Re-seeding of state forest underway

Posted on 12. Mar, 2010 by Editor in ForestryTas

Forestry Tasmania has commenced its annual program of regeneration burning and re-seeding of harvested areas.

General Manager Operations Paul Smith said the commencement of the program was timed to take place after the first Autumn rains, which have now fallen in most parts of the State.

“The prevailing weather conditions in Autumn allow the wood remaining on harvested areas to dry in the sun and wind, while the surrounding forests remain damp. These conditions are the safest under which planned burns can take place.

“We understand that regeneration burns do cause concern to some members of the community. However, it is not widely understood that harvested coupes are usually re-seeded within days of a regeneration burn.

“Eucalypts are fire-adapted, and the regeneration burning and re-seeding program ensures vibrant regrowth of areas that have been harvested for wood products.”

Mr Smith said Forestry Tasmania would again make every effort to reduce the impact of smoke on communities.

“We are again participating in the trial of the Coordinated Smoke Management Strategy, which limits the amount of smoke released into the State’s airsheds.”

Information about planned burns is updated daily during the season on the Tasmanian forest industry’s planned burn website: www.plannedburnstas.com.au

ENDS

12 March 2010

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