Australian timber industry news

The Lakes Reserve on the edge of the Blue Lake in Mount Gambier is a demonstration forest site established 18 years ago. It contains all original provenances of Pinus radiata from North America, as well as improved material from selected breeding traits of interest and other species (Pinus pinaster and Pinus brutia), supplied by Tree Breeding Australia. Source: Timberbiz It was originally a genetic conservation planting demonstrating the history of tree breeding. The recent drought led to increased disease and considerable mortality that created risk to the community members who recreate in the forest. Dianne Patzel worked closely with the council and an industry working group to develop a Whole of Life management plan. The first step was to thin the stands to remove dead and dying trees to help the remaining trees grow and remove site risks. Dr Nari Williams, Anna Smith and Krishmina Thapa worked with Ms Patzel to assess the degree of disease and mortality, measure the standing volume and sample with the Resitool and Hovermap. The data will be analysed to compare the plots at the site. The site was thinned by Dohnts and the material was chipped to be used by Van Schaik’s Bio Gro. The Forestry Centre of Excellence plans to work with council to set up interpretation signage and then use this as a demonstration site where you can bring visitors to the region. The site could also be used by local schools and the new Limestone Coast Technical College is proposing bringing students there for hands-on measurements. There are many people to thank but Ockert Le Roux was involved in everything from the start, including council meetings and coordinating with stakeholders. David Kensley did the harvest planning and tree marking, Lew Parsons and David Geddes performed the financial analysis presented to Council, Dr Desmond Stackpole performed the drone assessment, and Clinton Sims assisted in early planning for the site. This is a great example of collaboration between the Centre, local government and local forestry companies.

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