Karri forest management plan Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 1 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Feedback Please refer to the Forest Products Commission’s website for information on how to provide feedback on this document. Feedback and comments on this document can be directed to: Forest Products Commission Phone: +61 8 9363 4600 Fax: +61 8 9363 4601 Email: [email protected] Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 2 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Acknowledgement The Forest Products Commission (FPC) acknowledges the Noongar Nations that are the traditional owners of the Southwest Boojarah and the Wagyl Kaip and Southern Noongar karri forests and lands. We respect the Elders past, present and emerging. The FPC is a signatory to the Noongar Standard Heritage Agreement and is committed to its Reconciliation Action Plan (FPC, 2018c). Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 3 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Contents Executive summary ............................................................................................................... 5 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 7 Policy and objectives............................................................................................................. 9 Agency obligations and functions ........................................................................................ 10 Legislative framework ......................................................................................................... 11 Scope ................................................................................................................................. 14 Biological diversity .............................................................................................................. 18 Ecosystem health and vitality .............................................................................................. 23 Soil and water ..................................................................................................................... 30 Climate change and carbon cycles ...................................................................................... 34 Productive capacity ............................................................................................................. 34 Native title and natural and cultural heritage ....................................................................... 47 Socio-economic impacts ..................................................................................................... 49 Workers’ rights, equal treatment, and health and safety ...................................................... 58 Plan implementation ........................................................................................................... 59 References ......................................................................................................................... 61 Appendix 1 – Shortened forms ............................................................................................ 66 Appendix 2 – Legislation and other requirements relevant to the karri FMU ........................ 68 Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 4 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Executive summary The scope of the Forest Products Commission’s (FPC) Karri Forest Management Plan (KFMP) is restricted to pure and mixed karri forest blocks available for timber harvesting by the FPC. This area is known as the karri Forest Management Unit (FMU). The KFMP has been developed to meet requirements of the Forest Management Plan 2014-2023 (FMP 2014), and as such much of the KFMP reiterates FMP 2014 requirements. In addition, the KFMP incorporates requirements of forest certification. Biological diversity In accordance with the legislation and requirements under the FMP 2014, the KFMP seeks to assist with the conservation of biodiversity. Measures include thorough pre-harvest planning incorporating management recommendations from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), to ensure the protection of biodiversity. In addition, all old-growth forest is excluded from harvesting. Ecosystem health and vitality Some factors such as fire, weeds, pests and diseases may impact on ecosystem health, and result in large economic and environmental loss. In collaboration with the DBCA the KFMP outlines the measures taken to control significant threats. Measures include determining appropriate bushfire risk, and maintaining surveillance and recording systems for weeds, pests and disease. Soil and water Soil and water quality impacts on forest health and productivity. Water is also a major forest product. To protect soil and water resources, the KFMP outlines relevant legal and other requirements, and procedures for working with the DBCA. Climate change and carbon cycles Although potential impacts of climate change are not fully understood, the KFMP outlines measures to reduce the potential impact of climate change on ecosystems, and to promote use of timber from native forest to maximise greenhouse mitigation benefits. Further information and guidance is also included in the FMP 2014. Productive capacity The KFMP outlines measures to ensure a sustainable rate of harvesting to maintain the forest’s productive capacity. The total quantity of timber removed from State forest is in accordance with the FMP 2014. The FPC seeks to promote improved forest resource utilisation, to help manage the impact of forest disturbances, and to conduct silvicultural and regeneration activities. Native title and cultural heritage Under the KFMP all Noongar1 and non-Aboriginal heritage will be identified and protected in accordance with legal and other requirements. The FPC will work in cooperation with relevant Noongar peoples and organisations to ensure the protection and conservation of the value of the land to the culture and heritage of Noongar people. The FPC will also cooperate with a range of commonwealth, state and local organisations to ensure protection of non-Aboriginal heritage. 1 The term Noongar refers collectively to the Noongar community who are the traditional owners of the South West of Western Australia. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 5 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Socio-economic benefits The effective maintenance of forests delivers social and economic benefits to society. These benefits can be quantified i.e. jobs and forest products, and can include those benefits that are value based i.e. aesthetic values. The KFMP proposes to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders to sustain and enhance socio-economic benefits of forest management. Plan implementation and management The FPC seeks to ensure forest management is continually improved to ensure best practice. This is achieved through training and the transfer of knowledge, adaptive management, stakeholder engagement, and internal as well as external auditing. Anti-corruption commitment In implementing the KFMP, the FPC is committed to ensuring staff are not involved in fraudulent, corrupt or improper conduct. The FPC is committed to ensuring compliance with relevant legislation including the Corruption and Crime Commission Act 2003 and the Criminal Code 1913. Anti-discrimination commitment The FPC is committed to helping ensure a workplace that is free from discrimination. The FPC will ensure compliance with relevant legislation including the Equal Opportunity Act 1984. The FPC’s expectations regarding a workplace free of discrimination is outlined in the FPC’s Code of conduct and all staff are required to undertake ethical decision-making training. Version control: V13/March 2021 Page 6 of 68 Authority: Director Business Services Responsible Officer: Senior Coordinator Forest Management Systems Security classification: Public Uncontrolled when printed Karri forest management plan Introduction This KFMP describes the management activities undertaken in pure and mixed karri forest available for harvesting. This KFMP should be read in conjunction with the Forest Management Plan (FMP) 2014-2023 (Conservation Commission, 2013a), which is the overarching document for the management of land vested in the Conservation and Parks Commission (formally the Conservation Commission). Further, this plan should also be read in conjunction with the FPC’s Karri forest High Conservation Values assessment (HCV assessment) (FPC, 2021). For a glossary of terms used throughout this KFMP, please also refer to the FMP 2014. This KFMP adheres to all current requirements of the FMP 2014. The FMP 2014 was prepared in accordance with the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 (CALM Act 1984). It