Forest Products Industry

Simplify the number of parts in your curve sawing gang while adding stability, support, and reliability. The Clamping Guide Bar upgrade from USNR replaces the 3-prong style pusher rod assembly with a modern, sturdier ram tube style saw guide clamp.

It also comes with the innovative pull back feature, which pulls the clamping mechanism back to create a gap, as pictured above. This allows saw filers to easily remove saws for quick change-out.

Benefits include:

• Increased reliability
• Improved support & stability
• Lower maintenance costs

Contact your USNR representative to learn more.

To read previous USNR related posts click here

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Indonesia is expanding access to its forestry carbon market under a new regulation designed to simplify carbon trading procedures, attract international investment and increase the supply of high-integrity carbon credits, Vietnam+ has reported, citing a senior government official. Source: Carbon Herald The policy, Regulation No. 6/2026 issued by the Ministry of Forestry, marks “a new chapter in the carbon market era” for the country, according to Edo Mahendra, senior advisor to Indonesia’s forestry minister. Mahendra said the regulation is intended to support carbon trading in the forestry sector by creating clearer and more streamlined business processes while responding to growing global demand for higher-quality carbon credits. He added that the framework was designed to preserve environmental integrity as the market expands. The government is also broadening access to carbon investment mechanisms, including adoption of a “nesting” approach intended to prevent double counting of carbon credits and strengthen confidence in the market. The nesting system is aimed at improving coordination between projects and national accounting systems as Indonesia develops its carbon market infrastructure. This approach would help ensure that emissions reductions are counted only once. Mahendra said Indonesia is seeking to position itself as a leading participant in international carbon markets rather than a passive player. He added that the government would continue strengthening the country’s credibility by aligning with international market standards. Indonesia is home to one of the world’s largest tropical forest areas, which officials regard as a key natural asset in absorbing carbon emissions and addressing climate change. The country has increasingly promoted forestry-based carbon trading as part of efforts to attract climate-related investment while leveraging the carbon storage potential of its forests. The new regulation comes as governments and investors place greater emphasis on transparency and environmental credibility in global carbon markets.

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The creation of a third new national forest in England has taken an exciting step forward with the government committing up to £7.5 million over a five-year period to support the project. Source: Timberbiz This marks continued progress towards fully delivering the government’s manifesto commitment to create three new national forests in England. The new national forest – to be located in either the Midlands or North of England – is expected to be up to 600 square miles in scale, large enough to make a significant long-term contribution to tree-planting targets, while sitting comfortably within the area’s existing landscape and local identity. Eligible organisations across the Midlands and North of England have been invited to submit bids to become a delivery partner. The third new national forest will have a particular focus on improving health outcomes for communities, with low-income communities disproportionately feeling the impacts of poor access to green and blue spaces. There is compelling evidence that access to woodland and green spaces delivers substantial public health benefits, including: better mental health and reduced healthcare costs increased physical activity and chronic disease prevention cardiovascular benefits and stress relief stronger social connections and community engagement cognitive development in children and young people   “In our manifesto we promised three new national forests, and after the Western Forest and the OxCam arc forest we’re looking for England’s newest forest in the Midlands or the North,” Nature Minister Mary Creagh said. “Too many communities can’t access the green spaces that benefit mental and physical health. This new national forest will help change that, and I encourage every eligible organisation with the vision and expertise to come forward. “The National Forest in the Midlands has demonstrated what is possible, planting 10 million trees to transform the landscape, increasing tree canopy and woodland cover from 6% to 26%, and supporting more than 5,000 jobs in the visitor economy.” Delivery partners for the third new national forest will work with Defra and the National Forest Company to help identify and establish the forest, providing targeted economic, environmental, and social benefits. “Opening the competition for the third new national forest is a major milestone in accelerating our tree planting ambitions. We are looking forward to seeing some strong applications that can make a real difference for the health and wellbeing of communities across the Midlands and North of England,” National Forest Company Chief Executive John Everitt said. “The government is keen to prioritise locations and approaches that best demonstrate how a richer, more accessible natural environment can improve health and wellbeing for the people who need it most.” This investment forms part of the government’s commitment to the largest ever investment in nature, with over £1 billion invested in tree planting and support for the forestry sector this parliament. This will make a significant contribution to Environment Act targets, including the statutory target to increase tree canopy and woodland cover to 16.5% by 2050. It will also contribute to the government’s target to halt the decline of species and protect 30% of land for nature by 2030. New national forests will accelerate progress towards woodland creation targets, while shaping policy innovation that speeds up tree planting delivery across the country. This announcement builds on significant progress already made. Planting has already begun at the Western Forest — the first new national forest in more than 30 years, which will see more than 20 million trees planted across Bristol, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset by 2050.

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The new ARBMAX D35 is a 13-inch tracked drum chipper driven by a Deutz 75hp/55kW diesel power unit, weighing 2,700kg. It’s designed to sit in a category of its own — offering the power of a large commercial chipper in a chassis compact enough to move freely across any terrain. Source: Timberbiz The D35 is the largest capacity tracked woodchipper on the market that can be towed on a trailer under 3,500kg. Drum chippers process material continuously — the drum draws wood through consistently, which means faster throughput and more consistent chip size compared to disc chippers. For professional tree surgeons handling high volumes of material, a drum chipper reduces processing time and keeps operations moving. Wide infeed aperture versus a disc chipper means larger and more challenging material can be fed into the machine meaning less cutting and more productivity on-site. The D35 takes this further with a dual-drive feed system and Hardox-toothed feed wheels that crush and pull even the most awkward material without hesitation. Paired with a three-knife drum rotor set within a Hardox-lined chamber, it delivers consistent chip quality job after job while keeping maintenance requirements low. One of the biggest challenges for arborists working on difficult access sites is getting equipment to where it’s needed. The D35’s remote-operated tracked undercarriage solves this. Navigate slopes, soft ground, and confined urban gardens with the same confidence you’d have on open terrain. The tracks deliver exceptional grip while minimising ground disturbance, critical when working on client properties where surface protection matters. Best in class ground clearance enables D35 operators to go where no other chipper of it size can reach. As a tracked-towable woodchipper, the D35 also remains practical for road transport between jobs — combining true off-road capability with the convenience of a towable chassis. For tree surgeons regularly moving between urban and rural sites, this flexibility is a genuine operational advantage.

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Gisborne District Council in New Zealand says it is taking a clear and consistent approach to certifying suitably qualified and experienced forestry experts involved in forestry activities across Te Tairāwhiti. Source: Timberbiz Standard forestry consent conditions produced last year require companies to use suitably qualified and experienced practitioners (SQEPs) to prepare plans, design works, and verify that work has been carried out in line with those plans and good practice. Sustainable Futures Director Jocelyne Allen says the changes bring more clarity and consistency to how forestry work is managed. “SQEPs are a well-established approach in regulatory settings and are now being applied to forestry activities, with a clear process to ensure they are assessed and certified consistently,” she said. “These experts play a key role in forestry activities. Depending on their role, they may prepare forestry plans, manage or inspect work on the ground and confirm that work has been completed in line with approved standards.” Mrs Allen says this is particularly important for Tairāwhiti given the region’s highly erosion-prone land. “This is about making sure the right expertise is applied to the right work. It gives the industry clearer expectations and helps ensure work is done to the right standard. “The process helps give our communities confidence that forestry activities are being planned, managed and verified to an appropriate standard.” Council recently met with forestry stakeholders to present the SQEP certification process. Feedback from workshops with the forestry sector highlighted limited SQEP capacity in the region and the need for a practical pathway for experienced practitioners who may not automatically meet the SQEP definition. Practitioners who do not automatically meet the SQEP definition under the consent conditions may apply through the certification process to demonstrate equivalent qualifications and experience.

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The Queensland Police Service (QPS) conducted joint enforcement and engagement activities in the Imbil, Kenilworth, and Amamoor area in May alongside Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers and members of HQPlantations. Source: Timberbiz Multiple teams patrolled state forests and nationals parks. The major focuses were on traffic offences, illegal camping, illegal collection of timber, and compliance with regulatory notices. Rangers issued six infringement notices in relation to illegal camping. Camping is only permitted in designated camping areas and camping fees apply. Police conducted 25 random breath tests and issued three infringement notices for defective motor vehicles and speeding. A drug warning was given to a 21-year-old female from Coolum Beach in relation to the possession of cannabis and utensils.   All intercepted vehicles received an educational package from HQPlantations staff outlining the applicable laws for responsible recreation in the plantation forests, highlighting the importance of remaining on formed roads as well as compliance with road closure signage. Forestry tracks are generally closed due to active logging, which involves the use of large and potentially dangerous machinery posing a risk to motorists entering without permission. Closed tracks are monitored using overt and covert surveillance cameras, and fines can be issued by QPWS and QPS officers in relation to traffic offences and failing to comply with regulatory notices. These stakeholders regularly patrol together to ensure plantation forests and national parks are a safe place for all.

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The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) has welcomed its newly elected council, led by incoming president Adrian Loo and vice president Jack Palmer. Source: Timberbiz Joining them on council are Lania Holt, David Cormack, David Rhodes, David Saathof, Russell Dale, Mathilde Batelier-Belton, Rob Miller, and Penny Baker. Outgoing president James Treadwell said the Institute was entering its next phase from a position of strength, with a clear strategy and a highly capable leadership team to guide it forward. “NZIF has a strong and experienced new leadership group, backed by councillors with expertise across forestry, land use, policy, conservation, operations, research, consulting, governance, and education,” Mr Treadwell said. “I would like to sincerely thank each of them for volunteering their time and expertise in support of the profession and the wider forestry sector. These roles require a significant commitment alongside already demanding careers, and the Institute relies heavily on people willing to contribute in this way. “It is also great to see new faces joining Council and the next generation stepping forward into leadership roles. I am especially pleased to see former members of Future Foresters now moving into senior leadership positions within the Institute. This says a great deal about both the individuals involved and the long-term future of the profession.” Mr Treadwell said the incoming council would now lead the implementation of the institute’s recently developed strategic direction, which focuses on strengthening professionalism, improving member value, growing influence, supporting future leaders, and ensuring NZIF remains a respected independent voice for forestry in New Zealand. “A great deal of volunteer time has gone into developing the Institute’s strategy and positioning NZIF for the future. The new Council is well placed to build on this work and continue modernising and strengthening the organisation,” he said. “Forestry in New Zealand continues to face major challenges and significant opportunities. Having a strong professional body with thoughtful and committed leadership has never been more important. “The Institute is in great hands with Adrian, Jack, and the new Council. I know members and the wider sector will give them the same strong support I have been fortunate to receive over the past 12 years.”

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Forestry Corporation’s Elissa Tolson has been recognised as the top student in TAFE NSW’s Certificate III in Forest Operations, receiving the prestigious G&J Groves Award for outstanding achievement across the two-year course. Source: Timberbiz The award recognises excellence in practical forestry operations, safety, planning and industry knowledge. Ms Tolson was one of 20 Forestry Corporation staff to undertake the qualification alongside employees from Local Land Services, forestry contractors and members of the NSW timber industry. Currently based in Grafton, Ms Tolson works as a forestry officer overseeing hardwood timber operations across the Clarence Valley and Northern Rivers. “I work as a harvest coordinator looking after hardwood timber harvest crews and con-ducting pre-harvest forest surveys through to monitoring harvest operations and quality control audits,” Ms Tolson said. “I’ve always been interested in the environmental and scientific side of forestry. Before this, I worked at the University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus in Brisbane as an animal research assistant. “I got sick of living in the city, so I came home to the Coffs Coast and traded the concrete basement of a laboratory for an incredible job working outdoors in State forests. “I love being in the bush all the time and the thrill of working outdoors. It’s been a complete lifestyle change and the most amazing experience in my career where the forest is mostly my office.” TAFE NSW forestry teacher Adam Farquharson said Ms Tolson stood out throughout the course. “The Certificate III course is a 13-unit qualification undertaken over two years and is de-signed to give students an all-encompassing introduction to forestry operations across NSW,” Mr Farquharson said. “The course covers a wide range of forest types and operational environments and includes field trips to experience operations in coastal hardwoods in Grafton, softwood plantations in Tumut, cypress pine forests in Narrandera and red gum operations at Bar-ham on the Victorian border. “Students completed practical safety units, log grading and written assessments, while gaining an insight into how operations are planned and carried out in different forest types across the state. “Elissa really shone as a conscientious student. Her work and assessments were consistently top notch, and she demonstrated a genuine passion for the industry and the environment.” Ms Tolson is now planning to continue her studies undertaking Certificate IV level training focused on operational planning and crew management. She said one of the most valuable aspects of the course was the opportunity to network with forestry workers from across NSW. “The course has been a great networking opportunity because you meet people across the state who you wouldn’t normally work alongside unless you were on a fireground together,” she said. “It also opened my eyes to the variety of careers in forestry — from ecology and road planning through to harvesting and fire operations. “Being able to see how the softwood sector operates in comparison with coastal hard-wood forestry was really valuable.” An Advanced Firefighter, Ms Tolson has recently undertaken firefighting deployments to Narrabri, Bulahdelah and Tenterfield, in addition to supporting numerous fire operations across the Clarence Valley and Northern Rivers. “Firefighting is a really good skill set to have in forestry and it’s fascinating learning how fire behaves in a forest and how it can be used as a tool to safeguard communities, timber assets and wildlife from future wildfires,” she said. A large part of Ms Tolson’s role also involves tree marking and forest surveys in steep native forest terrain. “When we’re tree marking, we do surveys across forest patches under 10 hectares and usually walk between four and six kilometres a day,” she said. “I enjoy the fitness side of the job, which includes working in really steep country. Working in a forest is such a rewarding career and one that I am glad every day that I pursued.” The award sponsor, G&J Groves, has been part of the Australian forestry industry for 68 years. Established in 1957 by Geoff and Jean Groves after relocating from the Blowering Valley during the development of Blowering Dam, the company has grown into a major forestry haulage operation and remains a fourth-generation family-run business with strong ties to the NSW timber industry.  

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The Australian Forest Products Association has two submissions on foot; one is a submission for the Carbon Credits and Other Legislation Amendment Bill and the other is a submission titled Effectiveness of sanctions against the Russian Federation. Source: Timberbiz In the Carbon Credits and Other Legislation Amendment Bill submission AFPA says that it supports the intent of the Bill and acknowledges that many of the proposed amendments reflect important recommendations of the Independent Review of Australian Carbon Credit Units (the Chubb Review), particularly for the integrity, governance, transparency and public confidence in the ACCU Scheme. The Scheme’s integrity is fundamental, and reforms that enhance confidence in ACCUs are both necessary and welcomed. AFPA says the integrity of carbon methods and the Scheme is essential to support investment in practical and productive abatement. It is also essential to drive opportunities to expand the ACCU scheme’s participation through productive, additive abatement methods such as could be achieved through the built environment. This will be critical for the Scheme’s long-term success and support Australia’s Net Zero commitments. In the Effectiveness of sanctions against the Russian Federation submission AFPA says that the sanctions imposed by the Australian Parliament in response to the war in the Ukraine appear to be inadequate. AFPA believes Russian Federation timber products have been rerouted in both raw and processed form through third countries to avoid Australian sanctions. In the submission AFPA says that for Australia the evidence is clear that a large volume of Russian timber is being transferred and/or transformed through China which avoids the sanctions. For Australian manufacturers the impact has been and continues to be devastating; they are losing market share to large quantities of imported product—which the macro data points to it being dumped—and the evidence also suggest that much of it is Russian timber with few other markets in the current geopolitical climate. This is at a time when our mills have reduced output due to a depressed and stagnant housing market. AFPA recommends that the Australian Government: Extend the 35% tariff on Russian products to all products containing Russian materials irrespective of where they are imported from Undertake anti-dumping actions against products containing Russian materials; and Undertake proactive compliance activity to stop and reduce the risk of Russian timber products being rerouted through other countries and imported into Australia.   You can download the Carbon Credits and Other Legislation Amendment Bill submission here. You can download the Effectiveness of sanctions against the Russian Federation submission here.  

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The NSW Government published the Independent Forestry Panel’s Stakeholder Consultation Report. The NSW forestry industry is a complex but crucial part of the state’s economic future which needs modernising reform across both softwoods and hardwoods to capture new opportunities to move up the value chain for timber products and improve environmental outcomes. Source: Timberbiz The Independent Forestry Panel, chaired by Peter Duncan AM with other panel members Professor Mary O’Kane AC and the Hon Mick Veitch, has produced a report which outlines stakeholder feedback and areas where government should focus in the development of a future Action Plan for the forestry industry in NSW. In producing the report, the panel consulted with representatives from the timber industry, forest growers, environment groups, unions, Aboriginal communities, local government, business, related industries, tourism, scientific experts and the Commonwealth Government. Following the finalisation of the Stakeholder Report, the panel has been tasked to produce a Considerations Report. This report will accommodate the Stakeholder Report findings and identify opportunities to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the NSW forestry industry and support jobs, in the context of recent and ongoing changes, including: the NSW Government’s moratorium on logging in the proposed area for the Great Koala National Park changes to the Commonwealth’s Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 opportunities the Australian Carbon Credit Unit Scheme could offer state forestry reform, including potential revenue for the NSW Government.   The Panel’s Stakeholder Report is available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/cabinet-office/resources/independent-forestry-panel-stakeholder-report

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May has been better than expected for export logs with prices remaining stable. Key indicators are suggesting some head winds ahead, but that nasty word “downturn” is not currently in the mix. I noted my April report differed from other commentators on a key element which is the China Eastern Seaboard inventory. My reports reflect the Softwood Log inventory, the majority of which is NZ Radiata pine. This refers to all breakbulk delivered logs held in storage, in or close to ports, supplied mostly from NZ, but also including Australia, Uruguay, and the Pacific North West. As at the first week of May, the total inventory sat at 2.6 million m3, round numbers, down 100,000 m3 on my March report. The inventory is a critical market component with buyers constantly monitoring this before setting prices. A dropping inventory right now is good for the market, but it must be emphasised, this is an overall number with some significant variations across ports. For the NZ log trade, Lanshan Port is the most significant as the largest destination for NZ logs. Lanshan is on the southern border of the Shangdong province. It is a central hub of many sawmills and as your average Boeing 737 flies, is about 480km north of Shanghai. The softwood log consumption across the Eastern Seaboard as at early May had slipped under 60,000 m3 per day but is better than expected for the time of year. Lanshan port is running at 27,000 m3 per day usage. Not all usage is NZ Radiata pine but still 35-40% of our total normal supply on an ongoing basis. Just to put this into context, 27,000 m3 is nearly 75% of the volume on a Handy Class logger vessel, of which there are more than 50 carrying NZ logs to China on a monthly basis. The reason Lanshan is highlighted in this report is because it is a key market driver for NZ logs with log price settlements across the Eastern Seaboard reflecting what is happening in Lanshan. Importantly, at mid-May, in the Shangdong and adjacent Jiangsu provinces bordering Lanshan, the log trader breakeven level being the difference between the wholesale prices traders get for NZ logs and what they pay kiwi exporters, has widened to about a US$7 per m3 shortfall. I doubt you will need an abacus to work out what could lay around the corner if prices in China do not lift to cover the breakeven margin and very quickly. Gently put, there is potential for supply demand forces 101 to not end well for NZ logs in June. The counter to what could be a negative, is the current slow-down in harvest volumes in NZ. Last month I suggested a 7% to 10% drop but that is now looking to be too conservative. The previously reported impact of increased diesel prices on harvest operations more than 100km from ports, is being doubled down by a drop in volumes from the Nelson region wind damage recovery. Some harvest of sawlogs is having to be stopped because bugs and pathogens are also really enjoying a chew down on our wonderful radiata pine lying on the ground with phytosanitary constraints now interceding on what can and cannot go to the port. On a national basis, harvest volumes are looking to be down 20% – 25%. Whilst this is healthy for holding on to export prices, domestic sawmills could run short in some regions. As reported in recent months, domestic sawmills are experiencing a lift in sales, albeit not to levels that would excite their bank managers at this stage. In India, market prices have been stable, but shipping rates are if anything firming as charterers have to pay a premium to get a fixture.  Current shipping rates are US$70 – 71 per cubic metre compared to US$42 – 43 for a China voyage. There is a growing expectation the Free Trade Agreement with India is going to ensure a much better bottom line for Kiwi forest growers with the pre-FTA tariff about US$6 – 7 per m3. We can only hope Kiwi exporters do not beat each other over the head with additional volumes which would flood the market and quickly erode the gain. As always, please remember the thoroughly important message.  “It remains fundamentally important, the only way forward for climate, country and the planet, is to get out there and plant more trees”! Allan Laurie, Managing Director, Laurie Forestry.

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