Fire Salvage Harvesting Prescriptions 2009
Timber harvesting operations conducted in burnt environments (salvage operations) require different management to standard operations to ensure timber recovery is expedited and that salvage operations, as a second major disturbance to a forest in a short period, do not compound environmental impacts caused by the fire. Salvage operations have the potential to adversely impact on the ecosystem following wildfire, through removal of habitat refuges, damage to regenerating plants, distribution of weeds, and sedimentation.
The Code of Practice for Timber Production 2007 states that ‘special Plans must be prepared and approved where major salvage operations of timber are undertaken following wildfire, storms or other events, and must address recovery strategies for other forest values. Minor salvage operations may require modification of the existing Wood Utilisation or Timber Release Plan. Salvage harvesting must take as much account of environmental care as any other harvesting operation.'
The Fire Salvage Harvesting Prescriptions October 2009 apply to all timber salvage harvesting operations conducted within wildfire affected areas. Unless otherwise specified, the Fire Salvage Harvesting Prescriptions apply for the period from the time of the wildfire to the start of the third winter following the wildfire.
The Fire Salvage Harvesting Prescriptions apply to burnt areas up to 3 years after a fire event. Conditions applied to approved coupes, in conjunction with the Fire Salvage Harvesting Prescriptions 2009 constitute the ‘Special Plans’ required by the Code.
The Fire Salvage Harvesting Prescriptions address issues likely to be common to all coupes harvested in recently fire affected areas. Specific issues affecting individual coupes, such as threatened species habitat and catchment protection strategies that may require adjustment after the fire, will be addressed through the TRP amendment endorsement and approval process.
Fire Salvage Harvesting Prescriptions October 2009 (PDF - 107 KB)
