Module 5 - VicForests

1 MODULE 5 – HARVESTING AND CLOSURE
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The planning and management of forest operations for timber harvesting are critical
elements in achieving the environmental outcomes encompassed by the Victorian
regulatory framework.
Appropriate standards for the management of timber harvesting operations conducted
in State forests ensures that operations are undertaken within sound ecological limits,
and maintain a sustainable long-term path for the timber production industry.
A number of standards have been established under Victoria’s regulatory framework,
including the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 (the Act) and subordinate
regulatory instruments such as the Code of Practice for Timber Production 2007 (the
Code), as outlined in Module 1.
1.1.1 Objective of Module 5
The objective of this module is to assess whether timber harvesting operations,
undertaken in a specified period, were conducted in accordance with all relevant
legislation, regulations and government policies to achieve sustainable forest
management.
1.1.2 Scope of Module 5
The module aims to provide the necessary information and tools to enable audit of
timber harvesting operations that occur within the following portions of the forest
harvesting lifecycle:
• Pre-Harvest Coupe Marking and Planning;
• Harvesting; and
• Coupe Closure.
Specifically excluded from the scope of Module 5 – Harvesting and Closure is:
• Audit of the strategic planning and development phase of the Allocation Order by
Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) under the Sustainable
Forests (Timber) Act 2004 (as amended);
• Compliance with rules, regulations or guidelines that relate to Occupational Health
and Safety matters;
• Timber harvesting practices undertaken in plantations or other non-State forest;
FOREST AUDIT PROGRAM – MODULE 5 HARVESTING AND CLOSURE PAGE 5