Discover how Angela and Daniel, owners of a 150-hectare rural property on the New South Wales Mid North Coast, transformed their native forest into a sustainable and fire-resilient asset. Faced with overgrowth, invasive weeds, and bushfire risks, they partnered with Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) to implement a comprehensive Forest Management Plan.
This case study explores how selective logging, improved access, and targeted weed management helped restore the forest’s health, enhance biodiversity, and reduce fire risks—ensuring long-term sustainability for their property. Find out how they implemented sustainable forestry practices to protect their trees for long-term ecological and economic benefits.
The Challenge
The key challenge Angela and Daniel faced was time. Between running a small cattle operation, raising children, and managing everyday life, they had little opportunity to focus on their forest’s health or tackle issues like bushfire preparedness and weed infestations. These challenges were compounded by the dense vegetation, overgrowth, and the spread of invasive species which were threatening the biodiversity of the forest and increasing fire risks with access tracks in particular becoming more inaccessible each year.
Situated in the Mid Coast region known for its fertile farmland, pristine waterways, and lush forests, their property includes approximately 100 hectares of native forest, home to a diverse mix of hardwood tree species including Grey Gum, Ironbark, Tallowwood, White Mahogany, Bloodwood, Brush Box and Turpentine.
Historically the property had received very little harvesting with only firewood and fencing for their own use being harvested from the forest. There had been no formal forest management plan in place.
The Solution
As passionate stewards of the land and with an awareness of the complexities of effective forest management, Angela and Daniel knew they needed to engage professional help. After hearing a glowing recommendation from a neighbor who had recently completed a similar project, they reached out to us at Sustainable Forest Management.
We quickly got to work, guiding them through a fresh approach to forest management. Starting with a forest assessment, followed by a comprehensive Forest Management Plan. This plan was designed to tackle overgrowth, enhance fire risk management, and boost biodiversity, while also providing practical steps for ongoing maintenance.
Key actions included:
- Selective Harvesting, Thinning, and Improved Access: Thinning overcrowded areas and removing non-dominant species allowed more light for native vegetation to thrive, boosting biodiversity and reducing fuel loads. Reopening and upgrading access tracks improved land management and facilitated controlled burns.
- Bushfire Mitigation: Thinning vegetation and improving access significantly reduced bushfire risks and strengthened fire resilience.
- Weed Management: Clearing tracks and improving forest health enabled better weed control, allowing native plants to flourish and enhancing the property’s ecological balance.
- Ongoing support through regular visits and clear communication ensuring the project’s continued success.
Results and Benefits:
- Improved Forest Health: The thinning of overcrowded areas and removal of invasive species led to a healthier and more biodiverse forest. Native plants began to thrive, and the overall forest ecosystem showed signs of recovery.
- Better Bushfire Management: The improvements in access and fire risk mitigation have given Angela and Daniel greater peace of mind, knowing that the property is now far better equipped to manage bushfire risks.
- Sustainable Revenue: The selective harvest of timber not only improved forest health but also provided an additional revenue stream, supporting the property’s long-term sustainability. This revenue can be reinvested in further forest management or other farm activities.
- Increased Accessibility: The reopening of access tracks made land management much easier and more efficient, allowing for quicker responses in emergencies, such as fires or floods.
In Summary
With the Forest Management Plan now in place and armed with their newly acquired in-depth forest knowledge, Angela and Daniel now feel confident that their property is on a path to long-term ecological health and sustainability.
With the support of Sustainable Forest Management, their property has been transformed into a more resilient and productive asset. By addressing key issues like bushfire risk, invasive species, and forest health, they have secured the future of their property for generations to come.
Ready to engage help from the experts?
If you’re a landowner seeking to better manage your private native forest, contact Sustainable Forest Management today on 1300 367 378. Let us help you ensure a healthy forest for the long-term.
