This LiDAR image shows an aerial view of a eucalypt forest. LiDAR technology is enabling better calculations of carbon stored in forests. Image courtesy of Russell Turner

In September, the  organisation sponsored the Institute of Foresters Australia (IFA) conference in  Queensland.  Attended by foresters from across the country, the 2009 event focused on carbon  storage.

“Carbon is a key issue  for the forest industry at present,” Forests NSW chief executive, Nick Roberts,  said. “Being able to accurately account for carbon stored in forests will be  crucial to the future carbon trading industry.

“Understanding the extent  to which carbon remains stored in timber products places the forestry industry  at the forefront of carbon-friendly industries.” said Nick.
  Forests NSW is well  placed to benefit from the research into carbon, with 100% of the  organisation’s new plantations certified for carbon storage.

One technology on the  radar to assist with calculating carbon stored in forests is LiDAR.

Forests NSW is leading  the way with research into this technology, which maps forests from the sky  using a laser. The digital mapping can then be used to accurately calculate  tree heights, timber volumes and pinpoint natural forest features which need to  be protected.

LiDAR was a key topic  discussed at the Forest Industry Engineering Association’s  ForestTECH conference held in Albury in  November 2009. Forests NSW also sponsored the conference, focusing on tools and  technologies for the forest industry.

“Forestry has come a long  way in the past 50 years and finding ways to adapt new technologies and improve  the way we manage the forest is always a key issue,” Nick said.

This article appears in the Autumn/Winter 2010 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.