the end of 2005. The forests sensing, such as aerial photograph a combination of remote inventory generally involves A forest classified on the basis of are Trees on the ground. combined with sample measurements interpretation, confined to together to form a ‘stand’. SFRI has been predominantly and grouped floristics and structure, of the tenure. nature due to the commercial State forest to sustainable forest DSE can support sound policy decisions in relation in forests, By monitoring trends management. The plantation owners from assessments that may be conducted annually. Table 7.13 outlines the status of 7.13 outlines the Table assessments that may be conducted annually. plantation owners from in 2003. processes inventory Victoria’s 7.13 Table Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) (2000). Victoria’s Forest Resource Inventory: Resource Forest (DNRE) (2000). Victoria’s and Environment Department of Natural Resources Report 00-01. Technical Stand Classification. Forest Forest Map Datasets. for the transfer of SFRI Aerial Photograph Interpreted DNRE (1998). Guidelines and Standards Report 98-02. Technical Forest Report 97-01. Technical Forest overview. Inventory Program Resource Forest DNRE (1997). SFRI – Victoria’s . View at: www.affa.gov.au Website. National Plantation Inventory. of Rural Sciences, Report 2003. Bureau State of the Forests Inventory (2003). Australia’s National Forest Canberra. (Accessed 08/07/2005). View at: www.dse.vic.gov.au Inventory Program. Resource Statewide Forest Current status of Victoria’s inventory process (2003) inventory process status of Victoria’s Current INVENTORY Stand Mapping SFRI – Forest Further Reading COVERAGE % OF STATE ERROR ESTIMATES ASSOCIATED Indicator 7.4b and sustainable monitor changes in the conservation and Capacity to measure of reliability and statistical scope, frequency including forests, management of information. and other relevant inventories, assessments, monitoring forest Rationale: planning. basis for all forest the inventory provides and current A comprehensive The Monitoring and reporting Monitoring and 7 214 Coverage Currency Frequency DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution Coverage Currency Frequency 215 State of the Forests Report 2003. Further Reading Sciences, of Rural Report 2003. Bureau State of the Forests Inventory (2003). Australia’s National Forest Canberra. Rationale: and increase enhanced co-operation and collaboration, for measuring and reporting Compatible protocols Compatibility enhances the accuracy and usefulness of global assessments of data gathering. the efficiency countries to assess their shared similar data sets allow for adjacent global dialogue. Further, and improves ecosystems. on a which Victoria may report Australia is signatory to a number of internationaltreaties, and processes costs by the sharing of national reporting reduced planning, State basis. These have guided national report and helped clarify international expectations for sustainable forest information, techniques and resources, reporting. management-related Data to State-level reporting. not relevant therefore This indicator is based at a national level and concerning this indicator can be found in Australia’s Compatibility with other countries Compatibility with Indicators 7.4c and sustainable monitor changes in the conservation and Capacity to measure countries in measuring, compatibility with other including forests, management of on indicators. monitoring and reporting VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S . Due to repetition, these indicators have been . Due to repetition, 7.5b-f . ii Victoria’s State of the Forests Report State of the Forests Victoria’s integrated for Chapter Seven Chapter conservation for forest framework and economic institutional Legal, management and sustainable ii indicators regional to Australia’s This section includes information related Research related to forest ecosystems to forest related Research and changes management will continue to evolve as new information becomes available, Sustainable forest occur in community expectations. The Victorian Government and Development (R&D) to understands the importance of ongoing Research enables management. Ongoing research to sustainable forest relating scientific knowledge strengthening by programs, Victoria with and complement national and international to cooperate research forestry and R&D projects of the results be achieved by reporting sharing knowledge and expertise. This can it allows activities completed by the Victorian Government stakeholders. Most importantly, and relevant management. to sustainable forest in policy decisions relating analysis and advice for credible the various educational institutes conducted, both within DSE and throughout are R&D programs Numerous with. DSE has a strategic partnership with The University of Melbourneand universities it is affiliated to and Ecosystem though its School of Forest and development services delivered research forest provide in 2003. DSE was also a major participant Resources Science within the Institute of Land and Food in a long-term collaborative arrangement Centre Cooperative Research and sponsor of the Bushfire on R&D in private development and education activities. Access to information that supports research, is limited at this stage. plantations and native forests sites located throughout an extensive network of research DSE also performs scientific work through near Cabbage to a silvicultural systems project Victoria, including two large-scale multi-purpose sites related Gippsland. in West Bren in East Gippsland, and Tanjil Creek Tree Indicator 7.5a aimed at improving and development and apply research Capacity to conduct forest of scientific understanding of management, including development forest and functions. ecosystem characteristics Rationale: and functions is needed to underpin ecosystem characteristics of the forest A scientific understanding methods that enable the environmental is also a need to develop management. There sustainable forest sustainable forest to be assessed against economic values to ensure and social values of forests management is achieved. Research and Development Research 7 216 Coverage Currency Frequency DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 217 - - - 2 6 1 1 20 28 58 43 37 24 15 4.5 121 nded - - esearch papers esearch 4 5 4 1 1 19 32 60 48 48 11 15 4.2 124 ‘99-00 ‘00-01 National Forest Policy Statement (1992). research centres (ie. Forest Science Centre or Arthur Rylah Institute) are for clients only, and are not peer-reviewed. Such r not peer-reviewed. and are or Arthur Rylah for clients only, Science Centre Institute) are (ie. Forest centres research listed. not were Assessing environmental and social forest values and social forest Assessing environmental new concept. The Australian accounts is a relatively and social values in national Including environmental values in national accounts. of Statistics is developing methods for accounting environmental Bureau published in 2002. Environmental assets were Australia's national accounts that include environmental native standing assets included land (84 per cent of the total), sub-soil assets (minerals, oil and gas) and management, such as soil and native flora to sustainable forest Many important assets relevant timber. a number of valued from are how native forests not yet included. Concepts underlying and fauna, were further development. perspectives clearly require different to of forestry Over time, economists have developed methods to enable market and non-market values One of the main methods that can be applied to proposed be integrated into decision-making processes. Assessment Commission tested the application is ‘benefit-cost analysis’. The Resource policies or projects and Timber values in Australia during its Forest of several methods, including benefit-cost analysis, to forest Inquiry (1992). This inquiry led to the development of the Staff employed in R&D Staff on R&D ($ million) Expenditure * the Government-fu from papers produced Most of the research papers. research listed show the number of peer-reviewed Figures Ecosystem health and vitality Soil and water resources Global carbon Socio-economic benefits Total Socio-economic benefits Total WRITTEN* PAPERS Biodiversity capacity Productive Biodiversity capacity Productive Ecosystem health and vitality Soil and water resources Global carbon Number of research projects and peer reviewed research papers in VictoriaCriterion by research and peer reviewed projects Number of research (1999/2000 to 2000/01) RESEARCH Progress in Projects Table 7.14 separates DSE’s forest research areas into seven criteria of SFM used in this Report. Data includes into seven criteria of SFM used in areas research forest 7.14 separates DSE’s Table 1999/2000 in Victoria throughout produced papers research and peer reviewed projects number of research over the period. employed in R&D and number of staff total expenditure and 2000/01. It also includes 7.14 Table VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S This technique minimises soil disturbance by reducing ground pressure, compaction, pressure, ground This technique minimises soil disturbance by reducing This technique yields similar rewards to Cording and Matting. By using an excavator to to Cording This technique yields similar rewards Chapter Seven Chapter conservation for forest framework and economic institutional Legal, management and sustainable Employment and economic development in regional (or non-urban) areas is an important social issue, and is an important (or non-urban) areas regional Employment and economic development in new technologies can affect As in any industry, sector can be an important player. one in which the forest may include: These effects sector in many ways. the forest • labour with technology employment, replacing Decreased • the impact of seasonal variations technologies may remove as some certainty, Increased • Changes to the type of employment available • skill sets Change in required • hardship jobs may be created Different physical • Reduced safety • Increased • efficiency production Improved • growth contribution to economic Increased • for those in the industry. profits Increased outlined below: industry in Victoria are to the forestry Some new technologies introduced and Matting: Cording of days available for rutting and puddling caused by machinery during harvesting operations. The number conditions without damaging environmental because machines can operate in broader working increases weather and can also extend This enables harvesting to continue during periods of wet the environment. associated with the roading in the harvesting season into the winter period, subject to improvements time, which can lead to a harvesting over harvesting. Extending the season allows operators to spread for logging contractors by guaranteeing also improved in localised impact. Social conditions are reduction the through continual employment over a specified contract period, and can extend the employment safety advantages, include dust minimisation in summer, Other advantages of matting and cording year. of the coupe after completion of restoration and effective efficient cost savings on machinery and more harvesting operations. Shovel Logging: and disturbance is minimised. Refer to the Cording stump to landing, soil compaction and move logs from Matting section above for details on the socio-economic impacts of this technology. New technologies and their consequences The National Forest Policy Statement introduced the process of Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs). These (RFAs). Agreements of Regional Forest the process introduced Policy Statement The National Forest values to provide Assessments, which assessed all forest Regional by Comprehensive supported were values, often with the aid of computer- commercial social and of environmental, balanced management based modelling systems. with land-use focused on the social impacts associated in VictoriaSocial studies conducted RFA for each quantitative and qualitative methods of method was employed that used both change. An assessment mail surveys, based on Assessments were validity and/or accuracy of data collected. inquiry to enhance the and other social census data reviews, community workshops, documentary telephone questionnaires, Government as those held by Commonwealth and State indicator data sets such agencies (eg. health, education, etc.). 7 218 DRAFT – Not for further distribution DRAFT – Not for further distribution 219 The Statewide Forest Resource Inventory Mechanical harvesting increases the productivity and improves safety in safety in and improves the productivity increases Mechanical harvesting The School of Forest and Ecosystem Sciences (SFES) (previously the Forest Science the Forest Sciences (SFES) (previously and Ecosystem The School of Forest project has been designed to collect the resource information required for forecasting sustainable for forecasting information required has been designed to collect the resource project control, firewood collection, grazing and recreation) are compatible with conservation of biodiversity, compatible with conservation of biodiversity, are grazing and recreation) collection, firewood control, soil, water and heritage values. development of yield curves. Predicting human impacts human Predicting is values forest of management actions on of the likely effects prediction sustainably, manage forests To helpful. Examples include: • (eg. harvesting, water yield, fire and non-wood production The extent to which management for wood • hence the sustainable yield. and forests of wood production The rate of growth • ecology and the risk to life and property. on forest regimes of changing fire The effect • to global warming and the carbon cycle. ecology and climate in relation The interactions between forest is available for model, STANDSIM, sustainable timber yields. The growth DSE uses models for predicting in Victoria. and yield for the ash-type forests growth predicting (SFRI) and yield estimation: for growth required yield, and includes the following additional features • using STANDSIM. predictions a basis for growth ash type stands to provide Inventory plots in regrowth • a basis for to provide The collection of stand age information in the mixed species type forest The impact of timber DSE is also assessing another model for use in both mixed species and ash forests. Planning System (IFPS) by using an harvesting on water yield is also calculated in the Intergrated Forest between water yield and known as the Kuczera curve, which describes the relation empirical relationship average ash forest. the age of a regional burning’, DSE carries out ‘prescribed which in land management has many applications. The use of fire burning management objectives. Prescribed is to achieve planned land and resource to using fire refers and aims to achieve specific heat intensities and rates of spread, conducted at certain times of the year, management objective(s). to the desired according Mechanical Harvesting: Mechanical Harvesting: can operate because machines increases The number of days available for working harvesting operations. adoption of impact is that the increased conditions. A negative socio-economic environmental in broader have there However required. in the number of employees may lead to a reduction mechanised technology conducted in Victoriabeen no formal studies to support this theory. Inflation: Central Tyre VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT FORESTS THE OF STATE VICTORIA‘S of forest on the soil properties Inflation (CTI) has Central Tyre examining the impact currently is Centre) types, condition and soil inflation depending on road CTI allows drivers to modify tyre haulage roads. and is only for the driving tyres CTI conditions. Currently better traction in off-road enabling them to gain and soils. The SFES is investigating the impact of applying the impact on roads does not necessarily reduce on soil disturbance successful in reducing of trucks involved in timber haulage. If CTI proves CTI to all tyres similar to those discussed under Cording potential to yield positive results this technology has the roads, has the potential to extend and Matting and shovel logging and Matting. Combining CTI with Cording wetter periods with minimal impacts to soil and water. timber harvesting through Chapter Seven Legal, institutional and economic framework for forest conservation 7and sustainable management A number of reports into the effects of fire on biodiversity values have been published by DSE and other stakeholder organisations. These reports include: • Management of Fire for the Conservation of Biodiversity (1999) • Developing an ecological burning strategy - A Practitioners Manual (2003) • Ecological Effects of Fuel Reduction Burns (1992) • Synopsis of the Knowledge Used in Prescribed Burning in Victoria (1999). Predicting impacts of climate change on forests Models for monitoring global warming and its impact on the carbon cycle are undertaken at a national level. Victoria has initiated studies through the University of Melbourne to conduct these studies locally, and to develop models specific to Victoria's climatic conditions. Silviculture and utilisation research DSE has a large commitment to silvicultural research in native forests throughout Victoria. All of Victoria’s State forest is formally supported by silvicultural research, with over $1.2 million per annum invested and 14 staff employed specifically for research work in 2000/01 (see Table 7.15). Table 7.15 Number of staff employed in silvicultural and utilisation research in Victoria, 2002 NUMBER OF STAFF EMPLOYED ’96-97 ’97-98 ’98-99 ’99-00 ’00-01 Silvicultural research 12 12 13 14 14 Utilisation research 1 1 1 1 1 DRAFT – Not for further distribution The Victorian Government also provides in-kind support, for example, through the provision of materials. Current utilisation research is conducted by: • Forests and Wood Products Research and Development Corporation (FWPRDC) • CSIRO • Melbourne University and other providers eg. (Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre) All forest types have some level of research support. However some forest types require additional research. For example the silvicultural research on box ironbark forests has mainly focused on regeneration after thinning; and river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) silvicultural studies have mainly focused on flooding regimes. 220 VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT Further Reading Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry Australia (AFFA) (1995). National Forest Policy Statement. Second edition. Commonwealth Government, Canberra. Australian Bureau of Statistics (2002). National Income, Expenditure and Product. Australian National Accounts Catalogue No. 5206.0. Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra. Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre. View at www.bushfirecrc.com (Accessed 08/07/2005). Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) (1995). Native Forest Silvicultural Guideline No. 4 Eucalypt Seed sampling and Testing. DCNR (1994a). Native Forest Silvicultural Guideline No. 2 Seed Collection. DCNR (1994b). Native Forest Silvicultural Guideline No. 3 Seed Extraction, Cleaning and Storage. DCNR (1993a). Native Forest Silvicultural Guideline No. 1 Seed Crop Monitoring and Assessment. DCNR (1993b). Native Forest Silvicultural Guideline No. 9 Eucalypt Planting. Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) (2001a). Native Forest Silvicultural Guideline No. 5 Seed Coating. DNRE (2001b). Native Forest Silvicultural Guideline No. 8 Sowing and Seedfall. DNRE (1998). Native Forest Silvicultural Guideline No. 6 Site Preparation. DNRE (1997a). Native Forest Silvicultural Guideline No. 10 Eucalypt Stocking Surveys DNRE (1997b). SFRI – Victoria’s Forest Resource Inventory Program Overview. Forest Technical Report 97-01. DNRE and Parks Victoria (2003). Fire Ecology Working Group. Developing an ecological burning strategy - A Practitioners Manual. Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). Forest Research and development website. View at: www.dse.vic.gov.au (Accessed 08/07/2005). Friend, G., Leonard, M., Maclean, A., and Sieler, I. (1999). Fire Ecology Working Group. Management of Fire for the Conservation of Biodiversity. DRAFT – Not for further distribution National Forest Inventory (2003). Australia’s State of the Forests Report 2003. Bureau of Rural Sciences, Canberra. O’Shaughnessy, P.J., Fletcher, T., and Bren, L. (1999). The effects of forest harvesting on water yield and quality in the Lerderderg Catchment. Research Report to Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Melbourne. Peel, M., Watson, F., Vertessy, R., Lau, A., Watson, I., Sutton, M. and Rhodes, B. (2000). Predicting the water yield impacts of forest disturbance in the Maroondah and Thomson catchments using the Macaque model. Technical Report 00-14, Cooperative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology, Melbourne. Tolhurst. K. and Cheney, P. (1999). Synopsis of the Knowledge Used in Prescribed Burning in Victoria. Tolhurst. K., Flinn, D.W., Loyn, R.H., Wilson, A.G., and Foletta, I. (1992). Ecological Effects of Fuel Reduction Burns in a dry sclerophyll forest. A Summary of Principal Research Findings and their Management Implications. University of Melbourne. School of Forest and Ecosystem Science website. View at: www.forestscience. unimelb.edu.au (Accessed 08/07/2005). Wilkinson, G. (2000). Matting and Cording of Snig Tracks, Forest Practices News. 2 (4). Forest Practices Board, Hobart. Wood and Paper Industry Strategy (WAPIS). Research papers. View at: www.fwprdc.org.au (Accessed 08/07/2005). 221 (different (different ecosystem (genes/genotypes within each species) (genes/genotypes within genetic (variety of living species) diversity and (variety of living species) species A protective margin of vegetation abutting a stream, spring, wetland, body margin of vegetation abutting a stream, A protective which protects of rainforest, or an area swampy ground of standing water, Buffer forest. detrimental disturbances in the surrounding potentially it from operations are which various width is defined as horizontal distance from excluded. which shields the edge of an area around margin of vegetation A protective or of, for example, a fire the effects from forest the surrounding or protects timber harvesting activities. burning for which prescribed is planned. A specific land area surfaced two (ADT). All weather, daily traffic Primary Road. > 100 Average to of 80-50 km/h according Design speed standard lane primary road. terrain. Minimum carriageway width is 7m. surfaced (ADT). All weather, daily traffic Secondary Road. 100-30 Average to of at 70-30 km/h according Design speed standards one lane road. terrain. Minimum carriageway width is 5.5m. Generally all weather single lane 2-way unsealed Minor Road. 50-20 ADT. of 60-20km/h usually lightly gravelled. Design speed standards formed road carriageway width is 4m. to terrain. Minimum according (ADT). Single lane 2-way daily traffic < 20 Average Access Track/Road. Design speeds formed (natural materials) track/road. generally dry-weather, to terrain. Minimum carriageway width is 4m. of 40<20 km/h according to 4-wheel drive vehicles. Maybe restricted a single lane (ADT). Predominantly daily traffic <10 Average Rough Tracks 2-way earth tracks (unformed) at or near the natural surface level and not width is 3m. Minimum cleared conforming to any geometric design standards. and other reserves for wildlife habitat, streamside not required All live trees trees some unmerchantable felled, apart from purposes are environmental in some situations. An even-aged silvicultural system. that specify and standards guidelines Set of principles, procedures, minimum acceptable practices in harvesting and associated forest management operations. (stem and of trees growth the relative growth) (In the context of forest nutrient and light canopy) as a consequence of limited availability of water, availability due to other neighbouring vegetation. information is growth on which tree the forest Plots established throughout (every five or ten years, for periodically measured calculated. The plots are the difference from on the plot can be determined example), and growth between measurements. which logs and orientation from of variable size, shape of forest An area harvested. are for sawmilling or other processing types of communities formed by living organisms and the relations between formed by living organisms and the relations types of communities them) diversity. Encompasses the diversity of indigenous species and communities occurring of indigenous species and communities Encompasses the diversity includes in a given region; diversity, Glossary Buffer (strip) (strip) Buffer Burning unit Class 5A Road Class 5B Road Class 5C Road Class 5D Road Class 5E Road Clear fell Practices for Code of Forest Timber Production Competition inventory Continuous forest (CFI) plots Coupe Biodiversity Glossary 222222 DRAFT – Not for further distribution VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT Endangered Species and A species which is endanger of extinction and whose survival is unlikely Communities if the causal factors continue. Included are species whose numbers have been reduced to a critical level or whose habitats have been so drastically reduced that the species are deemed to be in danger of extinction. Developed recreation site An area with developed recreation facilities (including toilets and tables) designed for a high level of visitor use. Disturbance Any range of factors affecting the condition of natural areas. Disturbance may be natural or human-induced. Natural disturbance includes wildfires and rainstorms and is part of natural ecological processes. Human-induced or ‘unnatural’ disturbance includes timber harvesting, agricultural clearing, mining and grazing. The factors that are important when considering disturbance are the origin, duration, and intensity of the disturbance and its impact on the environment. Diversity A measure of the physical or biological complexity of a system. It refers to a range of features from artefacts to species present. Ecological Vegetation The components of a vegetation classification system. They are groupings Classes (EVC) of vegetation communities based on floristic, structural and ecological features. Ecologically Sustainable The management of forests on all land tenures to maintain the overall Forest Management capacity of forests to provide goods, protect biodiversity, and protect the full suite of forest values at the regional level. Ecosystem All the organisms (including plants and animals) present in a particular area together with the physical environment with which they interact. Endangered Endangered in Victoria, i.e. rare and at risk of disappearing from the wild state if present land use and other causal factors continue to operate. The plant’s status elsewhere in Australia is not considered in this category. Environmental Provides a systematic framework and process to assist an organisation in Management System (EMS) identifying and managing significant environmental impacts that may occur DRAFT – Not for further distribution as a result of its activities. Environmental weed A naturalised non-indigenous plant species outside the agricultural or garden context, which adversely affects the survival or regeneration of indigenous species in natural or partly natural vegetation communities. Erosion hazard The likelihood of soil erosion occurring because of the interrelationship of soil erodibility, rainfall and runoff erosivity, slope and soil disturbance. Even-aged stand A forest stand where all or most of the trees are of the same age, that is, they have regenerated from the same event (eg. Ash Wednesday fires or a clear felling harvesting operation). Extinct Presumed extinct in Victoria, i.e. no post-1950 records from Victoria, in spite of field searches specifically for the plant; or intensive field searches (since 1950) at known sites have failed to record the plant. The plant’s status elsewhere in Australia is not considered in this category. Fabric The physical material of a place. For example, the fabric of cultural places might be an artefact scatter or hut. Fauna A general term for animals including: birds, reptiles, marsupials and fish. Filter strip A narrow strip of undisturbed land or vegetation retained either side of a drainage line or temporary stream. In the strip trees may be felled subject to certain conditions and machinery entry is only permitted in certain circumstances. 223 . A natural or constructed barrier, or treated fire edge, used in fire in fire edge, used fire or treated barrier, A natural or constructed burning of fire. and prescribed to limit the spread suppression interval tolerable fire half the maximum The period of time, approximately of to the total area equivalent over which an area and is the period of time a community will be burnt, the period of time each segment of the it is not community will be burnt. land, including with the management of fire-prone All activities associated goals and to meet land management and exclusion of fire, the use of fire objectives. All activities concerned the incidence of wildfire, with minimising particularly those of human origin. (including human life, property, an area All activities designed to protect damage by wildfire. assets and values) from and sufficient by DSE for the purpose of planning proper A plan prepared of and recovery suppression preparedness, works for the prevention, fire addressing is strategic in its approach, on public land. The plan wildfire (geographic) level. at a regional protection over a in a given area fire season and scale of intensity, The frequency, period of time. following its of wildfire the spread The activities connected with restricting detection and making it safe. or time. A general term for plants of a particular area special floristic conservation significance. set aside because of their Areas all living and non-living components, that is incorporating An area, with an existing or potential stand height exceeding 5 dominated by trees foliage cover of overstorey projective and with existing or potential metres, native diverse Australia’s strata at least 30 per cent. This definition includes to broad of age. It is also sufficiently and plantations, regardless forests sometimes described as woodlands. that are of trees encompass areas public for each harvesting operation in A plan that must be prepared and a schedule and will contain a map identifying the area native forest incorporating the specifications and conditions under which the operation and controlled. is to be administered in Victoria. planning and management Currently The basic units for forest as defined in the Management Areas Victoria is divided into fifteen Forest Forests Act 1958 the full range of values and uses in State A plan developed to address Management Area. by Forest forest value to which a particular of similar physical capability or forest An area zones: three are There may apply. DSE strategy and specific prescriptions Zone (SMZ) and the Zone (SPZ), Special Management the Special Protection General Management Zone (GMZ). life form, height of the tallest to their according A classification of forests stratum. foliage cover of the tallest stratum and the projected A fuel complex defined by volume, type, condition, arrangement and suppression location that determines both the ease of ignition and of fire difficulty. Glossary Fire control line control Fire cycle Fire management Fire prevention Fire protection Fire plan protection Fire regime Fire suppression Fire Flora Flora reserves Forest coupe plan Forest Management Areas Forest Management Plan Forest Management Zone Forest type Forest Fuel hazard 224224 DRAFT – Not for further distribution VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT Fuel reduction burning The planned use of fire to reduce fuel levels in a specified area. General Management Zone Delineates the area to be managed for the broad range of forest values (GMZ) available in the area. The GMZ is divided into two sub-zones: ‘timber production’ where timber harvesting under standard conditions is one of the main uses and ‘other uses’ where the forest is unsuitable for sawlog production but where other activities are permitted. Geographic Representation Subdivisions created to help analyse the distribution of the reservation Units (GRU) system across the region and the degree to which values are represented in that reserve system. Geographic Information A system which holds spatially referenced data which can be classified, System (GIS) overlaid, analysed and presented in map, tabular or graphic form. Gross area The area of a particular forest type, which is capable of producing merchantable timber. Group selection system Harvesting of small groups of trees so that new trees can replace them in the small to medium gaps created. Growth stages The different forms exhibited by trees at various stages in their development eg. Regeneration, regrowth, pole, mature and senescent. Guidelines Are the directing principles adopted to establish decisions (zoning, actions or prescriptions) for the protection and management of forest values. They are not necessarily mandatory, rather they are to be interpreted and applied based on the information available and in context of the protection and management of other values in the forest. Habitat tree A tree that has been identified as providing important habitat for wildlife and which is given additional protection during forest operations. Heritage All those things we have inherited from previous generations and which we value. It includes such things as places, things and folklore. Integrated Forest Planning Victoria has developed a system of linked computer based tools collectively System (IFPS) called the Integrated Forest Planning System (IFPS). The IFPS provides a DRAFT – Not for further distribution means of modelling the growth, development and harvesting of forest stands as well as a range of other forest values. JANIS Joint ANZECC/MCFFA National Forest Policy Statement Implementation Sub-committee. Land system A complex mapping unit that contains a pattern of land components each of which has little variation in climate, lithology, landform, soil and indigenous vegetation. The land system is regarded as a unit of management for broad scale land use. Land use The primary level of public land classification in Victoria. Government through the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council process establishing National parks, State forest and other categories determines it. Landing A place where trees and parts of trees are snigged for sorting, processing and loaded for transport from the forest. Conversion sites at which small amounts of produce are processed and which do not involve earthworks or clearing are not regarded as landings. Landscape management A composite landscape unit based upon distinct combinations of specific zone scenic quality classes, public sensitivity levels and seen area disturbance zones. 225 , National Parks Code of and the guidelines of the Forest and the guidelines of the Forest Code of Forest Practices for Timber Production . These are generally extensive areas of land of nationwide areas generally extensive . These are Prescribed burning. Management Plan, which prescribe acceptable practices. Management Plan, which prescribe Forest Practices for Timber Production The area of forest both suitable and available for sawlog production, once once both suitable and available for sawlog production, of forest The area made for the exclusions are extinct at a particular time if: it has not been A species is presumed 50 years; or it has not during the preceding definitely located in nature 10 years despite during the preceding been definitely located in nature during that period. searching thorough conditions under specified environmental application of fire The controlled spread and at the time, intensity and rate of area to a predetermined management objectives. to attain planned resource required principles of the to the specified according The standards Act 1975 and diverse land features significance because of their outstanding natural types. Areas identified as having a high scenic quality and visual sensitivity. They visual sensitivity. as having a high scenic quality and identified Areas facilities recreation high-usage visible from readily are that areas usually are and or tourist roads such as lookouts, campsites, walking tracks, or routes towns. well are crowns the tree where and/or individual trees stands Forest has development of the trees The height and crown foliated and rounded. (loss the crown but decline of with regrowth) ceased (compared effectively yet significantly begun has not of epicormic growth) of limbs, development stage). growth over mature (as in the senescent or and for produce into forest suitable for processing Used to describe trees which a market exists. line located below the tree The biogeographical zone in mountain regions trees. and dominated by evergreen moist, cool temperatures with relatively of values and uses so that a wide range managed for a combination Forests met (eg. biodiversity conservation, timber of community expectations are and recreation). and water production or cultural environment Those places, being components of the natural or social significance or of Australia that have aesthetic, historic, scientific community. generations as well as the present other special value for future of the Two Land described as a national park on Schedule SPZ, and land of low inherent productivity, is defined as the net available productivity, SPZ, and land of low inherent area. productive stage - amounts of its oldest growth which contains significant Forest been subjected to in the upper stratum and has usually senescent trees- of which is now negligible. any disturbance, the effect for light, water left after harvesting that compete with regeneration Trees and nutrient. that is characterised tree stand or individual stage of a forest A growth shape due to the loss of crown and irregular leaf area by declining crown (synonymous with senescent). branches and epicormic growth for the continuing management of the forest. permanently required A road See Glossary Presumed Extinct Presumed Net available productive Net available productive area burningPrescribed Prescription Landscape sensitivity Mature Merchantable Montane Multiple use forests National Estate National Park Old-growth forest Old-growth Overwood Overmature Permanent road Planned fire 226226 DRAFT – Not for further distribution VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT Protection burning As for Fuel Reduction Burning. Public land Unalienated land of the Crown managed and controlled by the Minister for Environment, the Minister for Victorian Communities, or the Secretary of Environment and Sustainability, whether or not occupied under a licence or other right (but not including land occupied under a lease, or land vested or leased by the Victorian Plantations Corporation or its successor in law). Pulpwood See Residual log. Recreation Opportunity The range of opportunities for a person to participate in specific Spectrum recreational activities in specific settings in order to realise predictable recreational experiences. Reforestation The re-establishment of a stand of trees by planting or sowing with species native to the locality on previously cleared or poorly forested land. Regeneration (noun) The young regrowth of forest plants following disturbance of the forest such as timber harvesting or fire. Regeneration (verb) The renewal of forest by natural or artificial means. Regrowth (A) forest stands regenerated either naturally or by seeding following death or removal of the forest overstorey. (b) a growth stage of a forest stand or individual tree in which the crowns have a narrow conical form and where trees are actively growing. Rehabilitation Restoration and revegetation of a site of disturbance usually associated with fire damage, forest road works, landings and mining. Remote and natural area An area described as a remote and natural area on Schedule Six of the National Parks Act 1975 or recommended by the Land Conservation Council in its special Wilderness Investigation as an area with remote and natural attributes. Residual log (including Produced as a by-product of sawlog harvesting operations, including those Pulpwood) low-quality logs suitable for conversion into sawn products or pulpwood. DRAFT – Not for further distribution Pulpwood logs (those log which cannot be economically converted into sawn products) are supplied for conversion into hardboard or paper products. Retained trees Trees retained on a coupe during a harvesting operation because they are unmerchantable, are to serve as seed trees or wildlife habitat trees, or have been selected to grow on after thinning. Richness A measure of the abundance of individual elements within a particular place. For instance, the species richness of an ecological vegetation class (EVC) is the number of species, which typically occur within that EVC. Riparian Of, or located on, the banks of rivers. Riparian vegetation Vegetation that requires free or unbound water, or conditions that are noticeably moist along the margins of streams, drainage lines and lakes. Rotation Planned number of years between the regeneration of a forest stand and the final harvesting for forest produce. Actual rotations will vary to suit local conditions. Sawlog Any length of a log of merchantable species which is at least 2.7 m in length, has a small-end diameter of 25 cm or greater, does not have a sweep or crook which exceeds 1/5 diameter from a 2.4 m straight edge and is of grade D or better. Sclerophyll Of trees, hard leaved (eg. members of the genus eucalyptus and acacia). 227 National Parks . These are generally tracts of land containing or more land generally tracts of land containing or more . These are types complementing those found in national parks to provide a system types complementing those found in national parks to provide the major land types of the State. representing Trees retained on harvested coupes to provide seed for natural regeneration seed for natural regeneration to provide on harvested coupes retained Trees of that coupe. types. All used for particular forest system Harvesting and regeneration those specifically retained apart from harvested are trees merchantable and for habitat the coupe by natural or artificial seedfall for regenerating purposes. short intervals at relatively in groups harvested either singly or are Trees types. By this forest particular Used to harvest and regenerate indefinitely. uneven-aged stand is is established continually and an means regeneration maintained. that is characterised stand or individual tree stage of a forest A growth shape due to the loss crown and irregular leaf area by declining crown with This term is interchangeable of branches and epicormic growth. ‘overmature’. strategic level inventory of A Inventory program. Resource Statewide Forest within Victoria on State forests resources forest types that may not particular forest Used for harvesting and regenerating of proportion of a It consists of the removal be suited to a clearfell regime. establishment of essentially even-aged regeneration to allow trees mature of the by later felling of the remainder conditions, followed under sheltered (seed) trees. mature composition and establishment, The theory and practice of managing forest to achieve specified objectives. growth, them in can replace so that new trees Used for harvesting of single trees the small gaps created. for regeneration conditions suitable to provide of the ground Preparation seed or by planting seedlings. from the stump to the landing site. The towing or winching of a log from along which a log is snigged. Track values, such as to be managed to maintain specified Delineates an area flora and fauna habitat or catchment values, while catering for timber under certain conditions. production of natural or to be managed for the conservation Delineates an area timber harvesting will be excluded. cultural values and where on other groups that can be distinguished from in a forest of trees A group the basis of age, species composition, condition etc. stand. The health, age and size class distribution and stocking of a forest comprises Act 1958. State forest As defined in section 3 of the Forests publicly owned land which is managed for the conservation of flora and catchments and water quality; for the of water fauna; for the protection on a sustainable basis; for the products of timber and other forest provision historical values; and to provide and of landscape, archaeological protection and educational issues. recreational B of the Land described as a State park on Schedule Two Act 1975 Glossary Seed trees system Seed tree Selection systems Senescent SFRI Shelterwood system Silviculture selection system Single tree Site preparation Snigging Snig-track Special Management Zone (SMZ) Zone Special Protection (SPZ) Stand Stand condition State forest State Park 228228 DRAFT – Not for further distribution VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT Stocking Density of any given forest stand, usually expressed in terms of the number of trees per hectare. Streamside reserve A strip of vegetation retained along a stream and extending out at least 20 m (measured horizontally) from the bank. The actual width of the streamside will be determined by the width of the saturated stream flat, the nature of the forest operation to be undertaken in the adjacent forest the ground slope. Succession The progressive change of species composition within a stand over time. If left undisturbed this succession will continue to a climax where the species composition will remain largely unchanged. Sustainable Yield Rate of harvest that can be maintained for a given period which is linked to the capacity of the forest to produce that product. Temporary road A road constructed specifically for use during forest operations and closed at their completion. Generally a short length of road leading from a permanent road. Threatened (fauna) A collective term used to denote taxa that are Extinct, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, Near Threatened, Data Deficient, or Conservation Dependent. Thinning The removal of trees in a forest stand for a given silvicultural objective. Timber harvesting Includes tree felling, snigging, and the marking, sorting, loading and carting of forest produce within a forest. Timber production Growing and harvesting of timber from native forests. Understorey Island Area designated within a coupe where tree removal is permitted but machine entry is restricted to allow recovery of flora species dependent on re-sprouting following disturbance. Uneven aged stand Forest stand that contains a continuum of age classes resulting from more or less continuous regeneration within the stand over a number of years. DRAFT – Not for further distribution Unplanned fire See wildfire. Unstocked sites Sites previously well forested with timber producing eucalypt species, which have been disturbed by natural or artificial agencies, and as a result, the eucalypts have been replaced with non-eucalypt tree and/or scrub species of little or no value for timber production. Value adding The further processing of commodities into higher quality, high value goods. Vegetation type An aggregate of plant species, such as an Ecological Vegetation Class or Broad Vegetation Class, recognised by DSE, which consistently occur together in the landscape and provide a convenient descriptive unit, and is recognisable in the field. Vigour, of trees The health and vitality of growth of trees. Vulnerable Vulnerable in Victoria, i.e. rare, not presently endangered but likely to become so soon due to continued depletion, or which largely occur on sites likely to experience changes in land use which would threaten the survival of the plant in the wild. The plant’s status elsewhere in Australia is not considered in this category. Water basin An ecological unit, defined by the physical boundaries of the watershed, it provides a natural division for assessing the environmental impact of human activities. 229 National . These areas are are . These areas National Parks Act 1975 or land within a national park described as a wildernessor land within a national Land described as a wilderness park on Schedule Two A of the Land described as a wilderness on Schedule Two park Parks Act 1975 of the zone on Schedule Five fire. scrub and forest An unplanned grass, from and the type of wood to be produced to be harvested Details the area two years; for the succeeding an FMA in any one year and provisionally together with the allocation of timber to licensees generally tracts of land remote at their core from access and settlement, from at their core remote generally tracts of land by modernsubstantially unmodified or capable of technological society size to make practical the to that state and of sufficient being restored systems. of their natural long-term protection Glossary Wilderness area Wildfire Utilisation Plan Wood 230230 DRAFT – Not for further distribution VICTORIA‘S STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT DRAFT – Not for further distribution 231 www.dse.vic.gov.au/sfm