Karri forest management plan
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Karri forest management plan
Feedback Please refer to the Forest Products Commission’s website for information on how to provide feedback on this document. Feedback and comments on this document can be directed to: Forest Products Commission Phone: +61 8 9363 4600 Fax: +61 8 9363 4601 Email: [email protected]
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Karri forest management plan
Acknowledgement The Forest Products Commission (FPC) acknowledges the Noongar Nations that are the traditional owners of the Southwest Boojarah and the Wagyl Kaip and Southern Noongar karri forests and lands. We respect the Elders past, present and emerging. The FPC is a signatory to the Noongar Standard Heritage Agreement and is committed to its Reconciliation Action Plan (FPC, 2018c).
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Contents
Executive summary ...... 5
Introduction ...... 7
Policy and objectives...... 9
Agency obligations and functions ...... 10
Legislative framework ...... 11
Scope ...... 14
Biological diversity ...... 18
Ecosystem health and vitality ...... 23
Soil and water ...... 30
Climate change and carbon cycles ...... 34
Productive capacity ...... 34
Native title and natural and cultural heritage ...... 47
Socio-economic impacts ...... 49
Workers’ rights, equal treatment, and health and safety ...... 58
Plan implementation ...... 59
References ...... 61
Appendix 1 – Shortened forms ...... 66
Appendix 2 – Legislation and other requirements relevant to the karri FMU ...... 68
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Karri forest management plan
Executive summary The scope of the Forest Products Commission’s (FPC) Karri Forest Management Plan (KFMP) is restricted to pure and mixed karri forest blocks available for timber harvesting by the FPC. This area is known as the karri Forest Management Unit (FMU). The KFMP has been developed to meet requirements of the Forest Management Plan 2014-2023 (FMP 2014), and as such much of the KFMP reiterates FMP 2014 requirements. In addition, the KFMP incorporates requirements of forest certification.
Biological diversity
In accordance with the legislation and requirements under the FMP 2014, the KFMP seeks to assist with the conservation of biodiversity. Measures include thorough pre-harvest planning incorporating management recommendations from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), to ensure the protection of biodiversity. In addition, all old-growth forest is excluded from harvesting. Ecosystem health and vitality Some factors such as fire, weeds, pests and diseases may impact on ecosystem health, and result in large economic and environmental loss. In collaboration with the DBCA the KFMP outlines the measures taken to control significant threats. Measures include determining appropriate bushfire risk, and maintaining surveillance and recording systems for weeds, pests and disease. Soil and water Soil and water quality impacts on forest health and productivity. Water is also a major forest product. To protect soil and water resources, the KFMP outlines relevant legal and other requirements, and procedures for working with the DBCA. Climate change and carbon cycles Although potential impacts of climate change are not fully understood, the KFMP outlines measures to reduce the potential impact of climate change on ecosystems, and to promote use of timber from native forest to maximise greenhouse mitigation benefits. Further information and guidance is also included in the FMP 2014. Productive capacity The KFMP outlines measures to ensure a sustainable rate of harvesting to maintain the forest’s productive capacity. The total quantity of timber removed from State forest is in accordance with the FMP 2014. The FPC seeks to promote improved forest resource utilisation, to help manage the impact of forest disturbances, and to conduct silvicultural and regeneration activities. Native title and cultural heritage Under the KFMP all Noongar1 and non-Aboriginal heritage will be identified and protected in accordance with legal and other requirements. The FPC will work in cooperation with relevant Noongar peoples and organisations to ensure the protection and conservation of the value of the land to the culture and heritage of Noongar people. The FPC will also cooperate with a range of commonwealth, state and local organisations to ensure protection of non-Aboriginal heritage.
1 The term Noongar refers collectively to the Noongar community who are the traditional owners of the South West of Western Australia.
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Socio-economic benefits The effective maintenance of forests delivers social and economic benefits to society. These benefits can be quantified i.e. jobs and forest products, and can include those benefits that are value based i.e. aesthetic values. The KFMP proposes to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders to sustain and enhance socio-economic benefits of forest management. Plan implementation and management The FPC seeks to ensure forest management is continually improved to ensure best practice. This is achieved through training and the transfer of knowledge, adaptive management, stakeholder engagement, and internal as well as external auditing.
Anti-corruption commitment In implementing the KFMP, the FPC is committed to ensuring staff are not involved in fraudulent, corrupt or improper conduct. The FPC is committed to ensuring compliance with relevant legislation including the Corruption and Crime Commission Act 2003 and the Criminal Code 1913.
Anti-discrimination commitment The FPC is committed to helping ensure a workplace that is free from discrimination. The FPC will ensure compliance with relevant legislation including the Equal Opportunity Act 1984. The FPC’s expectations regarding a workplace free of discrimination is outlined in the FPC’s Code of conduct and all staff are required to undertake ethical decision-making training.
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Introduction This KFMP describes the management activities undertaken in pure and mixed karri forest available for harvesting. This KFMP should be read in conjunction with the Forest Management Plan (FMP) 2014-2023 (Conservation Commission, 2013a), which is the overarching document for the management of land vested in the Conservation and Parks Commission (formally the Conservation Commission). Further, this plan should also be read in conjunction with the FPC’s Karri forest High Conservation Values assessment (HCV assessment) (FPC, 2021). For a glossary of terms used throughout this KFMP, please also refer to the FMP 2014. This KFMP adheres to all current requirements of the FMP 2014. The FMP 2014 was prepared in accordance with the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 (CALM Act 1984). It covers land vested in the Conservation and Parks Commission within the South West of Western Australia. This KFMP covers only those forest blocks that include karri forest available for harvest by the FPC and those management activities and responsibilities relevant to the FPC. As such, the area referred to as the karri FMU excludes formal reserves within forest blocks available for harvest. The basis of the approach to forest management in the FMP 2014 ‘…stems from the principles of ecologically sustainable forest management (ESFM). That is, the economic and social values derived from the use of the natural areas covered by the plan, should be provided through a management system that is based on consideration of its impacts on biodiversity and is precautionary in nature’ (Conservation Commission, 2013a, p. 8). The FMP 2004-2013 (FMP 2004) (Conservation Commission, 2004) adopted the slightly modified Montreal Criteria of sustainability, as the framework to identify management actions in line with the principles of ESFM. This approach has been continued in the FMP 2014. The Montreal Criteria are: • The conservation of biodiversity. • The maintenance of ecosystem health and vitality. • The conservation and maintenance of soil and water. • The maintenance of the forests contribution to the global carbon cycle. • The maintenance of productive capacity. • The maintenance of heritage. • The maintenance of socio-economic values. The FMP 2014 was developed taking into consideration the comments received through 5141 submissions on the Draft Forest Management Plan 2014–2023 (Conservation Commission, 2012). The Conservation and Parks Commission’s response was published in Analysis of Public Submissions on the Draft Forest Management Plan (Conservation Commission, 2013b). The FMP 2014 was endorsed by the Minister for Environment after it had been reviewed by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and appeals had been considered by the Appeals Convenor. The FMP 2014 is guided by the following ESFM principles (Conservation Commission, 2013a, p. 17-18): • That the decision-making process should effectively integrate both long-term and short-term economic, environmental, social and equitable considerations. (Sustainability)
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• That if there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, the lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation. (Precautionary Principle) • That the present generation should ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations. (Intergenerational Equity) • That the conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity should be a fundamental consideration in decision-making. (Conservation of Biodiversity and Ecological Integrity) • That improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms should be promoted. The FMP 2014 adopts three scales of management – whole of forest, landscape and operational – to accommodate better planning for the maintenance of biodiversity. Actions in this KFMP are set for each of the criteria for sustainability and, where appropriate, at each of the scales of management. In addition to keeping the structure of the FMP 2014, the FPC has completed an assessment of HCVs in the karri FMU (FMP, 2021). HCV is a concept developed by the Forest Stewardship Council® ). The principles associated with the identification and protection of HCVs closely align with existing policies and practices. The FPC’s HCV Assessment seeks to describe this alignment and to demonstrate how the FPC ensures that the HCVs identified in the karri FMU are not threatened by any management activities. In some instances the use of the FSC Australia’s HCVs evaluation framework has resulted in the implementation of additional precautionary measures to ensure the protection of HCVs. For example, in 2014 the FPC revised habitat protection procedures and is now implementing additional retention requirements. This KFMP was released as a draft document in September 2013 as part of stakeholder consultation in relation to the FPC’s identification and management of HCVs. Annual stakeholder consultation periods have been undertaken since 2014. All stakeholder input has been considered in the finalisation and updating of this KFMP and the FPC’s HCV assessment. In addition, stakeholder feedback can be received at any stage, including outside formal consultation periods, and as such will be considered for future periodic revisions.
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Policy and objectives The FPC has a Statement of Corporate Intent (SCI) 2020-21 which describes how the agency intends to achieve its financial, industry, environmental and social objectives. The SCI complies with the requirements of the Forest Products Act 2000 and represents an agreement between the Minister for Forestry and the FPC regarding the level of performance expected from the FPC for the upcoming 12 month period.
Vision and values
The FPC’s vision is to build and maintain a sustainable and commercially viable forest products industry that provides economic and social benefits to the people of Western Australia.
The FPC has clearly defined values. These include operating responsibly, ethically and sustainably. The FPC is committed to achieving results and delivering excellent services to its customers, partners, the community and each other.
The FPC also commits to providing a safe workplace for its staff and contractors, and puts the wellbeing and professional development of its people at the forefront of its business.
Objectives
The FPC’s goal is to deliver healthy forests for future generations. This is aligned with the FPC’s mission, which includes the sustainable harvesting and regeneration of Western Australia’s native forest resources. The FPC’s strategic objective for its native forest operations includes building on its social licence to operate in the forests of the South West and enable innovation in the industry to expand its product range and maximise the value of the resource.
Forest management policy
The FPC’s commitment to implementing forest management practices that are environmentally sound, socially acceptable and economically viable is documented through our Forest Management Policy.
A copy of Policy 9 Forest Management (FPC, 2019) is available on the FPC website.
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Agency obligations and functions The FMP 2014 identifies the obligations of the parties responsible for implementing this KFMP. The Parks and Wildlife Service within the DBCA and the FPC respectively are responsible for the majority of KFMP implementation activities. The Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 (CALM Act) and the Forest Products Act 2000 both prescribe a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Parks and Wildlife Service and the FPC for the performance of statutory functions and joint obligations with respect to the sustainable management of native forests, the management of public plantations, the harvesting of forest products and related matters. An MOU was entered into in March 2001. Under the MOU working arrangements were formalised in February 2016. Their intent and purpose includes: • Facilitating effective planning and compliance of field operations with the requirements of legislation and Parks and Wildlife Service documents. • Facilitating cooperation and timely approval of FPC harvesting operations and subsequent acceptance of completion. • Clarifying and communicating the responsibilities for the implementation of matters associated with ‘mutual interests’ of the parties. • Streamlining processes of inter-agency interaction. • Giving effect to the FMP’s requirements for a regulation policy to be developed by the Parks and Wildlife Service and for formal working arrangements between the Parks and Wildlife Service and the FPC. The FPC is governed by the Forest Products Act 2000 and sections of the Forest Management Regulations 1993. Under the Forest Products Act 2000, the FPC is responsible for the harvesting and regeneration of native forests and plantations in State forests and timber reserves, and for the sale of forest products and some associated industry development matters.
The Parks and Wildlife Service’s key responsibilities include conserving biodiversity and managing the State’s national parks, marine parks and other reserves. The Parks and Wildlife Service is also responsible for fire preparedness and pest and weed control over 89 million hectares of unallocated Crown land and unmanaged reserves. The DBCA administers eight acts and six regulations. Acts include the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 and the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, and Regulations include the Conservation and Land Management Regulations 2002, the Forest Management Regulations 1993 and the Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2018.
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Legislative framework A list of legislation relevant to this KFMP is included as Appendix 2. The Conservation and Parks Commission (formerly named the Conservation Commission) is an independent controlling body established under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984. ‘The functions of the Conservation and Parks Commission include: to have State forest, timber reserves and conservation reserves vested in it; and to prepare management plans for those lands as prescribed in Part V of the CALM Act [1984]…’ (Conservation Commission, 2013a, p. 20). The Conservation and Parks Commission has developed the FMP 2014 through the Parks and Wildlife Service, in consultation with the FPC in respect of State forest and timber reserves, and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and the Water Corporation in respect of public drinking water source areas. The FMP 2014 was also informed by consultation with several other agencies and stakeholders during development of the Draft Forest Management Plan (Conservation Commission, 2012), and various submissions received on that document which was released for statutory public consultation in 2012. On 1 January 2019, the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2018 replaced the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and associated regulations. This new legislation administered by the DBCA provides greater protection for biodiversity, particularly threatened species and threatened ecological communities. The Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act 1999) also contains provisions relating to the protection of nationally-listed threatened species and ecological communities. Forestry operations undertaken in accordance with an RFA, meet the requirements of the EPBC Act 1999 for the protection of threatened flora and fauna and ecological communities. As such, provisions of the EPBC Act 1999 for environmental approvals are not triggered for forestry operations within an RFA. Note that all of the karri FMU is within the FMP area covered by the Western Australian Regional Forest Agreement (RFA).
The Bush Fires Act 1954 provides regulation of the control of bushfire and the use of prescribed fire. The Emergency Management Act 2005 sets out the emergency management arrangements for the State and requires that a number of emergency response plans be maintained. The response plan for bushfire is ‘State Hazard Plan – Fire’, which sets out the Parks and Wildlife Service’s role in bushfire suppression operations as a ‘controlling agency’ and also the role of the FPC. The Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945 provides mechanisms for the conservation of soil and land resources principally through mitigation of the effects of erosion, salinity and flooding. Activities of the Parks and Wildlife Service and other agencies are planned and conducted to afford protection to particular sites and values as required by the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and the Heritage of Western Australia Act 1990. In addition, as per the CALM Act 1984, the FMP 2014 was developed with one of the objectives being to ‘protect and conserve the value of the land to the culture and heritage of Aboriginal persons…2’ (Conservation Commission, 2013a, p. 111).
2 While the Act refers to Aboriginal people, the remainder of this plan will use the term Noongar, where appropriate, as per advice from the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council. In some cases the term Aboriginal is still used, where this is in reference to both Noongar and Australian Aboriginal people.
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The Native Title Act 1993 recognises the connection of Aboriginal people to the land and waters of Australia; and the traditional laws and customs of those people. The Native Title Act 1993 provides a mechanism to determine if native title exists and what the rights and interests that comprise this are. On Crown land locations that are State forest, native title is deemed to co-exist with other land use rights. In the south-west, the State Government and Noongar representatives have negotiated the South West Native Title Settlement (the Settlement) consisting of six Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) to provide long-term benefits and opportunities for Noongar people. These ILUAs oblige the FPC to comply with the Noongar Standard Heritage Agreement (NSHA) that prescribes a process for managing disturbance operations within the ILUA’s. In the case of the FPC this relates to harvesting operations. Noongar Traditional Owners are currently represented by the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) until such time as the ILUAs are conclusively registered.
More information about the South West Native Title Settlement is provided in the section ‘Native title and natural and cultural heritage’. Water allocation plans and water source protection plans prepared by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and the Water Corporation, include objectives and policies that the DBCA takes into account when planning at strategic and operational levels. The use of water in the plan area is covered under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914. Permits (related to the disturbance of beds and banks) and licences (for the taking and use of water) are required within proclaimed areas. The protection of water resources in the plan area (such as surface water catchments) is covered under the Country Areas Water Supply Act 1947 and the Metropolitan Water Supply Sewerage and Drainage Act 1909. Additional measures for the management of water are possible through the Water Agencies (Powers) Act 1984, which enables the responsible Minister to make regulations for water resources protection and water quality, among other matters. Also, under the Waterways Conservation Act 1976, which focuses principally on estuarine waterways, the ability to construct infrastructure such as jetties and the like can be controlled by the issue of permits. Under this Act, the responsible Minister can also control the disposal of material into waterways via a licensing system. The DBCA has certain statutory obligations under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act 2007) concerning biosecurity matters generally, and particularly with respect to the management of pathogens that cause forest diseases, through the CALM Act 1984. The management and control of weeds in Western Australia is guided by the BAM Act 2007 which has replaced the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976, although it will remain in limited operation until the declared pest rating system and the European House Borer controls are ready to be moved to the BAM Act 2007. The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Western Australia) Act 1995 covers the use and control of pesticides, including the requirement to use pesticides in accordance with label requirements or approved ‘off label’ permits. The Health Act 1911 is applicable to pesticides used by the Crown within a Public Drinking Water Source Area. The conditions for pesticide use in these areas are specified in Department of Health Public Service Circular 88 – Use of herbicides in catchment areas. The Contaminated Sites Act 2003 provides for the identification, recording, management and remediation of contaminated sites. Western Australia’s national parks, conservation parks, nature reserves, state forests and timber reserves are vested in the Conservation and Parks Commission. Therefore, the FPC
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Karri forest management plan does not have the authority to manage illegal and unauthorised use of the forest. The Parks and Wildlife Service are authorised to manage this under Section 103 of the CALM Act 1984.
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Scope This KFMP covers only those forest blocks of pure and mixed karri forest available for harvest by the FPC3. This area is referred to as the karri FMU and is shown in Figure 1. This document makes substantial reference to requirements under the FMP 2014, as it relates to management of the karri forest. This KFMP has been developed to align with the requirements of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Controlled Wood Standard for Forest Management Enterprises (the Standard) (FSC-STD-30-010) to ensure certification for timber sourced from pure and mixed karri forest. Land categories included in the karri FMU are outlined in Table 1. In 2017 all formal reserves were excluded from the karri FMU, as the FPC does not have any management rights in these areas. However, formal reserves are considered in this KFMP as management of the forest is considered at the whole of landscape level. The karri FMU is 182 600 hectares and of this 83 260 hectares is karri dominant forest, which is mapped in Figure 1. Of this, 60 4204 hectares is available for timber harvesting and 22 370 hectares is within the reserve system. The remaining 470 hectares of karri dominant forest is within ‘other public land’ such as vacant or unallocated crown land.
Tenure
The KFMP covers the management of the following land categories (Table 1): • Indigenous State forest and timber reserves. • Freehold land held in the name of the Conservation and Land Management Executive Body that contains indigenous vegetation, which while not vested in the Conservation and Parks Commission, is taken into account in the KFMP because its productive capacity contributes to the sustained yield of native timber. • Informal reserves and temporary protection areas on forested land (48 630 hectares) is classified as a component of the above two tenures and includes old- growth forest, specified areas associated with waterways, major tourist roads, special ecotypes, and designated Fauna Habitat Zones (FHZs). This KFMP recognises the whole of forest context and the role of the formal reserve system and the informal reserves, in management planning. The FPC’s activities specifically exclude nature reserves, national parks, conservation parks and other land referred to in Section 5(1) (g) and (h) of the CALM Act 1984 that has a conservation purpose. Harvesting activities are also excluded from informal reserve areas and from other land such as vacant or unallocated crown land.
3 Note there is also forest outside the karri FMU that is karri dominant forest, but is not available for harvest by the FPC.
4 Note that this figure includes ‘Executive Director freehold’ land that is not accounted for in FMP 2014 Appendix 6 (current extent of karri on Conservation Commission vested land). Executive Director freehold land is described in section 4, page 26 of FMP 2014. There is 3,130 hectares of Executive Director freehold land in the karri FMU. Note that FMP Appendix 6 figures were calculated in mid-2013.
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Table 1: Area of land categories covered by the KFMP
State Timber Freehold land held by the Other land (such as vacant or unallocated Crown forest reserve Conservation and Land land) Management Executive Body and miscellaneous reserve
181 810 hectares 790 hectares
Total = 182 600 hectares
CAR reserve system
The Comprehensive, Adequate and Representative (CAR) joint assessment process undertaken by Commonwealth and State/Territory Governments, led to the establishment of the CAR reserve system and provided a basis for the negotiation of Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) (JANIS, 1997). The CAR reserve system was developed to enable the full range of forest values to be represented and protected. In particular, CAR is based on the following three principles (Commonwealth of Australia, 1995, glossary p. iii): 1. Comprehensiveness – includes the full range of forest communities recognised by an agreed national scientific classification at appropriate hierarchical levels. 2. Adequacy – the maintenance of the ecological viability and integrity of populations, species and communities. 3. Representativeness – those sample areas of the forest that are selected for inclusion in reserves should reasonably reflect the biotic diversity of the communities. The establishment of a CAR reserve system has been fundamental to the conservation of biodiversity in the forest. In addition, the FMP 2004 gave effect to a large area of new reserves, including those set out in the State Government’s ‘Protecting our old-growth forests’ policy, which ensured that all old-growth forest was identified and excluded from harvesting. The Parks and Wildlife Service have finalised ‘FEM075 - Procedure for the assessment, identification and demarcation of old-growth forest’, in consultation with the Conservation and Parks Commission (as required under the FMP 2023, pg 34).The Parks and Wildlife Service now manage the system for nomination and assessment of old-growth forest.
The Warren Bioregion
The karri FMU is contained within the Warren Bioregion, one of 89 large geographically distinct Australian bioregions classified by the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA). IBRA is endorsed by all levels of government as a key tool for identifying land for conservation under Australia’s Strategy for the National Reserve System 2009–2030 (Commonwealth of Australia, 2010). The Warren Bioregion comprises a total area of 1 027 639 hectares. The climate is moderate mediterranean, with cool, wet winters and warm to hot, dry summers. The relatively high rainfall and low evapotranspiration of the bioregion makes it unique in Western Australia. The climate and soils are such that the landscape is characterised by tall, wet sclerophyll forests, perennial rivers and wetland systems. The Warren Bioregion is described by Hearn et al., (2002, p. 637) as:
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‘Dissected undulating country of the Leeuwin Complex, Southern Perth Basin (Blackwood Plateau), South-West intrusions of the Yilgarn Craton and western parts of the Albany Orogen with loamy soils supporting Karri forest, laterites supporting Jarrah-Marri forest, leached sandy soils in depressions and plains supporting low Jarrah woodlands and paperbark/sedge swamps, and Holocene marine dunes with Agonis flexuosa and banksia woodlands and heaths.’ Most of these elements, apart from Holocene marine dunes with Agonis flexuosa and banksia woodlands and heaths, occur within the karri FMU. Under the Convention of Biological Diversity, Australia is working towards a target of 17 per cent of our continent to be protected as part of the National Reserve System. In building the National Reserve System, priority is given to under-represented bioregions that have less than 10 per cent of their remaining area protected in reserves. Significantly, the Warren Bioregion is one of the best represented of all of the IBRA bioregions with more than 30 per cent permanently reserved. Further, areas unavailable to harvesting far exceed 30 per cent, where in karri forest itself approximately 66 percent of the forest is in reserves and unavailable for harvest.
Biodiversity hotspot
The karri FMU is also situated within one of 35 global biodiversity hotspots recognised by Conservation International. A biodiversity hotspot is defined as having ‘exceptional concentrations of endemic species that are undergoing exceptional loss of habitat’ (Myers et al., 2000, p. 853). Biodiversity hotspots have also been described as ‘areas that support natural ecosystems that are largely intact and where native species and communities associated with these ecosystems are well represented. They are also areas with a high diversity of locally endemic species that are not found or are rarely found outside the hotspot’ (Commonwealth of Australia, n.d.). Further information about how the South West Australia international biodiversity hotspot is considered by the FPC is included in the HCV Assessment (FPC, 2021a). It is covered mainly in the HCV 1 section and is cross referenced in HCV 2 and 3.
Old-growth forest
Areas of old-growth forest are components of both formal and informal reserve areas. Formal reserves have been removed from the karri FMU. There are 13 3200 hectares of old- growth forest in informal reserves within the KFMU, of which 6 500 hectares is karri old- growth forest. FPC activities are excluded from these areas. The FPC reviews all harvest coupes5 for the presence of unidentified old-growth forest prior to harvesting. In addition to the old-growth forest assessed as part of the RFA process, an additional area of Type 2 old-growth forest (84 hectares) has been identified and set aside in temporary protection areas by the FPC. Type 2 old-growth forest, is distinct from old-growth forests recognised in the definition set out in the National Forest Policy Statement (Commonwealth of Australia, 1995). More information about old-growth forests is found in the FPC’s HCV assessment under the HCV 3 section.
5 Coupe is defined as ‘An area of forest that is planned for timber harvesting as a single unit. It may contain more than one silvicultural objective, such as a number of discrete gaps and areas of thinning.’ (Conservation Commission, 2013a)
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Forest types
Pure karri forest is defined as containing over eight mature karri stems or stumps per hectare, and comprises a consolidated, contiguous, minimum patch size of two hectares. As such a forest containing nine or more mature karri trees per hectare is considered pure karri. A mixed karri/jarrah forest type is defined as one that contains between 2- 8 mature karri stems or stumps per hectare within a contiguous, mix of jarrah (and possibly marri or blackbutt) of minimum patch size of 2 hectares. Forest containing less than 2 mature karri trees per hectare is not defined as a karri forest. However, this forest does come into the scope of this KFMP. This is because for administrative reasons, whole forest blocks that contain karri forest available for harvesting are included in the karri FMU. In the mid 1970’s, yellow stringybark (Eucalyptus muelleriana), an exotic eucalypt to Western Australia, was considered as a potential species for the future production of power poles. As a consequence, the then Forests Department of Western Australia introduced a component of yellow stringybark into the karri regeneration program. These plantings in the southern karri forests continued into the mid 1980’s and resulted in over 800 hectares being established as either pure yellow stringybark plantings or in mixture with karri on what were previous karri forest sites. These plantings are included in the karri FMU.
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Figure 1: Karri forest management unit and the warren bioregion
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Biological diversity Biological diversity (biodiversity) refers to the variability in structure and function of living organisms and the ecosystems of which they are a part. Conserving biodiversity requires maintenance of a diversity of habitats and ecological processes at various spatial scales from entire forested landscapes to specific localised habitats. It also includes sustaining populations and maintaining their genetic diversity. Conserving biodiversity is also aimed at assisting ecosystems to remain productive and resilient to disturbance and to changes to the environment in which they exist.
The karri forest is a robust and comparatively simple ecosystem, strongly influenced by fire disturbance events. It is classified as wet sclerophyllous (hard-leaved) forest. ‘The karri forest is confined to areas with annual rainfall exceeding 1000mm’ (Bradshaw, 2015, page 90). It is characterised by tall open eucalypt forest and a thick understorey. This shrub layer grows so densely that the germination of tree seedlings is suppressed in the absence of major disturbance events.
Species richness in the tall karri forest is substantially lower than in the surrounding heathlands, woodlands, granite outcrops and swamps (Christensen, 1992, Hopper et al., 1992). Species diversity in karri is also lower than jarrah or wandoo forests (Bradshaw, 2015).
In 2019, a population of the Critically Endangered plant Commersonia apella, was rediscovered within the karri FMU after being considered locally extinct.
The karri forest area contains about 160 native vertebrate species, comprising 24 mammals, 88 birds, 24 reptiles, 16 amphibians, nine bats and 12 fish (Bradshaw, 2015)6.
Conservation of biodiversity
The FMP 2014 has been developed in consideration of the five general principles for biodiversity conservation in forested landscapes as proposed by Lindenmayer et al. (2006) These are:
1) maintenance of connectivity; 2) maintenance of landscape heterogeneity; 3) maintenance of stand structural complexity; 4) maintenance of intact aquatic ecosystems; and 5) knowledge of natural disturbance regimes to inform human disturbance regimes.
While the FPC does not have management responsibility at the whole of forest scale, timber harvesting is managed within a whole of forest management structure determined by the FMP 2014. In addition to the CAR Reserve system there are some areas of forest that are proposed for classification as forest conservation areas under Section 62(1) of the CALM Act 1984. These proposed conservation areas are also excluded from the karri FMU. The priority for the management of forest conservation areas is the maintenance of biodiversity. These areas are not available for timber harvesting, but may be available for other uses such as wildflower picking, apiculture, craftwood and possibly firewood collection.
6 For a list of threatened species deemed present in the karri FMU, please refer to the FPC’s HCV assessment (FPC, 2021), under HCV 1 section.
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In considering the provision of mature habitat it is important to consider that at the landscape level 66 per cent (115 180 hectares) of the karri forest vested in the Conservation and Parks Commission is in formal reserves, fauna conservation areas, informal reserves and other protected areas (Conservation Commission, 2013a, Appendix 6). The network of informal reserves along roads and waterways in conjunction with fauna habitat zones ensures that mature forest is interspersed within the younger harvested forest. This serves a number of purposes including ensuring structural complexity and the spatial and temporal representation of all stages of forest development of the forest, and to allow for the movement of fauna.
Landscape scale management At the landscape scale, management seeks to allow for recovery of biodiversity from disturbance operations (Conservation Commission, 2013a). This is achieved in a number of ways including through formal reserves. Formal reserves are excluded from the karri FMU, but are considered in this KFMP, as management is considered in the context of the whole landscape. A network of protected areas is recognised as a core component of ensuring biodiversity conservation (Conservation Commission, 2013a). An overall goal of the FMP 2014 is ‘…to seek to conserve biodiversity and self-sustaining populations of native species and communities, and to allow for the recovery of biodiversity from disturbance operations’ (Conservation Commission, 2013a, p. 39). Therefore, many reserves have been chosen to support self-sustaining populations of native species and communities (Bradshaw, 2015). All of the five forest ecosystems (Karri Main Belt, Karri Rate’s Tingle, Karri Red Tingle, Karri West Coast and Karri Yellow Tingle) recognised in karri dominant forest are represented in reserves (Conservation Commission, 2013a, Appendix 6).
Aside from national parks and reserves, a number of other areas are protected from harvesting. This includes old-growth forest, buffer zones along watercourses, diverse ecotype zones and buffer zones around ecological communities or threatened flora and fauna habitat. Areas protected during timber harvesting are designated during pre-harvest planning and separate guidelines exist for protecting values in informal reserves and fauna habitat zones (DEC, 2009b). A description of each of the informal reserve categories is provided in Appendix 11 of the FMP 2014.
Fauna habitat zones were introduced by the Conservation and Parks Commission as a mechanism to act as refugia and provide structural diversity at a landscape scale. Indicative zones of about 200 hectares in size were established to provide a separation of approximately three kilometres between fauna habitat zones and areas of mature forest in formal reserves (DEC, 2009b).
Silviculture Silviculture is the practice of managing the establishment, growth, composition, health and quality of forests to meet diverse needs and values. The application of silvicultural treatment at a coupe and patch scale is designed to ensure a wide range of structural and compositional diversity is maintained at both the local and landscape scale (Bradshaw, 2015). Silvicultural guidelines have been developed to consider the management of the forest at the landscape level and local scale as part of ensuring ESFM, which includes protecting biological diversity. For example, silvicultural practices have been designed to contribute to the maintenance of connectivity and natural disturbance regimes have been used to guide the size and intensity of silvicultural practices (Parks and Wildlife, 2014d). Silvicultural prescriptions also require the retention of legacy elements.
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Legacy elements Legacy elements are existing key habitat features, such as hollow bearing trees and logs, providing refugia and enriching the structural complexity of the new stand. They are retained in harvested and regenerated stands to mimic natural disturbances. Legacy elements may take many decades or even centuries to develop, and it is recognised that retention of these is important for biodiversity at the local scale. The FMP 2014 also considers the outcomes of the ‘Review of silviculture in forests of South-West Western Australia’ (Burrows et al., 2011), to include the retention of additional large, old marri as habitat for black cockatoos.
The retention of legacy elements within harvested forest is used to aid post-harvest colonisation (Cawthen and Munks, 2011). Conservation and subsequent recolonisation of biodiversity associated with mature forest is primarily achieved by conserving mature forest areas (such as formal and informal reserves, and fauna habitat zones) within the landscape (Baker et al., 2013, Wardlaw et al., 2012).
One of the legacy elements retained are primary habitat trees (trees with features attractive to wildlife, such as hollows). These were first retained in karri clearfall patches in 2011. Secondary habitat trees, (younger individuals earmarked to become future primary habitat trees) are also retained.
The specifications for the retention of habitat trees in karri forest is detailed in the Parks and Wildlife Service’s Field Guide FEM039 Karri treemarking ready reckoner (Parks and Wildlife, 2014f). In pure karri forest the requirement is for the retention of two primary and two secondary habitat trees per hectare. In mixed karri forest five primary and six to eight secondary habitat trees must be retained. The number of trees retained frequently exceeds the guideline. Stands of marri are excluded from harvest due to limited market demand and stands of pure, mature marri greater than two hectares must be retained.
To ensure the protection of habitat trees and retained stands during post-harvest regeneration burns, heaps of harvest debris is moved as far as practical away from retained trees to minimise damage. The FPC aims to leave at least 10 meters between retained trees and heaps, as per site preparation requirements (Parks and Wildlife, 2014e). Further, under the Karri silvicultural burning manual (Parks and Wildlife, 2016) there is a requirement to ensure that fuels greater than 75 millimetres in diameter and greater than one meter in length are removed to a distance of at least one meter from retained crop and habitat trees.
As part of coupe management, the FPC completes assessments of damage to retained habitat trees in accordance with Procedure DECSFM013 Growing stock and habitat element assessment of damage and potential damage (DEC, 2011).
Coarse woody debris is a term used for dead woody material such as logs, stumps and branches. This element provides important habitat for vertebrates, invertebrates, fungi and bacteria. The FMP 2014 recognises the importance of coarse woody debris and recommends the retention of some ground logs.
Legacy retention requirements are outlined in the Parks and Wildlife Service’s Procedure ‘FEM035 Karri treemarking for retention’ (Parks and Wildlife, 2014g) and Parks and Wildlife Service’s ‘Field Guide FEM039 Karri treemarking ready reckoner’ (Parks and Wildlife, 2014f). Further, the FPC has imposed the additional requirement to protect all trees showing clear evidence of hollow use by fauna (e.g. possum runs and hollows utilised by black cockatoos). Further, the FPC protects primary and secondary habitat trees irrespective of their proximity to formal or informal reserves.
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Flora, fauna and ecological communities The approach to landscape scale management (including the retention of formal and informal reserves), and the silviculture applied, ensures that the diversity of flora, fauna and ecological communities are protected. Research on post-harvest species recolonisation has also informed the approach to management of the forest at a landscape and local level. Some research is summarised in Bradshaw (2015), in the section ‘4.1.2 Biodiversity of the karri forest’.
In addition to the management approach at the landscape scale and the silviculture described above, additional steps are taken during pre-harvest planning to ensure a precautionary approach to the protection of all threatened and priority species. Harvesting operations are preceded by a desk-top search to identify the location of known populations of threatened and priority flora and ecological communities. Known sites or populations of declared rare, and priority flora, and threatened or priority ecological communities are excluded from timber harvesting, and potential sites may be required to be field surveyed prior to disturbance operations commencing.
Extensive research has informed the precautionary approach taken to ensuring threatened and priority fauna is protected. The likelihood of threatened and priority species being present in harvest areas is assessed through the Fauna Distribution Information system (FDIS). FDIS uses survey data and vegetation associations to predict where threatened and priority species may occur.
In addition to using FDIS, the FPC undertakes a pre-harvest fauna monitoring program developed and overseen by a consultant ecologist. Targeted field surveys of harvest areas prior to operations involve camera survey, indirect monitoring and call based bird surveys for threatened and priority species. The relevant procedure (FPC, 2019c), associated training manual, and annual report on fauna monitoring objectives, targets and performance measures are provided on the FPC’s KFMP webpage. The fauna monitoring compliments FDIS, by providing current information on fauna present and has helped to identify additional habitat for harvest exclusion. FDIS and fauna monitoring data are reviewed by the DBCA. In all cases where threatened or priority fauna may be present, the FPC is required to follow management advice provided by the DBCA.
Objectives
The FPC seeks to: • Conserve biodiversity and self-sustaining populations of native species and communities within the karri FMU. • Allow for the recovery of biodiversity between one forest rotation and the next. • Promote integrated management across all land categories at the whole of forest, landscape and operational scales within the karri FMU. • Prevent any species moving to a higher priority or threatened species status. • Develop an improved understanding of the biodiversity of the karri FMU and the response of forest ecosystems to natural and human induced disturbance, with a view to improving forest management practices.
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Management activities7
• The FPC’s operations within informal reserve types (see Appendix 11 of FMP 2014) will be undertaken in accordance with the Parks and Wildlife Service’s Guidelines for Protection of the Values of Informal Reserves and Fauna Habitat Zones (DEC, 2009a) (FMP 2014, management activity 5). • The FPC will undertake timber harvesting having regard to the Fauna Distribution Information System and specific recommendations from the Parks and Wildlife Service (FMP 2014, management activity 12). • The FPC will (FMP 2014, management activity 15): o Remain consistent with relevant Parks and Wildlife Service codes of practice and guidelines with specific requirements for protection of key habitat. o Prior to operations taking place ensure presence and type of biodiversity values are considered, as well as advice from the Parks and Wildlife Service. o Where the FPC is undertaking disturbance activities, operate under the guidance of the Parks and Wildlife Service to ensure that biodiversity values are protected. o Contribute, where appropriate, towards the Parks and Wildlife Service’s efforts to promote awareness and understanding of the importance of protecting and appreciating the value of biodiversity. The FPC will also promote biodiversity awareness internally within the FPC. • The FPC and its agents will conduct silvicultural operations in accordance with the Parks and Wildlife Service’s silviculture guidelines. The FPC will also consider other silvicultural advice from the Parks and Wildlife Service as it is provided, as well as the FPC’s own complementary procedures. • The FPC will conduct its operations having regard to the DBCA’s Corporate Policy Statement 35 – Conserving Threatened Species and Ecological Communities (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, 2015) and other relevant documents. • The FPC will use planning checklists to identify actions to be taken in specified circumstances in which declared rare flora species, threatened ecological communities, and other significant flora may be disturbed by its operations.
Ecosystem health and vitality Ecosystem health and vitality is influenced by a large combination of factors impacting on our environment. This includes forest disturbance, which ranges from small random periodic events (e.g. tree fall) to larger events that may have long-term impacts (e.g. insect infestations or a high intensity bushfire). Many of these events can assist the recovery and maintenance of ecosystems, while others, such as weeds, pests and diseases, may impact on the long-term health and vitality of ecosystems.
7 Numbers in brackets relate directly to the numbering of ‘operations proposed to be undertaken (management activities)’ from the Forest Management Plan 2014 (Conservation Commission, 2013a). However, they are not necessarily verbatim as what is described in this KFMP relates more specifically to actions undertaken by the FPC.
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Fire
Fire is the driving factor of forest structure and renewal within the karri ecosystem. In common with other wet sclerophyll eucalypts, karri itself will not regenerate without the removal of the dense understorey (in natural circumstances by fire) to allow the small seed to be in direct contact with mineral soil to germinate. High intensity fires periodically create the conditions required for karri forest to regenerate (large canopy openings and removal of the understorey). In addition, the majority of understorey species found in the karri forest are obligate seeders and require periodic fire for their renewal. Many of these species are nitrogen fixers and thus have an important nutrient cycling function (Bradshaw, 2015). Attempts to restrict or exclude fire over large areas can result in the accumulation of high loads of forest fuel. This increases the probability of large and intense fires, which are more difficult to suppress and result in a greater loss of economic and biological assets and threats to lives and property. To prevent fires for extended periods of time or attempt to do so may be detrimental to biodiversity conservation and the protection of the community.
Prescribed burning is undertaken ‘to reduce bushfire-related risk to communities and built and natural assets at both the local scale and the landscape scale, and also to achieve biodiversity conservation, forest silviculture, research and other land management objectives (Parks and Wildlife, 2016, p. 1). Prescribed burning is managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service and involves careful planning, consultation and monitoring. Further information about prescribed burning in karri forest is included in the Parks and Wildlife Service’s ‘Karri silvicultural burning manual’ (Parks and Wildlife, 2016).
The results of pre-harvest fauna surveys are communicated to the Parks and Wildlife Service to ensure areas where threatened and priority fauna have been identified are considered for exclusion from the post-harvest burn. Retained habitat trees are also provided a high priority for protection from post-harvest burns. The Parks and Wildlife Service communicate the outcomes of post-harvest burns to the FPC. This is important, as while it is the aim of the Parks and Wildlife Service to exclude fire from areas containing high conservation values, there are instances where fire may escape. Under these circumstances action is taken to control the fire.
Rehabilitation of fire damaged karri forest
The FPC is conscious of the potential for damage to karri regrowth forest from uncontrolled fire and potential impact on forest productivity. The FPC is currently engaged in rehabilitating a large area of karri regrowth that was significantly damaged in a wildfire in 2015. The standing dead regrowth karri trees are being harvested and sold into an export market. To date the FPC has successfully harvested and rehabilitated approximately 620 hectares, with an additional 140 hectares planned to be regenerated in winter 2021.
Integrated pest management
Weeds, pests and diseases present major threats to the health and vitality of forest ecosystems. The FPC adopts an integrated pest management approach towards pest management in the forest. The FPC may undertake activities that aim to eradicate or control damaging pests, disease and weeds in affected areas. Physical intervention and chemical application are assessed if required and biocontrol may be used where appropriate. Chemicals are only used when no other viable option is available or where it is deemed less damaging to the environment than physical intervention or doing nothing. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 24 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed
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The Parks and Wildlife Service’s online Disturbance Approval System (DAS) form8 and the associated hygiene management plan and map, guide each disturbance operation by identifying the hazards (including damaging pests, diseases and weeds) to be managed and the most appropriate action to be taken. FPC Procedure 111 Pest, disease and weed surveillance and management describes the monitoring and management of pests, disease and weeds. It also identifies appropriate reporting and recording of monitoring and management practices. Any priority pest, disease or weed identified during the planning stage will be discussed with the contractor during the site induction and handover. This is necessary to ensure the contractor is aware of potential damaging agents and that their operations are controlled to prevent the spread and movement in or out of the operational area. There are a number of contractor procedures that relate to the monitoring and management of pests, disease and weeds during forest operations. The primary procedures are: • Contractor procedure E2 Management of the spread of weeds and diseases in FPC operations (FPC, 2020b) • Contractor procedure R1 Road construction and maintenance (FPC, 2020c) • Contractor procedure H1 Pre-operation harvesting briefing (FPC, 2015) These procedures may also refer to other procedures, checklists or forms designed to minimise the introduction and spread of damaging agents. The procedures outline obligations for FPC staff and contractors. FPC staff must be familiar with these procedures and regularly monitor and assess contractor performance against requirements. Monitoring of pests, disease and weeds identified in the hygiene management plan is part of the assessment of contractor performance and is done through routine visits to site by the FPC operation supervisor and recorded on the relevant monitoring form. In addition to the specific monitoring outlined above, staff should be vigilant when working in the forest and report any grouped tree deaths, new, unusual or unknown pests, pest activity, tree disorder or weed occurrence that they observe. Priority threats in the karri forest that the FPC manages through integrated pest management are described below.
Phytophthora dieback Dieback caused by the pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi continues to spread and reduce the distribution and abundance of many plant species and their dependent fauna. It is the most significant threat to the health and vitality of many ecosystems in the karri FMU, although its impact is lower in the karri forest ecosystem than in most other ecosystems in the South West. It remains a high priority for the Parks and Wildlife Service and the FPC to minimise the risk of new infestations in areas that are dieback-free. With respect to Phytophthora cinnamomi, specific requirements for each operation will be identified in the relevant hygiene management plan and Phytophthora cinnamomi management map. Entry into disease risk areas and provisions for clean-on-entry are governed by the Conservation and Land Management Act (1984) (Part VII) and the Forest Management Regulations (1993) (Part 16) and must be abided by all staff and contractors.
8 The DBCA’s FEM019 checklist has been replaced with an online form called the ‘Disturbance Approval System’. Once this has been completed the FPC receive an electronic letter of approval to commence operations.
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The FPC manages this disease by adhering to the Parks and Wildlife Service’s Phytophthora Dieback Management Manual (DBCA, 2017b) and the Guidelines for the Management and Rehabilitation of Basic Raw Material Pits (DEC, 2008).
Armillaria root disease Armillaria root disease (Armillaria luteobubalina) is a naturally occurring species of fungus that has been observed to cause localised damage in the karri forest. In the past, stump pulling trials have been implemented in order to reduce the potential sources of pathogen in the soil. However, the effectiveness of this treatment is uncertain and stump pulling has been discontinued. Monitoring for the presence of armillaria root disease is conducted during post thinning assessments to establish an understanding of its distribution in the karri forest. These assessments are reported to the Parks and Wildlife Service and subsequently the FPC takes appropriate actions as directed.
Myrtle rust Although not yet detected in Western Australia, myrtle rust (Puccinia psidii) has the potential to significantly impact the forest ecosystem. FPC staff have been trained in the identification and reporting of this biosecurity threat.
The FPC has established a number of sentinel sites throughout the South West that it monitors regularly.
The FPC’s Procedure 80 - Myrtle rust incursion prevention provides FPC nursery and seed staff with guidelines toward the possible prevention of incursion by means of identification, plant check systems and spray regimes.
Marri canker A canker disease Quambalaria coyrecup has been associated with decline in Corymbia calophylla (marri) across their natural range in South West Western Australia for some years now. The disease is most likely already present in marri trees and the spores are thought to be airborne and disperse through wind and rain. The disease causes lesions (canker) in the stems when the trees are under stress. When severely stressed the trees go into decline, the scar spreads and could grow completely around the stem, thereby girdling and finally killing the tree. The cankers are decidedly more prevalent along road verges, in reserves and in paddocks, associated with non-native vegetation, which suggest environmental changes are implicated.
The spread or severity of the disease has not been linked to timber harvesting and promoting native revegetation following operations is the most appropriate action to maintain the health of native forests.
Quambalaria piterika is another fungus that is present in the South West of Western Australia and is associated with leaf and shoot disease in Corymbia calophylla (Paap et al., 2008). The impacts of Quambalaria piterika are not as severe as Quambalaria coyrecup and is not known to kill trees. The spread or severity of this disease has also not been linked to timber harvesting, and promoting native revegetation following operations is the most appropriate action to maintain the health of native forests.
Wood Rots
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Karri forest management plan and brown rot. A condition known as ‘brown wood’ has been confirmed as incipient rot that will eventually develop into white rot or white pocket rot. Incipient rot is the early state of decay often noted by the discoloration of the timber. While not classed as a defect, it can impact timber durability. More than one species of fungi may be associated with each of these rots (Davison et al. 2008). These do not affect the health of the forest, but are significant because of their impact on wood quality (Bradshaw 2015).
Infection points for these types of rot is through wounds to the tree such as branch stubs and fire scars. They cannot invade through undamaged bark. There is a higher incidence of incipient rot in regrowth karri than in mature forest (Donnelly and Davison, 2008), this is more likely to be a function of tree age than current growing conditions. For example many old trees have a hollow heart or pipe which represents the wood laid down at the regrowth stage which has since rotted away. This is a common issue with the utilisation of young eucalypts throughout Australia (Bradshaw, 2015).
Insects Insect pests on occasion can cause significant defoliation events in jarrah associated with the karri forest. Notable species include jarrah leaf miner (Perthida glyphopa) and gum leaf skeletoniser (Uraba lugens). Outbreaks are often in response to unusual environmental conditions, with warmer, drier winters favouring the gum leaf skeletoniser. Control methods are not feasible and outbreaks are left to naturally run their course.
Another insect, bullseye borer (Phoracantha acanthocera) has a very wide distribution across the continent and has been associated with significant damage and loss of value of production in regrowth forests of karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor) and to a lesser extent marri (Corymbia calophylla). Bullseye borer has not been known to cause widespread forest mortality and is thought to respond to trees under stress.
Higher incidence of Bullseye borer associated damage has been associated with poor quality karri sites. Dry sites in close proximity to mixed jarrah and marri forest and small coupes have also been found to be more prone to attack. Thinning of regrowth stands as a means of relieving tree stress is currently the only viable management option.
Weeds The introduction and spread of weeds in the forest has the potential to adversely affect forest ecosystems. Blackberry (Rubus spp.) is a weed of national significance and is the most important weed impacting the karri FMU. Chemical treatment is effective in localised areas but is impractical over a larger scale and is generally not used in forest operations. Biocontrol has been trialled with mixed effectiveness. Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) is also a weed of national significance and is being controlled through a rust biocontrol agent. The FPC does not maintain or monitor this control program.
FPC staff are involved in reporting detections of weeds, particularly declared, prohibited or moderate high rated environmental weeds within operational areas. These are included in the hygiene management plan for respective operations.
Feral predators One of the biggest threats to our native wildlife is predation by foxes and feral cats. Forests in the karri FMU are baited by the Parks and Wildlife Service with 1080 poison for foxes as part of the highly successful Western Shield program. This program has contributed to saving a number of threatened species in Western Australia from extinction. The FPC
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Karri forest management plan augments this fox baiting program with more intensive fox baiting at the harvest coupe level. The FPC also undertakes a pre-harvest fauna monitoring program which involves camera survey and indirect monitoring for threatened species. The surveys have identified the presence of feral cats across a number of sites. In response, the FPC has commenced a baiting trial using the 1080 specialised cat bait Eradicat®. This complements similar trials by the Parks and Wildlife Service in the southern jarrah forest.
Objectives The FPC seeks to: • Assist the Parks and Wildlife Service in helping to control adverse impacts of fire used as part of the Parks and Wildlife Service’s regeneration activities on land in the karri FMU and adjoining land. • Assist the Parks and Wildlife Service to minimise, as far as is reasonable and practicable, the impact on the health and vitality of forest ecosystems from pathogens and their associated diseases. • Assist the Parks and Wildlife Service to protect from infestation those areas currently free from P. cinnamomi and control weeds and pests in forest ecosystems. • Develop self-sustaining ecosystems of native species from regeneration or rehabilitation operations in native forest. Management activities: • The FPC will (FMP 2014, management activity 22): o Collaborate with the Parks and Wildlife Service in determining appropriate bushfire risk mitigation strategies to be applied to land managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service, and in particular the state’s native and plantation timber resources. o As agreed between the FPC and the Parks and Wildlife Service, make provision for funding the Parks and Wildlife Service to enable the Parks and Wildlife Service to control the risk to acceptable levels, so far as is reasonable and practicable. • The FPC will provide assistance where necessary to ensure the Parks and Wildlife Service maintains surveillance and recording systems for weeds that are known to have a significant impact on ecosystem health and vitality (FMP 2014, management activity 23.1). • As required, the FPC will use planning and operational controls to minimise the risk of introduction, spread and impacts from priority weeds, and where reasonable and practicable, implement control programs for priority weeds (FMP 2014, management activity 23.4 and 23.5). • The FPC will take appropriate steps to minimise the risk that seedlings it obtains from its own and other nurseries could transport unwanted weeds, pests and pathogens into the forest (FMP 2014, management activities 25, 30 and 34). • The FPC will take appropriate steps to control the spread of plantation species beyond plantation boundaries into adjacent native vegetation (FMP 2014, management activity 26.3). • The FPC will assist the Parks and Wildlife Service where appropriate to identify and protect individuals and populations of native flora that show resistance to pests and disease (FMP 2014, management activity 27.5). Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 28 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed
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• The FPC will work with the Parks and Wildlife Service to undertake its rehabilitation operations by (FMP 2014, management activity 37 and 89): o using natural regeneration where seed is sourced from the same area; or o seeking advice from the Parks and Wildlife Service on appropriate alternative seed sources if seed from the same area is not available. • The FPC, via the Parks and Wildlife Service will report to the Conservation and Parks Commission annually as to the circumstances where local seed sources have not been used in their regeneration or rehabilitation operations (FMP 2014, management activity 38 and 90). • The FPC will work with the Parks and Wildlife Service to conduct its operations having regard to the “Management of Phytophthora and Disease Caused By It” policy and in accordance with the Phytophthora Dieback Management Manual (DBCA, 2017b).
In implementing the above management activities the FPC will also ensure that no genetically modified organisms (GMOs) will be used within the karri FMU or any forest operation under the management of the FPC (refer to the FPC’s Policy 9 Forest Management) (FPC, 2019f).
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Soil and water The conservation of soil and water is an important part of the conservation of biodiversity and sustaining the productive capacity and health and vitality of forest ecosystems. Forest soils play an important role in regulating surface and groundwater flow. The interaction of soil and water also plays an important role in the health of the streams and rivers. Water is one of the most widely used products that come from forests. Clean water is critical to the community’s quality of life. The quantity and quality of water used for environmental and consumption purposes should be protected and, where necessary and practicable, enhanced.
Potential impacts to soil
Management of surface water is undertaken through the construction of surface water management structures that manage the overland flow of water to protect soil resources and environmental values. Where surface water management structures are not installed or incorrectly constructed, the potential on-site impacts are minor sheet and rill erosion from surface water flows, gully and major erosion of soils, ponding and water-logging. These structures are particularly important on steeper sites. Potential off-site impacts are deposition, flooding and reduced water quality through turbidity, contamination or sedimentation of rivers, streams, wetlands and water supplies.
Permissible management activities are defined for timber harvesting in native forest at four levels of risk. The various risk periods in relation to Trafficability Index (TI) and other factors, including soil types and season, are outlined in Table 2.
Soil disturbance during harvesting operations is mainly caused by the operation of heavy vehicles. Harvest operators are required to minimise soil disturbance through active planning, monitoring and management.
Soil disturbance is defined in the Parks and Wildlife Service Manual of Procedures for the Management of Soil Associated with Timber Harvesting in Native Forest (Parks and Wildlife, 2015b). The manual also specifies the procedures for assessing, monitoring and managing soil disturbance. Soil disturbance is classified as either (Parks and Wildlife, 2015b, p. 66):
• Undisturbed – characterised by an intact litter layer. • Lightly disturbed – characterised by the litter layer being disturbed or a light disturbance to the topsoil. • Moderately disturbed – characterised by the topsoil mixed with subsoil or the topsoil partially removed. • Severely disturbed –by the topsoil completely removed and subsoil exposed or the topsoil mixed with subsoil, or the subsoil disturbed, or subsoil mixed with parent material or soil at greater than 50cm depth, or the subsoil partially removed. • Very severely disturbed – Disturbance that involves parent material or soil layers that are greater than 50cm below the soil surface (excluding caprock).
The risk of soil disturbance will vary dependant on the degree of moisture in the soil and will generally be highest when the soil is wet and lowest when dry. Soil dryness is measured by the Soil Dryness Index (SDI). The Parks and Wildlife Service have modified this index to create what is termed the Trafficability Index, which is an indirect measure of soil moisture. This index is used as a method to determine the risk of soil disturbance. The risk period has been categorised into four levels and permissible harvest activities will vary according to the
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Karri forest management plan level of risk and other factors such as significant rainfall. The risk levels are (Parks and Wildlife, 2015b):
• Low risk period – soils are relatively dry. • Medium risk period – soils may be moist enough that soil damage could occur, depending on the specific soil, management and vehicle factors. • Medium to high risk period (broken up into two stages of transitional, and post transitional – medium to high risk period) – soils are moist or wet and soil damage is likely in parts of most working areas unless intensive management action is taken to avoid such damage and attention to soil type, topography and position in the landscape is given. • High risk period – soils are wet and soil damage is likely in parts of most operations that involve off-road use of heavy vehicles. Table 2: Soil management risk periods in relation to Trafficability Index (TI SDI) and other factors (Parks and Wildlife, 2015b, p. 13) Pre-trans & Post-transitional Spring / Summer TI value transitional SDI (1 Mar-31 Aug) (1 Sep-28 Feb) (1 Mar-31 Aug)
Non-UGS Non-UGS All soils UGS soils UGS soils soils soils
TI=0 MH H- H H- H
0 50 250 500 TI>750 L L L L L UGS = Upland gravels and sands (excluding the Blackwood Plateau) L = Low risk period M = Medium risk period MH = Medium to high risk period H = High risk period H- = High risk period if it is raining or free water is present, or Medium to high risk period if it is not raining and no free water is present. Each risk period is associated with different permissible activities based on the risk of creating unacceptable soil disturbance and erosion. Some management requirements apply to all risk periods such as the requirement for harvest planning, coupe diary entries, observation of soil disturbance limits and the requirements of legislation, policy and guidelines. Further, except for high risk periods, the off-road and off-landing use of heavy vehicles is permissible subject to specific conditions. During the medium to high (post transitional) risk period increased planning, monitoring and approvals are required. Operators are also required to mark the extraction network and identify any special treatments to protect soil. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 31 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan During the high risk period, the use of heavy vehicles, off-road or off-landing, is not allowed except for first thinning of young (less than 35 year old) regrowth karri forest which is subject to written approval. The loading and haulage of stockpiled logs on landings is also permissible, subject to written approval. Potential impacts to water Potential impacts to water values include salinisation, erosion, waterlogging, turbidity, sedimentation and contamination. Such impacts need to be mitigated through effective land management. Salt input into streams can occur when the leaf area of a forest is reduced, if saline groundwater is close to the soil surface, and groundwater rises to the extent that it makes a significant contribution to streamflow. Strategies to manage this risk include phased harvesting, basal area limitations and protection of stream zones from timber harvesting. The highest rainfall zones of South West Western Australia have a lower risk of stream salinity because the storage of salt in the soil profile is low. The intermediate rainfall zone has a higher risk of stream salinity due to the groundwater level which may be in reach of the soil surface following timber harvesting and where salt storage in the soil is moderate. Due to the trend of reducing rainfall in recent years, the depth to ground water has been increasing and the threat posed by salinity from rising ground water has been reduced. Phased harvesting is now only required in the moderate salt sensitivity part of the Warren Region (Conservation Commission, 2013a, Map 7). The requirements for managing salt risk are incorporated into the harvest planning and approvals process. These requirements are summarised in the document Key requirements for managing salt risk (Parks and Wildlife, 2014a). Stream reserves play an important role in the protection of water quality and are included in the informal reserve system. They are managed in accordance with the Guideline for protection of the values of informal reserves and fauna habitat zones (DEC, 2009a). The Manual for the Management of Surface Water (DEC, 2009c) provides operational guidance for the establishment and maintenance of structures to manage surface water to assist in avoiding erosion, waterlogging, turbidity and contamination associated with harvesting operations. Objectives The FPC seeks to: • Protect soil and water resources within the karri FMU by adopting a proactive approach to reduce the occurrence of soil damage • Protect the ecological integrity and quality of streams, wetlands and their associated vegetation, and increase the flow of water to surface and groundwater reservoirs within the karri FMU. Management activities • The FPC will conduct their operations involving the use of heavy vehicles in a manner that is in accordance with the Soil and Water Conservation Guideline (DEC, 2009b), the Manual of Procedures for the Management of Soils Associated with Timber Harvesting in Native Forests (Parks and Wildlife, 2015b), and the Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 32 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Manual for the Management of Surface Water (DEC, 2009c) (FMP 2014, management activity 41). • The FPC will review subsidiary documents and training programs to seek to ensure that procedures for containment of hydrocarbon spills are adequately addressed (FMP 2014, management activity 44). • The FPC will conduct their operations in accordance with silviculture guidelines, the Guidelines for the Protection of the Values of Informal Reserves and Fauna Habitat Zones (DEC, 2009a), and the Soil and Water Conservation Guideline (DEC, 2009b) (FMP 2014, management activity 46). • The FPC will conduct their operations in accordance with phased harvesting requirements for the moderate salt sensitivity part of the Parks and Wildlife Service Warren Region (FMP 2014, management activity 51) and in accordance with the procedure Key requirements for managing salt risk (Parks and Wildlife, 2014a). • The FPC will work with the Parks and Wildlife Service to rehabilitate soil damaged in the course of its operations by identifying and mapping damaged soil; and undertaking rehabilitation work as soon as is reasonable and practicable after the completion of the operation. • The FPC will work in conjunction with the Parks and Wildlife Service to develop catchment management plans, where this is appropriate, for the purpose of employing silvicultural treatments to improve ecosystem health and vitality, through increased flow of surface water. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 33 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Climate change and carbon cycles The extent of possible impacts of climate change on native vegetation ecosystems is not well understood, but climate change is believed to be having, and is expected to have, variable consequences for a range of values. Allen et al. (2010) suggest that the increase in the frequency, duration and/or severity of drought, combined with more heat stress associated with climate change, could fundamentally alter the structure and composition of forests in many regions, and note that mortality functions used in forest modelling may need to be revised, which has been considered in calculations for sustained yield in the FMP 2014. Allen et al. (2010, p. 670) state: ‘…given the potential risks of climate-induced die-off, forest managers need to develop adaptation strategies to improve the resistance and resilience of forests to projected increases in climate stress...Options might include thinning stands to reduce competition, selection of appropriate genotypes (e.g., improved drought resistance), and even translocation of species to match expected climate changes...’ Climate change has been accounted for, including a safety margin, in the FMP 2014. Planning for climate change has been considered in developing the range of proposed operations (management activities) outlined in the FMP 2014 sections on ‘ Biological diversity’, ‘Ecosystem health and vitality’, ‘Soil and water’, and ‘Productive capacity’. Objective The FPC seeks to reduce the potential consequences of climate change on ecosystem health and vitality, biological diversity, soil and water, productive capacity and heritage values. Management activities: • The FPC will seek to encourage the use of wood harvested from native forests to maximise greenhouse mitigation benefits. • Manage operations in accordance with the Parks and Wildlife Service’s guidelines for silviculture and fire management. These will be periodically reviewed with a view to incorporating techniques that recognise the contribution of the areas covered by the FMP 2014 to global carbon cycles, and achievement of other silvicultural objectives and goals for forest management (FMP 2014, management activity 55.8). Productive capacity Productive capacity is referred to in the FMP 2014 (Conservation Commission, 2013a, p. 81) as: ‘broadly it is the capacity of natural areas to sustain ecosystem processes and provide a range of goods and services, whereas the productive capacity of a particular site refers to the total biomass that can be produced over time at that location, given the inherent resources available (such as soil, water and sunlight).’ It is a measure that can be applied to both timber and non-timber resources and is a key factor in assessing the sustainability of management. Maintaining the productive capacity of the forest involves maintaining the area of forested land and providing for harvesting rates that do not exceed sustainable yields. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 34 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Sustained yield is defined in the FMP 2014 as (Conservation Commission, 2013a 197): ‘For the purpose of this plan, the first and second grade sawlog yield that the forest can produce for an extended period (to at least the year 2070) at a given intensity of management.’ The CALM Act 1984 requires that timber production in native forests be conducted on a sustained yield basis. The methodology and data used in the sustained yield calculations for the FMP 2014 have been reviewed by an independent expert panel (Ferguson et al. 2013). The calculated sustained yield is used to determine the allowable cut. The average annual allowable cut of karri first and second grade sawlogs is indicated in Table 3 (Conservation Commission, 2013a, Table 4, p. 90). Table 3: Average annual allowable cut of first and second grade sawlogs for karri (cubic metres) FMP Average annual harvest (cubic metres) FMP 2014–2023 59 000 Notes: 1. An annual sawlog sustained yield of 70 000 m3 was computed from Woodstock™ woodflows, and assumes that the standard of silvicultural outcomes and limited markets for marri lower grade logs recorded during the previous FMP (FMP 2004), continue indefinitely. 2. The average allowable cut is the sustained yield adjusted by a ‘safety margin’ of 15 per cent for karri, as recommended by the Independent Expert Panel. Such adjustments for risk will vary over time and may also be addressed or offset through contract or commercial arrangements. 3. For all log types, the operationally achievable component of the allowable cut is largely a matter for the FPC. The harvested volume may vary between years depending on the forest made available in annual harvest plans and the volume that has been harvested in previous years. The planned harvest volume for 2020 is approximately 59 000 m3 as per the allowable harvest. In the course of harvesting karri sawlogs, lower grade logs are obtained from the boles of trees felled to obtain the first and second grade sawlogs. Lower grade logs are also obtained from trees, including marri, that are removed in order to facilitate regeneration, or growth of retained crop trees (such as through thinning). The available quantities for karri and marri other bole volume are shown in Table 4 (Conservation Commission, 2013a, Table 5, p. 92). Table 4: Availability of other bole volume (cubic metres) Species Log grade Average annual availability indicated in the FMP 2014 (cubic metres) Bole logs other than first and second Karri grade sawlog 164 000 Marri* All bole logs 140 000 *The volume indicated for marri is not solely harvested from the karri FMU. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 35 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Natural disturbances (such as bushfire, drought, pest and disease outbreaks) may lead to the death of trees, and this is taken into account in the calculation of the sustained yield. In some cases, significant areas of forest may be impacted (for example, by bushfire) and there is often a significant benefit to a range of values by salvage harvesting prior to regenerating or rehabilitating affected areas. In the FMP 2014, there is provision to consider whether any salvaged wood will count towards the allowable cut on a case-by-case evaluation by the Parks and Wildlife Service. In doing so, the Parks and Wildlife Service will consider the safety margin incorporated into the calculation of sustained yields, and the costs and ability of affected areas to successfully regenerate and/or be successfully rehabilitated and provide for a range of ESFM values, in the absence of salvage harvesting. The upper limits for the allowable cut are outlined in Table 5 (Conservation Commission, 2013a, Table 6, p. 93). Note that the upper limit (maximum allowable cut) for karri sawlogs and other bole volume is the same as the average annual allowable cut. Table 5: Upper limits for the average annual allowable cut (cubic metres) of first and second grade sawlogs and other bole volume for the period 2014-2023 Log product Karri (m3) Marri (m3) category Sawlogs 59 000 - Other bole volume 164 000 254 000* * The volume indicated for marri is not solely harvested from the karri FMU. Development of new log product markets The uniformity of karri logs and the strength of karri timber lends it to veneer production in addition to a conventional sawn timber product. In recent years, the FPC has been able to deliver some small karri logs into Wesbeam’s Neerabup Plant as Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). Demand for this product is increasing, the FPC is actively encouraging further developments in this area. Other forest products Jarrah sawlogs and other products are also removed from the karri FMU by the FPC for commercial purposes. In addition, the Parks and Wildlife Service also manage the removal of other forest produce such as public firewood, burls, craftwood, wildflowers, seeds and honey. They are considered in the FMP 2014. Hunting, flora collection, customary activities, honey production, firewood collection and fishing are outside the FPC’s managerial control and come under the governance of the Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. They are discussed here as an acknowledgement and understanding of other resources provided by the forest, and the mechanisms by which they are controlled. The Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2018 came into effect on 1 January 2019. New licensing arrangements apply to taking, supplying, processing and dealing native flora (including flowers, seeds, whole plants, timber and firewood). Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 36 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Hunting Any form of shooting, professional or otherwise is not permitted on crown land without lawful authority. The Parks and Wildlife Service may engage the services of recognised recreational hunting and shooting groups to undertake pest animal control. Individuals are only eligible to participate if they are a member of a recreational hunting or shooting group formally recognised by way of a formal Memorandum of understanding. More information is available on the Parks and Wildlife Service website. Flora collection Collection of native flora from crown land is prohibited under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 without a valid license from the Parks and Wildlife Service. Further details are available on the Park’s and Wildlife Service’s Flora licensing webpage. License applications and endorsements are assessed individually. This process may involve field checking by the Parks and Wildlife Service officers to ensure levels of picking will not impact on local populations and quotas and other restrictions can be put in place. Certain species have special endorsements and royalties paid prior to picking. Very limited collection for floristry occurs in the karri forest. The main species harvested are Emu plum (Podocarpus drouynianus) and snottygobble (Persoonia longifolia) for their foliage. It is a condition of a Flora taking (commercial purposes) licence that only 20 per cent of individual plants can be picked. The majority of seed collection licences issued are for FPC operations. Species collected include karri (mainly for regeneration) and various understorey plants. Seed collection by other parties may be used in rehabilitation works or in community nurseries. Customary activities The Parks and Wildlife Service recognises that Aboriginal people are the traditional custodians of the lands and waters that it manages, and it is important that Aboriginal people have access to carry out customary activities. . These activities are detailed in the Guide to Aboriginal customary activities on Parks and Wildlife managed lands and waters.(DBCA, 2020). Animals and plants that are rare or threatened are designated as ‘no-take’ for customary activities. More information is available on Parks and Wildlife Service’s web page titled Customary activities. Honey production The Parks and Wildlife Service manages beekeeper access on Crown land throughout Western Australia. Apiary authorities can be issued for up to seven years, depending on the land tenure. Stringent environmental conditions are put in place to ensure compliance with the Parks and Wildlife Services management requirements, water catchment guidelines, dieback control, fire prevention and native vegetation clearing. This is detailed in the Parks and Wildlife document General conditions for using apiary authorities on crown land in Western Australia (Parks and Wildlife, 2013). Hundreds of registered apiary sites exist within the karri forest. Donnelly district alone has approximately 320 across all forest types. The usage of these sites varies significantly from year to year in accordance with flowering cycles and market demand. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 37 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Further information is available on the Parks and Wildlife Services website. Firewood A permit (‘Authority') is not required for private firewood collection in the South West. The conditions for firewood collection include: • Only fallen timber can be taken. Standing trees, either dead or alive, cannot be cut down for firewood. • Firewood can only be collected from designated areas of State forest. Maps of these areas are made available on the Parks and Wildlife Services website. • Restrictions on firewood quantities apply. • Firewood can only be collected for private use. Selling firewood is an offence. Sustainability of the public firewood collection system is monitored by the Parks and Wildlife Service and is considered in the FMP 2014 (refer to page 100). Further restrictions may be implemented in the future in accordance with monitoring and trial results. Commercial firewood operations are managed through contracts administered by the FPC. The system is designed to ensure the equitable and orderly marketing of the firewood. Information on where to purchase firewood sourced from sustainably managed, approved forest harvest operations and approved local firewood suppliers is on the FPC’s website. Craftwood and burls The removal of craftwood from harvested areas is allowable and is managed through minor production contracts issued by the FPC. Burls are also removed during harvesting operations and are either sold at FPC auctions or to persons holding a contract of sale for the product. Marron fishing Marron (Cherax cainii) are the largest freshwater crayfish in Western Australia, and the third largest in the world. They are endemic to South West Western Australia, with their optimal habitat being permanent rivers within forested catchments. They are also raised successfully in private dams and aquaculture facilities. A licence is required when fishing for marron on Crown land. To preserve a sustainable wild marron fishery, the rules and regulations in place include: seasonal and area closures; size, bag and possession limits; and restrictions on the type of fishing gear used. Fishers may only use legal scoop nets, drop nets or snares to take marron. Further information can be found on the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (Fisheries) website. The Shannon river is closed to fishing to provide a representative river system where researchers can assess the role of environmental factors on marron populations. Detailed research on the marron stocks in South West rivers has been carried out since the 1970s. Currently, stock levels are monitored before the opening of the fishing season, when researchers carry out an annual stock assessment survey by trapping marron in many locations throughout the South West. This survey provides data on abundance and biological characteristics for key marron populations. In addition, in-season catches of Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 38 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan licensed fishers are also surveyed. The data collected is used to monitor trends in stock levels, enabling researchers to recommend management adjustments when necessary. Further, the annual State of the Fisheries report for the Southern Inland Bioregion provides detailed information on stock levels and related data. Fishing A significant fisheries industry exists for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brown trout (Salmo trutta). These are introduced species that exhibit little or no breeding in the South West. Both species are stocked into rivers and dams (with a focus on artificial waterways) by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Trout are produced and stocked for recreational angling. Importantly, to protect native fish biodiversity, trout are only stocked in either artificial impoundments (dams) or systems that contain large populations of pest fish (e.g. redfin and goldfish). Trout assist in controlling pest fish by predating upon them. Assessments on their potential impacts have been conducted by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (Astbury, 2004, Department of Fisheries, 2002). Other species that may be fished in smaller quantities are the feral redfin perch (Perca fluviatilis), native freshwater cobbler (Tandanus bostocki) and introduced black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri). Silviculture Karri is a species relatively intolerant to competition, meaning it cannot compete with existing trees for growing space, light, nutrients and water. To successfully regenerate, karri requires an absence of competition during establishment. Karri is a very large, tall tree growing to 90 metres with a wide deep crown, so falling mature trees can cause damage to other vegetation over a significant area. Protecting younger regeneration from felling damage is another reason large canopy gaps are required in karri silviculture. For these reasons karri is regenerated as patches of even-aged regrowth produced from clearfelling (Parks and Wildlife, 2014d). Clearfell patch sizes are limited to 20 hectares in regrowth and 40 hectares in mature stands. In practice patches are often much smaller than this. Silvicultural systems applied in the karri forest are typically small scale clearfelling, with habitat element retention. This is typically undertaken using mechanical harvesters and wheeled skidders or wheeled forwarders, which extract the timber to roadside. Manual felling of trees in some instances may be undertaken. Damage to habitat elements is monitored under the Parks and Wildlife Services Procedure DECSFM013 Growing stock and habitat element assessment of damage and potential damage (2011). Following harvesting the site is regenerated. Regeneration and management of harvested native forest is an important component of productive capacity. Harvested and other disturbed areas of native forest are regenerated and, where necessary, managed to maintain its vigour and productive capacity. During regeneration, as trees expand their crowns and root systems, they begin to compete with each other for light, nutrients and water. Thinning is applied as the competition between trees reaches a level that the annual basal area increment of the stand is reduced. Thinning operations within the developing regrowth forest is undertaken a number of times over the life cycle of the forest. Thinning of regrowth stands is done in accordance with the Parks and Wildlife Service’s Procedure FEM040 Karri – Thinning (2014c). The point at which thinning is Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 39 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan no longer of benefit is usually once the trees are well into the mature stage of development and are no longer vigorous enough to expand to further occupy the space created by thinning. At this point, stands are clearfelled and regenerated (Bradshaw, 2015). Detailed information on the science behind karri silviculture can be found in Bradshaw (2015) Reference material for karri forest silviculture. Waste assessments and resource utilisation Resource utilisation is assessed by the FPC. If wastage is considered excessive, the FPC will request the contractor return and collect logs left on site. Intensive post-harvest waste assessments are conducted by both the FPC and the Parks and Wildlife Service on coupes randomly selected at the start of each year. The principle objective of these assessments is to provide data for pre-harvest planning and sustained yield calculations. They are also important to ensure that all utilisable wood is being harvested and provides the FPC with a quantitative indicator of contractor performance. Five coupes are randomly selected for each harvesting contractor, using a random number generator. Sample fallers blocks within the coupe are also selected in advance using random numbers, with a requirement that these areas have been recently logged. This enables communication of crew performance, as the harvesting contractor is still working nearby. Another specification is that the fallers blocks must be approximately the same size. Subsequently, faller’s blocks greater than 20 hectares are excluded as they are not common. A minimum of three fallers blocks are assessed per harvest coupe. Assessment is along three 200 metre transects within each fallers block. Cut logs, potential products within fallen trees (above and below crown break) and millable wood below crown cut are measured where intersected by the transect line. Longbutts, stumps and standing available trees (not marked for retention) which contain a wood product are measured if they occur within 5 metres either side of the transect line. Fallers block averages are helpful in identifying areas of poorer wood utilisation and variability across the coupe samples. In extreme cases, the logging crew may recover logs identified in the assessment, or a secondary logging operation may be viable based upon the amount of product found in available standing trees. Forest regeneration Post-harvest burn A post-harvest burn is important to initiate the forest regeneration process. Fire is a natural disturbance event and is necessary for germination and nutrient cycling in the karri forest. Karri seedlings require an absence of competition during establishment. One objective of regeneration burning is to burn with sufficient intensity to remove excessive harvesting debris and create a fertile and receptive seed bed. In all regeneration burns, harvesting debris is moved away from the burn edge to facilitate burn security and personnel safety. Harvest debris may also be pushed into heaps and burnt. Debris is moved away from retained vegetation and habitat to ensure its protection from the burn. The area where the debris has been pushed in is likely to receive little or no nutrient boost from burning. If left untreated, these areas may suffer significant reductions in growth. The application of Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 40 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan fertiliser reduces this effect. The Parks and Wildlife Service undertake post-harvest burning in accordance with their Karri silvicultural burning manual (Parks and Wildlife, 2016). Rationale for replanting Karri have a complex seed cycle, taking four to five years from bud initiation to seed dissemination, with this process influenced by seasonal factors. In addition, karri produce on average only one seed per capsule, which is low in comparison with most eucalypts. In recent years, there appears to have been a general decline in seed crops, potentially due to the coinciding drop in rainfall. These factors combine to make a reliable natural karri seed crop at any point in time unlikely (Christensen, 1992). Understorey forest species, and marri (Corymbia calophylla) are more robust in their regenerative ability and natural regeneration is generally suitable to restore these taxa. Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) and blackbutt (Eucalyptus patens) may need replanting when natural regeneration is insufficient. Regeneration activities aim to re-establish the site species composition within the disturbed area, using propagules, on-site seed, on-site seedlings and other established growth that has been retained, or seedlings developed from seed from the same Land Management Unit (LMU). Flexibility may be required in some cases, for example where disease is present, or when rainfall has declined, it may be appropriate to consider the use of disease and/or drought resistant varieties of those same species. In this case, the best source of seed or seedlings of some species may be from another area (LMU). Alternatively, if disease or drought resistant varieties are unavailable or unknown, then using mixed seed sources to maximise genetic diversity might be an appropriate alternative strategy. This would provide a broader source of variation which would allow greater potential to adapt to changing site conditions due to factors such as disease or environmental change. Maintaining species composition Species mix in forests is a naturally dynamic process where species representation changes over time during natural successional processes (Bradshaw, 2015). In regrowth forests, it is expected that stands will adjust their species composition over time, provided there is adequate species representation (Bradshaw, 2015). ‘Karri may occur in pure stands, intermingled mixtures with other species, or as a mosaic of different forest types’ (DBCA, 2018b, p. 1). Karri forest within Western Australia (including outside the karri FMU and FMP 2014 plan area) equates to around 196 000 hectares (DBCA, 2018b), of which approximately 173 960 hectares is on public lands (Conservation Commission, 2013a, Appendix 6). Approximately 60 per cent of the karri forest is classified as pure karri forest, with the remainder occurring as a mixture with marri and to a more limited extent jarrah (DBCA, 2018b). In the south east of its range (now within conservation reserves), karri is present in mixtures with tingle (E. jacksonii, E. guilfoylei and E. brevistylis) (DBCA, 2018b, Bradshaw, 2015).Within the karri FMU, species that occur with karri include marri (Corymbia calophylla), jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) and blackbutt (Eucalyptus patens). Thinning operations are undertaken in pure and mixed karri forest until trees reach maturity. To ensure that secondary species (marri, jarrah, blackbutt) continue to be maintained in mixed stands, thinning prescriptions require their continued representation (Bradshaw, 2015). Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 41 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Species composition is assessed and recorded during the planning stage prior to harvesting. The FPC ensures that the mix of native forest species that exists prior to harvest is the same mix that is regenerated, while acknowledging that the relative proportion of each species in mixture will vary over time. Although in some areas species representation may have been varied by historical selective harvest events (DBCA, 2018b). Karri forests are classified as pure karri forest when there is karri crown dominance, which equates to above eight mature karri trees per hectare over a two hectare area. In pure karri forest, regeneration is undertaken by planting 2200 seedlings or more per hectare of karri, depending on site quality. In mixed karri forest, the mature karri component will comprise two to eight mature karri trees per hectare over two hectares. Where karri is not dominating crown cover, it allows other species to form part of the upper crown away from competition from the karri. In the regeneration of mixed karri stands containing marri, marri will regenerate from seed (marri seeds more frequently than karri) or from lignotubers. A lignotuber is a woody swelling at ground level, which provides a nutrient store and dormant buds. Lignotuber survival in marri is high and the growth rate from marri lignotubers will exceed that of karri for the first few years of regeneration, after which it is rapidly overtaken by karri (White, 1974). As such, in mixed karri forest containing marri, natural regeneration from seed and lignotubers is sufficient. However, regeneration of jarrah and blackbutt lignotubers may not be successful in mixed karri stands. Therefore, supplemental planting is necessarily used to maintain species composition when lignotuber regeneration is absent or insufficient. In mixed karri forests regeneration is undertaken by planting 1700 seedlings per hectare of jarrah and/or blackbutt (depending on pre-harvest species assessment) and 500 seedlings of karri, with the karri seedlings planted in groups (DBCA, 2018b). Species are planted to align with previous locations, which is informed by a review of species stump locations. The location of species plantings is also matched to favourable site conditions. For instance, blackbutt is more suited to creek lines (DBCA, 2018b). Special consideration is given to the mixed karri/jarrah stands that typically occur within the karri/jarrah ecotype where soil types change. These areas comprise <5% of the karri forest available for harvest. In harvesting areas of mature forest, areas of mixed karri/jarrah forest type are identified and demarcated prior to harvesting, as both the overstorey retention and the regeneration requirements vary for these stands. This process is described in FPC Procedure 133 Identification and demarcation of mixed karri/jarrah forest type within coupes comprising two-tiered karri forest (FPC, 2018d). In some locations the presence of Phytophthora dieback or dry conditions may have influenced the species composition of the area to be regenerated. As such there may be circumstances that warrant variation of species composition goals (i.e. to promote species resistant to Phytophthora dieback or species better suited to current site conditions (DBCA, 2018b). Planting process Karri is regenerated in accordance with the Parks and Wildlife Service’s Procedure CEM034 Karri – Regeneration by planted seedling (DBCA, 2018b) and Procedure FEM032 Karri – Site preparation for regeneration (Parks and Wildlife, 2014e). Site preparation involves burning, which provides a number of benefits including reducing fuel loads, recycling nutrients, promoting regeneration of seed stored in the soil, preparing a seed or planting bed and providing safe site access (Parks and Wildlife, 2014e). Where the Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 42 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan soil is compacted or damaged, shallow ripping is undertaken as necessary to correct soil damage (if applicable) and prepare a receptive seedbed and facilitate planting of seedlings. Fertiliser is applied to aid regeneration where broadcast burning cannot be carried out or where ashbeds are not present. The density at which seedlings are planted has been determined based on achieving a balance between the economics of planting and achieving a clean bole length (tree trunk to crown free of branches) in mature trees similar to that which would be achieved with naturally regenerating forest. It has been determined that 3000 stems per hectare represents a fully stocked stand and that 2000 stems per hectare approaches full stocking. On this basis the stocking density that is routinely applied in karri is 2200 seedlings per hectare. This allows for some mortality in the first summer following planting. However, infill planting is undertaken the following winter if stocking is not sufficient. Log landing rehabilitation Rehabilitation of landings is usually completed in conjunction with the regeneration of the associated harvested area. Landings are rehabilitated in accordance with Procedure DPaWSFM026 Landing and extraction track rehabilitation (Parks and Wildlife, 2012). Soil that has become damaged on landings during timber harvesting operations will generally require intervention to ameliorate compaction and/or altered soil profiles. Severe compaction or soil mixing not only inhibits natural regeneration, but also prevents the infiltration of rainfall leading to an increased likelihood of soil erosion (Parks and Wildlife, 2012). Monitoring Regeneration success is monitored for all harvested areas through field surveys during the first summer following establishment. If survival is not sufficient, in-fill planting is done the following winter. This ensures the sites are fully stocked and capable of maximising their productive capacity over time. The survey incorporates an assessment of survival of all the species that were present in the stand prior to harvest. This includes surveying the presence of both natural occurrence of species (i.e. coppice, lignotubers and retained trees) and planted seedlings. Information on the growth and cumulative yield of karri stands is obtained from inventory and permanent sample plots established by the Parks and Wildlife Service. Inventory plots measure tree size and characteristics from which estimates are made of the timber yield that might be obtained from harvesting operations. These same plots are remeasured following harvesting to monitor the density and condition of the retained trees that will be grown on to the next thinning operation. Permanent sample plots have been established across the geographic and site range of the regrowth karri forest, and are remeasured periodically to generate estimates of growth and future yield for the stands, and to refine mathematical models used in calculating the sustained yield for karri sawlogs. Objectives The FPC seeks to: • sustain and, where applicable, enhance the productive capacity of the forest; • maintain the net area of forested land; and • provide for timber production of karri sawlogs on a sustained yield basis and to maintain the quality of the sustained yield calculations for the FMP period. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 43 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Management activities: • The total quantity of logs removed by the FPC, calculated over the 10-year life of the FMP 2014, shall not exceed 10 times the average allowable cut stipulated in Tables 3 and 4 (FMP 2014, management activity 60). • The FPC may seek to enter into contracts to supply up to the quantities stipulated in Table 5 (which for karri, the upper limits are the same as the average allowable limit), in order to provide for improved utilisation of available wood resources, silvicultural outcomes and socio-economic benefits. Any proposal to increase the average annual yield of logs above the quantities stipulated in Tables 3 and 4 is to be approved by the Minister for Environment, in consultation with the Parks and Wildlife Service and the Conservation and Parks Commission, considering whether or not the proposal remains consistent with the woodflow modelling for the FMP 2014 and any revised inventory information (FMP 2014, management activity 61). • The FPC will prepare a timber industry development strategy to align future industry opportunities with the location and log quality mix made available under the FMP 2014, and likely under future FMPs based on woodflow modelling (FMP 2014, management activity 62). • The removal and sale by the FPC of forest products of species other than jarrah, karri, marri, blackbutt, wandoo and sheoak that become available in small quantities from approved operations, including timber harvesting, is also permitted (FMP 2014, management activity 63). • The FPC will prepare annual timber harvesting plans that are to be (FMP 2014, management activity 65): o developed in consultation with, to the requirements of, and approved by the Parks and Wildlife Service; o consistent with the allowable cut set by the FMP 2014 and the volumes contracted by the FPC; o made publicly available; and o varied at a coupe location or boundary level with the prior approval of the Parks and Wildlife Service. • The FPC will prepare coupe level timber harvesting plans, using the Parks and Wildlife Service’s planning checklist for disturbance activities (now the online DAS form), which are to (FMP 2014, management activity 65): o be consistent with annual timber harvesting plans; o provide sufficient information to allow the Parks and Wildlife Service to evaluate the proposed operations; and o be approved by the Parks and Wildlife Service prior to disturbance operations commencing. • The FPC and the Parks and Wildlife Service will (FMP 2014, management activity 67): o monitor the quantity of all log categories removed from native forest in each year, separately recording for each of the commercial species the equivalent volume of first and second grade sawlogs, and other log grades; and o periodically monitor the grading and removal of sawlogs. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 44 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan • The FPC will monitor and record the areas of native forest over which each different silvicultural or other treatments are applied in each year and provide suitable information on this to the Parks and Wildlife Service in a format and at times required by the Parks and Wildlife Service (FMP 2014, management activity 68). • When the FPC enters into a contract for the supply of wood other than first and second grade sawlogs, it will provide suitable information on this to the Parks and Wildlife Service in a format and at times required by the Parks and Wildlife Service. This will enable the Parks and Wildlife Service to calculate the equivalent volume of first and second grade sawlogs which would be derived from the quantity, if any, taken under the contract. • The FPC will conduct its silvicultural and regeneration operations in accordance with the Parks and Wildlife Service’s silviculture guidelines, other silvicultural advice from the Parks and Wildlife Service as it is provided, and other complementary procedures developed by the FPC. • The FPC will, subject to it reasonably expecting to achieve commercial returns, make wood available from integrated timber harvesting operations available to small processors and craftwood artisans, by auction or other appropriate means (FMP 2014, management activity 87). • The FPC will conduct native forest regeneration and tending operations in a manner that is in accordance with the Parks and Wildlife Service’s silviculture guidelines (FMP 2014, management activity 88). • The FPC will work with the Parks and Wildlife Service to undertake its rehabilitation operations by (FMP 2014, management activity 37 and 89): o using natural regeneration where seed is sourced from the same area; or o seeking advice from the Parks and Wildlife Service on appropriate alternative seed sources if seed from the same area is not available. • The FPC will report to the Conservation and Parks Commission and the Parks and Wildlife Service annually as to the circumstances where local seed sources have not been used in their regeneration or rehabilitation operations (FMP 2014, management activity 38 and 90). • The FPC will seek to continue to develop markets, in particular for those log grades, which are currently under-utilised (particularly lower grade karri and marri), so as to facilitate the timely achievement of silvicultural objectives, as well as socio-economic outcomes (FMP 2014, management activity 91). • The FPC where required by the Parks and Wildlife Service, in consultation with the Parks and Wildlife Service will (FMP 2014, management activity 92): o develop annual programs of future silvicultural treatments for stands of trees to promote stand vigour and growth rates that can be used to produce sawlogs, which are consistent with the silviculture guidelines; o assess stand development when silvicultural treatments are scheduled, with a view to determining whether those treatments are then required; and o undertake or reschedule those proposed silvicultural treatments, according to the assessment referred to in activity above and prevailing and expected market conditions, where relevant. • The FPC will help facilitate the testing of methods to increase the utilisation of sawlogs below first and second grade standards. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 45 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan • The FPC will work with the Parks and Wildlife Service to: o maintain records of the history of silvicultural treatments applied to stands of trees; o develop schedules of future silvicultural treatments for stands of trees to promote growth of timber that can be used to produce sawlogs; o assess stand development when silvicultural treatments are scheduled, with a view to determining whether those treatments are then required; and o undertake or reschedule those proposed silvicultural treatments. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 46 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Native title and cultural heritage Background Through its Policy 92: Aboriginal Engagement (FPC, 2019d) and Reconciliation Action Plan, FPC, 2018c), the FPC acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of the lands and forests. The policy commits the FPC to collaborate with Aboriginal peoples to infuse traditional ecological and spiritual values into corporate culture, decisions, policy and practice. State Government and Noongar representatives have negotiated the South West Native Title Settlement (the Settlement), projected to commence through 2021. Four elements of the Settlement applicable to the KFMP are: the establishment of a prescribed bodies corporate for each of the six Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) regions; joint and cooperative management of the South West conservation estate; land and water access; and a Noongar Heritage Partnership Agreement. For further information about the South West Native Title Settlement refer to their web page. The ILUAs oblige the FPC to enter into Noongar Standard Heritage Agreements (NSHAs) to ensure the protection of Aboriginal heritage sites (as also required under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972). The NSHAs require the FPC to provide an Activity Notice to South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) if there is a risk that an activity will unlawfully impact (i.e. by excavating, damaging, destroying or altering in any way) an Aboriginal site. The SWALSC will respond to the Activity Notice by advising the FPC of the requirement for a heritage survey that will prescribe management actions. Low and minimal ground disturbance activities, as defined by the NSHAs, do not require an activity notice. A letter of understanding dated 16 December 2016 from SWALSC itemizes the FPC’s activities that it agrees are low ground disturbance pursuant to the NSHAs. The FPC’s Procedure 44: Observing native title rights and identifying and protecting Aboriginal heritage in the defined forest area and share-farms outlines its processes to ensure the FPC’s operations do not impact Noongar cultural and heritage values. Objectives The FPC’s Aboriginal engagement goals are: • Stakeholder confidence: build trust with a genuine commitment to collaboration. • Stakeholder inclusivity: Aboriginal people contribute to our policies and practices. • Stakeholder value: Aboriginal people benefit and gain value from the relationship. Management activities • The FPC complies with the FMP 2014 management activity 93 and NSHA’s by: o providing Activity Notices for the SWALSC to determine requirements for heritage survey; Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 47 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan o utilising experienced consulting services and local staff knowledge to complete heritage surveys in consultation with appropriate Noongar elders and spokespeople; o cooperating with the Parks and Wildlife Service to help facilitate access rights for Noongar people to use land for customary purposes subject to the Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2018 and applicable guidelines and policies; o complying with the State Government’s Cultural Heritage Due Diligence Guidelines and the Parks and Wildlife Service’s policies and guidelines. • The FPC maintains and progresses its Reconciliation Action Plan to further positive relationships with Noongar people and their representative bodies; and foster greater awareness of Noongar culture within the FPC. • The FPC maintains and complies with FPC Procedure 44: Observing native title rights and protecting Aboriginal heritage in the defined forest area and share-farms (FPC, 2018a). • The FPC manages non-Aboriginal cultural heritage in accordance with the FMP 2014 management activity 98 by: o conducting operations in accordance with approved heritage management policies, guidelines, manuals or instructions; and o cooperating with Commonwealth and State Government, local government and non-statutory organisations in relation to other Australian cultural heritage identification and conservation. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 48 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Socio-economic impacts Background The FMP 2014-2023 adopted the ESFM framework, which includes consideration of the socio-economic benefits of forestry to meet societal needs. The guiding principles of ESFM include to ‘…provide ongoing social and economic benefits to the community through the sustainable access to wood and non-wood forest resources and enjoyment of other forest values’ (Conservation Commission, 2013a, p.17). These benefits are considered in terms of both those that can be quantified on an economic level (e.g., jobs and revenue from the sale of renewable forest products) and those that are value based (e.g., social values including aesthetic, experiential and cultural). The effective maintenance of forested land and ecosystems will help ensure the ongoing and long-term delivery of multiple social and economic benefits to society. It is important to note that as part of forest management planning, all values and benefits of the forest cannot be considered in isolation, as it is important to recognise and respect diverse needs of society. It is imperative to maintain an appropriate balance between these needs and values, especially where they may come into conflict. Any identified negative impacts should be minimised as much as possible. This can be facilitated through effective community and stakeholder engagement. Socio-economic benefits Natural ecosystems are important (and in some cases vital) to society for many reasons. They provide a diverse mix of socio-economic benefits, which is extensive, but not limited to the following: • employment, wages, profits and tax revenues; • providing renewable forest products, with flow on benefits such as employment and alleviating reliance on imported timber products; • providing a range of recreation and nature-based tourism opportunities and experiences; • providing a range of other goods such as basic raw materials (BRM)9; • provide livelihoods, for those dependent on commercial forest industry including timber and forest industry workers, as well as their families and the communities they live in; • sense of place, which refers to the attachment that people have with a place; • visual amenity, where the visual landscape can also support nature-based tourism and provide an aesthetically pleasing environment. This also relates to quality of life for communities that value the intrinsic visual and scenic qualities that nature provides; and • other values society places on the forests including the environmental services they provide such as clean air and water, carbon sequestration, provision of habitat for fauna and for their biodiversity values. 9 The FMP 2014 (Conservation Commission, 2013a, p. 122) states that ‘State forests and timber reserves contain supplies of gravel, shale, clay, sand, limestone and rock that together are known as BRM.’ Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 49 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Some of the above values are also expressed within the six HCVs, which are further described in the Karri forest HCV assessment (FPC, 2021a). The HCVs are divided into six headings as per FSC Australia’s HCVs evaluation framework (FSC Australia, 2019). Potential negative social impacts Potential negative social impacts associated with harvesting operations include loss of visual amenity, noise, dust, reduced access for road users, recreation and tourism. Prior to harvesting, a range of potential negative impacts are identified and mitigated through the use of the online Disturbance Approval System form. The FPC puts in place measures to mitigate any potential negative social impacts. For instance, to reduce the impact of noise and other potential issues, usually harvesting operations are restricted to daylight hours. Annual harvest plans and current harvest operations are made publicly available on the FPC’s website. Stakeholders are also encouraged to make contact with the FPC and to provide feedback via the FPC’s dedicated feedback channel: [email protected]. Further, prior to harvest operations, notifications are sent to neighbours to notify them of impending operations in their area and provide an opportunity for them to provide feedback to the FPC. The FPC have made efforts to increase the amount of information provided to neighbours at the time of notification in the form of information leaflets which assist the stakeholder to understand the purpose of operations, how forest management is occurring in line with the FMP and silvicultural treatments aligned with the FPC’s charter to sustainably manage forest for timber production benefiting WA communities. Visual amenity Visual landscape management seeks to ensure the FPC’s harvesting operations are planned and implemented to complement, rather than detract from, the inherent visual qualities of the landscape. Where a landscape has both high visual quality and high visitation, it is assigned a high priority for visual landscape management, and modified practices are used. Higher levels of landscape alteration are permitted where there are reduced visual resource values and lower usage patterns. Silvicultural treatments can alter the landscape in terms of visual amenity. Well planned silvicultural practice can reduce visual impact by introducing variations of gap size, thinning intensity, felling cycle, rotation length and treatment method. Buffer zones are also applied in areas adjacent to major roads and recreation sites. Harvest coupe planning considers the visual landscape values as depicted in the Parks and Wildlife Service visual landscape management maps. The maps capture four categories of landscape values as follows: • exclusion of disturbance activity (i.e. subject to natural change only); • visual landscape management (VLM) A zones, which accommodate for low levels of change, recoverable within one year; • visual landscape management (VLM) B zones, which accommodate for moderate levels of change, recoverable within two years; and • visual landscape management (VLM) C zones, which accommodate for high levels of change. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 50 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Heavy haulage Haulage operations occur on roads administrated by a number of government agencies, namely the Parks and Wildlife Service, local governments and Main Roads Western Australia, and as such the FPC necessarily consults with these and other stakeholders. For example, the FPC consults with the Parks and Wildlife Service to ensure approvals are obtained for road use and maintenance for those roads managed by them. Noise, dust and conflicts with other road users from log haulage operations can be an issue particularly in areas adjacent to private property. Log haulage routes are carefully planned to minimise disruption to road users and other stakeholders including neighbours. Road access Road requirements are determined depending on attributes of individual harvest coupes, such as forest type, timber volumes, terrain and coupe size. Wherever possible, existing roads are to be used, but this may not always be appropriate for reasons such as Phytophthora dieback disease distribution, or location of areas to be excluded from disturbance. Other factors also considered when selecting a road alignment including cost and safety, minimising forest disturbance, visual resource management and other environmental impacts such as sedimentation and potential impacts on HCVs. The potential need for basic raw material (BRM) must also be considered at the time road alignments are selected. As such, the FPC may take and remove BRM under the conditions outlined in the Parks and Wildlife Service’s document titled Use of basic raw materials for the construction and maintenance of harvesting roads (DEC, 2013). Where applicable, the FPC also manages road access to ensure neighbours and tourists have access to recreation sites and access for emergency services. Harvest coupe access requirements are captured in the FPC’s planning documents. Uncontrolled fire Uncontrolled spread of large wildfires can result in the loss of life and property and have a substantial impact on the community, environment and the FPC’s business. However, in karri forest, controlled fire is a vital silvicultural tool. Appropriate fire regimes in our native forest ecosystems help reduce dangerous build-up of fuel, promote natural regeneration, ecosystem health and vitality and maintain biodiversity. The Parks and Wildlife Service has primary responsibility for managing fire within areas covered by the FMP 2014, and part of this involves prescribed burning to reduce fuel build up. More about the role of controlled (prescribed) fire is covered in the Ecosystem Health and Vitality section of this KFMP. The FPC contributes to the State’s hazard reduction and bushfire response capacity by providing FPC trained staff for fire prevention and suppression activities. Recreation and tourism The FPC recognises that forests are an important resource for recreational activities, such as bike riding and bush walking. The FPC is committed to engaging with stakeholders to further develop the social benefits of forestry, as documented on page 10 of our Strategic Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 51 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Plan 2017 – 2021 which states that a key objective is that ‘Community and industry are engaged in planning forest activities and in developing opportunities’. The FPC is working with local and Statewide recreational groups to ensure State-operated forestry practices can occur alongside other important users of WA's State forests. Prior to harvesting the FPC completes the online Disturbance Approval System (DAS) form, which is submitted to the Parks and Wildlife Service for approval. This identifies whether any social values will be impacted, such as bush walking and bike riding. Management aactions are implemented to minimise the impact on recreational activities. For example, a 200 metre buffer zone is required around parts of the Munda Biddi Trail associated campsites. The Parks and Wildlife Service has a Park alerts system that includes information on conditions, updates and closures related to the Bibbulmun track, Cape to Cape track and Munda Biddi trail. Stakeholder engagement Stakeholder engagement is an integral part of the Forest Products Commission (FPC) operations and is embedded in our core values. The FPC is committed to meaningful and constructive engagement with our stakeholders. Stakeholders are those people and organisations who can influence the FPC’s outcomes, have an interest in, or are affected by the FPC’s activities. The FPC believes it is essential to ensure all stakeholders needs and interests are consistently, transparently, and meaningfully considered in our activities. The FPC’s Stakeholder Engagement Strategy (FPC, 2019e) sets out the following engagement goals: Stakeholder confidence – Stakeholders trust us to deliver sustainable forestry in Western Australia. Stakeholder inclusivity – A diversity of stakeholder interests are represented through collaboration, consultation and information sharing.. Stakeholder value – Stakeholders value and directly benefit from the stakeholder engagement process. The FPC is committed to meaningful engagement with stakeholders to ensure we understand their views, needs and expectations. This is underpinned by Policy 54 Stakeholder engagement, which outlines the FPC’s stakeholder engagement commitments: 1. Meet statutory requirements by operating in accordance with relevant legislation, and applicable codes and standards. 2. Establish a process for engagement, allowing time for discussion and consideration. 3. Encourage stakeholder participation and provide opportunities for meaningful stakeholder engagement. 4. Engage with a wide range of stakeholders and understand their needs, expectations and interests. 5. Identify relevant stakeholders and keep them informed about our activities. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 52 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan 6. Create opportunities for stakeholders to provide feedback. The FPC is committed to meaningful engagement with stakeholders to ensure stakeholder views, needs and expectations are considered. FPC adapts engagement to: • Actively seek to understand its stakeholders and acknowledge varying opinions, local knowledge and expertise. Where stakeholder expectations differ, we will endeavour to find an appropriate balance. • Provide multiple avenues for stakeholders to provide their feedback whether positive or negative. • Respond to concerns, feedback and complaints a timely manner. • Identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration and mutually beneficial relationships. • Build ongoing positive relationships with all its stakeholders in a proactive and constructive manner. • Ensure that information is communicated clearly and effectively. Effective engagement with all the FPC’s stakeholders is essential for the FPC’s business. It is also the FPC’s aim to ensure continuous improvement of our stakeholder engagement.To support the organisation’s stakeholder engagement, the FPC has a dedicated Community Engagement Leader located in the FPC’s Bunbury office. Activities undertaken by the FPC also have the potential to affect values or resources that other government and non-government organisations have a legal responsibility for, or an interest in. For example, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and Water Corporation have legislated responsibility for water supply and water quality from catchments. The FPC consults with a range of stakeholders as appropriate. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 53 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Karri FMU stakeholders Figure 2 – FPC stakeholder groups The following groups have been identified as karri FMU stakeholders: • Customers • Other community members, including those who use the forest for non- • Contractors and suppliers timber forest products • Employees • General public • Education and research institutions • Government organisations • Aboriginal groups • Non-government organisations • Media • Political parties • Active forest users • Industry bodies • Community groups • Certification bodies • Neighbours • Consultants Stakeholders are kept on a mailing list and provided with updates and opportunities for consultation on this KFMP, HCV assessment and associated documents. The stakeholder mailing list is updated at least annually. New stakeholders may be identified through a number of means including review of media articles and other relevant documentation. Stakeholders may also be identified via existing stakeholders alerting others to the opportunity to engage with the FPC. This is encouraged, to enable inclusivity. Conversely, the FPC respects any stakeholders who wish not to be included on our mailing list. Stakeholders are provided with multiple options to engage with the FPC. Consultation can involve phone calls, face-to-face meetings, emails and other written correspondence. Stakeholders can request that any feedback they provide to the FPC be kept confidential.. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 54 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Aside from consultation on the KFMP, HCV assessment and associated materials, the FPC provides various opportunities for stakeholder engagement including via: • neighbour notification of activities such as harvesting, burning and monitoring events; • providing information and contact opportunities on the FPC website; • facilitating meetings and guided site visits; • conducting educational tours and/or presentations to educational institutions; and • FPC staff involvement in local and regional community activities. The FPC is committed to a whole-of-agency, coordinated approach to effective stakeholder engagement; building strong relationships and increasing the community’s understanding of the benefits of forestry. The FPC sponsors community events and supports initiatives that provide lasting benefits to regional areas through our Community Support Program. We also engage with the community through the sponsorship of events such as those supported in recent years including Pemby Trail Fest, Cape to Cape MTB, SEVEN and the Karri Cup MTB Challenge. Further information regarding stakeholder engagement is available on the FPC’s website, which outlines opportunities for stakeholders to engage with the FPC. There is also an online Stakeholder registration form which stakeholders can use to register their interest. The FPC conducts a formal stakeholder consultation period on this KFMP and HCV assessment at least once per year to encourage feedback from a range of stakeholders. Stakeholders are also welcome to provide feedback outside of formal consultation periods at any time of year. In addition, stakeholders can raise complaints using the FPC’s feedback contact email address [email protected] on the external website. The website also contains information on opportunities for submitting feedback to the FPC and the FPC’s complaints handling process. An overview of the FPC’s complaints handling process is explained in the table below: Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 55 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Acknowledgement of complaint Your feedback or complaint will be: Acknowledged in writing within two business days of receipt. • Responded to within 28 days of receipt (excluding the initial confirmation response), however if we require more time you will be advised. • Referred to another agency if it is outside the scope of the FPC’s role. You will be advised of the referral. • Assessed and investigated by an FPC officer. Additional consultation will be undertaken as necessary. • Responded to once the investigation is completed and a letter or email outlining the resolution will be sent to you. Internal review If you are not satisfied that the issues raised have been resolved you can request an internal review. External review If your complaint has been reviewed internally by the FPC and remains unresolved then you may raise the matter with the Western Australian Ombudsman. The Ombudsman is independent and impartial, and investigates complaints from individuals about State Government agencies, statutory authorities, local governments and public universities. The Ombudsman also has the authority to initiate an enquiry or investigation into any of these public bodies, even when no specific complaint has been received. You can contact the Western Australian Ombudsman on (08) 9220 7555 or Freecall 1800 117 000. Objectives The FPC seeks to: • Continue to recognise and understand the diverse values that are derived from forests in the South West region. • Sustain and enhance socio-economic benefits provided within the karri FMU to meet community needs. • Protect visual landscapes within the karri FMU. • Assist in the rehabilitation of areas from which the FPC has extracted Basic Raw Materials (BRM). Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 56 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan • Promote greater understanding and awareness of the multiple values forests provide to society. • Ensure that stakeholder engagement forms an essential part of sustainable forest management to ensure stakeholder needs and interests are consistently, transparently, and meaningfully considered in the FPC’s activities. Management activities: • The Conservation and Parks Commission and the Parks and Wildlife Service will work with the FPC as appropriate and provide input into decision-making processes that may result in a reduced land base or restricted access to land available for timber harvesting activities (FMP 2014, management activity 99). • The Parks and Wildlife Service will work with the FPC to plan for a source location, log product and wood quality mix that seeks to support a viable forest products industry (FMP 2014, management activity 100). • The FPC, where required by the Parks and Wildlife Service will (FMP 2014, management activity 103): o Contribute to maintaining a visual landscape classification and management system. o Remain conversant with, and follow, the Parks and Wildlife Service’s guidelines for the application of visual landscape management principles in land-use planning, codes of practice, operational guidelines and other relevant manuals. • The FPC, where required by the Parks and Wildlife Service will undertake design, construction and maintenance operations for unsealed roads, and progressively rehabilitate redundant roads, in a manner that has regard to the 2009 Unsealed roads manual – Guidelines to good practice, issued by the Australian Roads Research Board and subsequently, have regard to relevant Parks and Wildlife Service’s policy and guidelines, once finalised (FMP 2014, management activity 108). • The FPC, where required by the Parks and Wildlife Service will contribute to the maintenance of a database of areas from which BRM have been extracted and will continue to progressively develop plans and works programs for the rehabilitation of these areas to standards agreed with the Parks and Wildlife Service (FMP 2014, management activity 112). • The FPC will where reasonable and practicable, seek to retain, develop and maintain strategic access infrastructure in a manner and at locations that will service multiple needs. • Ensure effective stakeholder engagement that is respectful, inclusive, manages expectations, transparent and builds and maintains trusting relationships (refer to FPC’s Policy 54 Stakeholder engagement). Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 57 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Workers’ rights, equal treatment and health and safety Workers’ rights and equal treatment The FPC complies with relevant legislation including the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, the Public Sector Management Act 2001 and the Corruption and Crime Commission Act 2003. The FPC’s Code of Conduct is based on the Public Sector Commissioner’s Instruction No. 7 – Code of ethics which sets out the minimum standards of conduct and integrity to be complied with by all public sector bodies and employees. All FPC employees are required to undertake training to support public sector employees to make accountable and ethical decisions. FPC staff are employed under State Award and Agreements including the Government Officers’ Salaries, Allowances and Conditions (GOSAC) Award 1989, the Public Service and Government Officers CSA General Agreement 2017and the Australian Workers Unions (Western Australian Public Sector ) General Agreement 2017 – note the state legalisation applies, namely the Australian Industrial Relations Act 1979 and Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993.The FPC is also committed to ensuring a workplace where men and women are both given the same opportunities for employment based on skills and experience. The FPC has in place mechanisms to report grievances and employees are provided with access to support (both internal and external) to help resolve any workplace grievance issues or any other areas of concern. Health and safety Maintaining a safe and healthy workforce is essential to the FPC. The FPC is committed to maintaining a health and safety management system that will be continually improved through regular consultation and training for employees. The health and safety management system is implemented in accordance with relevant legislation including the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984. The FPC aims to eliminate work-related injuries and illness through a risk assessment process and through application of appropriate safety controls. Job specific safety training is provided to all employees to ensure they are aware of potential risks of injury or illness and measures required to ensure a safe work environment. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 58 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Plan implementation Integrated Forest Management System The FPC maintains an integrated forest management system (IFMS). The FPC uses formal governance software (Governance Manager) to internally manage its compliance with certification requirements and to help facilitate continuous improvement. Incident management Incident management is an important part of the IFMS, and the FPC has robust incident management procedures and practices in place. The FPC’s procedures provide guidance for reporting incidents and managing the process through to closure. The FPC has in place a process for determining the cause of incidents and implementing appropriate corrective actions. Incident data is periodically analysed for trends, incident recurrence and to determine the effectiveness of prescribed actions. Performance monitoring and auditing Performance monitoring and auditing are an integral part of the IFMS. The FPC reports key performance indicators in its annual report, a number of which are relevant to the karri FMU including: • Extent of native karri forest regenerated relative to area harvested. • Timeliness of karri forest regeneration. • Effectiveness of regeneration of native karri forest. • The achievement of thinning schedules in karri forest. The FPC also reports on the quantity of native forest hardwood log timber harvested compared to sustainable levels and targets. An internal audit charter commits the FPC to complying with ISO 19011:2011 (guidelines for auditing management systems) in implementing its three-year internal audit plan as approved by the FPC’s Audit and Risk Committee. The FPC does this through its internal audit function responsible for undertaking internal system, procedural and corporate and financial compliance audits. The FPC conducts regular internal auditing of its stakeholder engagement; human resource management; legal and regulatory compliance management; and operational controls. The FPC’s IFMS is reviewed regularly at both operational and Executive level to assess and continuously improve the effectiveness of the system. Objectives The FPC seeks to: • Ensure that forest management is undertaken in accordance with this KFMP and HCV assessment, and is continually improved so as to achieve best practice. • Monitor and audit the extent to which management of the karri FMU is undertaken in accordance with this KFMP. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 59 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan • Provide for adaptive management to improve forest management within the karri FMU. • Provide opportunities for all stakeholders, including those who are interested or potentially affected by operations, to provide input into the ongoing development of this KFMP and its implementation. For more information about the FPC’s stakeholders and how the FPC undertakes consultation, please refer to the FPC website. • Generate and transfer knowledge as well as develop the necessary skills and competencies in staff and its contractors. Management activities: • The FPC will, through common training and accreditation programs, where appropriate, develop the competency of staff and contractors involved, in planning, regulation, supervision and implementation of disturbance operations (FMP 2014, management activity 119). • The Parks and Wildlife Service and the FPC will cooperate with the Commonwealth in the implementation of the Montreal Indicators program (FMP 2014, management activity 122). • The FPC will conduct audits in accordance with their respective annual audit program. Audit programs will be developed with consideration of the potential risk to achievement of the goals of the FMP 2014 (FMP 2014, management activity 123). • The FPC will report audit results to the Parks and Wildlife Service and the Conservation and Parks Commission and publish a summary of audit results (FMP 2014, management activity 125). • The FPC will maintain an Environmental Management System (EMS), which is to be independently certified as conforming to AS/NZS ISO 14001. • The FPC will: o Identify key roles and responsibilities in forest operations and specify the persons who are responsible for fulfilling those roles and responsibilities. o Identify key tasks associated with implementation of this KFMP and specify the persons who are responsible for undertaking those tasks. • The FPC will take reasonable and practicable steps to: o identify the skills required to competently undertake key tasks; o review the skills and competency levels of persons responsible for undertaking those tasks; and o initiate training and other programs to increase skill and competency levels where they are deficient. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 60 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan References Allen, CD, Macalady, AK, Chenchouni, H, Bachelet, D, McDowell, N, Vennetier, M, Kitzberger, T, Rigling, A, Breshears, DD & Hogg, ET 2010. 'A global overview of drought and heat-induced tree mortality reveals emerging climate change risks for forests'. Forest Ecology and Management, Vol. 259, no. 4, pp. 660-684. Astbury, C 2004. 'A draft policy for the translocation of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) into and within Western Australia, for the purposes of recreational stocking, domestic stocking, commercial and non- commercial aquaculture. Fisheries Management Paper no. 179', Department of Fisheries, Perth, Australia. Baker, SC, Spies, TA, Wardlaw, TJ, Balmer, J, Franklin, JF & Jordan, GJ 2013. 'The harvested side of edges: Effect of retained forests on the re-establishment of biodiversity in adjacent harvested areas'. Forest Ecology and Management, Vol. 302, no. 1, pp. 107-121. Bradshaw, F 2015. 'Reference material for karri forest silviculture', Department of Parks and Wildlife, Perth, Australia. Burrows, N, Dell, B, Neyland, M & Ruprecht, J 2011. 'Review of silviculture in forests of south-west Western Australia', Perth, Australia. Cawthen, L & Munks, S 2011. 'The use of hollow-bearing trees retained in multi-aged regenerating production forest by the Tasmanian common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula fuliginosus)'. Wildlife Research, Vol. 38, no. 8, pp. 687-695. Christensen, P 1992. ‘The karri forest’, Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth, Australia. Commonwealth of Australia 1995. 'National Forest Policy Statement', Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra, Australia. Commonwealth of Australia (2010b). ‘Australia’s Strategy for the National Reserve System 2009–2030’, Environment Australia, Canberra. --- n.d. Biodiversity hotspots [Online]. Available: https://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/conservation/hotspots [Accessed 2 June 2016]. (Conservation Commission) Conservation Commission of Western Australia 2004. 'Forest Management Plan 2004-2013', Perth, Australia. --- 2012. 'Draft Forest Management Plan 2014-2023', Perth, Australia. --- 2013a. 'Forest Management Plan 2014-2023', Perth, Australia. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 61 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan --- 2013b. 'Analysis of Public Submissions on the Draft Forest Management Plan 2014- 2023', Perth, Australia. Conservation International n.d. Hotspots [Online]. Available: http://www.conservation.org/How/Pages/Hotspots.aspx [Accessed 2 June 2016]. Davison, E. M. & Tay, F. C. S. 2008, 'Causes of incipient rot and rot in regrowth Eucalyptus diversicolor (karri) trees', Plant Pathology, vol. 57, pp. 1097-1102. Donnelly, D. J. & Davison, E. M. 2008, 'Comparison of the occurrence of rot in sawlogs from regrowth and mature stands of Eucalyptus diversicolor (karri)', Australian Forestry, vol. 71, no. 1, pp. 27-32. (DBCA) Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions 2017 'Phytophthora Dieback Management Manual', Perth, Australia. --- 2018a. ‘Disturbance Approval System'', Perth, Australia. --- 2018b ‘Karri - Regeneration by planted seedlings. Procedure CEM034, Perth, Australia. --- 2020 ‘Guide to Aboriginal customary activities on Parks and Wildlife managed lands and waters, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Perth, Australia (DEC) Department of Environment and Conservation 2008. 'Guidelines for the Management and Rehabilitation of Basic Raw Material Pits', Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth, Australia. --- 2009a. 'Guidelines for Protection of the Values of Informal Reserves and Fauna Habitat Zones', Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth, Australia. --- 2009b. 'Soil and Water Conservation Guideline', Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth, Australia. --- 2009c. 'Manual for the Management of Surface Water', Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth, Australia. --- 2011. ‘Growing stock and habitat element assessment of damage and potential damage. Procedure DECSFM013', Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth, Australia. --- 2013. 'Use of Basic Raw Materials for the Construction and Maintenance of Harvesting Roads', Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth, Australia. Department of Fisheries 2002. 'The translocation of brown trout (Salmo tutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) into and within Western Australia. Fisheries Management Paper No. 156', Department of Fisheries, Perth, Australia. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 62 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Ferguson, I, Dell, B & Vanclay, J 2013. ‘Calculating the sustained yield for the south-west native forests of Western Australia’, Report for the Conservation Commission and the Department of Environment and Conservation of WA by the Independent Expert Panel, Conservation Commission of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. (FPC) Forest Products Commission 2015. ‘Pre-operation harvesting briefing. Contractor Procedure H1’. Forest Products Commission, Perth, Australia. --- 2015b. ‘Statement of Commitment: Engagement with Noongar Peoples in the South West of Western Australia’, Forest Products Commission, Perth, Australia. ---2016. ‘Management of the spread of weeds and disease in Native Forest Operations. Contractor Procedure E2’. Forest Products Commission, Perth, Australia. ---2017 ‘Myrtle rust incursion. Procedure 80’. Forest Products Commission, Perth, Australia. --- 2018a. ‘Observing native title rights and identifying and protecting Aboriginal heritage in the defined forest area and share-farms. Procedure 44', Forest Products Commission, Perth, Australia. --- 2018c. ‘Reconciliation action plan’, Forest Products Commission, Perth, Australia. ---2018d. ‘Identification and demarcation of mixed karri/jarrah forest type within coupes comprising two-tiered karri forest. Procedure 133’, Forest Products Commission, Perth, Australia. ---2019a. ‘Pest, Disease and Weed Surveillance and Management. Procedure 111’, Forest Products Commission, Perth, Australia. --- 2019b. ‘Policy 54 Stakeholder engagement’, Forest Products Commission, Perth, Australia. --- 2019c. Targeted fauna surveys within pure and mixed karri forest.’ Procedure 46', Forest Products Commission, Perth, Australia. ---2019d. ‘Policy 92. Aboriginal Engagement’, Forest Products Commission, Perth, Australia. ---2019e. ‘Stakeholder Engagement Strategy.’ Forest Products Commission, Perth, Australia. ---2019f. ‘Policy 9 Forest management’, Forest Products Commission, Perth, Australia. --- 2020b. ‘Contractor procedure E2. Management of the spread of weeds and diseases in FPC operations. Forest Products Commission, Perth, Australia. ---2020c. ‘Road Construction and Maintenance. Contractor Procedure R1’. Forest Products Commission, Perth, Australia. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 63 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan --- 2021. 'Karri forest HCV assessment', Forest Products Commission, Perth, Australia. (FSC Australia) Forest Stewardship Council Australia 2019. 'High Conservation Values (HCVs) evaluation framework', FSC Australia, Melbourne, Australia. (FSC International) Forest Stewardship Council International n.d. The 10 FSC Principles [Online]. Available: https://ic.fsc.org/en/what-is-fsc-certification/principles-criteria/fscs- 10-principles [Accessed 22 January 2018]. Hearn, R, Williams, K & Comer, S 2002. 'A Biodiversity Audit of Western Australia’s 53 Biogeographical Subregions in 2002 – Warren', Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth, Australia. Hopper, S, Keighery, G & Wardell-Johnson, G 1992. 'Flora of the karri forest and other communities in the Warren Botanical Subdistrict of Western Australia', Occasional Paper 9/92, Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth, Australia. (JANIS) Joint ANZECC/MCFFA National Forest Policy Statement Implementation Sub- committee 1997. 'Nationally Agreed Criteria for the Establishment of a Comprehensive, Adequate and Representative Reserve System for Forests in Australia', Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, Australia. Lindenmayer, D, Franklin, J & Fischer, J 2006. 'General management principles and a checklist of strategies to guide forest biodiversity conservation'. Biological conservation, Vol. 131, no. 3, pp. 433-445. Myers, N, Mittermeier, RA, Mittermeier, CG, Da Fonseca, GA & Kent, J 2000. 'Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities'. Nature, Vol. 403, no. 6772, pp. 853-858. Paap, T, Burgess, TI, McComb, JA, Shearer, BL & St J. Hardy, GE 2008. 'Quambalaria species, including Q. coyrecup sp. nov., implicated in canker and shoot blight diseases causing decline of Corymbia species in the southwest of Western Australia'. Mycological Research, Vol. 112, no. 1, pp. 57-69. (Parks and Wildlife) Department of Parks and Wildlife 2012. ‘Landing and extraction track rehabilitation procedures. Procedure DPaWSFM026', Department of Parks and Wildlife, Perth, Australia. --- 2013 ‘General Conditions for using Apiary Authorities on Crown Land in Western Australia’, Department of Parks and Wildlife, Perth, Australia --- 2014a. 'Key requirements for managing salt risk. Procedure FEM033', Department of Parks and Wildlife, Perth, Australia. ---2014b. 'Silviculture Guideline for Jarrah Forest. Sustainable Forest Management Series, FEM Guideline 1', Department of Parks and Wildlife, Perth, Australia. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 64 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan --- 2014c. 'Karri – Thinning. Procedure FEM040', Department of Parks and Wildlife, Perth, Australia. --- 2014d. 'Silviculture Guideline for Karri Forest. Sustainable Forest Management Series, FEM Guideline 3', Department of Parks and Wildlife, Perth, Australia. --- 2014e.‘Karri - Site preparation for regeneration. 'Procedure FEM032 - Department of Parks and Wildlife, Perth, Australia. --- 2014f. ‘Karri treemarking ready reckoner. Field Guide FEM039’. Department of Parks and Wildlife, Perth, Australia. --- 2014g. ‘Karri - tree marking for retention. Procedure FEM035‘, Department of Parks and Wildlife.’, Perth, Australia. --- 2015a. ‘Conserving threatened species and ecological communities. Corporate policy statement No. 35’, Department of Parks and Wildlife, Perth, Australia. --- 2015b. 'Manual of Procedures for the Management of Soils Associated with Timber Harvesting in Native Forests. Forest and Ecosystem Division Manual No. 1', Department of Parks and Wildlife, Perth, Australia. --- 2016. 'Karri silvicultural burning manual', CEM072. Department of Parks and Wildlife, Perth, Australia. ---2017, ‘Procedure for the assessment, identification and demarcation of old-growth forest. Procedure FEM075’, Department of Parks and Wildlife, Perth, Australia. Wardlaw, T, Grove, S, Balmer, J, Hingston, A, Forster, L, Schmuki, C & Read, S 2012. 'Persistence of mature forest biodiversity elements in a production forest landscape managed under a Regional Forest Agreement', Forest and Wood Products Australia, Melbourne, Australia. White, BJ 1974. 'Regeneration methods in mixed marri-karri stands, Research Paper 4', Forest Department of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 65 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Appendix 1 – Shortened forms BAM Act 2007 Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 BRM Basic Raw Materials CALM Act 1984 Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 CAR reserve system Comprehensive, Adequate and Representative reserve system DAS Disturbance Approval System DBCA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (In 2017, the Department of Parks and Wildlife was merged with the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, the Zoological Parks Authority, and the Rottnest Island Authority to form the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). The Parks and Wildlife Service is within the DBCA. DPLH Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage ECU Edith Cowan University EMS Environmental Management System EPA Environmental Protection Authority EPBC Act 1999 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ESFM Ecologically Sustainable Forest Management FDIS Fauna Distribution Information System FHZs Fauna Habitat Zones FMP 2014 Forest Management Plan 2014 – 2023 guides the forest management practices and sets out the broad strategies, performance indicators and measurable outcomes for forest management of Western Australia’s state forests over a ten-year period FMU Forest Management Unit FPC Forest Products Commission FSC Forest Stewardship Council Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 66 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan GMOs Genetically Modified Organisms HCVs High Conservation Values HCV Assessment Karri Forest HCV Assessment HMP Hygiene Management Plan IBRA Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia IFMS Integrated Forest Management System ILUA Indigenous Land Use Agreement KFMP Karri Forest Management Plan LMU Land Management Unit NGOs Non-Government Organisations NSHA Noongar Standard Heritage Agreement NTA 1993 Native Title Act 1993 RATIS Recreation and Tourism Information System RFA Regional Forest Agreement SWALSC South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council TI Trafficability Index TSSC Threatened Species Scientific Committee WA Western Australia Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 67 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Appendix 2 – Legislation relevant to the karri FMU Western Australian legislation - Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 - Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 1974 - Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Western Australia) Act 1995 - Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 - Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 - Bush Fires Act 1954 - Bush Fires Regulations 1954 - Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 - Conservation and Land Management Regulations 2002 - Contaminated Sites Act 2003 - Corruption and Crime Commission Act 2003 - Country Areas Water Supply Act 1947 - Country Areas Water Supply By-laws 1957 - Criminal Code 1913 - Emergency Management Act 2005 - Forest Management Regulations 1993 - Environmental Protection Act 1986 - Equal Opportunity Act 1984 - Forest Products Act 2000 - Health Act 1911 - Heritage of Western Australia Act 1990 - Industrial Relations Act 1979 - Metropolitan Water Supply Sewerage and Drainage Act 1909 - Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 - Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 - Public Sector Management Act 2001 - Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914 - Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945 - Water Agencies (Powers) Act 1984 - Waterways Conservation Act 1976 Commonwealth legislation - Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 - Native Title Act 1993 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 68 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed