Module 5 - VicForests

Table of Contents
Executive Summary ................................................................................................vii
1 Introduction .......................................................................................................1
2 Audit scope........................................................................................................5
2.1 Objectives, scope and period of audit .............................................................5
2.2 Segments and elements audited ......................................................................5
2.3 Beneficial uses...................................................................................................6
2.4 Audit criteria.......................................................................................................6
2.4.1 Excluded elements ..........................................................................................................7
2.4.2 Support team....................................................................................................................7
3 Audit Approach .................................................................................................9
3.1 Audit overview ...................................................................................................9
3.2 Target selection .................................................................................................9
3.3 Coupe assessment ..........................................................................................10
3.3.1 Audit workbooks............................................................................................................10
3.3.2 Field assessments .........................................................................................................10
3.4 Environmental impact assessment................................................................11
3.5 DSE stakeholder consultation ........................................................................12
3.6 Reporting of audit findings .............................................................................12
4 Audit Findings.................................................................................................15
4.1 Harvesting practices........................................................................................15
4.2 Level of compliance.........................................................................................15
4.2.1 Environmental impact assessment findings...............................................................16
4.2.2 Forest Coupe Plans .......................................................................................................20
4.2.3 River health, water quality and soil protection...........................................................21
4.2.4 Biodiversity conservation.............................................................................................30
4.2.5 Operational provisions..................................................................................................37
4.2.6 Roading...........................................................................................................................38
4.2.7 Coupe infrastructure .....................................................................................................45
4.3 Summary of recommendations ......................................................................52
5 Conclusions.....................................................................................................55
5.1 Overall assessment of compliance ................................................................55
5.2 Risks to beneficial uses ..................................................................................55
6 Glossary...........................................................................................................57
7 Limitations.......................................................................................................61
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