Assessing Your Forest
A property assessment involves one of our staff coming to you and walking throughout your property's forest to determine the species, health and volume of your timber. We then sit down with you to discuss our assessment at length. The value of your timber (the royalty), will depend on several factors including the species, size and quality of the timber as well as the location and terrain. Understandably, steeper terrain means higher extraction costs and remote properties incur higher transportation costs. These costs are calculated into the value of your timber.
We strive to gain the landowner the most value for the timber felled by utilising each log to its full potential. Your forest may produce many different timber products which have differing monetary values including:
· Mill logs
· Veneer logs
· Power/Telegraph poles
· Girders
· Firewood
· Fencing products (split posts)
Firewood and Fencing products are generally a by-product of the operation used to assist in minimising wastage with only certain species being suitable.
Due to the vast differences in Australian native forests: rainfall, topography, soil types, species mix and any past logging activity, it is difficult to say there is a ‘typical’ forest yield. That’s why we believe it is invaluable to come and assess your property in person and evaluate the timber on a case by case basis. Different timber species are more valuable than others with Coastal Blackbutt being one of the most sought after in the current market. After assessing your property we will provide you with an estimate on the value of your timber.
Are you wondering what your property's timber may be worth? Contact us today for a free assessment
Approvals and Permits Process
Regulations require a number of approvals to be obtained before undertaking a logging operation on your property. Our services include assisting you with the necessary paperwork to obtain these approvals. We can direct you to the correct people to apply for the permits or are happy to gain the permits on your behalf.
The first stage of the approvals process is acquiring a Private Native Forestry Plan (PNF Plan). This is obtained through Local Land Services (LLS). The LLS will consider several factors in assessing your property before formulating a map indicating the area that is permitted to be harvested.
Once the PNF Plan has been agreed and approved, the second stage of the process is a Forest Operation Plan (FOP) which is completed by us. The FOP details how the forest operation will be conducted and managed including access points, types of machinery to be utilised, internal property roads, as well as the timber species and age, density of your timber, and the past history of your forest.
Please be aware the approvals process can take time, sometimes several months. If you are considering logging your property, we recommend starting this process as early as possible. Please contact us if we can help you with gaining these approvals.
PNF Plan obtained through the Local Land Services delineating the approved areas for timber harvest
Harvest Operation Commencement
The first step in undertaking logging operations is to gain access into your forest. This entails having a track suitable for trucks to haul the timber out. The second step is the creation of timber ‘dump’ sites. Dump sites are the central areas where logs are pulled to after being felled. This is where the timber is then processed which entails barking the log and measuring its length and girth to obtain the cubic metre volume. Each log is then stamped with their respective measurements and graded according to its size and quality. All logs are graded in accordance with the Forestry NSW log grading specifications. The grade and measurement of each log is recorded on a docket as it’s loaded onto a log truck and a copy of each docket is given to the landowner. The information on these dockets is how your, the landowner's, royalty is calculated. Your royalty is then paid directly to you by the mill. This ensures that there is no middle man taking any percentage/margin of your royalty payment and you receive the full value of your timber.
We strongly encourage landowners to visit the dump site, particularly in the early stages of the operation, so that they can view the process undertaken and we can explain each step of the measuring and grading process and answer any questions you may have regarding the EPA regulations that the operation is conducted under. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and integrity and want each landowner to feel assured that we are working with their best interests in mind.
A logging operation in action. Logs are processed and loaded at a central dump site
Post Operation Management
In compliance with the current regulations and Code of Practice, we ensure that ecological sustainable forest management practices is implemented and that measures are put in place to mitigate impacts on your property’s plants, animals, soil, and water. Habitat and recruitment trees for animal refuge are left at the prescribed level per hectare in accordance with strict EPA regulations. While erosion control measures are undertaken during and at completion of the operation to prevent erosion and contaminants entering waterways.
The Australian forest responds well to disturbance. Harvesting of select timbers stimulates regeneration and retained trees are able to grow and flourish through the creation of space and light. A healthy forest provides a wider range of feed trees, particularly for koalas who prefer the leaves of trees with vigorous healthy growth. Additionally, these flourishing trees will be the resource of the future. Effectively managed, utilising established silviculture practices, timber harvesting is a sustainable cycle which can provide a renewable resource for many years to come.
For those landowners who want that extra peace of mind that their forest will continue to serve as a habitat, a tree planting service can be provided. We can arrange for a diverse range of local species, or specific koala feed trees to provide for a future potential koala habitat. You may wish to have a region of your property planted or perhaps a treed corridor. We will happily discuss this with you and make any necessary arrangements.
Managed correctly, your forest can be an ongoing renewable resource for generations to come