Overview:
With 127 hectares of native forest on his 130-hectare property in Upper Rollands Plains, northwest of Port Macquarie, landowner Wayne has plenty to manage regarding land stewardship.
The property boasts a diverse range of native hardwood tree species, including Grey Gum, Ironbark, Tallowwood, and Blue Gum. However, despite its size and biodiversity, Wayne has faced ongoing challenges with bushfire risk, largely due to a significant infestation of the invasive weed Lantana. This has not only increased the fire hazard but also severely limited accessibility across the property, making it difficult to manage and maintain essential areas effectively.
After 18 years of ownership without any harvesting activities, Wayne turned to Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) to enhance his forest management and address key challenges such as bushfire risk, limited accessibility, and land stewardship. SFM provided a comprehensive solution, offering timber harvesting, bushfire risk reduction, and track restoration, which not only resulted in timber income but also improved accessibility and long-term sustainability of the property.
“The timber income was great, but the ability to access parts of my land that I had never seen before and now have clear access to, is invaluable,” Wayne K, Landholder
The Forest Management Challenge at Upper Rollands Plains
Managing the significant Lantana infestation was the primary challenge Wayne faced on his property. With large areas overgrown and inaccessible, the risk of bushfires near the property and infrastructure had become a major concern, particularly as the Lantana encroached on key areas. Unsure of the overall health of his forest and the best way to address these issues, Wayne sought expert advice from Sustainable Forest Management to assess the Lantana problem and determine the most effective course of action.
Sustainable Forest Managements Solution
After being referred to Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) by his accountant (who also serviced one of SFMs haulage contractors), Wayne decided to engage with SFM for a forest assessment. Following this, a tailored forest management plan was developed, which included timber harvesting, weed control, and track restoration. The primary objectives of the plan were to reduce bushfire risk, manage the Lantana infestation, and improve accessibility across the entire property.
Key activities:
- Timber Harvesting: A selective harvest was undertaken to remove trees that posed a risk to infrastructure and to reduce bushfire fuel loads near the house. The operation also helped to clear some of the overgrowth that had contributed to the Lantana problem.
- Track Restoration: Old, degraded tracks were cleared, and new tracks were opened up to improve access across the property. This was especially valuable as it allowed Wayne to access previously hidden areas of the land and improve ongoing property management.
- Lantana Management: As part of the harvesting operation, Lantana-infested areas were cleared, reducing the spread of the weed and making the property safer and more accessible.
- Landholder Consultation: Providing landowners with the support and confidence to make informed decisions about their forest management.
The results
The forest harvesting operation provided multiple benefits:
- Bushfire Risk Mitigation: By reducing tree density and clearing hazardous vegetation around his house, Wayne now has a much-improved firebreak that provides a protective barrier against bushfires.
- Improved Property Accessibility: The restoration of old tracks and the creation of new ones enabled Wayne to access more areas of his property, some of which he had never seen before due to the thick Lantana. These tracks now allow for more effective land management and regular inspection of the entire property.
- Timber Income: Timber harvesting provided a significant financial benefit to Wayne, generating income that he can reinvest into further land improvements or other activities.
- Ongoing Management Support: Regular communication with SFM throughout the process, including site visits and coordination with the harvest crew, ensured that Wayne felt supported and informed every step of the way.
“Working with Sustainable Forest Management has been a positive experience from start to finish. The team helped me understand what was possible with my property and guided me through every step of the process. The timber income was a bonus, but the real value has been in the improved accessibility and bushfire risk management. I feel much more in control of my property now, and I’m looking forward to continuing the journey with SFM.”
Wayne, K, Landholder.
In summary,
Wayne’s experience with Sustainable Forest Management has transformed his 130-hectare property into a more accessible, fire-safe, and sustainably managed asset. Through timber harvesting, weed control, and track restoration, Wayne not only tackled the challenges of Lantana infestation and bushfire risk but also gained valuable timber income and improved long-term property management.
If you are unsure where to begin, take the initial step of reaching out to SFM for expert advice and to arrange your free forest assessment, just like Wayne did.
“There are no silly questions about forestry and logging. You’ll receive honest, clear information to help you understand the process,“
Wayne, K, Landholder.
If you’re considering sustainable forest management for your property, contact SFM today on 1300 367 378 and take the first step toward a more manageable, productive, and sustainable future for your land.
