TASMANIAN FOREST ESTATE - RMS Timberlands Australia Pty Ltd
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RMS Timberlands Australia Pty Ltd
TASMANIAN
FOREST ESTATE
Forest Management Plan
For the period
January 2017 to December 2019
PO Box 212 | Prospect | TAS 7250 | Australia
8-2 Trotters Lane | Prospect | TAS 7250
P: 61 3 6343 0273 | F:
E: ausinfo@pfolsen.com | www.pfolsen.com/au
RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
Table of Contents
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................4
2. Management System and Objectives ..........................................................................................6
3. The Regulatory Environment .....................................................................................................10
4. Forest Estate Description ..........................................................................................................11
5. Maps and Data...........................................................................................................................13
6. Social Context and Community Engagement ............................................................................15
7. Cultural Heritage .......................................................................................................................18
8. The physical environment .........................................................................................................20
9. Biodiversity Values ....................................................................................................................23
10. Non-Timber Forest Products and Values...................................................................................25
11. Commercial Crop Establishment ...............................................................................................28
12. Silvicultural Operations .............................................................................................................30
13. Forest Inventory and Quality Assurance ...................................................................................32
14. Harvesting Strategy and Operations .........................................................................................34
15. Property Management and Protection .....................................................................................36
16. Fire Management ......................................................................................................................38
17. Monitoring .................................................................................................................................40
18. Review and Future Plans ...........................................................................................................42
© PF OLSEN (AUS) PTY LTD
All rights reserved.
All rights of copying, publication, storage, transmission and
retrieval in whole or part by any means and for all purposes are
reserved.
For the period
January 2017 to December 2019 DISCLAIMER Page 2
RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
Version No Reason for Review
1.0 Original IFarm Plan
2.0 PF Olsen Australia review
Reviewed and recommended by David Bennett
Authorised by Stephen Rymer
Issue Date August 2017
Version No 2.0
For the period
January 2017 to December 2019 DISCLAIMER Page 3
RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
1. Introduction
Purpose This management plan:
Describes the physical features of the RMS Timberlands Forest Estate.
Clarifies the management arrangements and objectives.
Outlines the relevant constraints for forest management.
Provides a silvicultural framework for optimising value and
minimising risk.
Implementing this Management Plan will ensure that the Tasmanian Forest
Estate is sustainably managed to achieve the goals of the forest owner
within the legislative framework of the region.
Forest Owner The forest estate is owned by investment funds administered by RMS
Timberlands Australia Pty Ltd (RMS Timberlands), a subsidiary of Resource
Management Services Inc. Resource Management Services Inc, is a global
forest investment manager with significant expertise in all phases of
institutional investment funding and has been appointed as property
manager by the registered proprietors.
There are two registered proprietors of the forest estate. They are:
FGI Australia Pty Ltd (Also known as FGI), and
RMS Assets Australia Pty Ltd as trustee of the RMS Australia Forest
Fund 1 (Also known as KPI)
Forest Manager RMS Timberlands as property manager has engaged PF Olsen (Aus) Pty Ltd
(PF Olsen Australia) as a specialist forest manager to maximise the
investment returns to the forest owners and minimise the risks associated
with forest management. The relationship between PF Olsen Australia and
RMS Timberlands is described in management contracts.
For stakeholders with concerns, PF Olsen Australia should be the first
organisation they contact as they are responsible for day to day
management of the forests.
The table below summaries key responsibilities of the different parties.
Continued on next page...
For the period
January 2017 to December 2019 Introduction Page 4RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
…continued
PF Olsen Australia RMS Timberlands
Neighbour (stakeholder) Sales and marketing
relations
Resource modelling
Fire preparedness and
Authorisation of budgets
maintenance
Development of silvicultural
Weed and pest control
standards
Site establishment
Log handling and processing in
Inventory programs log yards and chip facilities
Spatial data
Secondary fertilising
Council and governance
related issues
Certification
Harvesting and roading
operation
Transport of timber to log
yard
RMS Timberlands RMS is committed to leading environmentally sound sustainable forest
Australia Pty Ltd management practices on all forest lands under its management authority.
As a company founded, owned, and managed by professional foresters,
RMS has long been guided by a forest stewardship ethic. Exercising good
stewardship through responsible management of all forest resources meets
the needs of our clients, customers, employees, society, and future
generations.
In order to apply these principals effectively and systematically to this asset
it has engaged PF Olsen Australia. As an independent professional forest
manager, PF Olsen Australia has a management system that has been
certified against independent standards for forest management.
PF Olsen Australia is responsible for ensuring compliance with the
requirements of the Australian Forestry Standard. The following document
outlines the compliance plan.
Management PF Olsen Australia’s Risk and Compliance Manager is the management
representative representative for the Australian Forestry Standard.
For the period
January 2017 to December 2019 Introduction Page 5RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
2. Management System and Objectives
Environmental The forests provide a range of benefits, including:
and economic Enhanced water quality,
services
Soil stabilisation and conservation,
Improved aquatic habitat,
Enhanced wildlife and plant habitat leading to increased biodiversity,
A reduction in greenhouse gases,
Local and regional employment opportunities, and
Other economic and social benefits to the community.
Scope This management plan covers all forest management activities within
Tasmania Forest Estate. Such activities include:
Forest establishment,
Silvicultural activities,
Forest protection,
Monitoring,
Infrastructure maintenance,
Harvesting, and
Fire Management.
Objectives The forest management objectives for the Tasmania Forest Estate are to:
Grow trees for the production of hardwood chip and other emerging
market opportunities such as biomass, veneer and sawn timber,
Ensure that the productivity of the land does not decline,
Ensure that environmental values are identified, maintained and
where possible, enhanced,
Ensure that historic sites are identified and protected,
Optimise the economic return to the forest owner,
Replant or ensure regeneration following harvesting in the core
region where it is economically viable to replant or regenerate,
Avoid permanent damage to native vegetation,
Continued on next page...
For the period
January 2017 to December 2019 Management System and Objectives Page 6RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
…continued PF Olsen Australia is committed to ensuring that the management of the
forest estate is sustainable, from an environmental, social, cultural and
economic perspective. These objectives underpin the company’s
management culture and its commitment to independent third party forest
certification, in particular conformance with the principles and criteria of
the Australia Forestry Standard. Table 1 identifies some of the management
aims involved with these perspectives.
Table 1: Management aims related to listed perspectives
Perspective Management Aims (not finite)
Environmental Identification and protection of rare, threatened and endangered
species and ecosystems.
Control of noxious pests.
Protection of waterways and reserves.
Social Adherence to occupational health and safety standards.
Adherence to international employment conventions as they
have been legislated in Australian state and federal law.
Cultural Identification and protection of historic and archaeological sites.
Consultation with interested parties.
Economic Suitable species selection.
Appropriate management and harvesting techniques.
Protection of assets.
Providing a reasonable return on investment while minimising
the risks of this investment.
Implementation The forest management objectives described above are implemented by
the Forest Manager, PF Olsen Australia. PF Olsen Australia applies
recognised best forestry management practice within a quality
management framework to plan for and deliver the required forest
management objectives.
The Quality management framework includes :
The PF Olsen Australia forest management system, ensuring that the
forest management planning is up to date and operations are
scheduled and undertaken according to the plan.
The PF Olsen Australia environmental management system, ensuring
that high standards of environmental management are recognised
and integrated into every facet of the forest planning and
management.
Certification of compliance with the principles and criteria of the
Australia Forestry Standard to ensure management principles and
practice adhere to internationally recognised and locally adopted
standards for well managed forests.
For the period
January 2017 to December 2019 Management System and Objectives Page 7RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
Forest PF Olsen Australia resources a Forest Information Planning System (FIPS) to
Information assist in ensuring regulatory and certification compliance, including:
Planning System transparent management accounting
efficient data capture
effective use of resource information.
Policies and There are four core policies in the PF Olsen Australia management system:
Standards Workplace Health & Safety
Sustainable Forest Management
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
Learning and Continuous Improvement
Standards support these policies and ensure consistency with relevant
Sustainable Forest Management Standards. The clauses in these Standards
are key requirements which form the basis of internal audit and review.
These are publicly available on the PF Olsen Australia website1.
The The purpose of PF Olsen Australia’s management system is to:
Management Add value to a client’s assets / business via the applications of our
System skills and processes.
framework It applies a holistic and systematic approach to ensure that prevention of
adverse and harmful impacts is effective. Key elements comprising the
Management System are:
PF Olsen Australia’s Policies and Standards,
Manuals (Operations, Administration and Fire Management),
Best Practice Guidelines,
Management Plans,
Contracts,
Prescriptions,
Operational plans,
Procedures for managing emergency situations.
Continued on next page...
1
PF Olsen (Aus) Pty Ltd Policies and Standards are publicly available online at
https://pfolsen.blob.core.windows.net/productionmedia/1967/policies_final.pdf.
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January 2017 to December 2019 Management System and Objectives Page 8RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
…continued Periodic internal and external auditing:
– To check compliance with agreed procedures; and
– Discuss ways to improve the Management System to better
achieve its targets and objectives.
PF Olsen Australia is progressively replacing written manuals with more
accessible and descriptive processes maps. The Risk and Compliance
Manager is responsible for ensuring that the Management System is
maintained and compliant with AS4801, ISO 14001 and ISO 9002 standards.
Management An overview of the management system employed by PF Olsen Australia is
System overview shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Management System overview
Publically Publically available documents can be found on the PF Olsen Australia
available website and include:
documents • RMS Forest Management AFS Certificate
• RMS’s Sustainable Forest Management Statement of Intent
• The Regional Management Plan (this document)
• Defined Forest Area maps
• Summaries of recent certification audits
Other elements of the Forest Management Plan referenced in this plan are
considered private. These may be made available upon request.
For the period
January 2017 to December 2019 Management System and Objectives Page 9RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
3. The Regulatory Environment
Regulatory In order to minimise the risk to forest owners, managers and contractors, it
considerations is important that relevant legislation and agreements are identified and
appropriate measures put in place to ensure that breaches of legislation are
avoided. Legislation that currently applies to forest operations are listed in
the PF Olsen Australia Legal Register and relevant operational plans where
there are specific consents and agreements.
The key elements of relevant laws are summarised in our policies,
standards, best practice guidelines and prescriptions.
Tasmanian laws In Tasmania, management and protection of environmental and cultural
values is administered through the Forest Practices Act 1985 and the Forest
Practices Code (FPC). Forest Practices Officers (FPO’s) undertake a desktop
and field verification, on individual properties, of the biodiversity, cultural
heritage, soil and water and landscape for prescribed operations. The
Forest Practices Authority (FPA) is the regulator charged with implementing
the Forest Practices Act.
The FPA has biodiversity, earth sciences and cultural heritage specialists
who provide advice to FPOs preparing FPPs or supervising forest operations.
The FPA also provides a number of planning tools which assist FPOs in
preparing FPPs. The FPA monitors compliance with legal requirements
under the forest practices system. FPA specialists also work closely with
other State and Commonwealth regulators to ensure conservation values
are incorporated in advice provided to FPOs.
Forest Practices Plans (FPPs) contain specifications of the forest practices to
be carried in accordance with the Forest Practices Code. FPPs identify
discreet operational phases for which certificates of compliance must be
provided to the FPA at the end of each phase. The Threatened Species
Protection Act 1995 also recognises FPPs as a means of managing
threatened species during forest operations.
Breaches of laws Where breaches of laws within the scope of certification to AS 4708 are
identified on the forest estate the PF Olsen Australia Risk and Compliance
Manager will notify RMS Timberlands and the certification body responsible
for the RMS Timberlands AFS certificate in writing within five (5) business
days.
Native Title There is no native title claim on any land owned by RMS within Tasmania.
For the period
January 2017 to December 2019 The Regulatory Environment Page 10RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
4. Forest Estate Description
Defined Forest The Defined Forest Area (DFA) is situated on freehold land under numerous
Area titles throughout Tasmania and are included in a single Forest Management
Unit (FMU). The FMU is predominantly small scattered properties generally
between 10 and 200 ha in size.
Land use of the estate, including the net stocked areas have been
determined through spatial analysis. Table 2 Land Use as of 30 July
2017outlines the key land use categories. Due to pre-existing contractual
arrangements, some areas of land managed by RMS are currently under the
DFA of other companies. As these areas are harvested, they will be included
in the RMS DFA.
Table 2 Land Use as of 30 July 2017
Land Use Area (ha)
Plantation 24,112
Fallow 2,799
Remnant Vegetation 5,116
Other 15,636
Total 47,664
Age Class The RMS estate was predominantly established during the period 1992
Distribution through to 2009 with the major period of activity during 2007-2009. Figure
2 Age class distribution shows this distribution. RMS is planning to create an
even age-class distribution over time through sustainable management of
the harvesting and re-establishment programs. This will equate to an
approximate annual harvest of 2,000ha.
Figure 2 Age class distribution
For the period
January 2017 to December 2019 Forest Estate Description Page 11RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
Current The planted are comprises 26,832ha hardwood plantations (predominantly
plantation Eucalyptus nitens with some E. globulus) and 80ha of softwood plantation
species (Pinus radiata). These species have been chosen to best meet the
management objectives, given the characteristics of the forest land as
described in Section 8.
Re-establishment will involve replanting with high quality treestocks
suitable for the site and market. These will be investigated during
establishment planning.
The plantation estate is generally managed for a 15 year rotation for the
export of peeler and sawlogs. Currently, the plantation estate is managed
to produce solid wood and wood fibre for international markets.
For the period
January 2017 to December 2019 Forest Estate Description Page 12RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
5. Maps and Data
Geographic PF Olsen Australia maintains a Geographic Information System (GIS). This
Information comprehensive mapping system and forest inventory database enabling a
System and data detailed reporting and analysis. The systems are linked such that stand
management information is both spatial and descriptive. The system is used to schedule
and plan significant changes to the estate, for example: re-planting,
fertilising and thinning operations.
Defined Forest Maps for the DFA are found on the PF Olsen Australia website
Area Maps (www.pfolsen.com.au/au).
Mapping Mapping will be required from time to time to manage and control
operations. PF Olsen Australia foresters create maps with details of:
silvicultural operations
maintenance operations
harvesting operations
specific infrastructure
roads
waterways
remnant vegetation
protected areas with high conservation values and cultural heritage
sites
research trials
monitoring locations
site hazards and
other special values.
This will occur on an ongoing basis and all relevant data will be stored
digitally.
Accurate mapping also assists with budgeting, planning and calculation of
future revenue and forest values.
For the period
January 2017 to December 2019 Maps and Data Page 13RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
Forest records Forest records are essential for management commercial forests.
PF Olsen Australia maintains forest records that include the following
information:
historic records of forest operations for each stand
quality control data for each operation
inventory results.
yields harvested from each stand.
costs incurred for each operation.
Forest Estate records are maintained on a computerised Land Information
System which is part of FIPS.
For the period
January 2017 to December 2019 Maps and Data Page 14RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
6. Social Context and Community Engagement
Stakeholder PF Olsen Australia has developed a Stakeholder Engagement System which
engagement provides a framework for identifying and engaging with different levels of
system stakeholders of the forest estate.
Objective Our objectives with stakeholder engagement are to:
Build a relationship of trust and partnership with stakeholder
interests.
Assist in the fair assessment and avoidance, remediation or
mitigation of adverse effects upon stakeholders who may have an
interest in or be affected by impacts resulting from management
decisions.
Avoid or minimise the risks of misunderstandings between forest
managers and forest stakeholders or the development of obstructive
or conflict oriented behaviours between the parties.
Previous The forest estate is predominantly located on ex-pasture sites. Plantations
management were established during the years 1995 to 2009 until the demise of several
forestry companies with the collapse of Managed Investment Schemes. The
forest owners purchased part of the DFA in 2014 and the remainder in 2015.
Adjacent Lands The forest estate is widely dispersed across the North and South East of
Tasmania. There are 355 individual properties under PF Olsen Australia
management and hence a large number of direct neighbours. These
neighbouring parcels include crown lands managed for conservation and
production forestry, forested lands owned and managed by private
companies and individuals, agricultural lands and residential land.
The main industries in the northern region of Tasmania are tourism,
agriculture, mining and forestry. In the north of the region, the main form
of agriculture is beef and dairy farming, as well as vegetable production.
Plantation forestry is a major industry in the region. Across Tasmania, there
are over 300,000 hectares of hardwood and softwood plantations. Over
one-third of the plantations in Tasmania are privately owned. There is high
concentration of plantation forests located to the south of Burnie.
Mining is another industry in the region, with the active extraction of base
metals, coal, iron, gold and silver. Five of the six mineral processors are
located in the northern region of Tasmania.
For the period
January 2017 to December 2019 Social Context and Community Engagement Page 15RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
Key stakeholders Key stakeholders2 include, but are not limited to:
Major customers
Contractors and suppliers
Relevant federal government departments
Industry representative bodies
Conservation groups and advocates
Indigenous communities
Relevant state government agencies
Local government authorities
Neighbours
Property level lessees (grazing, house tenants)
Local communities and community groups
Local fire agencies.
Social impact A key component of successful stakeholder engagement is social impact
assessment assessment in relation to our activities. This undertaken by
PF Olsen Australia at three levels of management:
This plan identifies and considers regional impacts like road use.
Operational Plans and FPPs consider impacts at a local level like
landscape impacts.
Best Practise Management Guidelines consider possible social
impacts of particular activities and outline necessary steps to
minimise such impacts and ensure affected stakeholders are
consulted prior to conducting high impact activities.
Employment RMS Timberlands and PF Olsen Australia aim to be valuable members of the
Tasmanian community. Around 80 FTE’s are engaged to undertake
management, silvicultural, harvesting, transport and marketing operations
throughout Forest Estate. A large proportion of this workforce are located
in smaller rural communities.
Worker’s rights RMS Timberlands and PF Olsen Australia are equal opportunity employers
and recognise the role of unions in the workplace and respects the rights of
workers to participate. Unless special conditions apply forest workers will
be greater in age than the completion of compulsory school attendance age
2
For the purposes of AFS Clause 2.2 key stakeholders are regarded as affected stakeholders and any other
person who engages with the organisation will be regarded as an interested stakeholder.
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January 2017 to December 2019 Social Context and Community Engagement Page 16RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
Health and RMS Timberlands and PF Olsen Australia are committed to providing a safe
Safety and healthy work environment for workers, customers and visitors. Specific
policy standards apply to all operations and these are enforced by regular
monitoring.
All incidents and near hits must be reported and these will be diligently
investigated.
Local PF Olsen Australia strives to procure contractors and services from within
procurement the local region wherever possible and feasible.
Dispute PF Olsen Australia has a dispute resolution policy standard for dealing with
resolution complaints and other issues. In addition to this, PF Olsen Australia complies
with “The Good Neighbour Charter for Commercial Forestry in Tasmania
(2009)”. Disputes often arise from issues such as noise and dust from forest
operations, weeds, vermin, fencing, spraying operations and fire
management. Best Practice Guidelines exist to minimise the likelihood of
disputes. All complaints and disputes are taken seriously and wherever
possible resolved as soon as practical. At times the parties may not be able
to come to an amicable resolution. In these instances the PF Olsen Australia
dispute resolution procedure will be used.
Neighbours As responsible neighbours and members of the local community,
PF Olsen Australia is aware that our operations may have an impact on
others and commit to engage with neighbours and the community.
Contact details for neighbours can be accessed as required through Land
Information System Tasmania (LIST). Contact will be made with neighbours
on behalf of the Forest Owner in accordance with the PF Olsen Australia
Stakeholder engagement policy and procedures.
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January 2017 to December 2019 Social Context and Community Engagement Page 17RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
7. Cultural Heritage
Recognising and To preserve and protect cultural heritage PF Olsen Australia staff will when
protecting developing Forest Practices Plans and other operational plans:
significant values determine the legal status of any existing rights in forests managed
on behalf of the forest owner.
search relevant government databases and records for identified
sites of significance.
consult with the Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania in relation to existing
legal rights and customary or traditional use rights.
actively seek to identify existing Indigenous peoples with customary
or traditional use rights to forest resources in forests managed on
behalf of the forest owner.
incorporate the results of consultation into relevant operations plans.
All aboriginal heritage localities are protected by confidentiality embedded
in the Aboriginal Relicts Act, 1975 and information is not accessible to the
public. Localities are not normally marked on operational maps – unless
required for identification and protection.
Indigenous The Forest Owners, RMS Timberlands and PF Olsen Australia
values acknowledges and pay respect to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community
as the traditional and original owners and continuing custodians of this
land that we manage.
Access to Indigenous site and relicts information is restricted. Only FPO’s
trained in “Aboriginal Cultural Awareness” are given access to site
information, accessed through either Sustainable Timbers Tasmania (STT)’s
Conserve database or Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania (AHT). Known sites
from either database are field verified where possible and then managed
for harvesting and re-establishment operations as per manuals discussed
below. Where known sites are not able to be located, whether due to
location accuracy or vegetation cover, these are managed with the advice
of the relevant FPA specialists. Any new sites found are protected from
operations and reported to the FPA. Generally the sites are then able to be
managed through the endorsed FPA procedures manual3, but at times
further consultation may be required.
3
Forest Practices Authority, Tasmania (March 2016) Procedures for managing Aboriginal cultural heritage
when preparing forest practices plans
http://www.fpa.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/132818/Procedures_for_managing_Aboriginal_cultur
al_heritage_when_preparing_FPPs.pdf
For the period
January 2017 to December 2019 Cultural Heritage Page 18RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
Non-indigenous Known non-indigenous cultural heritage site information is currently only
available through STT’s Conserve database. Known sites are located in the
field and then managed through the manuals described below.
New sites discovered during planning or operations, such as water races,
tramlines, mine-workings, and habitations are generally managed. Where
known sites are not able to be located, whether due to location accuracy or
vegetation cover, these are managed with the advice of the FPA specialists.
Any new sites found are protected from operations and reported to the FPA.
Generally the sites are then able to be managed through procedures
manual, but at times further consultation may be required.
Non-indigenous cultural heritage, management prescriptions described in
FPA endorsed manuals4.
Examples of sites from the Tasmanian Forest Estate are the Parrawe sawmill
site at Mobbs Road, Mining water races on Saltmarsh and settlers cottage
on Big Park.
4
Forest Practices Authority, Tasmania (Interim document October 2015) Procedures for managing historic
cultural heritage when preparing forest practices plans,
http://www.fpa.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/132819/Procedures_for_managing_historic_cultural_
heritage_when_preparing_FPPs.pdf
For the period
January 2017 to December 2019 Cultural Heritage Page 19RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
8. The physical environment
Overview Given the complexity of the region, the Regional Management Plan is to be
used in conjunction with individual operational plans and FPP’s. Details
included in individual FPPs will include:
Location and access
Infrastructure
Geology and soils
Topography
Legal ownership and tenure.
Location and The Forest Estate is located in the local government areas of:
access Break O’Day
Central Cosat
Derwent Valley
Launceston
Burnie
Dorset
West Tamar
Tasman
Meander Valley
Kentish
George Town
Southern Midlands
Northern Midlands
Sorell
Huon Valley
Central Highlands
Waratah/Wynyard
Glamorgan/ Spring Bay
Circular Head
For the period
January 2017 to December 2019 The physical environment Page 20RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
Infrastructure Infrastructure located on properties is detailed in the GIS. Plantations are
serviced by a mix of state, shire and private roads.
Key markets There are deep water chip export facilities located at Bell Bay and Burnie.
Topography, As the Forest Estate is broadly distributed across the northern side of
geology and soils Tasmania, topography varies greatly. The topography, geology and soils of
specific properties is described in FPP’s when planning operations.
Where soils have particular issues such as high erositivity, this is included in
FPPs and other operational plans, and specific measure will be considered
in operational planning.
Geomorphology Management of geomorphologic features through harvesting and
establishment practices is controlled by the FPC and subsequent FPPs
developed in conjunction with FPA specialists.
There are two main geomorphologic features known from within the Forest
Estate. Both are Karst cave systems in the Mole Creek and Gunns Plains area.
These areas have been established with these features in mind and will
continue to be managed to minimise the impacts that operations may pose.
Climate Climatic data was sourced from weather stations, maintained by the Bureau
of Meteorology, within the vicinity of the Forest Estate to provide a guide
to general climatic conditions.
Figure 3 shows the variation in temperature across the year.
Figure 3 Mean monthly temperature
Continued on next page...
For the period
January 2017 to December 2019 The physical environment Page 21RMSTA
Forest Management Plan
…continued Mean Annual Rainfall ranges from 775 mm at St Helens to 1068 mm at
Marrawah. St Helens, unlike the other locations shown, has significantly
reduced rainfall with low variability in mean monthly rainfall (
Figure 4).
180
160
140 Scottsdale Mean
120 Rainfall (mm)
100 St Helens Mean
rainfall (mm)
80
Sheffield Mean
60 Rainfall (mm)
40 Marrawah Mean
20 Rainfall (mm)
0
Dec
Feb
Sep
Nov
Jan
May
Jul
Oct
Mar
Apr
Aug
Jun
Figure 4 Mean monthly rainfall
Water Water quality and flow is affected by numerous natural and man-made
factors, such as annual rainfall, vegetation type and age, soils, geology and
topography. Human influence stems from clearing, roading, dams,
cultivation and any other operation which may alter natural drainage
patterns. Inappropriate chemical usage may have adverse impacts on water
quality. Storm events and natural disasters may also have a negative
influence, through turbidity and erosion processes.
In managing the risks associated with forest operations, PF Olsen Australia
assesses catchments, categorising streams and applying management
strategies to minimise the possible effects. These are implemented through
the FPPs and associated operational plans.
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Forest Management Plan
9. Biodiversity Values
Introduction Indigenous biodiversity management in or associated with plantations is an
essential component of PF Olsen Australia’s forest management. Although
plantations can provide a level of biodiversity, the areas of native forest are
usually the source of most indigenous biodiversity. Rare and threatened
species may also be found within planted areas and require special
attention for management. This section details protected ecosystems and
rare and threatened species found in the Tasmania Forest Estate.
Significant PF Olsen Australia is progressively reviewing properties for the presence of
Biodiversity Significant Biodiversity Values in accordance with its High Conservation
Values Value Best Practice Guide and local Tasmanian requirement. The process
involves checking government databases for the presence of rare or
threatened species or ecosystems and associated ground truthing by
suitably qualified professionals5
Details of Significant Biodiversity Values and related management
objectives are recorded in the GIS, FIPS and on relevant FPPs and
operational plans.
Operational monitoring will review and assess the appropriateness of these
objectives.
Protected Areas of remnant native vegetation are located throughout the forest
Ecosystems estate. These areas are predominantly steep inaccessible land in the North
and West, and dry rocky areas in the South and North East, that were too
difficult or too poor to convert to pasture by farmers, in years past. In the
North and North West, the vegetation type is wet sclerophyll forest, with
Eucalyptus viminalis, E. obliqua and some minor patches of rainforest. In the
North-East and South, poorer areas are generally dry sclerophyll E.
amygdalina forest with some areas of wet sclerophyll containing E. globulus
and E. obliqua. These areas are field verified as Forest Practices Planning is
undertaken on a property.
Continued on next page...
5
PF Olsen Australia employs FPO’s. However, the FPO’s use the expertise of relevant FPA experts to review plans.
For the period
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…continued Assessments are based on the relevant Bio-regional “Forest Botany
Manual” issued by the FPA. At a regional level un-verified forest typing is
available on the LIST and Conserve data bases. These are derived from aerial
imaging and interpretation, based on the Forest categories from the
Tasmania Regional Forest Agreement (1997) with protection given to forest
types based on the Comprehensive Adequate and Representative (CAR)
reserve system, ensuring that 95%, of the 1996 assessment, is reserved
from conversion to other land uses. This addresses the Permanent Native
Forest Estate Policy.
PF Olsen Australia has a strict exclusion zone policy for areas of remnant
native vegetation. This means that areas of remnant native vegetation are
not to be damaged or disturbed by forest operation and where possible
steps will be taken to enhance the quality of these areas of vegetation by
weed management and the exclusion of stock.
As a last resort if an existing track through remnant vegetation is required
to be upgraded for safe access to or egress from the planted areas, the
specific patch of remnant vegetation will be assessed for any significant
biological diversity values by a relevant expert prior to any work beginning.
Records of vegetation condition before and after shall be maintained on file.
Areas of protected ecosystems are identified in the GIS and details of their
type, rarity and quality are recorded on in FIPS.
Monitoring of native vegetation is undertaken using a series of permanent
photo points and the PF Olsen Australia Bio-physical Natural Assessment
methodology6.
Rare and Through the Forest Practices System, the identification and management of
threatened threatened species is administered and then delivered via Forest Practices
species Plans (FPP’s). PF Olsen Australia utilises databases of known sites and
predicted zones, administered through, Sustainable Timbers Tasmania’s
(STT) Conserve Database and the Department of Primary Industries, Parks,
Water and the Environment (DPIPWE) Biodiversity Values Database (BVD).
These systems are interrogated by PF Olsen Australia’s Forest Practices
Officers and utilised in the desktop and field verification component of the
FPP’s. As the possible presence of rare and threatened species is identified,
they will be listed in FIPS and management requirements developed.
During the management of the plantations our trained staff also record
sightings of rare and threatened species that they observe directly or are
bought to their attention by other stakeholders.
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6
Knight, R.I. (2013). Rapid assessment method for surveying and mapping biophysical naturalness. A report to PF Olsen
Australia Pty Ltd. Natural Resource Planning, Hobart, Tasmania.
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…continued Examples rare and threatened species that are regularly managed through
the FPP system are Wedge Tailed Eagle nest searches and operational
management around known nests through the breeding season, Grey
Goshawk nests searches and Giant Freshwater Crayfish habitat
identification.
10. Non-Timber Forest Products and Values
Introduction Forest plantations may also provide for non-timber forest products that
enhance the economic wellbeing of the owner or legitimate forest users.
Non-timber products are an important means of maximising the production
capacity of the forest whilst maintaining environmental and social values.
The forest management plan provides procedures for developing and
managing these resources.
Forests can also provide many other special values, which are also provided
for and managed through the forest management plan.
Non-timber The following non-timber products are currently being produced or may be
forest products produced or developed in the Forest Estate:
building rentals
grazing and hay cutting
apiary
carbon stocks
Building rental A number of properties have houses or sheds that are rented out. Local
real estate agents manage the leases of these assets, with
PF Olsen Australia responsible for approving maintenance as necessary on
the properties.
Details of the infrastructure on the properties that are leased out and which
Agent is responsible for them is maintained
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Grazing & Hay Grazing is an effective method of fuel reduction and is conducted (under
Cutting agreement between the agistee and PF Olsen) throughout the estate area.
Grass levels and stocking rates are to be monitored by the agistee and the
forest manager. Hay cutting is also used for fuel reduction on unplanted
areas.
Consideration of other values on a property, such as native vegetation, and
the effect that grazing will have on them will be considered prior to
agistment being allowed.
Apiary Bee-keeping is another potential source of seasonal income. Apiary permits
are managed by PF Olsen Australia.
Carbon An estimate of current and future carbon is calculated using equations
developed specifically for Tasmanian native forests and Eucalyptus nitens in
plantation. The calculations are based on inventory estimates for
merchantable volume for native forest and plantation. The equations
developed by industry partners, have been based on best available current
information.
The carbon cost of extraction relates to carbon emissions for harvesting and
transport, equating to 8.36 tonnes of carbon per 1,000 tonnes of wood
extracted.
RMS endeavours to minimise fossil fuel use and maintain or enhance forest
carbon by;
• Encouraging the use modern fleets of fuel efficient plant (including
vehicles), having them regularly serviced and maintained,
• Utilise the shortest legal cartage routes where we can, and
• Maintain a productive vigorous plantation estate.
A number of strategies to reduce the overall fossil fuel use on the Tasmanian
Forest Estate are in place. These include:
Working to identify the most efficient combinations of equipment for
harvesting crews
Changes to Silvicultural Standards to reduce ripping depth, decrease
use of cultivation and burning.
The current year (2017) estimate of current carbon is based on the SOP
Carbon Calculation RMS.
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…continued
Table 3 Estimate of current carbon
Crop Tonnes of C
Eucalypt plantation 6,948,163
Pinus radiata 28,440
Native forest 603,386
Non forest vegetation 495,365
Total 8,075,353
Based on the annual harvest estimates of 2000ha/year and an average
rotation age of 12 and an average MAI of 19 the annual carbon is assumed
for eucalyptus plantation to remain relatively stable.
The Native forest and non forest vegetation will remain relatively stable
within the next rotation of 12 years.
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11. Commercial Crop Establishment
Introduction Crop establishment is a critical sequence of operations that can set up a
plantation to achieve its potential. The chosen species has to be suitable for
the site and meet the objectives of the Forest Estate. It is also important to
ensure that the planting material is of a high quality.
Crop species The crop species within the Forest Estate is Shining Gum (Eucalyptus
nitens) with small areas of Tasmanian Blue Gum (E. globulus).
The Tasmanian Blue Gum is endemic to Tasmania and parts of southern
Victoria, including the Otway Ranges. Shining gum is endemic to eastern
and southern Victoria and NSW as well as small areas in Tasmania.
A range of genetic material has been used in the existing RMS Estate. This
ranges from wild seed, particularly in the earlier plantings to improved
seed. RMS have a number of seed orchards throughout the estate,
managed by seedEnergy. These orchards will the main source of seed for
new plantings.
Shining Gum and Tasmanian Blue Gum are recognised as excellent species
for production of high quality chemical pulp that is used in the production
of printing papers, due to the whiteness of the wood and short fibre
length. Tasmanian Blue Gum has superior pulp yields to Shining Gum.
Eucalyptus globulus is the preferred species on most sites. Eucalyptus
nitens is suited to high quality high rainfall sites where there is a high risk
of frost damage to young seedlings.
The estate will be replanted almost exclusively to E. nitens (Shinning
Gum). There are no plans to establish Tasmanian Blue Gum (E. globulus) or
softwoods (Pinus radiata) on the forest estate. E.nitens has optimal
growth on a wide range of sites, well suited to the forest estate.
Wildings Eucalyptus globulus seed is one of the largest eucalypt seeds while
Eucalyptus nitens has tiny seed. In general seed from these trees does not
fall far from the parent tree. Wilding establishment is quite rare. Annual
perimeter inspections of planted areas will identify any wildings in adjacent
fire breaks or native vegetation and recommend appropriate control
measures.
Hybridisation The risk of hybridisation between plantation E. nitens and susceptible native
eucalyptus species adjacent to plantation areas is managed through
monitoring as directed by the Forest Practices Code.
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Establishment The operations undertaken for plantation establishment are dictated by the
RMS Silvicultural Standards. Depending on the site quality of the
plantation, and harvest type, the operations involved in plantation
establishment may include:
Clearing – windrowing of harvest slash. These windrows may be
burnt either the reduce risk or allow the target stocking to be
achieved at planting.
Cultivation – depending on the soil type, secondary cultivation breaks
up large soil clods along the planting rows and provides a good micro-
site for planting.
Pre-plant weed control – to ensure the planted seedlings have
minimal competition for site resources.
Game-control – to minimise impact of browsing by native mammals
on seedlings.
Planting – by hand. Planting is closely monitored through Quality
Assessment plotting during the operation.
Fertilising – Controlled release fertiliser can be applied by hand
during the planting process or post planting by hand or aerially. This
is required to replace nutrients harvested during the first rotation or
address specific nutrient deficiencies associated with the particular
site.
Post-plant weed control – conducted on an ‘as needed’ basis
following site surveys indicating weed competition. When necessary,
post-plant weed control will be achieved through boom spraying over
the planted seedlings, depending on species and chemical options.
More than one post-plant weed control operation may be necessary.
Insect control - conducted on an ‘as needed’ basis following site
surveys indicating lower than targeted growth rates. When necessary
insect control will be achieved through spraying over the planted
seedlings, depending on species and chemical options. More than
one treatment may be necessary.
Survival Assessment – a survival count is conducted through the
planted area to achieve a minimum survival.
PF Olsen Australia Best Practice Guidelines are in place for each of these
operations to ensure environmental impacts and health and safety risks are
minimised, and all legal and other obligations are met.
Research Trials The Forest Owners have acquired a plantation estate that has several seed
orchards located strategically across the estate. These are managed by a
separate entity called Seed Energy. There are numerous progeny and
operational trials as well as permanent growth plots. Further research and
development with new chemistry and stocking variation is ongoing.
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Forest Management Plan
12. Silvicultural Operations
Introduction Silvicultural operations are implemented to ensure a good quality forest
and maximum growth. Several site specific silvicultural regimes throughout
the DFA. Selection of an appropriate regime is pivotal in the pursuit of
sustainable forest management. Management objectives, whilst driving the
final outcome, are influenced by local conditions (soil, rainfall, altitude and
exposure). From this, the estate is broadly broken into four site quality
categories with varying stocking rates. These options are determined
collaboratively between RMS Timberlands and PF Olsen Australia.
All operations require a suitable plan that documents the operation, the
expected outcomes, and how these outcomes will be measured (i.e.
through quality assessment). The operation plans include:
a written prescription
a map detailing the area to be treated and special values to be
protected
a site safety plan
This ensures:
safety of staff and contractors
activities are undertaken consistent with internal and external
requirements
a documented history of every activity.
Getting ready Before silvicultural operations commence a plan is prepared. This plan will
be based on the following considerations:
Terrain - what method can be used that is safe for the operators
Soil and water – the impact on soil and water will be minimised
and/or mitigated
Safety – to ensure forest operations are carried out safely and comply
with all legal requirements
Compliance – all relevant legislation and codes of practice must be
complied with.
Wildlife habitat and ecosystems – these will be maintained where
possible or the impact on such habitats will be minimised and/or
mitigated.
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…continued Other forest values – to ensure that other forest values such as
recreation and non-timber products are recognised and where
practical protected.
Offsite impacts – to identify and minimise the adverse impacts of
forest operations on people and the environment.
Financial – to ensure forest operations are carried out in an efficient
and effective manner and consider both short and long term
implications.
Operations will be undertaken by contractors and supervised by the forest
manager.
Chemical usage Chemicals listed on the World Health Organisation (WHO) class Ia and Ib are
not used within the Forest Estate.
All pesticides and fertilisers are risk assessed and pre-approved prior to
inclusion in silvicultural regimes.
Chemical usage is strictly controlled. Operational plans working within
legislative framework and Codes of Practice are used to provide neighbours
and operators confidence in the procedure. All chemical usage is within
label or approved off-label permit requirements. Application contractors
are suitably qualified and appropriate PPE is worn.
The usage of chemicals on the estate is minimised through the use of;
Timing – applying at the most appropriate time for greatest efficacy,
Targeted application – applying only where required, and
Correct rates – applying minimum quantity to be effective.
The forest manager and forest owner are committed to researching
alternatives and reviewing the use of existing approved chemicals across the
estate. All chemical use is recorded in FIPS.
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13. Forest Inventory and Quality Assurance
Introduction Forest inventory and quality assurance checks are critical to ensuring growth
is optimised and risk minimised. The following types of checks are
conducted:
Pre-operational assessments
Operational quality checks
Mid-crop inventory
Pre-harvest inventory
Permanent growth plots
Pre-operational Pre-assessment is the collection of stand parameters prior to a silvicultural
assessment operation. It allows for:
The calculation of contract rate for the operation.
A final check on the validity of the regime and timing of
commencement of operations e.g. stocking can be achieved or crop
height is sufficient for scheduled coppice thinning.
Sampling intensity is low with typically a minimum of five randomly located
plots per stand and data is collected from only six trees per plot. Data
collected is then used with the time standards set out in the relevant Best
Practice Guideline to calculate a man-day target and hence a contract rate
per hectare. Contract rates are often set by tender or negotiation, reducing
the need to pre-assess each and every block. Pre-assessment however does
provide good quality information on the work content involved in each
silvicultural operation and sets a base price for negotiation.
Quality control Quality control is carried out during and after a silvicultural operation. The
aims of the quality control system PF Olsen Australia have established are
to:
Collect sufficient data to monitor a contractor's performance and
correct this if necessary, with minimum delay.
Collect sufficient quantitative data to provide reliable estimates of the
state of the crop.
Provide data as input for growth modelling.
Provide data for estimating timing of the next silvicultural operation.
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…continued All sampling and measurement is completed in line with procedures
developed by PF Olsen Australia.
Data is summarised by forest compartment or stand prior to being entered
into FIPS – Land Information Module where it is retained as a permanent
record. The records can then be directly accessed for growth model and
Computer Growth Simulation Programmes, annual reports and valuations.
PF Olsen Australia’s "Best Practice Guidelines" detail the procedures to
follow pre-assessment and quality control assessments.
Mid-crop The principal aim for the mid-crop inventory is to collect stand data for
inventory inputs for growth modelling. Under current silvicultural regimes mid-crop
inventory is scheduled for between 4 and 5 years of age.
Sampling intensity is targeted to achieve an acceptable precision on a stand
by stand basis. Smaller stands may be aggregated into crop types to achieve
this.
Pre-Harvest The principal aim for the PHI is to obtain estimates of recoverable volume.
Inventory (PHI) This information can then be used to develop marketing and harvesting
strategies. A PHI will be undertaken when stands reach two years or less
from harvesting.
Sampling intensity is targeted to achieve 15% confidence limits on volume
on a stand by stand basis. Smaller stands may be aggregated into crop types
to achieve this, as in mid-crop inventory.
Permanent Permanent Growth Plots (PGP’s) have been established across the estate in
Growth Plots order to monitor current and predict future growth and yields. The forest
manager will continue to measure and re-establish plantation on existing
PGP sites. RMS may also establish new PGP’s where/if they are required for
additional data.
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14. Harvesting Strategy and Operations
Rate of harvest RMS Timberlands is responsible for determining the rate of harvest. It
utilises Pre-Harvest Inventory (PHI) and growth models to determine the
sustainable level of harvest.
RMS currently sells its timber to international customers for both wood fibre
and solid wood products. In order to best take of advantage of fluctuating
international markets, RMS models a “pool” of possible areas with differing
product mixes. These pools are then manipulated around several factors
(such as weather limitations, cart distance etc) to give a good spread of
differing blocks over the harvest year.
Growth Models RMS Timberlands uses permanent and temporary plot sampling strategies
to guide management decisions and help ensure growth and yield models
are appropriate for the properties under management in Tasmania. RMS
growth and yield models for Eucalyptus in Tasmania are based on models
originally published by Candy (1997), and refit by Musk (2010). Growth and
yield system outputs are used in Woodstock planning and optimization
software to help produce strategic, tactical and operational plans that meet
RMS business goals.
Harvesting The optimum timing of harvesting of properties is dependent on a range of
strategy & factors including:
Allowable Cut Plantation growth;
Market conditions;
Contractor and port access availability; and
Seasonal constraints.
A number of different harvesting systems can be used to harvest hardwood
plantations for woodchip. These are:
Shortwood stystems, where trees are felled, delimbed and forwarded
to roadside where they are loaded into trucks and transported to a
static chipper; and
Longwood systems, where trees are felled, skidded to roadside where
they are processed into logs which are loaded into trucks and
transported to a static chipper or export log yards.
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For the period
January 2017 to December 2019 Harvesting Strategy and Operations Page 34You can also read
