Grow your farm with native forestry
Private native forestry (PNF) is a growing enterprise in northern NSW and now free field days offer local landholders the opportunity to learn how to manage their own forestry operation.
Investment & Industry NSW private forestry training officer, John Macgregor-Skinner, said field days at Bonalbo on Tuesday, September 01 and Coombell on Thursday, September 03 would outline the new code of practice for farm forestry.
"Close to 50 per cent of logs processed now come from PNFs, with some 66 per cent of mills relying solely on PNF timber and we believe theres room for expansion," Mr Macgregor-Skinner said.
"Along with opportunities to boost commercial outcomes, a healthy native forest enhances the biodiversity of the farm, offers environmental benefits and can provide shelter and shade for livestock enterprises."
Mr Macgregor-Skinner said the aim of the field days was to increase local awareness of PNF requirements.
"Its to enable local landholders to successfully manage a healthy and sustainable native forest and work with the forestry industry," he said.
Making farm forestry pay, harvesting, forestry measurements, the PNF approval process, regulatory requirements and hands-on activities will feature at the field days which are supported by the Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW.
There will be presentations from both NSW Government departments, Northern NSW Forestry Services, Koppers Wood Products, Coombell Farm Forestry Service and lunch, morning and afternoon tea will be provided.
Numbers are limited to maximise the benefits of the practical activities and those interested in attending PNF workshops are advised to register now.
To register and find out more about PNF contact John Macgregor-Skinner, (02) 6672 2770 or john.macgregor-skinner@industry.nsw.gov.au by August 28.
Digital photographs available phil.bevan@industry.nsw.gov.au
Further reading
Timber harvesting in native state forests
Trees for shelter - a guide to using windbreaks on Australian farms
Media contact: Bernadette York 0427 773 785