annual report 2011 - Forestry Tasmania

Native Forests - Key research and development projects (continued)
Sustainability Objective FT Staff and
Collaborators
Project name and aims 2010-11 Progress
2. Sustaining jobs for current and future generations
2.3.1 Eucalypt forests
Ensure an ongoing long term
supply of the highest quality
eucalypt timbers from native
forests.
M Neyland
L Clark
T Osborn
Rationalisation, measurement and
maintenance of established thinning trials
To rationalise the existing thinning trials, to
commence data analysis using existing data sets,
and to determine the most efficient program of
monitoring for the next few years.
Progressed bringing existing native forests data sets into corporate data
bases.
M Neyland
D Mannes
S Whiteley
District Staff
Operational plan and business case for
expanded program of ‘thinning’
To identify opportunities for intensive forest
management on a sound economic and
silvicultural basis. The aim is to produce more
peeler logs now and more high quality sawlog in
the future.
LiDAR data for Bass district was analysed and field checked. Developed a
‘thinnability index’ based on height and canopy cover from the LiDAR data
together with information from PI (regrowth/regen).
M Neyland
L Edwards
D McElwee
R Musk
District Staff
Sowing trials
To examine the influence of sowing rate on
seedling establishment rate. The aim is to
determine whether higher seedling densities can
be achieved through sowing at higher rates.
A replicated randomised block designed trial has been established at three
sites in southern Tasmania, where the blocks have been sown at one of
four different sowing rates. In addition, operational level trials have been
established in 5 coupes throughout the state, where a randomly selected
section of the coupe has been sown at double the normal sowing rate.
M Neyland
L Clark
High altitude eucalypt forests
To provide silvicultural advice and to promote
good silvicultural practice in high altitude forests.
The UAT procedure has become widely accepted as a useful tool for
planning and monitoring the harvesting of high/dry E. delegatensis forest.
Pre-logging assessments have declined recently due to a lack of staff.
Progressive harvesting assessments continue to be useful
In 2006-07, 1969 ha were treated and 94% met the standard.
In 2007-08, 3078 ha were treated and 93% met the standard.
In 2008-09, 3575 ha were treated and 93% met the standard.
In 2009-10, 2653 ha were treated and 97% met the standard.
In 2010-11, 2560 ha were treated and 86% met the standard.
Two coupes failed to meet the required minimum damage level and
assessment was not completed on two coupes.
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