Protecting environmental values
To achieve a high level of protection of environmental values in its forest production operations, DERM Forest Products implements the provisions of the Code of practice for native forest timber production on State lands 2007 (PDF, 4.4M)* and the associated Operating Guidelines. These prescribe practices to protect endangered species, habitats, water quality, soil properties and ecological processes.
Topographical features
Operational harvesting plans submitted to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) for review and approval before harvesting detail protection measures for individual harvesting sites. For example, plans may include identifying slopes, unstable areas or watercourses as special management areas or exclusion zones. Implementation of these plans and the associated application code is subject to audit by QPWS.
Steep areas and stream-side vegetation are excluded from harvesting operations and endangered, vulnerable or rare species are identified and managed in accordance with Species Management Profiles produced by QPWs.
Native fauna
In accordance with the Code of Practice, timber cutters are not to fell trees in which any protected native fauna species is visible until the animal moves out of danger of its own accord. Trees containing active bird nests and the nests of understorey and ground-nesting species are also protected from harvesting. Requirements of the State’s Nature Conservation (Koala) Conservation Plan 2006 are also incorporated into harvesting plans where applicable.
Pests and weeds
We also take action to prevent or minimise the introduction or spread of pests, weeds and diseases. This is achieved mainly by restricting the movement of vehicles accessing forest areas, and washing them down when required.
Road construction and maintenance
Roads into State-owned forests need to be constructed and maintained to provide access to harvesting sites. The aim of the drainage standards applied to these roads is to minimise off-site soil erosion and watercourse sedimentation.
Use of chemicals
Harvesting operations require very little use of chemicals except for fuel, oils and paint (for treemarking). Herbicide use is restricted to very isolated spraying of roadside vegetation to maintain access to harvesting sites, to control introduced weeds, or to initially protect from decay or degradation harvested hardwood poles of certain species.
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Last reviewed 1 March 2011
Last updated 2 August 2010