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An upgrade to Tigercat’s latest telematics firmware has added functionality, an improved user interface, and taken advantage of the latest advanced engine diagnostics capabilities. Source: Timberbiz The firmware V4.0 update offers enhanced features for a more comprehensive telematics experience including an updated LogOn web interface, with the inclinometer on the main screen and a dedicated text messaging icon. With the latest update, LogOn puts more diagnostic and repair resource in your hands. Users with RemoteLog equipped machines now have the ability to perform an inducement unlock without the need for an unlock PIN. In addition, the complete service manual for the machine can be accessed with LogOn. The LogOn interface provides easy-to-understand steps to diagnose issues, directly referencing the appropriate section of the service manual. Several diagnostic tests can be initiated directly from LogOn to further diagnose the underlying reason for the fault code. CAN Analyzer can now capture CAN data based on a trigger that can be set to either an ArbID or a PGN. The capture will stop after the specified time post trigger when the trigger is detect-ed, or on the Stop button. A bulk recorder has been added that records all CAN traffic until clicking Stop or when the recording file size reaches a maximum size. A complete Engine ECU Stores Data report is now generated when requesting stored data from the ECU. Engine and aftertreatment diagnostic tests: The Compression Test detects relative low cylinder compression by controlling fuel and measuring crankshaft speed during engine cranking The Runup Test checks the fuel injection system for proper operation and perfor-mance The High Pressure Rail Test checks the fuel rail system for proper operation and performance, including fuel rail pump performance, system leakage, fuel pressure regulator tightness variation, and fuel pressure control instability The Exhaust Flap Valve Test runs a sequence of position requests to the exhaust flap actuator and compares the requested positions to the actual positions Several aftertreatment tests including the Urea Dosing System Test (UDST), Urea Dosing Pump Check (UDPC), and Urea Dosing Leakage Check (UDLC)   Colour coding has been added to the Engine Diagnostics reporting screen to make it easier to comprehend the status of the test. This applies to all the tests available in Engine Diagnostics.

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Sumitomo Forestry has been named in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index (DJ BIC World), a globally renowned ESG investment equity index. In this index, Sumitomo Forestry secured the top score in the homebuilding industry (among 16 eligible companies) for the fifth consecutive year. Source: Timberbiz In addition, Sumitomo Forestry has also been included in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Asia Pacific Index (DJ BIC Asia Pacific), an index comprised of Asia Pacific companies. This is the 18th time Sumitomo Forestry has been included in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Indices (DJ BIC) since first selected in 2005. Launched in 1999, the DJ BIC series are sustainability-related equity indices announced yearly by the US company S&P Dow Jones Indices. Companies are evaluated and analysed on their sustainability practices based on economic, environmental, and social criteria and those that demonstrate superior performance are selected for inclusion. DJ BIC World comprises global sustainability leaders as identified by S&P Global through the Corporate Sustainability Assessment (317 companies, of which 35 companies are Japanese).. In addition to the DJ BIC series, Sumitomo Forestry has been selected for ESG indices adopted by Japan’s Government Pension Investment Fund, one of the world’s largest pension funds. Every year, Sumitomo Forestry publishes the Sumitomo Forestry Group Sustainability Report on its corporate website to provide information on the Group’s sustainability initiatives to investors and a wide variety of other stakeholders. Sumitomo Forestry Group formulated Mission TREEING 2030, a long-term vision with 2030 as target year, the same target year as the United Nation’s SDGs. In this long-term vision, the company defined nine material issues from the perspective of providing value for the planet, for people and society, and for the market economy.

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Forest owners are interested in the voluntary protection of their forests, offering more than 1,000 hectares for the first application round organised by Metsä Conservation Foundation.  Source: Timberbiz These 85 sites represent diverse forests from all over Finland. “I’m very pleased with the number of applications. Information about Metsä Conservation Foundation has reached forest owners well. The interest shows there’s demand for voluntary forest conservation,” said Shaheena Turak, manager of Metsä Conservation Foundation. Metsä Conservation Foundation provides funding for the permanent protection of forest sites with high biodiversity value in Finland. The goal is that the protected area remains in the ownership of the forest owner. The forest owner initiates the conservation process. Metsä Conservation Foundation’s first application round received the most applications from Lapland, North Ostrobothnia, North Karelia and South Savo. In terms of area (hectares), the largest share was offered from Lapland. The sites offered for conservation vary in size from one hectare to more than 100 hectares. Next, Metsä Conservation Foundation’s Conservation Committee will evaluate the sites. Forest owners who have submitted an application will be notified from June onwards whether their site will be conserved through Metsä Conservation Foundation. The Conservation Committee will visit the best sites, after which the Foundation’s Board will confirm the conservation decisions. Forest owners will be notified during autumn if the Metsä Conservation Foundation wants to protect their site. Based on current estimates, the first conservation decisions are expected to be made public around the turn of the year. “It’s clear that, unfortunately, we’ll not be able to protect all valuable offered sites, which means that even some good sites will not receive funding. Our goal is that in the coming years, the volume of conservation increases, and the foundation attracts more partners,” Turak says. Metsä Group’s parent company Metsäliitto Cooperative founded Metsä Conservation Foundation in 2025 to meet the need for additional protection of forests with significant nature value in Finland. The foundation aims to complement both the existing conservation networks of valuable forests and the variety of protection methods. The foundation also wants to inspire new operators to join conservation work.

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Students at Mount Gambier’s Limestone Coast Technical College are gaining direct exposure to the future of bushfire detection and emergency response technology, following the integration of real-world bushfire footage captured by Pano AI’s advanced detection network. Source: Timberbiz Using the College’s immersive learning environment, Igloo, students recently viewed historic footage from the March 2025 Fox fire in South Australia’s south-east, a fast-moving blaze that triggered emergency warnings as crews battled extreme heat, strong winds and dense scrub. More than 100 firefighters and aerial resources were deployed as the fire burned through hundreds of hectares under challenging conditions. The footage, captured via Pano AI’s panoramic detection cameras operating in partnership with the Green Triangle Fire Alliance and supported by a $2.5 million investment from the South Australian Government, demonstrated how artificial intelligence and high-definition imaging can detect smoke signatures in their earliest stages, providing critical minutes of advanced warning to fire agencies and land managers. Pano AI’s detection network is strategically deployed across the Green Triangle region, supporting coordinated early detection capability across commercial forestry estates, agricultural land and surrounding communities. “By combining 360-degree panoramic cameras, AI-powered detection and human verification, Pano AI provides early smoke detection and real-time situational awareness for fire agencies during high-risk conditions,” said Andrew Prolov, Head of Australia GTM at Pano AI. “Across the Green Triangle, this detection network is helping protect forestry estates, farms and regional communities by identifying ignitions earlier and giving responders critical extra time to act before incidents escalate.” South Australian Forest Products Association’s Nathan Paine said that bringing operational detection footage from a real incident like the Fox fire into the classroom transformed how students understood technology’s role in emergency response. “These are the systems already protecting landscapes across the Limestone Coast. Students are not learning about hypothetical future tools, they are seeing the infrastructure that is actively protecting their own region,” he said. Limestone Coast Technical College is designed to deliver hands-on, industry-aligned training in sectors critical to South Australia’s economic future. Integrating advanced detection technology into the learning experience reinforces the evolving nature of trades, engineering and land management roles where digital systems, automation and real-time data now sit alongside traditional practical skills. “It is great to be able to work with our industry partners on real world content,” Jason Plunkett, Industry Training Specialist at the Limestone Coast Technical College said. “Having the students see how their learning can be translated into real world settings is incredibly valuable. Being able to keep the material current is an amazing opportunity and allows the students to consider recent community issues when developing their understanding.” As climate pressures intensify and bushfire seasons become more complex, early detection technology is increasingly recognised as essential infrastructure. By connecting students to live examples of AI-enabled emergency management, Limestone Coast Technical College is helping prepare a workforce capable of operating, maintaining and advancing the technologies that underpin regional resilience. Through its ongoing partnership with the Green Triangle Fire Alliance, Pano AI continues to strengthen early detection capability while contributing to the development of future-ready technical skills in South Australia’s south-east.

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Tasmanian farmers and landowners will have access to free resources and events to learn about how carbon forestry works as part of Private Forests Tasmania’s new Carbon Forestry 101 project. Source: Timberbiz Supported by the Tasmanian Government’s Renewables, Climate and Future Industries (ReCFIT), Carbon Forestry 101 will be rolled out from 2026-2028 to Tasmanian farmers and landowners. The project will see all information about carbon forestry brought together into the one place and unpacked in plain, easy to understand language without the jargon. This will include information on carbon science, carbon forestry methodologies, carbon markets (what are they) and governance. It will also cover off on the sustainability integration of carbon forestry projects and their benefits across entire properties. Private Forests Tasmania’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Elizabeth Pietrzykowski said Carbon Forestry 101 was a learning experience. “We hope this project will give Tasmanian farmers and landowners the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about carbon opportunities for their properties. “Information about carbon and carbon forestry can be complex and full of jargon. It is also available through different channels but can rarely be found in the one space or solely with a Tasmanian context. “Carbon Forestry 101 will address this exactly and will be a great way for farmers and landowners to enhance their knowledge before committing to undertake a carbon forestry project.” Dr Pietrzykowski said carbon forestry projects are not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ situation and often are most successful when they are integrated in addition to existing farming enterprises and can be navigated with clear awareness of the opportunities and risks. “We know that farmers and landowners know their land best. They understand where its most productive, least productive and are managing complex risks and changing conditions and costs every day. “Carbon forestry projects have been around for a while now but are becoming increasingly appealing for their environmental, economic and sustainability benefits. “It can be difficult to know where to go to even start to understand what it is and how it works. “Private Forests Tasmania’s Carbon Forestry 101 will bring all the pieces of carbon forestry together.” The Carbon Forestry 101 project was formally launched at Agfest, at site 809 in the TasFarmers tent. Farmers and landowners’ interested in being part of Carbon Forestry 101 are encouraged to register their interest in the project by providing their details to Private Forests Tasmania. TasFarmers Chief Executive Officer Nathan Calman welcomed the project, highlighting the role farm forestry can play in strengthening on-farm outcomes. “The TasFarmers’ Forestry Committee have worked closely on the benefits farm forestry can generate, and we’re pleased to see this project launched,” Mr Calman said. Tasmanian farmers and landowners wishing to register for Carbon Forestry 101 can do so by visiting www.pft.tas.gov.au/carbon-forestry-101 For more information about Carbon Forestry 101, contact Private Forests Tasmania by calling 1300 661 009 or emailing admin@pft.tas.gov.au  

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The New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA) says the latest set of changes to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) are an important step toward a more nationally consistent and risk-based framework for managing forestry activities across New Zealand. Source: Timberbiz NZFOA chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says the changes, due to come into effect on 4 June as part of the wider Resource Management Act reforms, better align regulatory oversight with the site-specific risks associated with New Zealand’s diverse forestry landscapes. “Forestry operates across highly variable terrain and environmental conditions,” Dr Heeg said. “Regulation needs to reflect those differences rather than assume every site carries the same level of risk. “Ensuring there is a nationally consistent framework remains of critical importance to forest owners, but not at the expense of applying identical rules regardless of landscape, erosion profile or catchment sensitivity. “Durable environmental outcomes require regulation that is consistently applied and reflects actual environmental risk across different forestry environments. “A forest in rolling hill country, for example, presents different risks to steep land above a sensitive catchment. The updated NES-CF is better equipped to recognise those differences and risks.” Dr Heeg says the NES-CF changes are emblematic of an evidence-based approach to environmental management, particularly on steep and erosion-prone land. “Forest owners have seen how differing interpretations of environmental rules between regions can create uncertainty, duplication of rules and cost burdens without improving environmental outcomes,” she said. “The latest changes strengthen the ability to focus regulatory requirements where environmental risk is higher, while allowing decisions to better reflect site-specific conditions. This is a more practical and targeted approach to managing environmental risk.” The reform will also provide more certainty for forest owners, contractors, councils and communities. “Forestry is planned over years – often decades. Decisions about planting, roading, harvesting and replanting rely on regulation that is clear, grounded in evidence and workable in practice,” Dr Heeg said. “Greater national consistency will provide more certainty around how forestry activities and environmental risks are managed across the motu.” The Association says the introduction of a Slash Mobilisation Risk Assessment framework is a practical example of a more risk-based approach being applied in practice. It recognises assessments developed and relied on, by the sector and by councils. “Post-Cyclone Gabrielle, the sector has been adapting management practices for higher-risk environments, particularly around slash management, erosion risk, harvest planning and decision-making on more complex sites,” Dr Heeg said. “The proposed framework reflects ongoing work to continually improve how harvest residue risk is identified and managed across different environments and terrain types. “It enables higher-risk sites to be identified more consistently, so management efforts can be focused where they are most needed, while still allowing for different approaches depending on the nature of the land and the level of environmental risk involved.” Dr Heeg says it’s important that forestry regulation has scope to evolve as science, operational experience and changing climate conditions shape what best practice looks like in the field. “Forestry needs a system that supports long-term investment, protects the environment and keeps people safe, while allowing practices to continue improving over time,” she said. “That is particularly important in higher-risk environments, where operational decisions can involve steep terrain and complex conditions, and where managing the safety of people working on the ground is integral to how work is planned and carried out. “Forest owners support regulation that can adapt as science, data and operational experience evolve. But as always, the detail of how these changes are implemented will be critical to whether they achieve their intent in practice.”

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