All native forests need to be actively managed for environmental reasons, whether for timber production or not. This is to ensure resilience against fire and to promote biodiversity and forest health.
The primary method for sustainable forest regeneration in Australia has been the controlled use of fire, a technique practiced for thousands of years. This approach, central to many active forest management strategies, involves cool, low-intensity burns to preserve natural habitats, increase biodiversity, and reduce forest fuel, thereby protecting people, property, and forests from the threat of wildfires.
Many native Australian plants are well adapted to fire, including Eucalypt trees, with some native species requiring fire to germinate (CSIRO).
The active management of forests can also involve thinning or selective timber harvesting. Sustainable timber harvesting typically focuses on removing a suitable portion of the trees that have reached or are beyond their potential, leaving behind habitat, future habitat and adolescent aged trees for the ongoing sustainability of your forest. You can read more about active forest management techniques in our blog – Top 6 Sustainable Forest Management Techniques.
The Importance of Growing New Trees
‘Wood is the ultimate renewable resource. Unlike any other mainstream building material, wood can be planted, grown and Wood is the ultimate renewable resource. Unlike any other mainstream building material, wood can be planted, grown and harvested, thus reducing the resource depletion of our planet, increasing the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere and stored in wood, and lowering the environmental impact of construction through lower embodied energy.
It has been projected that actively managing our forests over the coming decades may reduce well over 50 gigatonnes (50,000,000,000 tonnes) of carbon emissions that would otherwise enter the atmosphere. Maintaining Australia’s forests will make a real difference in reducing climate change.
Growing trees absorb carbon dioxide and store it as carbon. They do this so efficiently that carbon accounts for about half of the dry weight of wood. This carbon remains in the wood for its lifetime, regardless of its use in construction or furniture.
Choosing wood instead of other materials has other advantages too. ‘The production of wood products uses less energy (usually sourced from finite fossil fuels) than other building materials that can be used in its place’.
New South Wales Contribution
Forty per cent of NSW’s native forest is privately owned, meaning it is the landowner’s responsibility to manage their forests for the future sustainably. There are over 3.4 million hectares of private native forest in Northern NSW alone. Without active management, the future health of Australia’s forests is uncertain.
Around one million cubic metres of hardwood is harvested from NSW and QLD native forests each year. For perspective, this accounts for 3% of Australia’s yearly timber harvesting. It is a vastly underutilised resource. Department of Primary Industries
Sustainable Forest Management supports landowners across the New South Wales North Coast with the long-term management of forests to ensure their forest’s potential is harnessed as a renewable resource. This forms part of a sustainable approach to the health and protection of Australia’s forests for the future.
The Future of the Timber Industry
Our forests are incredible resources, vital to both the environment and our daily lives, as Australians rely on wood products every day. However, with growing demand and limited local supply, Australia currently imports between 20-30% of its timber annually to meet these needs.
The future of the timber industry in Australia depends on sustainable management and innovative practices to address this demand. As timber shortages continue, it’s more important than ever to adopt strategies that promote long-term forest health and productivity.
By focussing on sustainable timber harvesting, reforestation, and the use of advanced technologies, the industry can continue to provide the essential wood products Australians rely on while ensuring our forests health for future generations. Prioritizing local sourcing and production whilst reducing dependence on imported timber will be key to securing a stable and sustainable timber supply.
Ready to take the first step in sustainable forest management? Contact us today at 1300 367 378, or simply fill out our Contact Us form. We’re here to help you actively manage your forest to unlock its full potential while ensuring long term sustainability.