Forest Protection

Risks to plantation health such as pests, diseases and fire are managed to protect the ongoing viability of the forest plantation and minimise adverse impacts on the environment and surrounding community.

Relevant Guiding Principles: Forest Protection, Principles of Environmental Care, Safety

7.1 PESTS AND DISEASES

Mandatory Requirements

A landowner must control declared animals and plants using accepted and lawful methods and having regard to their environmental impact.

  • Natural Resources Management Act 2004
  • Declared Pest Species Policies. Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation

If the introduction of an exotic pest in a forest plantation is suspected, or any activity that contravenes South Australian quarantine laws, PIRSA Plant Health and Quarantine must be notified via the Emergency Plant Health Hotline: 1800 084 881

  • Plant Health Act 2009
  • South Australian Biosecurity Strategy 2008–2013

Native fauna that has a severe impact on the productivity of plantations can be controlled in accordance with the Department for Environment and Heritage’s

  • Permit to Destroy Wildlife
  • National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972

Industry Practices

Routine inspections of plantations, native vegetation and the remaining property should be conducted to monitor impacts from pests (insects and vertebrates) and disease.

Integrated strategies for the prevention of pests, and disease becoming established or spreading, should be formulated and appropriate control measures put in place. This may include implementing integrated pest management strategies with neighbouring land or forest owners.

Hygiene management practices and equipment movement plans should be considered when equipment and machinery are brought onto a property and again prior to its removal.

  • Phytophthora Management Guidelines 2006

When pests or disease cause significant damage, decline or death of trees, PIRSA Forestry should be notified (www.pir.sa.gov.au/forestry).

  • Forestry and Timber – Pests and Disease Watch List. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry

Insects

Plantation assessment is commonly undertaken to record insect numbers, developmental stage and level of damage to the plantation prior to implementing any control measure. The presence of other insects (particularly predatory species) should be noted.

Insecticides may be extremely toxic to non-target insects, fish and crustaceans.

For information on chemical use, refer to Section 6.5 – Chemical Use.

Vertebrate Pests

Damage by vertebrate pests is usually confined to newly established plantations. Management of these pests is best done prior to plantation establishment.

Disease

Disease control in plantations is rarely necessary and, while diseases do impact on tree growth, their control is generally not practical or economic.

The occurrence of Phytophthora is restricted to certain areas in this state. For
prevention and mitigation of Phytophthora damage, see Phytophthora Management Guidelines 2006.

Timber salvaging operations following damage from wind, lightning, insects, hail or fire should be considered to maintain plantation health and prevent the spread of disease.

7.2 FIRE RISK AND MANAGEMENT

A risk assessment should be undertaken to evaluate the potential impacts that fire may pose to business objectives, surrounding environments and communities. Fire prevention and management plans should be developed and implemented to mitigate the risks.

Mandatory Requirements

A landowner must take reasonable steps to protect property on the land from fire.

A landowner or occupier must take reasonable steps to prevent or inhibit the spread of fire through the land.

All forest operations carried out, and vehicles, machinery and equipment used, must be done so in accordance with the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 during the fire danger season.

Fire control activities must comply with provisions of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005.

A person who comes across an unattended fire must take reasonable steps to notify an emergency services agency.

  • Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005
  • Fire and Emergency Services Regulations 2005

‘Controlled’ or ‘cool’ burns in native vegetation are considered clearing and require approval by the Native Vegetation Council. Exemptions under the Native Vegetation Act 1991 may be sought for fire prevention and protection actions such as fuel breaks for fire control.

  • Native Vegetation Act 1991
  • Native Vegetation Regulations 2003

Industry Practices

Appropriate firebreaks, roads and tracks should be maintained for necessary access, fire prevention and control.

  • Forest Owners Conference Plantation Design Guidelines 2003
  • Plantation Design Guidelines for Farm Forestry 2006

Fuel-modified zones may be used as part of a combined fire protection strategy.

  • Forest Owners Conference Plantation Design Guidelines 2003

Vehicles, machinery and equipment to be used in the forest during the fire season should be routinely maintained and tested, and carry appropriate fire suppression equipment.

All reasonable precautions should be taken to reduce the likelihood of fire ignition and to actively control fires in the event that they occur.

Companies should develop procedures and plans for risk mitigation and fire management in accordance with Country Fire Service (CFS) requirements and Regional Bushfire Prevention Plans.

Information on a company’s or individual’s forest resources and fire management plan should be communicated to the Country Fire Service (CFS) and other relevant stakeholders.

The plantation manager should consider the provision of fire suppression equipment and resources to reflect the risk of fire to the plantation and the scale of the business, including the appropriate reaction to predicted weather conditions.

All employees or contractors with a fire management, detection or suppression role should be appropriately trained to national fire competency standards.

Regional forest industry fire management arrangements may exist and forest owners and managers should be familiar with these systems.

Following a fire, consideration of water quality protection is necessary for follow-on rain events. Appropriate government agencies can provide management recommendations.

  • Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2003