Forest practice
The Code Applying to a Native Forest Practice on Freehold Land (PDF, 160K)* provides for the sustainable harvesting of remnant vegetation on a regional ecosystem map or a remnant map and regulated regrowth vegetation on freehold and Indigenous land without the need for a development permit.
If you intend to conduct a native forest practice, you must submit a Notice of a forest practice form (PDF, 70K)* to the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) before you begin the native forest practice.
The code, which applies to forest practices including silviculture and harvesting, specifies what must be done to conduct a forest practice lawfully.
It is the landholder's responsibility to ensure that they comply with the code, which details the requirements for:
- demonstrating that the forest practice is for an ongoing forestry business
- conducting harvesting and silvicultural operations
- protecting wildlife
- protecting streams, drainage lines and adjacent vegetation from the impacts of forest practice
- protecting wetlands, lakes and springs from the impacts of forest practice
- protecting the soil resource from degradation as a result of forest practice
- managing the forest practice to ensure it causes no adverse impacts from acid sulphate soils.
The following information will help you comply with the code.
- Fact sheet on Forest practices on freehold land
- Native forest practice checklist (PDF, 152K)*
Field guide
An updated version of the Field guide: code applying to a native forest practice on freehold land (PDF, 3.3M)* is now available to help forest practice operators implement the code.
It is important to note that this guide does not replace the code, which you should also read to ensure that you are conducting your forest practice within the legal requirements.
The guide includes:
- colour photos and diagrams for easy reference in the field
- a summary of the code—in operational order
- procedures for notifying DERM of a native forest practice
- additional information that is not a requirement of the code.
Contact information
Contact a departmental business centre for a map depicting boundaries of each region or email the department for further information.
For email enquiries, email VM Enquiries
Forest practice survey
DERM is conducting a survey of forest practices—reviewing the implementation of the Code applying to a native forest practice on freehold land, which was introduced in 2005.
Between April and June 2010 a selection of landholders, who have notified DERM of their intention to conduct a native forest practice on their property, will be contacted to see if they would like to participate in the survey.
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last reviewed 28 July 2011
Last updated 14 April 2010