Performance and Associated Activities in Systemsstate Forests in Victoria

LivingQuarterlyManagement Procedures for Timber Harvesting Operations performance and Associated Activities in SystemsState Forests in Victoria. reportOctober 2005. project Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 Table of Contents Page

PART 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1. SCOPE 1 1.2. PURPOSE OF PROCEDURES 2 1.3. APPLICATION OF PROCEDURES 2 1.4. VARIATION OF PROCEDURES 2 1.5. REVIEW TIMELINE FOR AMENDMENTS 3 1.6. TERMS 3

PART 2 PLANNING FOR TIMBER HARVESTING OPERATIONS 2.1. COUPE SIZE, SHAPE AND DISTRIBUTION 4 2.2. SILVICULTURAL SYSTEMS 5 2.3. IDENTIFICATION OF CULTURAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC VALUES 5 2.4. IDENTIFICATION OF BOUNDARIES & EXCLUSIONS 5 2.4.1. Identification of Boundaries and Exclusions on Forest Coupe Plan 5 2.4.2 Field Location of Mapped Coupe Boundaries 6 2.5. SEASONAL CLOSURES 6

PART 3 CONDUCTING TIMBER HARVESTING AND ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES 3.1. TREE FELLING 7 3.1.1. Protection of Retained Trees 7 3.2. REGROWTH THINNING 7 3.3. SNIG TRACKS AND LANDINGS 7 3.4. TEMPORARY CLOSURES TO TIMBER HARVESTING 8 3.5. BOUNDARY TRAILS 9 3.6. FIRE PROTECTION 9 3.7. FOREST HYGIENE 10 3.8. CAMP SITES 10 3.9. HARVESTING OF NON-SAWLOG PRODUCE 11

PART 4 EXCLUSION AREAS AND RESTRICTIONS 4.1. GENERAL 12 4.2. SLOPE LIMITATIONS 12 4.3. RIVERS, STREAMS, SWAMPS AND OTHER BODIES OF WATER 12 4.3.1. Rivers and Catchments 12 4.3.2. Buffer and Filter Strips 13 4.4. LANDSCAPE PROTECTION 13 4.5. HISTORIC SITES (NON-INDIGENOUS) 13 4.6. INDIGENOUS HERITAGE VALUES 15 4.6.1. General 15 4.6.2. Registered Aboriginal Heritage Values 15 4.6.3. Non registered Aboriginal Heritage Values 16 4.7. SPECIAL WATER SUPPLY CATCHMENTS 16 4.7.1. Special Water Supply Catchment Closure Dates and Additional Requirements 16 4.7.2. Catchment Harvest Limits 16 4.8. RAINFOREST 17 4.8.1. Otway FMA 17 4.8.2. East Gippsland FMA and Tambo FMA 18 4.8.3 Central FMA, Dandenong FMA and Central Gippsland FMA 19 4.8.4. Land Adjoining Rainforest (All FMAs) 20 4.9. MIXED FOREST 20 4.9.1. East Gippsland FMA 20 4.9.2. Central Highlands Forest Management Plan Area 20 4.10. OLD GROWTH FOREST 21 4.11. PROTECTION OF EXCLUDED AREAS 21 4.12. CONSERVATION OF FLORA AND FAUNA 22

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 Table of Contents (continued) Page

4.13. WILDLIFE HABITAT 22 4.13.1. Habitat Tree Retention 22 4.13.2. Benalla/Mansfield and North East FMAs 23 4.13.3. Bendigo FMA and Box Ironbark section of Midlands FMA 23 4.13.4. East Gippsland and Tambo FMAs 25 4.13.5. Horsham FMA 25 4.13.6. Midlands FMA 26 4.13.6.1. General 26 4.13.6.2. Powerful Owl 26 4.13.7. Mildura and Mid Murray FMAs 27 4.13.7.1. Areas other than within Benwell, Guttrum and Gunbower State Forests 27 4.13.7.2. Benwell, Guttrum and Gunbower State Forests 27 4.13.8. Otway FMA 27 4.13.9. Portland FMA 27 4.13.9.1. General 27 4.13.9.2. Yellow-Bellied Glider 28 4.14. PROTECTION OF GIANT TREES 28

PART 5 REGENERATION OF NATIVE FOREST 5.1. REGENERATION REQUIREMENTS 30 5.2. SEED COLLECTION, EXTRACTION, STORAGE AND TESTING 30 5.2.1. Seed Source 30 5.2.2. Seed Crop Monitoring 30 5.2.3. Seed Collection 31 5.2.3.1. General seed collection 31 5.2.3.2. Collection from standing trees 31 5.2.4. Seed Extraction and Cleaning 32 5.2.5. Seed Storage 32 5.2.6. Seed Testing 32 5.3. SITE PREPARATION 32 5.3.1. General 32 5.3.2. Regeneration Burning 33 5.3.3. Mechanical Site Preparation 33 5.4. ESTABLISHMENT 34 5.4.1. Seed Trees 34 5.4.2. Sowing 35 5.4.3. Planting 35 5.5. TREATMENT OF OVERWOOD 35 5.6. REFORESTATION 36 5.7. PEST ASSESSMENT AND CONTROL 36 5.7.1. Weed Control 36 5.7.2. Browsing Control 37 5.8. STOCKING SURVEYS 37 5.9. REMEDIAL REGENERATION ACTIVITIES 37 5.9.1 Survey and Planning 37 5.9.2. Site Preparation and Sowing 38 5.9.3. Planting 38

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 Table of Contents (continued) Page

PART 6 FOREST ROADS 6.1. RESPONSIBILITY AND MANAGEMENT 39 6.2. PLANNING 39 6.3. ROAD AND CROSSING CONSTRUCTION 40 6.3.1. Construction of New Roads (Permanent) 40 6.3.2. Construction of Temporary Roads 40 6.3.3. Time of Construction 41 6.3.4. Clearing Widths 41 6.3.5. Road Alignments 41 6.3.6. Fill Batter Construction 41 6.3.7. Surfacing 42 6.3.8. Road Drainage 42 6.3.9. Stream and Drainage Line Crossings 43 6.4. MAINTENANCE 45 6.5. CLOSURE AND REHABILITATION 45 6.5.1. Seasonal and Temporary Road Closures 45 6.5.2. Permanent Road Closures 46 6.5.3. Removal and Rehabilitation of Bridges, Crossings and Culverts 46 6.6. TRAFFIC CONTROL 47 6.7. CARTING OUT OF HOURS 47

PART 7 FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING 7.1. AMENDMENT OF FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN ZONING SCHEMES AND TEXT 48 7.1.1. Changing Forest Management Zoning Schemes 48 7.1.2. Mapping and Recording 48 7.1.3. Consultation 49 7.1.4. Changing the Forest Management Plan Text 49

SCHEDULES Schedule 1 - INTERIM HABITAT TREE PROCEDURES Schedule 2 - ROAD CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM Schedule 3 - MINIMUM CLEARING WIDTHS IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION Schedule 4 - RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM DISTANCE BETWEEN DRAINAGE STRUCTURES Schedule 5 – AMENDMENT OF FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN ZONING SCHEMES & TEXT Schedule 6 – WATER CATCHMENTS Schedule 7 – APPLICATION TO CART OUTSIDE OF AUTHORISED HOURS Schedule 7 - REFERENCES

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 Acronyms

AAV Aboriginal Affairs Victoria CAR Comprehensive, Adequate and Representative Reserve System cm centimetres CNR Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (now DSE) CIS Coupe Information System DBHOB Diameter at Breast Height (1.3m) Over Bark DPI Department of Primary Industries Victoria DSE Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria ESS Established Seedling Survey EVC Ecological Vegetation Class FCP Forest Coupe Plan FMA Forest Management Area FMP Forest Management Plan GMZ General Management Zone ha Hectares HEMS High Elevation Mixed Species forest Km kilometres LCC Land Conservation Council (now Victorian Environmental Assessment Council) LEMS Low Elevation Mixed Species forest mmetres mm millimetres NEMSS North East Mixed Species Silviculture Project NFSG Native Forest Silviculture Guideline NFZ Natural Feature Zone NRE Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria PSS Preliminary Seedling Survey RFA Regional Forest Agreement RHP Retained Habitat Patch SAP Special Area Plan SMZ Special Management Zone SPZ Special Protection Zone SWSC Special Water Supply Catchment Area TRP Timber Release Plan WUP Wood Utilisation Plan

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 Definitions (a) In these Procedures, unless the context requires otherwise: ‘associated activities’ means commercial and non-commercial harvesting of forest produce (including timber resources), roading and regeneration. ‘Authorised Officer’ means a person authorised under the relevant Act. ‘Code’ means the Code of Forest Practices for Timber Production, November 1996, NRE, Revision No 2; (or any subsequent amendment /revision). ‘coupe driveway’ means a temporary coupe access road associated with timber harvesting. For the purpose of the TRP and WUP, a coupe driveway is less than 500 m long and is located on land managed by DSE. Coupe driveways are considered part of a coupe. ‘delegated person’ means person with the relevant delegation of the Secretary. ‘Forest Officer’ means a DSE or VicForests supervisor of timber harvesting operations and associated activities. ‘forest produce’ means Forest Produce as defined in the Forest Act 1958. ‘managing authority’ means the organisation responsible for the management of timber harvesting and associated activities. ‘Management Procedures’ means Management Procedures for Timber Harvesting Operations and Associated Activities in State forests in Victoria, August 2005, DSE; ‘noxious weed’ means noxious weed as defined in the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. ‘pest animal’ means pest animal as defined in the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. ‘Procedures’ means Management Procedures for Key Activities in State forests in Victoria, September 2005. ‘State forest’ means State forest as defined in the Forests Act 1958; ‘relevant site plan’ may include Burn Plan, Reafforestation Plan, Regeneration Plan, Road Plan or Job Prescription/Plan. ‘Regional Director’ means the DSE Regional Director or person delegated by the Regional Director for that responsibility. ‘Roading Officer’ means regional DSE person responsible for road planning and approval. ‘temporary road’ means in-coupe roads, coupe driveways and any associated crossings. ‘Timber resources’ means Timber resources as defined in the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004. ‘Utilisation Procedures’ means a document setting out the environmental and operational requirements that must be followed by a licensed Forest Operator under the Timber Harvesting Regulations 2000 in undertaking timber harvesting operations and associated activities on State forest. ‘wildlife’ means wildlife as defined in the Wildlife Act 1975.

Any other term has the meaning as expressed in the Code unless otherwise specified.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 (b) A reference to any legislation or legislative provision includes any statutory modification or re- enactment of, or legislative provision substituted for and any subordinate legislation issued under, that legislation or legislative provision; (c) The singular indicates the plural and vice versa; (d) A reference to a part, section, sub-section, clause, sub-clause, paragraph, sub-paragraph, or schedule (or table), is to a part, section, sub-section, clause, sub-clause, paragraph, sub-paragraph, or schedule (or table) of these Procedures unless otherwise specified; (e) A reference to any document is to that document (and, where applicable, to any of its provisions) as amended, notated, supplemented or replaced from time to time; (f) A reference to a person in these Procedures or in any other document or arrangement, includes that person’s: (i) employees, officers, agents or contractors; and (ii) substitutes, successors and permitted assignees; (g) If a word is defined, another part of speech has a corresponding meaning; (h) If an example of a thing is given (including a right, obligation or concept) such as by saying it includes something else, the example does not limit the scope of the thing; (i) Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation; (j) A part looks like this: PART 1 - INTRODUCTION (k) A section looks like this; 1.1. INTRODUCTION (l) A clause looks like this; 1.1.1. Scope of … (m) A sub-clause looks like this; 1.1.1.1. Purpose of (n) A paragraph looks like this; (a) An Authorised Officer (o) A sub-paragraph looks like this; (i) An Authorised Officer

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 PART 1 - INTRODUCTION 1.1. SCOPE

These Management Procedures form the detailed Regional Prescriptions referred to in the Code of Forest Practices for Timber Production (1996).

These Procedures must be read in conjunction with the Code of Forest Practices for Timber Production (the Code) and the relevant Forest Management Plan (FMP), as they do not duplicate requirements of these documents.

(a) These Management Procedures take effect from 1 October 2005.

(b) These Management Procedures apply to all timber harvesting operations and associated activities in Victorian State forest.

(d) These Management Procedures form part of the DSE State forest Environmental Management System (EMS).

(e) Hierarchy Chart:

Strategic Land Use Decisions

Policy Areas Relevant to Timber Production

Code of Forest Practices

Regional Forests Agreement Forest Management Plan

Management Procedures

Utilisation Procedures (VicForests or DSE Forest Operator Prescriptions)

Forest Coupe Plan or Relevant Site Plan

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 1 1.2. PURPOSE OF PROCEDURES

(a) These Procedures set out environmental and operational requirements that must be followed for timber harvesting operations and associated activities in State forests.

(b) The objectives of these Management Procedures are to:

(i) provide detailed prescriptions for forest management activities for specific Forest Management Areas, as required by the Code;

(ii) standardise, where appropriate, management prescriptions across the State;

(iii) set out best practice at a State level;

(iv) provide a comprehensive reference for use by DSE and VicForests staff involved in the planning, management, implementation and monitoring of timber harvesting operations and associated activities;

(v) prescribe minimum operational standards for VicForests.

(c) Legislation and subsidiary Regulations take precedence over these Management Procedures, and will be used for enforcement.

1.3. APPLICATION OF PROCEDURES

(a) DSE employees and contractors engaged in timber harvesting operations and associated activities in State forest must comply with these Procedures.

(b) VicForests employees and contractors engaged in timber harvesting operations and associated activities must, as a condition of the Allocation Order, comply with these Procedures within the area approved in the Timber Release Plan.

1.4. VARIATION OF PROCEDURES

(a) Unless otherwise stated, the Regional Director may vary the Management Procedures, provided:

(i) the minimum standards outlined in the Code are met;

(ii) the variation remains consistent with the intent of the original procedure; and

(iii) records are kept as specified in these Procedures.

(b) FMA specific Procedures must be adhered to in the FMA to which they apply.

(i) VicForests must consult with the Regional Director; and

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 2 (ii) agreement must be reached with the Regional Director on the timing and scope of trials and the implementation of new Procedures or modes of operation

1.5. REVIEW TIMELINE FOR AMENDMENTS

The Executive Director Parks and Forests Programs must conduct an annual review of these Management Procedures that will:

(a) Be completed by September each year.

(b) Take into account:

(i) any completion or revision of a Forest Management Plan;

(ii) any revision of the Code;

(iii) Code audit recommendation endorsed by the Executive Director Parks and Forests Programs;

(iv) any amendments to or completion of Departmental Guidelines and Procedures, for example

• Native Forest Silviculture Guidelines

• Wood Utilisation Planning Guidelines or Timber Release Planning Instructions for Development, Endorsement and Modification

• Coupe Planning Guidelines

• State forest EMS Standard Operating and System Procedures

• other Statewide prescriptions (such as fire prescriptions); and

(v) any other relevant information.

1.6. TERMS

Terms used in these Procedures follow definitions appended to the Code of Forest Practices for Timber Production (Revision No. 2, November 1996), unless otherwise indicated in the definition section of these Procedures. A list of guideline documents referred to in these Procedures is provided in Schedule 8.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 3 PART 2 – PLANNING FOR TIMBER HARVESTING OPERATIONS

2.1. COUPE SIZE, SHAPE AND DISTRIBUTION

Refer also to Wood Utilisation Planning Guidelines or Timber Release Planning Instructions for Development, Endorsement and Modification and Coupe Planning Guidelines.

(a) Where partially stocked or unstocked areas from adjacent coupes (as determined by NFSG # 10) are incorporated into a coupe to allow for regeneration activities, the net coupe size may exceed the Code provided:

(i) flora and fauna areas are incorporated consistent with Sections 4.12 and 4.13; and

(ii) the gross area subject to harvesting does not exceed the Code guidelines.

(b) Thinning from above coupes:

(i) may exceed 40 hectares; and

(ii) must not exceed an aggregation of 120 ha within a five-year period.

(c) Second-cut Shelterwood coupes may exceed 40 hectares if eucalypt regeneration has been established for at least five years.

(d) In Gippsland, in any Apiary Zone 1 (as per the Gippsland Forests Apiary Plan) the following applies:

(i) age class distribution must be managed to maximise the proportion of older age stands;

(ii) at least two thirds or 66% of stands within AZ1 must be > 40 years of age;

(iii) Yellow Stringybark (Eucalyptus muelleriana) and Red Box forests (E. polyanthemos) will be managed so that generally 66% of mature and/or over-mature age class of these individual species will be maintained within the apiary zone;

(iv) Blue Box (E. baueriana) must not be harvested in this zone;

(v) in the event of wildfire > 5 ha occurring within the defined zone, the prescription shall not apply to the area affected by the wildfire to allow for salvage harvesting. The classification of the zone will be reassessed until the effects of the wildfire have ameliorated. In salvage operations, fire tolerant species will generally not be harvested.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 4 2.2. SILVICULTURAL SYSTEMS

(a) Harvesting and regeneration should be in accordance with the relevant Forest Management Plan or as follows:

(i) Mountain Ash forests - in accordance with the Mountain Ash Silviculture Decision Support System.

(ii) Mixed species forests (North East and East Gippsland) – according to the Silviculture Decision Support System developed by the relevant Research and Development Action Group.

(iii) Riverine forests - group or single tree selection systems. Seed tree systems may be applied to areas of between 2-5 ha in the River Red Gum forests where the existing stand is even-aged.

(iv) Box Ironbark forests – single tree selection according to the Box Ironbark Tree Marking Training Package.

(b) Changes to silviculture systems are addressed through the WUP Guidelines (DSE) and through the TRP Instruction (VicForests).

(c) Post-harvest monitoring must be carried out to assess stocking and the need for regeneration works in all forest types (refer to Part 5 of these Procedures).

2.3. IDENTIFICATION OF CULTURAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC VALUES

(a) VicForest must consult with DSE during the preparation of a TRP to ensure the appropriate management and protection of cultural, environmental and economic values.

2.4. IDENTIFICATION OF BOUNDARIES AND EXCLUSIONS

2.4.1. Identification of Boundaries and Exclusions on Forest Coupe Plan

(a) Prior to the commencement of harvesting the following must be accurately located on site and clearly specified on the FCP or relevant site plan:

(i) all coupe boundaries;

(ii) the location of all excluded areas;

(iii) the location of filter strips and buffers;

(iv) habitat tree requirements; and

(v) trees for retention or trees for removal.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 5 2.4.2 Field Location of Mapped Coupe Boundaries

(a) The managing authority should consult with relevant land managers to agree on the location of the mapped coupe boundary in the field.

(b) Where the mapped location of a coupe boundary is an identifiable feature in the field, the field location of the mapped coupe boundary shall be the on-ground location of that feature. This may include:

(i) a physical feature (for example, a road, stream or ridge);

(ii) a prescriptive SPZ (for example rainforest buffer, Leadbeaters Possum Zone 1A habitat or an identifiable EVC); or

(iii) a buffer around a historic, cultural or other protected site.

(c) Where a feature is not readily identifiable in the field, or if the mapped coupe boundary relates to a modelled value (for example old growth forest or a non descriptive EVC) the field location of the map shall be located using a Global Positioning System (GPS).

(d) Where a GPS reading is not possible (for example due to heavy canopy cover or poor satellite coverage) alternative means should be employed to locate the mapped coupe boundary (for example hip chain and compass) in using best endeavours to determine the field location of the mapped coupe boundary.

(e) The method used in locating the coupe mapped coupe boundary in the field must be recorded in CIS.

2.5. SEASONAL CLOSURES

(a) Refer to Schedule 6 of these Procedures for closures for Special Water Supply Catchments (SWSCs) closures.

(b) Harvesting operations must not take place during seasonal closures specified in the relevant Forest Management Plan or Special Water Protection Plan.

(c) In Midlands FMA seasonal snigging operations must be suspended in the GMZ and in SMZs (other than Designated Catchments detailed in the FMP) from 31 July to 31 October unless otherwise authorised by the Regional Director.

(d) The Regional Director may authorise harvesting operations within seasonal suspension periods in areas other than Special Water Supply Catchments.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 6 PART 3 – CONDUCTING TIMBER HARVESTING & ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES

3.1. TREE FELLING

Where tree felling is to occur across, or within two tree lengths, of any road, the road must be temporarily closed in accordance with 6.6. of this document.

3.1.1. Protection of Retained Trees

(a) Where regeneration-burning operations are planned, slash must not be deliberately heaped, or permitted to accumulate, within three metres of the base of any habitat tree or Shelterwood One tree.

(b) Retained tree protection requirements must be included on the FCP or relevant site plan.

3.2. REGROWTH THINNING

(a) NFSG # 14 provides appropriate guidelines for mixed species thinning operations.

(b) Guidelines and Prescriptions for Ash Thinning Operations (1992) provides appropriate guidelines for Ash thinning operations.

(c) Thinning coupes are subject to interim FMA habitat prescriptions described in 4.13 and Schedule 1 of these Procedures.

(d) Portland: Trees greater than 40cm DBHOB must not be removed in pre-commercial thinning operations pending completion of the FMP.

3.3. SNIG TRACKS AND LANDINGS

(a) Snig tracks and landings must be planned, managed and rehabilitated in accordance with NFSG # 11.

(b) Snig track crossings must be in accordance with clause 6.3.9 of this document.

(i) 0.5 ha in any ash-type coupe; and

(ii) 0.3 ha in any mixed species, Box-Ironbark or Red Gum coupe.

(d) Unless otherwise approved by the Regional Director, landings must be located:

(i) at least 20 metres from the edge of any permanent stream or wetland buffer;

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 7 (ii) at least 10 metres from the edge of any temporary stream or drainage line filter strip;

(iii) at least 40 metres from any permanent Class 5A or Class 5B road;

(iv) at least 20 metres from any permanent Class 5C or lower class of road.

(e) Where cording and matting is used it must comply with prescriptions in Appendix 1 of NFSG # 11, which will be attached to the Forest Coupe Plan.

(f) Bark management must be in accordance with NFSG # 11.

(g) All landings must be rehabilitated, except if these are required for the purpose of:

(i) future Shelterwood 2 operations; or

(ii) adjacent coupes that will be harvested within three years.

(h) Landings that do not require rehabilitation (in accordance in accordance with (g) above) must be identified on the FCP or relevant site plan.

(i) All snig tracks must be rehabilitated by:

(i) construction of cross drains at distances specified in Schedule 4 of this document; or

(ii) by outsloping.

(j) Conversion sites that are not by Code definition landings must not be marked as landings on the FCP or relevant site plan.

3.4. TEMPORARY CLOSURES TO TIMBER HARVESTING

(a) Refer to Section 6.6 of these Procedures for temporary road closures.

(b) The timber harvesting operation must be suspended:

(i) Where it is likely that continuation of harvesting will cause a breach of the Timber Harvesting Regulations 2000; or

(ii) when the relevant area of forest is flooded; or

(iii) in a water supply catchment specified in Schedule 6, during the relevant period specified in that Schedule.

(c) Unless operations are in accordance with NFSG # 11 cording and matting guidelines, snigging, forwarding or loading logs must be suspended when:

(i) snow is lying on any road or track;

(ii) soil in the coupe is saturated;

(iii) water is flowing on or over any extraction or forwarding track;

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 8 (iv) there is a reasonable risk that effective drainage of the extraction or forwarding track cannot be maintained;

(v) there is a reasonable risk that deep ruts may form in an extraction or forwarding track.

(d) Carting must be suspended when:

(i) snow is lying on any road or track;

(ii) water is flowing on the surface of any unsealed road or track;

(iii) the movement of a truck will deposit mud on a gravelled or sealed road;

(iv) there is a risk of damage to the structure of any road, which may reduce its load- bearing capacity;

(v) there is a risk that truck movement may lead to muddy water directly entering any stream or wetland;

(vi) when the surface material on any road has unravelled and there a risk to the quality of water in any stream or wetland;

(vii) when in dry conditions road breakdown occurs and excess amounts of dust threaten water quality.

3.5. BOUNDARY TRAILS

(a) A boundary trail that is to be used for fire management purposes associated with regeneration of harvested coupes must be located within the vicinity of the approved TRP or WUP coupe subject to paragraph (b) below.

(b) All boundary trails must:

(i) have adequate drainage at all times;

(ii) be constructed with the least possible amount of debris accumulated outside of the coupe boundary;

(iii) not be located in excluded areas unless with the authority of the Regional Director; and

(iv) be approved by the Regional Director if outside the TRP area.

3.6. FIRE PROTECTION

(A) Suspension of harvesting operations for the purpose of acute fire danger periods, must be by notice from a gazetted Authorised Officer (under S. 64 (4) of the Forests Act 1958) in accordance with Fire Protection Instruction No 15.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 9 3.7. FOREST HYGIENE

(a) Timber harvesting operations and associated activities must comply with the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.

(b) Machinery, vehicles and other equipment must not transport any pest-animal, noxious weed or disease:

(i) into or from a State forest; or

(ii) from one place to another, within a State forest.

(b) Where there is a known risk of introducing forest pathogens, such as Armillaria and Phytophthora, the risk must be minimised through appropriate treatment of machinery when moving from known infected areas.

(c) Where Myrtle Beech fungus Chalara australis (Myrtle Wilt) is known to exist the following control measures must be followed:

(i) damage to individual Myrtle Beech trees must be minimised;

(ii) trees that are likely to be the subject to ongoing damage by vehicle traffic must be pruned (preferably in warm to hot windless weather when levels of viable inoculum are low);

(iii) all wounds must be treated with a commercial (waterproof) wound sealant immediately following branch removal;

(iv) equipment must be sterilised prior to moving into a new area or at the beginning of each day with an anti-fungal agent or warm water and soap; and

(v) where trees need to be removed or pruning is extensive the use of a systemic herbicide designed for woody vegetation is recommended. If removal is not necessary dead trees can be left in-situ.

3.8. CAMP SITES

(a) A camp site or shower unit associated with forest operations must:

(i) not be located in any excluded area;

(ii) not be located less than 20 metres from any stream, wetland, or drainage line; and

(iii) include a lavatory of a type approved by the Forest Officer.

(b) A lavatory must not be located less than 100 metres from any stream, wetland or drainage line.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 10 (d) Camp sites and shower units associated with VicForests managed timber harvesting operations must:

(i) be located within a coupe on the approved TRP unless otherwise approved by the Regional Director; and

(ii) be in accordance with paragraphs (a) to (c) above.

3.9. HARVESTING OF NON-SAWLOG PRODUCE

(a) Firewood collection is permitted in GMZ and in SMZ if not in conflict with management aims.

(b) Firewood collection areas in which trees are to be felled for the provision of firewood must be identified in the WUP or the approved TRP.

(i) where sawlog productivity and stand health are not compromised;

(ii) for silvicultural treatment;

(iii) where required for seed purposes;

(iv) where the tree/trees are a safety risk; or

(v) for approved fence line clearance or track construction/maintenance; or

(vi) as a follow up treatment to a sawlog operation.

(d) Selective harvesting is permitted if it does not compromise the health of the stand and leaves the site adequately occupied by the appropriate mix of pre-harvest species.

(e) Permits to harvest ferns, including tree ferns, may only be issued by DSE and harvesting may only occur on road lines, landings and other areas subject to mechanical disturbance where ferns are likely to be destroyed. A Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988) permit must first be obtained from a Regional Flora and Fauna Officer and a Forest Products Licence. All ferns removed must be tagged.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 11 PART 4– EXCLUSION AREAS AND RESTRICTIONS

4.1. GENERAL

(a) Exclusion areas must be protected from timber harvesting operations and associated activities in accordance with the Code, approved Flora and Fauna Guarantee Action Statements, the relevant FMP and relevant legislation.

4.2. SLOPE LIMITATIONS

(a) The maximum slope to be harvested must be specified on the FCP or relevant site plan.

(b) Except under circumstances outlined in paragraph (d) below, harvesting operations must be excluded from slopes greater than 30 degrees.

(c) Harvesting slope limits lower than 30 degrees are prescribed in some Forest Management Plans and Special Area Plans (SAPs). (Refer to Schedule 6 of these Procedures). Lower limits prescribed in FMPs and SAPs must be adhered to.

(d) With the exception of coupes subject to 4.2.(c), coupes that have small areas of merchantable timber on slopes greater than the maximum specified limit may be harvested provided that:

(i) the soil erodability classification is low or medium;

(ii) the total area greater than the maximum specified limit comprises < 20 % of the coupe; and

(iii) over-slope harvesting does not adversely affect buffers or filter strips.

4.3. RIVERS, STREAMS, SWAMPS AND OTHER BODIES OF WATER

Refer to the Heritage Rivers Act 1992 and the Heritage Rivers (Amendment) Act 1998 for the definition of heritage rivers and natural catchments.

4.3.1. Rivers and Catchments

(a) For Special Water Supply Catchment requirements refer to 4.7 and Schedule 6 of these Procedures.

(b) Timber harvesting operations must be excluded from Heritage River Areas in accordance with the Heritage Rivers Act 1992 and the Heritage Rivers (Amendment) Act 1998, except where permitted in parts of the Goulburn and the Ovens Heritage River Areas.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 12 (c) Timber harvesting operations must be excluded from Natural Catchment Areas in accordance with the Heritage Rivers Act 1992 and the Heritage Rivers (Amendment) Act 1998.

(a) Management guidelines for Designated Catchments are outlined in FMPs, and must be adhered to.

4.3.2. Buffer and Filter Strips

(a) Requirement for extended buffers and filters in Special Water Supply Catchments (SWSCs) are detailed in Schedule 6 of these Procedures.

(b) Falling into filters is permitted provided slash accumulation is minimised.

(c) In the Bendigo Forest Management Area: Drainage lines are recognised by the presence of banks and/or eroded sections greater than 30 cm deep and greater than 10 m long. Distinctive riparian vegetation such as River Red Gum will generally be absent. Where sections meeting these criteria occur within 50 m, the interconnecting depression must be protected as part of the drainage line.

(d) In the Mid Murray FMA: Buffer and filter strips in floodplain forests must be maintained to at least the minimum widths specified in Table 4.1 of the Mid-Murray FMP. Any temporary effluent and/or confluent streams requiring a 10m buffer rather than a 10m filter are identified in the Mid-Murray FMP.

(e) In the Bendigo FMA: Machinery movement in the immediate vicinity of depressions occurring above drainage lines must be along the contour.

4.4. LANDSCAPE PROTECTION

(a) The Regional Director will maintain visual resource maps identifying landscape values and the location of Visual Management System Zones in the Portland, Horsham and Bendigo FMAs. Within other FMAs, landscape values are incorporated in Forest Management Zones with specific landscape management guidelines outlined in the relevant Forest Management Plan.

4.5. HISTORIC SITES (NON-INDIGENOUS)

(a) Pre-harvesting coupe reconnaissance observations of possible historic sites including mining relics, forest huts, timber tramways and sawmill sites must be recorded on the coupe reconnaissance form.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 13 (b) Consultation with the DSE Historic Places Section must occur where proposed forest management activities may disturb historic places on the Register of the National Estate, or that are cultural sites of significance.

(c) Any historical archaeological deposits and materials should be immediately reported to Historic Places Section of DSE.

(d) FMPs may list historic places and their protection measures. The Regional Director must be consulted before timber harvesting operations and associated activities near any known sites where there may be doubt about protection requirements. All historic features must be clearly marked on the FCP or relevant site plan.

(e) Where a FMP identifies a management action of ‘Protect historic fabric’ or ‘Protect historic landscape’ feature:

(i) ‘Protect historic fabric’ - an adequate buffer must protect the feature (eg hut, mining relic or timber tramway). The boundary must be marked, and the artefact left in situ.

(ii) ‘Protect landscape feature’ - the historic site covers a more extensive area (eg gold workings, a mill site or abandoned township site) and the context is important. The area must be treated as a buffer.

(f) For sites identified in the LCC report Historic Places Special Investigation: South-western Victoria (January 1997), the minimum prescriptions outlined in the report must be observed in addition to Forest Management Plan requirements.

(g) For sites where LCC (1997) and/or FMP recommendations do not exist, an historic site must be afforded an appropriate level of protection as determined by the Regional Director.

(h) Linear features, such as tramways and walking tracks, must:

(i) be identified in the field and recorded on the FCP or relevant site plan;

(ii) where possible be incorporated into existing exclusion zones or be outside coupe boundaries; and

(iii) where such features dissect an area to be disturbed, the level and type of protection of the feature must be determined by the Regional Director prior to harvesting/management activity commencing.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 14 4.6. INDIGENOUS HERITAGE VALUES

4.6.1. General

(a) All Aboriginal sites, places and objects, whether or not recorded on the AAV Heritage Register are protected under the Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972 (Vic.) and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cwth.).

(b) Operations that involve disturbance may be subject to the Native Title Act 1993. All future acts undertaken within State forest must be done in accordance with the provisions of the Native Title Act 1993. Under the Native Title Act 1993 timber harvesting operations are not future acts in State forests. New road construction and realignment of existing roads is considered a future act under the Native Title Act 1993.

(c) DSE must liaise with AAV to ascertain the presence of registered aboriginal heritage values in coupes on a proposed WUP.

(d) VicForests must liaise with AAV to ascertain the presence of registered aboriginal heritage values in coupes on a proposed TRP.

(e) The location of heritage sites and places must be treated as confidential.

(f) Heritage information must be managed in accordance with locally developed agreements between DSE and relevant Aboriginal community representatives, and in consultation with AAV.

4.6.2. Registered Aboriginal Heritage Values

(a) Protection requirements for registered Aboriginal heritage values must be determined and implemented in consultation with the relevant Aboriginal community representatives with assistance from the Regional Cultural Heritage Officer and/or AAV or consultant archaeologists/heritage professionals where appropriate.

(b) Any operation likely to cause disturbance or damage must be excluded from registered heritage sites and places until such time as requirements in 4.6.1.(a) have been established.

(c) Heritage values identified during planning or pre-harvesting field inspections must be marked on the FCP or relevant site plan and labelled as requiring protection or able to be disturbed with consent. Areas to be excluded from harvesting or machine movement must be clearly identified in accordance with section 2.4 of these Procedures.

(d) Consent to disturb an Aboriginal site or place must be sought by the organisation responsible for the operation:

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 15 (i) in consultation with relevant Aboriginal community representatives; and

(ii) through an application in writing to the local Aboriginal community specified in Schedule 1 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984. Copies of the written request to disturb a place and the written consent must be sent to the Site Registrar at AAV and the local Cultural Heritage Officer.

4.6.3. Non registered Aboriginal Heritage Values

(a) Pre-harvesting coupe reconnaissance observations of possible Aboriginal sites including scarred trees, stone arrangements and artefact scatters, must be recorded on the coupe reconnaissance form.

(b) The discovery of the remains of a person must be reported directly to the State Coroners Office or the Victoria Police in accordance with the Coroners Act 1985.

(d) Where a previously unknown heritage site, place or object is discovered the area must be immediately excluded from all operations until inspected by representatives from the relevant Aboriginal community and/or the Regional Cultural Heritage Officer. Necessary protection measures must then be developed for the site. An AAV Site Report Form must be completed and copies provided to the AAV Site Registrar, the local Cultural Heritage Officer and the relevant Aboriginal community.

4.7. SPECIAL WATER SUPPLY CATCHMENTS

4.7.1. Special Water Supply Catchment Closure Dates and Additional Requirements

Refer to Schedule 6 of these Procedures.

4.7.2. Catchment Harvest Limits.

(a) Central Gippsland FMA:

(i) Thomson catchment – Annual rolling average commencing 1 July 2004 must not exceed 150 ha of ash eucalypt and 15 ha of mixed species.

(ii) Tarago Catchment - Annual rolling average commencing 1 July 2004 must not exceed 55 ha of ash eucalypt and 23 ha of mixed species.

(b) Dandenong FMA:

(i) Bunyip – Ten year average must not exceed 15 ha ash type eucalypt and 15 ha of mixed species;

(ii) Yarra Tributaries - Annual rolling average commencing 1 July 2004 must not exceed 52 ha of ash type eucalypt and 15 ha of mixed species; and

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 16 (iii) Learmonths Creek – Ten-year annual average must not exceed 7 ha of ash type eucalypt and 3 ha of mixed species.

4.8. RAINFOREST

(a) Refer to relevant FMP for a list of rainforest species and specific protection strategy.

(b) In circumstances where the boundary of rainforest cannot be identified using the rainforest definition outlined in the relevant FMP, the appropriate differential species key ‘Floristic Key for Rainforest Identification’ (David Cameron) provides an additional tool for rainforest identification.

(c) Rainforest buffers must be measured from the outer extent of the canopy of the rainforest proper and not from the trunks of rainforest species.

(d) Timber harvesting operations are not permitted in rainforest on public land.

(e) Where no reasonable alternative exists, roads may be constructed across areas of rainforest provided careful assessment and planning occurs and a high standard of design and construction is applied.

4.8.1. Otway FMA

(a) Rainforest must have a minimum 60-m buffer applied.

(b) Cool temperate rainforest must be identified using the rainforest guide prepared by David Cameron (1992) in Victorian Rainforests: Perspectives on definition, classification and management. Edited by Peter Gell and David Mercer.

(i) at least 0.4 ha; or

(ii) consist of linear strips at least 20 m wide and not less than 100 m long.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 17 4.8.2. East Gippsland FMA and Tambo FMA

(a) Rainforest is forest where the highest proportion of foliage cover (canopy) comprises one or more of the following species:

(i) Warm Temperate Character Species:

Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood

Acmena smithii Lilly Pilly

Elaeocarpus reticulatus Blue Olive Berry

Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum

Tristaniopsis laurina Kanuka

Cissus hypoglauca Jungle Grape

Rapanea howittiana Muttonwood

(ii) Cool Temperate Character Species:

Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood

Atherosperma moschatum Sassafras

Elaeocarpus holopetalus Black Olive Berry

Notelaea ligustrina Privet Mock Olive

Pittosporum bicolor Banyalla

Podocarpus lawrencei Mountain Plum Pine

Tasmannia sp. aff. xerophila Errinundra Pepper

Teleopa oreades Gippsland Waratah

(b) Refer to the relevant FMP for buffering of rainforest stands.

(i) at least 0.4 ha; or

(ii) for linear strips at least 20 m wide and not less than 100 m long.

(d) Areas dominated by Blackwood with few other rainforest characteristics are not to be treated as rainforest.

(e) In East Gippsland FMA rainforest buffering requirements for linear strips and patches are:

(i) 20 m buffer on linear strips between 20 and 40 m wide and not less than 100 m long (a total area < 0.4 ha); and

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 18 (ii) 40 m buffer on all patches and linear strips greater than 0.4 ha.

(f) Definitions in paragraphs (a) to (d) provide simple aid to field identification. The relevant differential species key ‘Floristic Key for Rainforest Identification’ (David Cameron) may assist in accurate identification of rainforest boundaries where the above description is inadequate.

4.8.3. Central FMA, Dandenong FMA and Central Gippsland FMA

(a) Rainforest is recognised as forest where the highest proportion of foliage cover (canopy) is contributed by one or more of the following cool temperate character species:

Pittosporum bicolor Banyalla

Atherosperma moschatum Sassafras

Nothofagus cunninghamii Myrtle Beech

Tasmannia lanceolata Mountain Pepper

Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood

(b) Refer to the relevant Forest Management Plan for buffering of rainforest stands.

(c) To be considered rainforest, a stand of trees meeting the above criteria must be at least 0.4 hectares or linear strips along streams must be at least 20 m wide and not less than 100m long (Central Highlands Forest Management Plan 1998).

(d) Areas dominated by Blackwood with few other rainforest characteristics are not to be treated as rainforest.

(e) Definitions in paragraphs (a) to (d) provide simple aid to field identification. Areas where the relevant differential species key from the Floristic Key for Rainforest Identification (David Cameron), may assist in the accurate identification of rainforest boundaries include:

(i) large rainforest stands with a sparse, emergent eucalypt over-storey; and

(ii) areas with very well developed rainforest characteristics that are smaller than the specified minimum size for rainforest.

(f) To evaluate Rainforest:

(i) evaluate whether rainforest species are present; then

(ii) estimate whether they form greater than 50% of the projective foliage cover; then

(iii) determine whether this species mixture covers 0.4 ha or at least 20m wide and 100m long it is a linear rainforest.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 19 4.8.4. Land Adjoining Rainforest (All FMAs)

(a) Care must be taken to exclude regeneration burns from the rainforest proper.

(b) Boundary tracks must be situated outside the rainforest buffer unless otherwise authorised by the Regional Director.

(c) Regeneration and fuel reduction burns may only be conducted when fuel moisture differentials indicate that fire will be unlikely to enter the rainforest or buffer. Construction of control lines is permitted if necessary.

(d) Application of pesticides and herbicides must not be undertaken where this may impact on rainforest values.

(e) Forest practices must not increase spread of Myrtle Wilt from the level present prior to the activity. (Refer also to 3.8. Forest Hygiene).

4.9. MIXED FOREST

4.9.1. East Gippsland FMA

(a) Mixed forest must have :

(i) an overstorey of over-mature or senescent eucalypts (usually Shinning Gum, Manna Gum, Messmate, Mountain Ash, Cut-tail or Alpine Ash) with crown perimeter cover of 10% or more; and

(ii) a closed understorey (projected foliage cover of >70%) of which more that 50% is contributed by one or more of the following rainforest characteristic species: Southern Sassafras, Black Olive-berry, Banyalla, Gippsland Waratah, Privet Mock Olive, Mountain Plum Pine, Errinundra Pepper and Blackwood (provided this species comprises less than 50% of the rainforest character species contribution to the cover in this stratum).

(b) Stands of Mixed Forest of 0.4 ha and linear strips at least 20m wide and at least 100 m long are to be protected from harvesting and disturbance are to be protected by a 20 m buffer.

4.9.2. Central Highlands Forest Management Plan Area

(a) When mapped, the status of Cool Temperate Mixed Forest must be assessed and reserved at an appropriate level, in accordance with EVC conservation guidelines.

(b) A buffer of 40m is required around areas of reserved Mixed Forest (buffer must be included within SPZ).

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 20 4.10. OLD GROWTH FOREST

(a) The definition of old growth forest is “…forest which contains significant amounts of its oldest growth stage in the upper stratum – usually senescing trees – and has not been subjected to any disturbance, and if so the effect of which is now negligible…” from Woodgate et al (1994).

(b) Where old growth forest is conserved in SPZ:

(i) fuel reduction burning must be determined by the Regional Director on a case by case basis in consultation with the Regional Fire Manager to ensure that the intensity will cause negligible disturbance to the old growth; and

(ii) construction of new roads must be approved by the Regional Director through the WUP and TRP processes.

4.11. PROTECTION OF EXCLUDED AREAS

(a) Unless paragraph (b) applies, timber harvesting operations are not permitted:

(i) in SPZs;

(ii) within 40m from the high bank of the Gunbower, Parnee-Millo and Walpolla creeks and the Ovens River;

(iii) within 60m of the high bank of the Murray River;

(iv) within 40m of developed recreation facilities such as barbeques and picnic tables;

(v) in any White Cypress Pine, Buloke, Grey Box, Yellow Box and Grey Box vegetation communities in the Mid-Murray FMA; and

(vi) within 10 metres of vertical or near vertical sided gullies with a depth of half a metre or more that are actively eroding (or within 20 metres where slope exceeds 20 degrees) in the Bendigo FMA.

(b) Harvesting may occur in the areas specified in paragraph (a) if necessary for:

(i) public safety or forest health;

(ii) construction of roads or stream crossings; or

(iii) approved (by relevant Catchment Management Authority) de-snagging or riverbank protection works.

(d) Damage to excluded areas from tree felling in adjacent areas must be minimised.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 21 (e) Trees that are likely to fall into excluded areas must not be felled without approval from a Forest Officer with the appropriate delegation under the Timber Harvesting Regulations 2000 and noted on the FCP or relevant site plan. Trees that fall into excluded areas must not be removed unless directed by the Authorised Officer.

(f) Rough heaping or windrow construction must not damage excluded areas or filter strips. Windrows must be located more than three (3) metres from excluded areas if burning of windrows is to occur.

4.12. CONSERVATION OF FLORA AND FAUNA

(a) Where prepared, Action Statements and/or Recovery Plans for species listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Amendment (Wildlife Protection) Act 2001 must be adhered to.

(b) Specific management actions and prescriptions for the conservation of flora and fauna, including some threatened species, are addressed in the relevant FMP and must be adhered to.

4.13. WILDLIFE HABITAT

4.13.1. Habitat Tree Retention

(a) Habitat trees must be retained in accordance with the relevant provisions as prescribed in Schedule 1 of these Procedures and with any other clause in Section 4.13 of these Procedures specific to the FMA.

(b) Habitat trees may be accounted for in any or all of the following:

(i) patches excluded for slope;

(ii) increased buffers on streams and wetlands;

(iii) increased buffers on rainforest;

(iv) increased buffers on Management Plan requirements (such as Barred Galaxias); and

(v) affording buffer protection to temporary streams or drainage lines.

(c) Where paragraph (b) is applied, the FCP or relevant site plan must reflect that increased protection levels are for the purpose of habitat protection.

(d) Habitat patches must be identified in logging history.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 22 (e) Where located on or adjacent to a coupe boundary habitat patches must not be included in the nett harvest area in adjacent coupes harvested.

4.13.2. Benalla/Mansfield and North East FMAs

(a) Seed trees must be included in the total number of habitat trees.

(b) Retained trees must include live hollow bearing trees where they exist, and trees of younger age classes likely to develop hollows in the longer term.

(d) Habitat trees must generally be retained adjacent to areas of high value habitat and to areas most easily protected from damage during harvesting and subsequent management operations.

(e) Habitat trees may be grouped but groups must be dispersed across the coupe.

4.13.3. Bendigo FMA and Box Ironbark section of Midlands FMA.

(a) In all harvested areas the following trees must be retained and protected:

(i) all glider feed trees;

(ii) all trees on the DSE Register of Significant Trees for the Bendigo FMA;

(iii) all Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) except where removal is required for public safety or environmental purposes;

(iv) all existing coppice or butt hollows in living trees as described in paragraph (h);

(v) between six and fourteen living habitat trees per hectare comprising of at least two large habitat trees ( ≥ 60 cm. DBHOB), at least two (2) medium habitat trees (< 60 cm but ≥ 40 cm. DBHOB) and at least two small habitat trees (<40 cm > 20 cm DBHOB if possible);

(vi) all standing dead trees > 20 cm DBHOB and dead stumps except in salvage operations where one small standing dead tree per hectare (or up to seven trees total) applies; and

(vii) either paragraph (b) or (c) requirements as applicable to the operation.

(b) In firewood and fencing operations the following must also be retained:

(i) all trees other than Red Ironbark (Eucalyptus tricarpa) > 40 centimetres DBHOB; and

(ii) all Red Ironbark > 45 centimetres DBHOB.

(i) all trees other than Red Ironbark > 60 centimetres DBHOB; and

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 23 (ii) all Red Ironbark > 65 centimetres DBHOB.

(d) Where there are less than two habitat trees per hectare in the large size class, an additional two habitat trees are required in the medium size class for each one that is unavailable.

(e) Where there are less than two habitat trees per hectare in the medium class, an additional two habitat trees are required in the small size class for each one that is unavailable. (Therefore where both large and medium size habitat trees are unavailable, a total of 14 small sized trees must be selected).

(f) Retained trees described in paragraph (a) may be counted as habitat trees, when selected according to the priority sequence for a given size class in accordance with paragraphs (d) and (e).

(g) Habitat trees must be counted and marked by size class on a whole coupe basis to maximise the protection of suitable trees particularly where distribution is irregular.

(h) Within each size class preference must be given to selecting habitat trees in accordance with the following list of decreasing priorities;

priority 1: retention of at least four per hectare overall, if possible, living habitat trees with branch or trunk hollows ie. holes as follows:

• ≥ 2cm in diameter

• ≥ 10 cm. in depth and

• ≥ 1.3 metres above ground level.

priority 2: retention of at least two per hectare overall, if possible, living wide crowned trees with high nectar producing potential ie. crown width is ≥ 2/3 mature tree height.

priority 3: retention of living trees with the potential to form branch or trunk hollows ie. holes:

• < 2 cm. wide, or

• < 10 cm. deep, or

• dry spikes / broken limbs ≥ 10 cm. in diameter, which are ≥1.3 m. above ground level

where priority 1 trees are unavailable.

priority 4: retention of living trees with the potential to form wide crowns ie. trees with strong lateral branches commencing from

• ≥ ½ mature tree height or located in openings

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 24 • ≥ 30 m. in width

where priority 2 trees are unavailable.

priority 5: retention of living trees infested with mistletoe.

priority 6: retention of the largest available living trees within each size class.

(i) A coppice or butt hollow is < 1.3 m above ground level and where these occur stump heights must be marked in the field with either a toe brand or by paint encircling the tree.

4.13.4. East Gippsland and Tambo FMAs

(a) Habitat trees should be old living trees with a range of hollow sizes. Where these are absent or not present in sufficient numbers, trees that are old enough to develop hollows during the next 50 years may be used.

(b) Stags and younger, smaller trees may be included as habitat trees if trees in paragraph (a) are absent or not present in sufficient numbers.

(c) Habitat trees should preferably be retained in small clusters, which include younger regrowth and understorey. Clusters must be spaced across the coupe.

(d) Habitat tree selection must consider the following:

(i) the species and likely density of hollow-dependent wildlife inhabiting the area;

(ii) density and arrangements of habitat trees may vary with EVC; and

(iii) the proximity of other retained vegetation.

4.13.5. Horsham FMA

(a) The minimum mix of retained habitat trees must include:

(i) ten (10) habitat trees per 10 ha;

(ii) five (5) potential habitat trees per 10 ha; and

(iii) five (5) dead trees with hollows per 10 ha (if available).

(b) Existing habitat trees occurring at densities higher than 10 per 10 ha, must be retained at the expense of potential habitat and dead trees.

(i) be large actively growing trees with a spreading form; and/or

(ii) have hollows present and forming.

(d) Trees growing in ephemeral wetlands and within 20m of the edge of the wetland may only be harvested using single tree selection. A 20-metre buffer from the water line or saturated zone, wherever it occurs at the time of harvesting, also applies.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 25 4.13.6. Midlands FMA

4.13.6.1. General

(a) Except in Shelterwood coupes in the Wombat State Forest and in the Box Ironbark section of the FMA, the following applies:

(i) live habitat trees must be retained to a maximum level of three (3) trees/ha; and

(ii) preference is to be given to the retention of gum species as habitat trees.

(b) In Box Ironbark sections of the FMA, 4.13.3 of these Management Procedures applies.

(c) In the Wombat State Forest habitat retention is determined on a coupe by coupe basis in consultation with the Community Council. Minimum habitat prescriptions are as detailed in Schedule 1 of these Procedures.

4.13.6.2. Powerful Owl

(a) All recorded nesting or resident Powerful Owl sites must be protected in accordance with Appendix E of the Midlands Forest Management Plan.

(b) Powerful Owl Management Areas (POMAs) must have 1000 ha of suitable owl habitat present at any one time. Suitable Powerful Owl habitat is:

(i) SPZ (regardless of the state of the forest within) and SMZ within a POMA (3.5 km radius circle);

(ii) mature forest;

(iii) regrowth forest > 30 years old (if any);

(iv) forest subject to a Shelterwood 1 cut up to the end of 1980 (ie prior to 1981);

(v) non-eucalypt (eg. Blackwood gullies);

(vi) "other eucalypt" forest (non-productive);

(vii) mixed age forest if more than 50% of the canopy cover is mature over logging regrowth; and

(viii) fire regrowth, if not salvaged or if more than 50% of the canopy is mature.

(i) post Shelterwood 1 forest if the harvesting occurred after 1980 (until it is 30 years old);

(ii) post Shelterwood 2 forest irrespective of the age of the first cut (until it is 30 years old); or

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 26 (iii) post seed tree or clearfall forest (until it is 30 years old).

(d) In Powerful Owl Management Areas, for scheduling, calculate:

Area of SPZ + area of suitable habitat in SMZ - 1000 = Area available for harvesting.

4.13.7. Mildura and Mid Murray FMAs

4.13.7.1. Areas other than within Benwell, Guttrum and Gunbower State Forests

(a) If insufficient existing trees in size classes specified in Schedule 1 an additional and equal number of trees will be retained in the other size class to ensure a total of 40 live habitat trees per 10 ha are retained.

(b) Trees known to be used for nesting by significant fauna (eg. Superb and Regent Parrots) must be retained and protected.

4.13.7.2. Benwell, Guttrum and Gunbower State Forests

(a) In all harvested areas, the following must be retained and protected:

(i) a minimum of 20 live habitat trees within the 50 - 100 cm DBHOB per 10 hectares; and

(ii) all trees > 100 cm DBHOB.

4.13.8. Otway FMA

(a) Patches of existing and potential hollow bearing trees should be retained in a regular pattern across the coupe, or on the edges of the coupe.

(b) Coupe design must aim to have no more than approximately 200m between areas of retained habitat (habitat patches, extended filters, adjacent excluded areas).

4.13.9. Portland FMA

4.13.9.1. General

(a) All trees retained for habitat must:

(i) be living;

(ii) have a DBHOB greater than 30cm;

(iii) be fully mature;

(iv) have existing hollows in at least half the number; and

(v) cater for identified key species needs.

(b) The species mix of retained habitat trees should reflect the pre-logging stand.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 27 (c) Habitat tree marking must be clear and identifiable through the logging operation and any follow up treatment (within 2 years of completion of logging) and must not be felled for seed collection.

(d) Habitat trees must where possible:

(i) be clustered rather than scattered throughout the coupe;

(ii) not be located within 20 metres of any road, track or coupe boundary likely to be used as a fire break;

(iii) be located to complement filter strips, streams or retained areas; and

(iv) have a diameter greater than 80 cm.

(e) In group selection, the average retained basal area on coupes is 8-12 m2/ha for silvicultural purposes. This should include 2-4m2/ha, which meets the habitat tree definition in paragraph (a).

(f) In addition to the prescribed live habitat trees, dead trees must be left standing if they contain hollows and are > 50cm DBHOB.

4.13.9.2. Yellow-Bellied Glider

In addition to the prescriptions for the retention of habitat trees:

(a) All identified Yellow-Bellied den trees and associated flight paths must be retained.

(b) All identified feed trees must be retained. (Yellow-Bellied Glider feed trees are recognised by “V – notch” incisions into the sapwood and are found in a range of species including Eucalyptus viminalis, E. ovata, E. baxteri, E.obliqua and E.willisii.)

4.14. PROTECTION OF GIANT TREES

(a) In East Gippsland and Tambo FMAs, and the North East FMA blocks managed by Gippsland, all living trees equal to or greater than 4 metres diameter (or 12.5m circumference) measured at breast height over bark:

(i) must be protected from the direct effects of timber harvesting operations and regeneration burning; and

(ii) should not be isolated within the coupe. If possible they should be incorporated into habitat patches as described in 4.13.1 (b).

(b) All trees identified for protection shall be included on the Gippsland Giant Tree Register maintained by DSE Orbost.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 28 (c) Trees must be measured at 1.3 m above the ground on the high side of the tree. The effect of large buttresses that push the tape a significant distance out from the main trunk, should be excluded from the measurement.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 29 PART 5 – REGENERATION OF NATIVE FOREST

5.1. REGENERATION REQUIREMENTS

(a) Action to achieve regeneration following timber harvesting operations must be undertaken except where:

(i) the land is to be used for a purpose for which native vegetation is not required;

(ii) timber has been harvested as part of a thinning operation; or

(iii) a survey, as described in NFSG #10, indicates that an acceptable stocking of seedlings or regrowth is already present.

5.2. SEED COLLECTION, EXTRACTION, STORAGE AND TESTING

5.2.1. Seed Source

NFSG # 2 provides appropriate guidelines on seed source.

(a) Where the supply of seed from GMZ and SMZ is assessed as inadequate to meet State forest regeneration requirements, the Regional Director may approve collection from standing trees in SPZ provided that:

(i) trees are not felled;

(ii) seed collection is on behalf of the Crown or the Secretary, or for VicForests regeneration requirements;

(iii) there is no collection from trees in rainforest and stream buffers;

(iv) SPZ values can be maintained;

(v) the operation is assessed and monitored by the Regional Director; and

(vi) copies of seed collection plans are provided to the Regional Director.

(b) In addition to (a), in Leadbeaters Possum SPZ:

(i) canopy connectivity, particularly along roads must be maintained;

(ii) understorey wattle must not be damaged during the operation; and

(iii) hollow bearing trees, and pre-1900-age trees are excluded from the operation.

5.2.2. Seed Crop Monitoring

(a) Seed availability should be forecast each year by monitoring budding, flowering and seed capsule maturation (in accordance with procedures described in NFSG #1) in relevant

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 30 forest areas including a sample of coupes selected from the WUP or coupes on the approved TRP.

5.2.3. Seed Collection

NFSG # 2 provides appropriate guidelines.

5.2.3.1. General Seed Collection

(a) Seed collection is not permitted in areas excluded from timber harvesting operations unless subject to 5.2.1(a).

(b) Subject to 5.2.1(a), the Regional Director may approve the felling of individual trees for seed from areas not scheduled for harvesting on the WUP. Any merchantable timber in trees felled should be utilised (note; seed collection by DSE using methods other than felling does not require Regional Director approval).

(i) are not on an approved TRP but are within the areas identified on the Allocation Order; and

(ii) are not identified on the Allocation Order, but within the GMZ or other areas of State forest.

(d) Where approval is granted in accordance with (c)(ii) above, VicForests must obtain a Forest Produce Licence from DSE and will be charged royalties for seed collected.

(e) Large hollow-bearing trees must not be felled for seed collection.

(f) Habitat trees retained during previous harvesting operations must not be felled for seed collection.

(g) For private collectors the principles and procedures described in CNR Guideline 02-20- 0773-1 (1995) must be followed.

5.2.3.2. Collection from Standing Trees

(a) Refer to NFSG # 2 (Appendix 12 as amended January 1999) for guidelines and procedures.

(b) Areas scheduled for logging in the next 12 months: Seed may be collected by removal of up to 80% of the crown of standing trees (except habitat trees or other trees marked for retention). This must be done in a manner that leaves all merchantable timber in the tree. Either topping (cutting the tree stem part way up the crown) or removal of some limbs and/or branches is acceptable.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 31 5.2.4. Seed Extraction and Cleaning

NFSG # 3 provides appropriate guidelines and procedures.

5.2.5. Seed Storage

NFSG # 3 provides appropriate guidelines and procedures.

5.2.6. Seed Testing

NFSG # 4 provides appropriate guidelines and procedures.

5.3. SITE PREPARATION

5.3.1. General

(a) NFSG # 6 and relevant RDAG reports provide appropriate site preparation guidelines and procedures.

(b) Site preparation operations must be recorded in the Coupe Information System (CIS).

(i) Harvesting has reduced the basal area below 16 m2/ha (12 m2/ha in low quality forests); and

(ii) there is inadequate stocking of seedlings, lignotubers, coppice or advanced stock (as determined by a stocking survey if necessary); and

(iii) disturbance from the harvesting has not achieved a seedbed that meets the standard specified in NFSG #6.

(d) Horsham FMA – Ploughing, ripping or other soil disturbing treatments may be used subject to:

(i) authorisation by the Regional Director; and

(ii) a flora inspection during the 12 month period prior to the operation.

(e) Site preparation treatment if required should be conducted within 12 months of completion of harvesting and as close as practicable to the following planned sowing or seedfall event, except in Shelterwood 1 coupes where burns must generally be delayed until the second Autumn to minimise damage to retained trees.

(f) Following a site preparation treatment the seedbed must be assessed according to procedures described in NFSG # 6 and #8

(g) In group selection systems:

(i) the gap may require additional site preparation after the harvesting disturbance;

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 32 (ii) the minimum gap diameter is forty (40) m for stands without sawlog potential; or

(iii) the minimum gap diameter is thirty (30) m for stands with sawlog potential.

(h) In single tree selection systems no additional site preparation is required.

5.3.2. Regeneration Burning

(a) Subject to 5.3.3. (b) broadcast burning of slash is the preferred method of providing a receptive seedbed for regeneration.

(b) Measures must be taken to cause the least possible damage to retained vegetation including streamside buffers, habitat trees, Shelterwood trees and regrowth areas.

(c) Burns must be conducted in accordance with the current approved version of Code of Practice for Fire Management on Public Land.

(d) Tracks created for regeneration burning:

(i) must not be constructed within filter or buffer strips or any other excluded areas, except for approved crossings or within buffers marked at widths in excess of Code requirements;

(ii) must be effectively out-sloped or cross-drained; and

(iii) must be rehabilitated as soon as practical after the burn and before any SWSCs or other seasonal closure.

5.3.3. Mechanical Site Preparation

(a) Mechanical disturbance may be used to achieve a receptive seedbed.

(b) Soil disturbance by machinery is the preferred method of seedbed preparation if:

(i) burning is impractical such as on shaded southern aspects; or

(ii) fuel has not had time to cure after harvesting and it is determined that it will not support a fuel reduction burn next autumn; or

(iii) the number of coupes to be burnt greatly exceeds the number of suitable burning days; or

(iv) burning is difficult due to slope, fire line construction restrictions or environmental factors; or

(v) the silvicultural system is Shelterwood or selection and the retained trees are fire sensitive; and/or

(vi) the likelihood of excessive soil erosion is low; and

(vii) the initial regeneration burn has failed to produce an adequate seedbed.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 33 (c) Operations must be planned and conducted in a manner which considers the effects of the soil disturbance on water quality, soil compaction and accelerated erosion.

(d) Ripping or ploughing must where possible follow the contours.

(e) Adequate cross drains must be installed where drainage lines are present, especially on existing snig tracks or in areas where water flows will accumulate.

5.4. ESTABLISHMENT (a) Sowing and seed tree operational guidelines and procedures provided in NFSG # 8 should be followed. (b) Except where a site is to be planted, a seedbed survey must be carried out in accordance with NFSG #6 (Section 5.3): (i) as soon as possible after seedbed preparation; or (ii) following harvesting if no site preparation is required to confirm that an adequate amount and distribution of receptive seedbed is present; and (iii) when reduced sowing rates are proposed. (c) Seedfall, sowing or planting operations must (subject to paragraph (b)) aim to approximate the composition and spatial distribution of species present on the coupe prior to harvesting (to be determined by regional planners). (d) Where past management practices have altered species composition, regeneration and reforestation operations must aim to re-establish the original composition and spatial distribution of species. (e) Establishment operations must be recorded and the records retained. (The Coupe Information System is currently used for this purpose).

5.4.1. Seed Trees

(a) Seed trees must be retained in accordance with NFSG # 8.

(b) Seed crop assessment cards should be used where available.

(c) Seed trees must be selected to represent the natural species composition of the stand and spaced to achieve a relatively uniform distribution of seed.

(d) In HEMS forests (where seed trees have been retained), in which slash burning has been conducted during autumn, collected seed may also be sown the following winter if high mortality of autumn germinants is observed/expected.

(e) In mechanically disturbed coupes, seed trees may be poisoned or sap-ringed in late autumn to early winter to enhance seedfall. A sub-lethal dose of herbicide should be used where possible to cause seed release but ensure survival of the tree (refer NFSG #8, pp27-29).

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 34 (f) Monitoring of seedfall should be carried out to confirm the desired amount of seedfall. If seedfall is inadequate artificial sowing must be considered.

5.4.2. Sowing

(a) The following periods for different forest types are optimum artificial sowing periods:

Mountain Ash: February – April or High elevation June - Aug

Alpine Ash: March - July

HEMS: May – August or Central FMA – June -July

LEMS: February - April

(b) For definitions of HEMS and LEMS refer to NEMSS #6. The critical factor in determining HEMS is the occurrence of frost and generally it is at an altitude > 700m.

(c) Where aerial sowing using a helicopter is carried out the operational techniques and procedures described in Heli-seeding Manual (1995) and the Instruction Manual for Heil- seeder No 3 (2005) must be followed.

(d) The distribution of seed by hand may be aided by seed coating (guidelines are provided in NFSG # 5) or by using hand-operated rotary spreaders with uncoated seed or coated seed.

(e) Subject to 5.4.2(a), where possible sowing should be carried out as soon as practicable to allow the rapid incorporation of the seed into the seedbed.

5.4.3. Planting

NFSG # 6 and NFSG # 9 provide relevant guidelines and procedures.

5.5. TREATMENT OF OVERWOOD

NFSG # 12 provides appropriate guidelines for the treatment of overwood. In addition to NFSG # 12:

(a) Overwood treatment operations must be recorded in the FCP or relevant site plan.

(b) The reference basal area used for a particular forest type and location must be determined in consultation with the relevant (DSE or VicForests) Regional silviculture coordinator. Refer also to NFSG # 10.

(d) Mid Murray FMA: Cull treatment of trees larger than 50 cm DBHOB within the Mid Murray FMA is suspended until the SFRI stand mapping component is available and a review of habitat retention strategies and prescriptions has been undertaken.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 35 5.6. REFORESTATION

(a) The Code and NFSGs # 6, #8, #9 and #10 provide appropriate guidelines and procedures.

(b) Habitat trees must be retained as prescribed in Schedule 1 and 4.13. of these Procedures.

5.7. PEST ASSESSMENT AND CONTROL

5.7.1. Weed Control

(a) Where timber harvesting operations have introduced a noxious weed to a coupe, or increased the likelihood of the spread of an existing noxious weed infestation on a coupe, the managing authority must take appropriate steps to control the infestation. (Refer also to Section 3.8. Forest Hygiene).

(b) Assessment of noxious weeds (as defined by the CaLP Act) must be undertaken by the managing authority as follows:

(i) a pre harvest weed assessment to determine the type and extent of weeds on the coupe and on associated access roads; and

(ii) post harvest assessments to determine type and extent of weeds on the coupe and associated access roads must be undertaken the first spring after completion of site preparation and establishment and during the stocking survey

(c) Where noxious weeds have been identified in accordance with paragraph (b) above, the managing authority must prepare a weed management plan and implement a weed control program. Where VicForests is the managing authority the weed management plan should be prepared in consultation with DSE.

(d) Where noxious weed management/control measures are required the following provisions apply:

(i) areas to be treated with herbicide must be recorded on a map and should be marked in the field prior to treatment;

(ii) accredited Farm Chemical Users must carry out herbicide application;

(iii) NFSG # 6 (pp28-29) provides appropriate guidelines for chemical selection, application rates and methods; and

(iv) chemical use must comply with the product label.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 36 5.7.2. Browsing Control

(a) Before planting or sowing areas suspected or known to be prone to browsing damage, an assessment must be made of animal distribution and abundance to predict the risk of browsing damage and to determine if there is a need for control measures. Results should be recorded in the Coupe Information System (CIS).

(b) Fencing may be used to protect coupes from where browsing pressure is high.

(d) NFSG #7 (available late 2005) provides guidelines and procedures for browsing management in native forests.

5.8. STOCKING SURVEYS

(a) NFSG #10 and amendment dated October 2002, contain stocking survey guidelines, procedures and standards that must be followed.

(b) Stocking survey field forms and maps are to be stored with the FCP and survey results recorded in the Coupe Information System.

(d) Uneven aged stands must be assessed 18-36 months after completion of harvesting. The reference basal area for a particular forest type and location must be determined in consultation with the Silviculture Scientist (DSE or VicForests).

5.9. REMEDIAL REGENERATION ACTIVITIES

5.9.1. Survey and Planning

(a) Inadequate stocking must be determined by a stocking survey (PSS or ESS) as described in NFSG # 10. In some instances only part of a coupe will require re-treatment. The cause of initial stocking failure must be established and plans developed to avoid similar problems.

(b) A Backlog Regeneration Plan’ (refer to NFSG # 6) must be completed for coupes with inadequate stocking before site preparation commences.

(d) All understocked coupes should be re-treated within seven (7) years of the initial treatment.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 37 5.9.2. Site Preparation and Sowing

(a) Re-sowing of a coupe may be undertaken if inadequate stocking is observed early in the regeneration establishment cycle and an adequate receptive seedbed is available.

(b) Additional seedbed preparation may include:

(i) manual hand cultivation of small areas (Lyre-birding). These seedbeds should be sown immediately after preparation; and/or

(ii) mechanical disturbance of large areas or where competing vegetation is greater than 50 cm high. Preparation of strips, patches or complete treatment may be used depending on the site and environmental requirements. These seedbeds should be sown where appropriate. Care must be taken to ensure that preparation and sowing are conducted at times that maximise the likelihood of successful germination and survival.

5.9.3. Planting

Seedlings may be planted on inadequately stocked coupes if an unreceptive seedbed prohibits direct sowing, provided that competitive plants are controlled to reduce the competition to seedling development. Control may be by clearing or slashing or use of appropriate chemicals.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 38 PART 6 – FOREST ROADS

6.1. RESPONSIBILITY AND MANAGEMENT

(a) DSE is the Road Authority under the Road Management Act 2004 for the State forest road network, and will manage this network in accordance with the requirements of this Act. Responsibility includes construction, improvement and maintenance of the permanent road network. VicForests will have access to the State forest road network for its timber harvesting operations according to guidelines and conditions specified in the MOU and the principles outlined in the Cost Sharing Policy.

(b) Roads must be managed in accordance with the “Review of Road Classifications, geometric Designs and Maintenance Standards (2001)” and in accordance with Part 6 of these Procedures.

6.2. PLANNING

(a) In preference to new road construction, existing roads must, where practicable, be used for access to a coupe or work site and to cart timber resources and forest produce.

(b) Proposed new roads and extensions, or major improvement of the permanent road network must be identified in a WUP or TRP in accordance with the Wood Utilisation Planning Guidelines or Timber Release Planning Instructions for Development, Endorsement and Modification and Coupe Planning Guidelines.

(c) Road Plans must be prepared by the managing authority and approved by DSE for all new roads, improvement operations of permanent roads, and for any new construction necessitating major earthworks and/or pushing of trees, and must:

(i) state the class of road to be constructed;

(ii) clearly identify sections of the road planned to have narrowed or increased easements;

(iii) identify Forest Management Zones impacted upon;

(iv) state the period of construction or improvement operations;

(v) outline methods and location of proposed crossings and drainage structures; and

(vi) identify environmental risks of the road construction or improvement operations and appropriate control measures for the site.

(d) Road improvement adjacent or through SMZ or SPZ requires the approval of the Regional Director.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 39 6.3. ROAD AND CROSSING CONSTRUCTION

6.3.1. Construction of New Roads (Permanent)

(a) New permanent roads must be in accordance with the requirements of the “ARRB Review of Road Classifications, Geometric Designs and Maintenance Standards (2001)”.

(b) Clearing of the site of any proposed road must:

(i) not commence until the road alignment, and any excluded area adjacent to the road alignment, has been approved by the Regional Director;

(ii) be at least for the relevant width (horizontal distance specified in Schedule 3), but for no greater distance than any maximum clearing width specified in the Road Plan; and

(iii) not involve burying of stumps, logs or other debris in the formed width of a road; and

(iv) include removal of all debris from the formed width of the road.

(i) not exceed the minimum width specified in Schedule 3, plus any additional width required to construct batters, as specified in the Road Plan; and

(ii) not commence until physically marked on the ground and approved by a Forest Officer.

(d) The least possible earth-works must be undertaken in road construction and:

(i) any material removed from the site must not be placed where there is a risk of it entering a stream or wetland; and

(ii) where required topsoil should be removed and maintained in a stockpile, clear of logging debris and machinery, for rehabilitating the site.

6.3.2. Construction of Temporary Roads

(a) Coupe driveways must be located in a General Management Zone where practicable.

(b) VicForests must seek approval from the Regional Director prior to locating a coupe driveway in SMZ or SPZ in the field.

(c) The least possible earth-works must be undertaken in construction of coupe driveways and any material removed from the site must not be placed where there is a risk of it entering a stream or wetland.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 40 6.3.3. Time of Construction

(a) Road construction is not to occur during periods of closure to timber harvesting operations unless authored by the Regional Director.

(b) Road construction must be undertaken when rainfall and soil conditions minimise the risk of erosion and offsite impact of water quality but takes account of requirements for adequate soil moisture to achieve desirable compaction and stabilisation of the sub-grade.

6.3.4. Clearing Widths

(a) Clearing widths for roads are specified in Schedule 3 of these Procedures

(b) Clearing widths on permanent roads must:

(i) at road junctions be the minimum formation width plus additional width required for the construction of batters; and

(ii) where a slashed verge is necessary, be sufficiently wide to enable efficient control of unwanted regrowth.

(i) be kept to the minimum necessary; and

(ii) be marked on the ground if varied from the standard specified in Schedule 3 of these Procedures.

6.3.5. Road Alignments

(a) Road alignments must be cleared prior to road formation.

(b) All merchantable timber removed during road alignments should be utilised.

(c) Engineering advice must be sought for road alignments traversing cross slopes of 30 degrees or greater. This figure may be reduced to 25 degrees in areas of high soil erodability.

6.3.6. Fill Batter Construction

(a) Fill batters must not cover the base of live trees unless authorised by the Regional Director.

(b) Topsoil must, where possible be stockpiled and utilised in the rehabilitation of batter slopes.

(d) Disposal of excess fill must be in a manner that does not have an adverse long-term effect on the environment and water quality.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 41 (e) Engineer approved methods of mechanical consolidation of fill batters must be used, commensurate with the amount of fill material being placed.

6.3.7. Surfacing

Where it is determined that surfacing is required:

(a) Pavement material must not be placed on unconsolidated sub-grades.

(b) Base course material must be consolidated and levelled prior to the placement of wearing course material.

(d) On multiple use forest roads, the Regional Director should ensure that the surfacing materials used are appropriate for non-timber related access.

6.3.8. Road Drainage

(a) Roads must have effective drainage structures in place at all times.

(b) All run-offs, cross-drains or culverts must be constructed at the intervals specified in Schedule 4, unless otherwise approved by the DSE Roading Officer.

(d) Road drainage must ensure the least possible discharge inside any stream buffer or filter strip through which the road passes.

(e) On soils of high erosion hazard, temporary sediment traps to prevent erosion must be used during road construction.

(f) Discharge from drainage structures onto exposed erodible soils, over unstabilised fills or directly into streams or drainage lines is not permitted.

(g) Where there is a risk that drainage may be discharged directly into a stream or wetland, a silt trap must be constructed to receive all of that drainage.

(h) Culvert installation must be in accordance with 6.3.9 of this document.

(i) Road drainage must not discharge onto any road, track, exposed soil, or drainage line or directly into a stream or wetland. Road drainage must discharge onto:

(i) a strip of undisturbed vegetation at least 20 metres wide; or

(ii) a rock spill; or

(iii) some other structure that dissipates the velocity of drainage flows.

(j) Table drains must:

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 42 (i) allow water to flow, without ponding;

(ii) be created by extending the road when it is formed, and not by subsequent excavation;

(iii) include run-offs of sufficient length to allow the table drain and run-offs to be cleaned;

(iv) be supported by rock or otherwise stabilised in soils of a high erosion hazard; and

(v) have silt traps constructed at the end if discharging directly into a stream or wetland buffer.

6.3.9. Stream and Drainage Line Crossings

(a) Culverts must:

(i) be at least 375 mm in diameter;

(ii) be designed to withstand a 1 in 10 year rainfall event;

(iii) where used in a catchment area that exceeds 100 hectares, be constructed in accordance with engineering advice;

(iv) be held in place and protected from erosion by either sandbags, timber, concrete or rock, placed at the head of and at the point of discharge from, the culvert;

(v) on a Class 5C and higher roads, be constructed to include a road sump, placed within a side-cut and located within the table drain;

(vi) if concrete, have a minimum cover of 600mm as measured from the road surface to the top of the pipe and a maximum cover as specified in 'Concrete Pipe Selection and Installation', by Concrete Pipe Association of Australasia;

(vii) if material is other than concrete, have a minimum cover as recommended in the manufacturers specifications;

(viii) on permanent streams, include a fish ladder if the diameter of the culvert is greater than 750 millimetres;

(ix) on any fill face upstream or downstream be protected in a way that prevents erosion;

(x) not project above the bed of a stream, wetland or drainage line in a way which may prevent the passage of aquatic fauna;

(xi) where construction diverts water from its natural course, include be returned to that course over a flume, rock spill, or other hard surface, and

(xii) any fill face upstream or downstream from a culvert, is protected in a way that prevents erosion.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 43 (b) Bridge construction must:

(i) not be undertaken without engineering input;

(ii) be designed in accordance with AS5100 2004 Bridge Design;

(iii) be designed to withstand as a minimum a 1 in 100 year rainfall event;

(iv) be designed to prevent constriction of any clearly defined channel;

(v) not utilise earth borrow from a stream or wetland buffer;

(vi) cause the least possible disturbance to soil under or adjacent to any stream, wetland or drainage line;

(vii) ensure that excavations, sills, abutments, stringers and girders are made or placed above the high watermark of the stream, wetland or drainage line; and

(viii) include protection from erosion by use of natural groundcover, a retaining wall, a bulkhead or a rock surface.

(i) not be undertaken without engineering input;

(ii) be designed in accordance with AS5100 2004 Bridge Design; and

(iii) include geotextile or a similar cloth filter and sideboards; and

(iv) not be constructed in the Central FMA.

(d) Temporary crossings to carry machinery while a bridge is under construction must:

(i) not be constructed unless the bed of the stream, wetland or drainage line is capable of bearing the weight of that machinery without being damaged, and

(ii) include a corduroy crossing of large logs; and

(iii) have adequate drainage, including any access tracks, when construction is complete.

(e) Fords must:

(i) have a base and entry points constructed of rock, concrete, heavy timber or other erosion-resistant material;

(ii) be as wide as the crossing place will allow; and

(iii) not project above the bed of the stream or wetland in a way that may prevent the passage of aquatic fauna.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 44 (f) Log fill crossings must:

(i) only be used on snig tracks; and

(ii) be removed before provisional or final clearance of a coupe.

6.4. MAINTENANCE

(a) Roads must be maintained to ensure that:

(i) ARRB Road Classification Report, Maintenance Intervention Levels are adhered to;

(ii) discharge of turbid water to streams or wetlands is minimised;

(iii) any soil windrow erected on the outside of a road is breached at regular intervals, except where the windrow protects a fill; and

(iv) drainage is kept free of debris.

(b) Blading-off of any DSE road must:

(i) have the approval of the Regional Director;

(ii) cause the least possible disturbance to the road surface; and

(iii) minimise adverse affects to water and soil quality.

(i) be approved by the Forest Officer and noted on the FCP or relevant site plan; and

(ii) be limited to minimise the depth to which the track is cut into the soil profile.

6.5. CLOSURE AND REHABILITATION

6.5.1. Seasonal and Temporary Road Closures

(a) Seasonal road closures are gazetted on an annual basis. Closures must be implemented in accordance with S21(ea) of the Forests Act 1958. (b) Temporary closure of permanent roads to general traffic may be required for purposes specified in paragraph (c) and must be: (i) authorised by a person authorised under S21(1A) of the Forests Act 1958.; and (ii) in consultation with the Regional Director if affecting non-utilisation traffic; and (iii) recorded in accordance with the standards specified in Worksite Traffic Management AS 1742.3 and Code of Practice for 'Worksite Safety - Traffic management', issued under the Road Management Act.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 45 (c) Roads must be temporarily closed to general traffic when activities on or near the road may cause danger, such as:

(i) regeneration and fuel reduction burning;

(ii) wildfire;

(iii) roadworks;

(iv) tree felling and associated works;

(v) suspending cables above a road during cable logging; or

(vi) landing logs onto a road. (d) Temporary closure of any road during fires is exempt from paragraph (b). The Country Fire Authority Act 1958 enables road closures and should be referred to in these instances.

(e) Roads must be temporarily closed to carting during wet or dry periods if there is a significant chance that:

(i) the road surface will deteriorate; and

(ii) Watercourses will be polluted.

6.5.2. Permanent Road Closures (a) Permanent closure of a permanent road must be by Governor in Council approval as required by S21(ea) of the Forests Act 1958.

(b) When harvesting and cartage is complete, all temporary roads and tracks must:

(i) be cross-drained at least to the standards specified in Schedule 4; or

(ii) if not cross-drained in accordance with sub-paragraph (ii), be otherwise appropriately drained. (c) If no longer required, temporary roads must be closed and rehabilitated as soon as possible at completion of the operation (including regeneration burning). Temporary roads that are to remain open after completion of harvesting must be identified on the FCP or relevant site plan.

(d) Roads that have not been identified for registration as part of the permanent road network and that are not required for access in the next 12 month period must be closed to all vehicles by a log or earth barrier.

6.5.3. Removal and Rehabilitation of Bridges, Crossing and Culverts

(a) Unless identified by the Secretary as part of the permanent road network bridges, crossings and culverts must be removed promptly after harvesting or rehabilitation works are complete by the managing authority.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 46 (b) The approaches to any temporary bridge or log fill crossing that has been removed must be cross-drained at least to the standards specified in Schedule 4.

6.6. TRAFFIC CONTROL (a) Control of traffic may be required for safety reasons during road works, prescribed burning, and timber harvesting operations or other activities. Any planned traffic control must: (i) be in accordance with an approved Traffic Management Plan; (ii) where undertaken by VicForests be approved by the Regional Director; and (iii) must be carried out by a trained traffic controller (in accordance with Worksite Traffic Management AS 1742, and Code of Practice for 'Worksite Safety - Traffic management', issued under the Road Management Act.

6.7. CARTING OUT OF HOURS (a) Unless authorised by the Regional Director, carting of forest produce from the State forest is not permitted: (i) after sunset and before sunrise on Monday to Saturday inclusive; and (ii) at any time between midnight on Saturday and midnight on Sunday. (b) Authorisation of carting out of hours as specified in (a) above, must be in the format provided in Schedule 7 of these Procedures.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 47 PART 7- FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING

7.1. AMENDMENT OF FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN ZONING SCHEMES AND TEXT

7.1.1. Changing Forest Management Zoning Schemes

(a) Changes to the zoning system must be made in accordance with Schedule 5 of these Procedures.

(b) Any change to the zoning scheme must take into account the intent of the Forest Management Plan and any relevant Regional Forest Agreement.

(i) the overall integrity of the zoning system is maintained;

(ii) the timber production capacity of State forest is maintained (including availability of sawlog resources and potential sawlog from regrowth stands);

(iii) no net deterioration occurs in the protection of identified CAR values across an FMA or planning area (as appropriate to the value);

(iv) The protection of National Estate values is maintained at the agreed regional scale, however minor changes to the levels of protection of individual values occur as a result of the change; and

(v) zoning and consultation processes are made in a way that maintains the confidence of internal and external stakeholders.

(d) When a minor zoning change is required on an active harvesting coupe:

(i) The Regional Director may approve changes during the implementation of the FCP or relevant site plan;

(ii) an answer must be given within two working days if consensus can be reached by local staff from relevant businesses;

(iii) the business requesting the change is responsible for arranging appropriate consultation where appropriate;

(iv) the accumulated area of such changes must be no more than 200 hectares within a FMA in any year.

7.1.2. Mapping and Recording

(a) Accurate maps must be prepared of any zoning change made, or proposed and must be:

(i) suitable for digitising;

(ii) at 1:25 000 scale or better; and

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 48 (iii) prepared by the proponent of the change, or by the Utilisation Planner responsible for changes made during implementation of the FCP or relevant site plan.

(b) Once endorsed and approved changes must be:

(i) collated with appropriate GIS linework by the 30 September each year;

(ii) approved for incorporation into the FMZ100 layer by the data custodian on an annual basis;

(iii) incorporated into FMZ100 and placed in the corporate geospatial data library (CGDL) and the superseded version archived; and

(iv) maintained by the Regional Director in a register as per Table 2 of Schedule 5 which is to be copied and kept on file in the affected Forest District along with a 1:25 000 hard copy block map showing updated zoning scheme changes.

7.1.3. Consultation

Consultation must occur as follows:

(a) The level/extent of consultation is determined by the Director Parks and Forest Programs prior to approving individual or accumulated changes to the zoning scheme.

(b) Consultation must involve relevant staff from appropriate DSE businesses and for changes of interest outside of DSE, the relevant external stakeholders (refer to Schedule 5).

(c) An updated version of the zoning scheme (including all changes made during the year) must be available for public inspection with the WUP and TRP processes.

7.1.4 Changing the Forest Management Plan Text

(a) Changes to Forest Management Plan text may be made by the Parks and Forest Programs Work Unit following approval by the Director Parks and Forest Programs.

(b) Regional staff may initiate text and appendices changes.

(i) request change in a memorandum to the Director Parks and Forest Programs;

(ii) The Regional Director to seek cross functional input where appropriate.

(iii) VicForests is to be advised if the changes are likely to impact on area available for harvesting.

(iv) the relevant Regional Director is responsible for ensuring that zoning scheme changes made as a result of this amendment process are reflected in the Forest Management Plan appendices.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 49 SCHEDULES

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 SCHEDULE 1 – INTERIM HABITAT TREE PROCEDURES The following prescriptions have been taken (and adapted where required by later decisions) from the Recommendations for the retention of Wildlife Habitat within the General Management Zone of Victoria’s State forests, State Forest Flora and Fauna Habitat Management Working Group February 2001, Appendix 1.

FMA/ FMP Forest Type Habitat Tree Prescriptions* Comment Current# Interim East Gippsland All 5 trees per 15 ha 4 – 5 trees per ha Seed trees currently left should be counted towards habitat tree numbers. Tambo Ash/HEMS 5 trees per 15 ha 4 – 5 trees per ha Generally consistent with the Central Highlands FMP. Mixed Species 5 trees per 15 ha 4 – 5 trees per ha Seed trees currently left should be counted towards habitat tree numbers. Central Gippsland All 4 – 5 tree per ha Seed tree currently left should be counted towards habitat numbers. (other than Central Highlands FMP area)

Central Highlands Ash/HEMS All ash eucalypts originating before 1900 Use current Current prescription agreed in the Central Highlands FMP should be (Central, Dandenong 40+ trees per 10 ha for trees originating from 1900 onwards applied. and part of Central Gippsland). Mixed Species 40+ trees per 10 ha Use current Benalla/Mansfield Ash/HEMS 15+ trees per 10 ha 4 – 5 trees per ha Generally consistent with the Central Highlands FMP. Mixed Species 15+ trees per 10 ha 4 – 5 trees per ha Seed trees currently left should be counted towards habitat tree numbers. North East Ash/HEMS 15+ trees per 10 ha 4 – 5 trees per ha Generally consistent with the Central Highlands FMP. (Wangaratta and Wodonga) Mixed Species 15+ trees per 10 ha 4 – 5 trees per ha Seed trees currently left should be counted towards habitat tree numbers. Otways All 5 trees per ha (net logged) / 10 trees per ha (gross area logged) Use current Midlands All Up to 3 trees per ha 3 trees per ha Reflects current practice Mid Murray All 20 trees per 10 ha (>= 50 cm but <= 100 cm DBH) Use current Mid Murray west requires retention of all trees > 100 cm DBHOB. 20 trees per 10 ha (< 150 cm but >= 100 cm DBH) prescription, modified retain all trees (> 150 cm DBH) in Mid Murray West. Bendigo All Between 6 and 14 trees per ha as follows: Refer to Section 4.13.3. Agreed interim prescriptions have been superseded by more recent 2 + trees per ha (>= 60 cm DBH) management decisions. Bendigo habitat prescriptions are as detailed in 2 + trees per ha (< 60 cm but >= 40 cm DBH) 4.13.3. 2 + trees per ha (< 40 cm but >= 20 cm DBH) Retain all trees > 80 cm DBH Horsham All 10 trees per 10 ha Use current Any additional trees above the 10 trees per 10 ha should be retained in 5 potential habitat trees per 10 ha place of potential habitat and dead trees. 5 dead trees with hollows per 10 ha Portland All Retain habitat trees to a basal area of 2 – 4 m²/ha Use current Group selection. Specific prescriptions for Yellow Bellied Glider. Mildura River Red Gum 20 trees per 10 ha (>= 50 cm but <= 100 cm DBH) Use current 20 trees per 10 ha (< 150 cm but >= 100 cm DBH) retain all trees (< 150 cm DBH) * In all cases except the Otway FMA, habitat tree retention rates apply to the nett logged area. The nett logged area is the gross coupe area, less areas specifically excluded from harvesting by legislation, the Code, management plans or prescriptions.' Streamside buffers, rainforest buffers, and Heritage River Areas should therefore not be regarded as part of the net logged area. Large and readily identifiable areas that are generally excluded by the Code etc. should also not be counted as part of the net logged area (eg. large, contiguous areas of >30o slope). Smaller such areas that are not readily defined until harvesting begins (eg small rocky areas, small areas of steep slope, inaccessible areas) may be left unharvested by the Forest Officer and counted as retained habitat within the net logged area. Similarly, decisions to extend the length or width of streamside reserves beyond the minimum requirements of the Code, or to retain trees in filter strips, should be included as part of the net logged area and counted towards habitat prescriptions. # This table does not fully represent the detail of current prescription. Refer also to Section 4.13 of these Procedures and relevant FMP

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 SCHEDULE 2 – ROAD CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

Road Class Type Service Function Description Road Type Description Classφ 5A • Provides primarily for the main traffic movements into and through a • All weather road predominantly two-lane and mainly sealed. Primary region. This includes access to high use visitor sites and forest areas • A high quality* of service road Road • Caters generally for higher travel speed, all vehicle types including large • Design speed standard of 80 - 50 km/h according to terrain vehicles (ie buses and trucks). • Minimum carriageway width is 7 m > 100 ADT # 5B • Provides access to moderate use visitor sites and forest areas • All weather two lane road formed and gravelled or single lane sealed road with Secondary • Serves the purpose of collecting and distributing traffic from local areas, gravel shoulders Road moderate use visitor sites and forest areas to or from primary or minor • A good quality of service road roads • Design speed standards of at 70 30 km/h according to terrain 100 - 30 ADT • Caters for moderate travel speed a full range of vehicles including large • Minimum carriageway width is 5.5m vehicles 5C • Provides a link to low and moderate use visitor sites and forest areas, and • Generally all weather single lane two-way unsealed formed road usually lightly Minor forms a feeder link to a logging coupe access track/road or fire track gravelled Road • Purpose is to link areas, which are traffic generators to secondary or • A fair quality of service road primary roads • Design speed standards of 60 - 20 km/h according to terrain 50 – 20 ADT • Caters for lower travel speed and full range of vehicles • Minimum carriageway width is 4m

5D • Provides access to low use visitor sites and forest areas • Substantially a single lane two-way generally dry-weather, formed (natural Access Track/ • Can be short term, temporary or feeder roads to access individual timber materials) track/road Road harvesting coupes • A low quality of service track/road • Provides for fire protection and management access (sometimes • Design speeds of 40 <20 km/h according to terrain < 20 ADT exclusively for management vehicles only) • Minimum carriageway width is 4m • Caters for low travel speed and a range of vehicles in dry weather • May be restricted to four wheel-drive vehicles • May be seasonally closed 5E • Provides primarily for four wheel-drive vehicles • Predominantly a single lane two-way earth tracks (unformed) at or near the Rough Tracks • Mainly used for fire protection purposes, management access and limited natural surface level recreational activities • A very low quality of service track • Caters for very low travel speed • Predominantly not conforming to any geometric design standards < 10 ADT • May be seasonally closed • Minimum cleared width is 3m • May be restricted to management vehicles only

φ The prefix 5 is related to the Austroads National Functional Road Classification categories # Average Daily Traffic (ADT) represents the average daily traffic over the peak season. * Quality of service is defined in terms of the level of convenience, (geometric standards), comfort (ride qualities) and safety (travel consistency) provided.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 SCHEDULE 3– MINIMUM CLEARING WIDTHS IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION

Minimum Clearing Widths (m) Required for Typical Road Construction.

Side Slope Road Class (degrees) (%) 5B 5C 5D 5E 0-7.5 0-13 13 7 6 4 7.5-15 13-27 17 11 10 7 15-22.5 27-41 23 17 16 10 22.5-30 41-58 30 24 23 14

Notes • Recommended clearing width is a horizontal distance. • Table assumes that debris disposal is complete before construction commences. • Extra clearing width may be required if debris disposed is concurrent with road construction. • Clearing widths do not include slashed verges except within engineering or road safety priority areas where extra cleared widths are shown to be required. • Recommended clearing width for temporary road is 6m. • Additional widening is often required at curves.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 SCHEDULE 4 – RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM DISTANCE BETWEEN # DRAINAGE STRUCTURES

Road Grade Soil 1:50 1:25 1:15 1:12 1:10 1:8 1:7 1:5 Erosion 1º 2º 3.5º 4.5º 6º 7º 8º 11º Hazard 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 15% 20% Low 250 170 130 115 100 90 60 30 Mod 200 150 120 105 90 80 50 NP* High 160 130 110 95 80 65 NP* NP*

# Drainage structures include culverts, roll-overs, inverts or breaching and barring.

* NP = Road grade not permitted

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 SCHEDULE 5 - AMENDMENT OF FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN ZONING SCHEMES AND TEXT Table 1 – Approval and timing of changes to forest management plan zoning schemes.

Zone Type (examples Additions Deletions Timing of changes Approval vary according to FMA) (conversion from GMZ) (conversion to GMZ) 1.Zones based on New areas of SPZ or SMZ will SPZ or SMZ may be converted All changes must be identified and implemented prior to finalising the Wood Executive Director Parks and strategic forest use generally only be established as to GMZ for operational or Utilisation Plan or Timber Release Plan if the area is to be harvested. Forests Programs to approve all decisions a substitute for zone deletions other reasons subject to the Any significant proposed change is to be advertised for public comment. strategic forest use zoning changes • EVC protection to made elsewhere in the FMA / establishment of an equivalent This may be at the same time as the draft Wood Utilisation Plan or Timber after appropriate public comment.. meet national Geographic Representation area of SPZ containing the Release Plan where appropriate. Regional Director is to organise reserve criteria Unit.. same or better values elsewhere public comment where required. • Linear reserve in the FMA/GRU (not possible networks for unique values). • Landscape protection 2. Underlying values – New areas of SPZ will SPZ may be converted to GMZ All changes must be identified and implemented prior to finalising the Wood Regional Director to approve all zones based on generally only be established as for operational or other reasons Utilisation Plan or Timber Release Plan if the area is to be harvested. changes with advice to the modelled values a substitute for zone deletions subject to the establishment of Any significant proposed change is to be advertised for public comment. Executive Director Parks and • Old Growth made elsewhere in the FMA / an equivalent area of SPZ This may be at the same time as the draft Wood Utilisation Plan or Timber Forests Programs, subject to • Owl habitat Geographic Representation containing the same or better Release Plan where appropriate. appropriate consultation. Unit. values elsewhere in the FMA / GRU. 3. Underlying values – New areas of SPZ (or SMZ) SPZ (or SMZ) may be Minor changes may be made during the implementation of a coupe plan, Regional Director to approve all zones based on must be established if new converted to GMZ in subject to confirmation that the protected value is no longer present and after changes with advice to the mapped values records are discovered that accordance with the strategies seeking appropriate approval. Executive Director Parks and • Flora and Fauna require protection in contained in the Plan or if the Significant proposed change is to be advertised for public comment. This Forests Programs, subject to points accordance with the strategies protected value is shown to be may be at the same time as the draft Wood Utilisation Plan or Timber appropriate consultation. • Historic sites developed in the Forest no longer present. Release Plan where appropriate. Changes must be identified and • Recreation sites Management Plan. implemented prior to finalising the Wood Utilisation Plan or Timber Release Plan if the area is to be harvested. 4. Underlying values – New areas of SPZ must be SPZ may be converted to GMZ All additions to SPZ must be implemented as the values are identified in the All additions to SPZ - Regional zones based on established if previously if the relevant value(s) found to field. Additions made during the conduct of harvesting operations must be Director to endorse. interpreted values unmapped values requiring full be absent. recorded on coupe plans and the FMA Manager Parks and Forests is to be Regional Director approves minor • Extent of rare protection are discovered advised. deletions from SPZ with appropriate EVCs during forest operations. Minor deletions from the SPZ (< 10 ha extent) may occur during preparation consultation. (total accumulated area • Extent of rainforest and implementation of a coupe plan after seeking appropriate approval. to be < 200 ha per year). • LBP zone 1a Major deletions (> 10 ha) must be identified and approved prior to finalising Executive Director Parks and (CHFMP) the Wood Utilisation Plan or Timber Release Plan if the area is to be Forests Programs to approve major harvested. deletions, subject to appropriate consultation.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 Table 2 - Zoning Scheme Amendments Forest Management Area / Forest District

This register is to be kept on dedicated file along with maps and further information on amendments (eg. coupe plans etc).

Subtractions from the zoning scheme (eg. SPZ to GMZ)

Amend. No. Date Zone Area EVC Estimated Species / Geographic Reserve values Approved by: (FMA/YR/001) proposed type* volumes Growth Stage Rep. Unit (GRU) & zone proposed (GMZ) (date)

Additions to the zoning scheme (eg. GMZ to SPZ)

Amend. No. Date Zone Area EVC Estimated Species / Geographic Reserve values Approved by: (FMA/YR/002) proposed type* volumes Growth Stage Rep. Unit (GRU) & zone proposed (SPZ) (date)

* Zone Type; 1. Zone based on strategic forest use decisions (EVC representation, linear reserve networks, landscape protection, catchment protection) 2. Zone based on modelled values ( Old-Growth, Owl habitat) 3. Zone based on mapped values (flora and fauna points, historic sites, recreation sites) 4. Zone based on interpreted values (extent of rare EVCs, Rainforest, LBP zone 1a)

See notes over page for explanation to Table 2.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 Table 2 Notes: • Amendment Number - Unique tracking number consisting of - FMA name / 2 digit year number / 3 digit sequential number. Number to be assigned by Regional Director (or their delegate). • Date proposed - starting date of amendment process. • Zone Type*- number to be entered outlining the style of the zone. The numbers to be used are on the tracking sheet (*) and further detail is provided at section 2.1 - 2.3 and in Table 1. • Area - estimated using the best information at the time. Where accurate mapping is not initially possible then better data standards may be required prior to the annual analysis stage. • EVC - Ecological Vegetation Class taken from EVC maps. Note any differences that occur between mapped class and what occurs on the ground. • Estimated volumes - best estimate of net total product. • Species / Growth Stage - As much information should be provided as possible, ie. species, age and product by grade (may be outlined in accompanying documents). • Geographic Representation Units - a map of GRU’s can be found in the forest management plan. Many reserve values have targets to be met for each of the GRU’s that make up a FMA. • Reserve values - the values that form the basis of the reserve system should be listed here, these can be found in the appendices of the forest management plans or by checking the various GIS layers that underlay the zoning scheme. • Approved by - to be signed by the Regional Director.

A completed copy of this tracking sheet must be kept on file in the Forest District for each amendment proposal by The Regional Director. Minor changes, consistent with current policy, are to be made by the Regional Director with advice to the Manager Strategic Planning. Major changes that require a change to current policy are to be approved by the Executive Director Parks and Forests Programs with advice to the appropriate Regional Director.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 SCHEDULE 6 – WATER CATCHMENTS

Catchment Status Slope Harvesting Stream Filter Comments Seasonal Closure Buffers Strips Central Gippsland FMA Thomson River SWSC & 30o 1 May - 30 Nov 40 mM 10 m ** SAP Tyers River SWSC & 30o 1 June – 31 Oct 20 m 10 m Applies above 650 metres SAP ASL Harvesting restrictions on land above 1220 m Buffer within 200 m of Moondarra Reservoir foreshore Buffer of 40 m on Jacobs Creek up to the Walhalla Road Tanjil River SWSC & 30o 1 June – 31 Oct 20 m 10 m Closure applies north of Icy SAP Creek – Mt Baw Baw Road Tarago River SWSC & 30o 1 May – 31 Oct 20 m 10 m SAP Bunyip River SWSC & 25o 1 June – 31 Oct 20 m 10 m SAP Loch River SWSC 30o 1 July – 30 Sept 20 m 10 m Drouin SWSC 30o 1 July – 30 Sept 20 m Glenmaggie SWSC 1 June – 31 Oct 40 m Macalister below Caledonia 40 m Wellington below Carey 40 m Barkley below Mt Skene Creek 40 m of Glenmaggie Creek below east and west branches Mirboo North SWSC & Buffer of 100 m around the SAP off-take weir Buffer from the banks of streams, watercourses and spring areas specified on Plan No. S-101, and throughout the catchment, of between 20 m and 40 m Tarra River SWSC 1 June – 31 Oct

Tambo FMA Lake Hume SWSC >14o 30 June – 1 Oct In accordance with Plan No. (Northern) S-1275B Mitchell River SWSC 30 June – 1 Oct Above 900 m Nicholson River SWSC & 30o 200 m buffer around the Nicholson Reservoir and Water SAP supply off-take on the Nicholson River as shown on Plan No. S-1411. 40 m buffer around Nicholson and Barmouth Rivers as shown on Plan No. S-1411. 20 m buffer from banks of permanent streams & drainage lines as shown on Plan No. S-1411.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 Catchment Status Slope Harvesting Stream Filter Strips Comments Seasonal Buffers Closure East Gippsland FMA Orbost (Rocky River) SWSC 100m on main river 40 ha max annual area &SAP harvested 40m on major tributaries 30m on other watercourses 100 m on off-take weir Betka River SWSC 150m on main river 120ha (1% of catchment) max annual area harvested 20m on major tribs and other permanent streams. Cann River SWSC Brodribb River SWSC Buchan River SWSC Bemm River SWSC Tambo River SWSC Boggy Creek SWSC

Central FMA Sunday Creek SWSC 30o 20 m 10 m Kilmore SWSC & 30o 20 m 10 m SAP Upper Goulburn SWSC 30o 20 m 10 m

North East FMA Lake Hume SWSC >14o 30 June – 1 Oct In accordance with Plan (Northern) No. S-1275B

Mount Tabor Creek DC 1 July – 30 Sept 40 ha max Black Dog Creek DC 1 July – 30 Sept 30 ha max Bakers Gully Creek SWSC; 1 July – 30 Sept 20 ha max DC West Kiewa River DC 1 July – 30 Sept 40 ha max Musk Gully Creek DC 1 July – 30 Sept 35 ha max Diddah Diddah Creek SWSC; 1 July – 30 Sept 20 ha max DC

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 Catchment Status Slope Harvesting Stream Filter Strips Comments Seasonal Buffers Closure Benalla - Mansfield FMA Upper Goulburn SWSC & 30o 1 June – 31 Oct 20 m 10 m (Upper Delatite) SAP Lake Nillahcootie SWSC 30o 1 June – 31 Oct 20 m 10 m Ryans Creek SWSC & SAP ; DC - - - - No harvesting Category 1 <12o 1 May – 31 Oct 20 m 10 m No clearfelling Category 2 30o 1 May – 31 Oct 20 m 10 m Category 3 Dandenong FMA Bunyip River SWSC & 25o 1 May - 30 Nov 20 m 10 m 60 m buffer upstream of SAP weir Britannia Creek SWSC & 30o 1 July - 30 Sept 20 m 10 m SAP Tomahawk Creek SWSC 30o 1 July - 30 Sept 20 m 10 m McCrae’s Creek SWSC & 30o 1 July - 30 Sept 20 m 10 m 60 m buffer upstream of SAP weir Micks Creek SWSC & Harvesting SAP excluded Healesville SWSC & Harvesting SAP excluded Armstrong Creek R Harvesting East excluded Learmonth Creek - 30o 1 May - 30 Nov 40 m 10 m One coupe per year McMahons Creek R 25o 1 May - 30 Nov 40 m 10 m * Starvation Creek R 25o 1 May - 30 Nov 40 m 10 m * Cement Creek R 25o 1 May - 30 Nov 40 m 10 m * Armstrong Creek R 25o 1 May - 30 Nov 40 m 10 m * West

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 Catchment Status Slope Harvesting Stream Filter Strips Comments Seasonal Buffers Closure Midlands FMA Blackwood DC 1 June - 31 Oct 35 ha max coupe size Bullarto DC 1 June - 31 Oct 20 ha max coupe size Colbrook DC 1 June - 31 Oct 5 ha max coupe size Collier Gap DC 1 June - 31 Oct 2 ha max coupe size Djerriwarrh SWSC & 1 June - 30 15 ha max coupe size SAP; DC Sept Korweinguboora DC 1 June - 31 Oct 15 ha max coupe size Hickmans Creek DC 1 June - 31 Oct 40 ha max coupe size (Elmhurst) Lal Lal Lake SWSC & 1 June - 31 Oct 5 ha max coupe size Environs SAP; DC Long Gully DC 1 June - 31 Oct 15 ha max coupe size Lake Merrimu SWSC & 1 June - 30 20 m buffer 40 ha max coupe size SAP; DC Sept Moorabool DC 1 June - 30 10 ha max coupe size Sept Mount Cole DC 1 June - 31 Oct 20 ha max coupe size Musical Gully SWSC; DC 1 June - 30 2 ha max coupe size Sept Pykes Creek SWSC; DC 1 June - 30 40 ha max coupe size September Rosslynne SWSC & 1 June - 30 40 ha max coupe size SAP; DC Sept Shepherds Creek DC 1 June - 31 Oct 40 ha max coupe size Sugarloaf DC 1 June - 30 20 ha max coupe size Sept Troy SWSC; DC 1 June - 30 2 ha max coupe size Sept White Swan DC 1 June - 31 Oct 20 ha max coupe size Wombat DC 1 June - 31 Oct 20 ha max coupe size

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 Catchment Status Slope Harvesting Stream Filter Strips Comments Seasonal Buffers Closure Otway FMA*** Lorne – St Georges 25o 1 May – 30 Max harvest 2.5% per year River Nov and 15% per decade of total forested area Skenes Creek SWSC 25o 1 May – 30 As above Nov West Barham River SWSC 25o 1 May – 30 As above Nov Upper Barwon SWSC 25o 1 June – 31 Oct Max harvest 5% per year and 25% per decade of total forested area Gellibrand River SWSC 25o 1 June – 31 Oct As above Painkalac Creek SWSC & 25o 1 June – 30 As above SAP Sept Pennyroyal Creek SWSC 25o 1 June – 30 As above Sept Matthews Creek SWSC 25o 1 June – 30 As above Sept Gosling Creek SWSC 25o 1 June – 30 As above Sept

SWSC - Special Water Supply Catchment Areas SAP - Special Area Plan DC – Designated Catchment identified in the Forest Management Plan R - Restricted access catchments managed by agreement between Melbourne Water and DSE M - Major streams only * - A maximum of 30% of each of these catchment is to be harvested over a 10 year period. There is to be harvesting in any only one of the four restricted access catchments in any one year. ** - The Thomson Reservoir Catchment is subject to additional regulations under the Forests Act 1958 which includes limitations on access, camping, hunting with hounds and horseriding. *** - Within the Otway FMA, 20o and 15o slope limits will be applied in proclaimed water supply catchments in areas of Land Degradation Hazard Class 4 and 5 respectively.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 SCHEDULE 7 – APPLICATION TO CART OUTSIDE OF AUTHORISED HOURS

FORM A

APPLICATION FOR AUTHORITY TO REMOVE OR TAKE AWAY FOREST PRODUCE FROM STATE FOREST AFTER SUNSET AND BEFORE SUNRISE OR ON A SUNDAY. Coupe No.: ...... Coupe Name: ...... Logging Team Leader: ......

• Details of authorisation being sought: Category (please tick): After Sunset and Before Sunrise and/or Sunday Dates:...... Times:...... • Reason why authorisation is sought: ...... • Destination of produce: ...... …………......

• Forest roads and/or tracks to be carted over: ...... … ...... ……………………...…………… …………………………………………………………………………...... …………..…....

• LTL Signature: ......

FORM B AUTHORITY TO REMOVE OR TAKE FOREST PRODUCE FROM STATE FOREST AFTER SUNSET AND BEFORE SUNRISE OR ON A SUNDAY UNDER S.79(6) OF THE FORESTS ACT 1958

Authority issued to: ...... Logging Team Leader Authority applies to: After Sunset and Before Sunrise and/or Sunday Day(s)/Dates:...... Type of Produce:...... Comments:...... Name: ...... Regional Director Signature: ...... Date: ...... /...... /...... Notifications: Authorising District: Neighbouring District:…………………………………. VF Senior Forest Officer VF Senior Forest Officer DSE Regional Director

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 SCHEDULE 8 – REFERENCES

CNR Guideline (1995). Control of commercial and non-commercial access to eucalypt seed from native State forests. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Victoria. Concrete Pipe Selection and Installation, Concrete Pipe Association of Australasia. Fire Instruction No 15. Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

Floristic Field Keys for Victorian Rainforest Identification (2004) David Cameron.

Guidelines and Prescriptions for Ash Thinning Operations (1992). Native Forest Management Section, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Victoria. Heli-seeding Manual (1995) Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Victoria.

NEMSS #6 (1997). Silviculture Guideline for the Mixed Species Forests of the North-East Area. North- East Mixed Species Silviculture Project, Forests Service, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.

NFSG #1 (1993). Native Forest Silviculture Guideline No.1, Seed Crop Monitoring and Assessment. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Victoria.

NFSG #10 (1997). Native Forest Silviculture Guideline No.10, Eucalypt Stocking Surveys. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.

NFSG #11 (2004). Native Forest Silviculture Guideline No.11, Management of Landings, Bark and Extraction Tracks. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria.

NFSG #12 (1999). Native Forest Silviculture Guideline No.12, Treatment of Non-Merchantable Trees. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.

NFSG #14 (1997). Native Forest Silviculture Guideline No.14, Thinning of Mixed Species Regrowth. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.

NFSG #2 (1994). Native Forest Silviculture Guideline No.2, Eucalypt Seed Collection. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Victoria.

NFSG #3 (1994). Native Forest Silviculture Guideline No.3, Seed Extraction, Cleaning and Storage. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Victoria.

NFSG #4 (1995). Native Forest Silviculture Guideline No.4, Eucalypt Seed Sampling and Testing. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Victoria.

NFSG #5 (2001). Native Forest Silviculture Guideline No.5, Eucalypt Seed Coating. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.

NFSG #6 (1998). Native Forest Silviculture Guideline No.6, Site Preparation. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005 NFSG #8 (2001). Native Forest Silviculture Guideline No.8, Eucalypt Sowing and Seedfall. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.

NFSG #9 (1993). Native Forest Silviculture Guideline No.9, Eucalypt Planting. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Victoria.

Review of Road Classifications, Geometric Design and Maintenance Standards. (2001) George Giummara, for Natural Resources and Environment & Parks Victoria. (Not published).

Department of Sustainability and Environment Statewide Management Procedures October 2005