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Natural Resource Data
Site classification is our ultimate objective in gathering all the important natural resource data available. Each of these different components is essential in developing our understanding that each contributes to the site on the landholdings in order to optimize the forestry management.
A site can be defined as an area of fairly homogeneous soils (+ geology), topography, and climate. The three major components that will make up the system and which are principle drivers in the productivity index are:-
- Climatic Zone – defined by the mean annual temperature (MAT). This is probably the key driver in site species matching and allows us to identify the key species for the different sites.
- Rainfall Category – by using different rainfall intervals to allow us to establish the potential growth for the different areas. These also provide us with guidelines as to how suitable the areas are and with the MAT information will contribute to the site species matching
- Land Capability Class – by clearly defining the soil and topographical features we are able to understand the impacts and constraints on the different operations. However, once we incorporate the climatic information, more specifically temperature and the amount and distribution of rainfall, we will be in a better position to initially estimate the site potential, and later to develop a productivity index.
Forest Planning
In order to achieve the desired long-tem sustainable fibre supply, a thorough and detailed planning cycle is required. These plans need to include the strategic long term fibre resource plan (LTFRP), the tactical three to five year working plans and the annual plan of operations (APO). All the levels are interdependent to provide each managerial level with key information on which to base the relevant decisions.
This is done using a number of tools, with a Geographic Information System (GIS) being at the heart of the planning system. In addition, a Forestry Information Management system (FIMS) holding all the attribute data and linked to the GIS allows for effective and efficient planning to be done. All this is undertaken on the assumption that the appropriate research, technology and skills are available to ensure effective transfer to the field and that the different technological components are applied and implemented in the field operations.
To achieve this objective it is essential that the plan is site specific and provides the forester with all the latest, most useful and applicable technology and information emanating from research institutes, the industry and expertise both locally, and from within the organization. The plan is an aid to allow the forester to strive for field excellence in all operations and to ensure the optimum productivity of high quality fibre at the most cost effective price.
The above listed plans will be dynamic in nature and will all contribute to the Forestry Management Plan. This will be used to provide the base forestry information used in the financial plan.
Research and Tree Improvement
Specific partnerships with research and academic institutions, driven by specifically selected in-house competence will allow your organization to capitalize on global best practice and implement this knowledge into effective and efficient operations. Systems and tools will support the application of applied theory into practice and will allow further developments to be captured in ensuring the optimal sustainable plantation forest development.
All this is undertaken on the assumption that the appropriate research, technology and skills are available to ensure effective transfer to the field and that the various technological components are applied during field operations.
Figure 1. Technology and Research optimization and transfer on the ground
As a commitment to ensuring that the organization continually strives for operating excellence, the most appropriate and best knowledge available will be sourced to provide local operations with the ability to implement international best practice. This will be accomplished through:
- Technology transfer
- Development of local expertise
- Skills transfer
Nursery Practice
Forest nurseries play a critical role in supplying the plantation with seedlings. The aim is to provide seedlings of a high quality at reasonable cost. High quality seedlings are those that are raised from genetically improved seed, are healthy, have a good root:shoot ratio, are disease free and are 'hardened off' to minimize planting mortality and which are optimum in vigour.
The nursery is the forerunner of the future plantation. Poor quality seedlings, either genetically or in physiological condition, during transport or poor handling in field will affect survival and subsequent growth.
To be able to provide seedlings of a high quality, a great deal of planning and control is necessary. The timeous planning and ordering of seedlings allows the nursery to first obtain seed from the best genetic source available and grow these to laid down specifications, ensuring a good quality seedling.
Close co-operation and good communication between the nursery and field operation must exist so as to be able to meet the company's goal in achieving excellence in the field of forestry.
Silviculture
The objective of any silvicultural operation must be to ensure the long term sustained site potential of the most important resource, the land. In order to obtain this goal, the following principles of good silviculture must be met.
- Site Species Matching
Careful matching of the correct species to the site to ensure optimum yields, bearing in mind the market constraints. - Optimum Land Preparation
Adequate soil tilth must be created to allow rapid early root growth and even stands through optimum water and nutrient uptake. - Optimum Stocking
Planting of the correct number of trees to optimize the site potential. - Timely Fertilization
Use of the recommended fertilizer types, quantities and timing of application so as to ensure early seedling vigour, site capture and enhanced yields. - Weed Control
Weeds compete for nutrients and moisture and result in reduced growth and crop mortality. Therefore, competition free crops until site capture through economic weed suppression is essential. - Maintenance
Management of the regime according to the plan to ensure appropriate fibre quality at rotation age
Forest Protection
As with all developments, associated risks must be continually evaluated and management personnel must be equipped to allow actions and decisions to mitigate risks as they arise. Some of these forestry related risks include fire, pests and diseases and theft. The ongoing challenge is to manage these and ensure that adequate plans are in place.
At all times the key objective is to ensure that the tree resource is able to grow in an environment in which the management practices have been applied to minimize crop stress and disease occurrence.
Environmental
Excellence in the management of safety, health and environmental risks is integral to the sustainable success of a business. The personal involvement and commitment of all employees is essential to achieve the highest possible standards in safety, health and environmental performance.
It is essential that forestry management practice wise and sustainable utilization of all resources, products and opportunities within the forestry area for benefit of all stakeholders.
It is advisable to conduct independent environmental impact assessments in order to minimize, monitor and measure the impact of its operations on biological biodiversity, water resources, soils, fragile ecosystems, areas of great scenic beauty, and on neighbouring communities
The commitment by the organization to independent certification of forest management in order to achieve and to meet the principles and objectives of applicable forest certification systems.
Social
The organization seeks commitment to the principles of ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’. It will therefore contribute to the sustainable socio-economic development of communities in and around its plantations by making a contribution to the economic, social, and educational well being of the communities associated with their operations. All the forestry operations shall seek to contribute to the well-being of the communities in which they operate and need to be committed to the principle of a safe work environment and sustainable development.
For the identification of potential activities to be implemented in collaboration with other stakeholders (local governments, technical departments, other enterprises, NGO’s, etc) specific stakeholder identification tools will be used in a Participatory Rural Assessment (PRA). The participatory rural assessment toolbox is one of the many tools which can be used in engaging communities to achieve mutually accepted outcomes.
Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives can include projects in the education, health and social welfare and small business spheres. The group’s energies are committed long-term to selected sustainable projects where the adjoining communities can benefit most greatly.
The objectives of the PRA, will amongst others:
- Engage and understand the community needs
- Create a baseline level for any certification scheme (social and environmental)
- Initiate a long-lasting company relationship with communities / households / stakeholders in and around the plantation areas
Forest Engineering
In the forest cycle, the forest engineering activities of harvesting and transport can comprise up to 65% of all costs. As a consequence, it is critical that all the activities associated with these functions are conducted in a professional and responsible manner to ensure a healthy, safe and productive work environment, while applying sound environmental practices and producing high quality timber of the correct specifications for further processing.
Due to the dangerous nature of the work environment, all the operations need to be done by properly recruited and trained employees for the particular machine and activity which they will be doing and operating.
The forest road network provides essential access for harvesting and silvicultural activities. In addition, fire protection, recreation and administrative activities are greatly enhanced in efficiency and effectiveness with a good and reliable road network.
The roads are however also a source of erosion and therefore if properly planned, constructed and maintained, will contribute to minimizing the environmental impact while at the same time contributing to the economical and environmental sustainability of the forestry operations.
Measurement
As with all business environments, one of the most critical aspects is that key measurements are identified, implemented, measured and monitored. This will greatly assist in management achieving their objectives. All too often, the emphasis is only on the financial measures, but these can only be effectively achieved when the basic forestry measures are aligned to ensure that all activities and operations are contributing to the effective management of a forestry business which is socially, environmentally and economically sustainable.
A key issue is that clear measurements are introduced and managed at critical stages in the process. These critical measurements points, and at each stage key indicators need to be measured and monitored.