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Forestry Facts: An Overview Statistics Old Growth Forests Biodiversity Bushfires Australia's changing forests Native forests Forests and the Economy Eucalypt (Hardwood) Plantations Pine (Softwood) Plantations Multiple use forests Woodchips Pulp and Paper Regrowth forests The World's Rainforests The Greenhouse Effect Glossary of Terms Timber construction in bushfire areas |
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Multiple use forestsForests are very important ecosystems which support many plant and animal species. Since early times, humans have used forests to provide a range of goods and services. As human populations increased and forest resources became less abundant, more attention was given to managing forests. It is important to ensure a sustainable supply of products and services from multiple use forests for the needs of present and future generations. But it is fundamental that the forests that grow the wood are healthy and vigorous so that they can sustain themselves in perpetuity and promote regrowth. If this is the case the wood products the public want will always be able to be supplied. All activities in multiple use forests affect the environment in some way, varying in relative intensity and duration. In the context of ecologically sustainable development, the effects must be compared with the effects of alternative ways of supplying wood. The Resource Assessment Commission (1992) in its forest and timber inquiry report examined extensive evidence on the environmental impact of logging in native forests. Despite this, it concluded that 'an immediate cessation of logging in native forest is not justified on the basis of evidence before it' (Resource Assessment Commission 1992, p. 178). The Commission also said that on most counts, the current management of multiple use forests has less of an environmental impact than the establishment, maintainence and harvesting of both exotic and native plantations (Resource Assessment Commission 1992, pp. 263-4). It is important that the 'precautionary principle' be followed when managing timber harvesting in multiple use native forests. This means the environmental management practices must be adaptable and carefully monitored to avoid serious and possibly irreversible damage (Resource Assessment Commission 1992, p. 10). Codes of forest practice have been used for some years now to protect wildlife, soil, water and landscape values. Provided that harvesting is sensibly managed and closely monitored over time, the community will benefit from the supply of timber and paper products while maintaining a healthy forest estate. Multiple use forests are vital to all Australians. Sustainable development, a worldwide goal ratified at the 1992 Earth Summit in Brazil, means that we must use our resources wisely, taking care not to degrade environmental values. Sustainable timber harvesting in multiple forests embodies these aims. References Resource Assessment Commission 1992, Forest and Timber Inquiry Final Report, vol. 1, AGPS, Canberra. |
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