Forestry research

Forestry research is focussed on resource development and sustainability through innovative science-based outcomes.

Priority fields of research are those that add value to the planted forests, commercial services and native forests businesses of Forestry Corporation. Emphasis includes establishment, management and product quality of sustainable planted forests.

Research on the range of potential benefits to be derived from returning trees to the rural landscape is also an important objective. Benefits include: timber, sequestered carbon, bioenergy, enhanced biodiversity and salinity mitigation.

Key research

Key research regarding forestry is undertaken by the Forest Health Research Unit, Forest & Rangeland Ecosystems, and, within the Climate in Primary Industries Research Unit.

This unit is wholly located in NSW DPI's Forest Science Centre in the Cumberland State Forest, West Pennant Hills.

Climate change

Find out about the expected impact of climate change on forests.

Projects

These are examples of projects carried out by the Forest Resources Research Unit. Research findings are available.

Bat calls of NSW

A region-based identification guide to the search phase calls of insectivorous bats in NSW.

Flowering phenology

Flowering phenology represents a partial description of food availability for nectarivores...20 species of myrtaceous trees on the mid-north coast of New South Wales are described here...

Harvested forests provide the greatest ongoing greenhouse gas benefits
Harvested forests provide the greatest benefits

This report demonstrates that managed, multiple use production forests have the capacity to abate more GHG emissions than a conservation forest.

Possum
Plantations can benefit wildlife on farms (YouTube)

Researchers from the Forest Science Centre are tracking changes in wildlife populations on farms. Eucalypt plantations were established surrounding remnant trees in 1999. This video shows a sample of the incredible range of wildlife encountered during field surveys.

Bats
A long-term study of the impacts of logging on Golden-tipped bats (YouTube)

NSW DPI researchers have been radio-tracking the enigmatic Golden-tipped bat Kerivoula papuensis over the last 10 years to determine the effects of logging on their abundance. Long-term results indicate this threatened species recovered after logging despite an initial decline.

Eastern Pygmy Possum
A study of logging and Eastern Pygmy Possums

Nocturnal behaviours of threatened Eastern Pygmy Possums have been filmed as part of research undertaken by The Forest Science Centre, NSW DPI. These possums have been radio-tracked before and after logging in forests. Detailed results are currently being analysed and prepared for publication in the scientific literature. Watch videos of Den emergence and Foraging.

Scientists

Find a list of Forest Biosecurity and Resource Assessment scientists

Find a list of Forest and Rangeland Ecosystems scientists

Find a list of Climate in Primary Industries scientists

Research & Development reports

In previous years, State Forests of NSW Research and Development division - now NSW DPI Science and Research also produced a Research & Development Annual Report.

Publications from the Forest Science Centre

Find a range of publications, research papers, reports and scientific outputs produced by staff at the Forest Science Centre in West Pennant Hills. 

Special Purpose Permits for Research

The forests of New South Wales offer many opportunities to increase our understanding of natural ecosystems through scientific research.

Properly designed research projects which involve systematic investigation or survey of forests are a valuable source of knowledge. Forestry Corporation recognises the value of the contributions made by research workers to our knowledge of the forests. Incorporation of significant findings into forest management plans will help to maintain the full range of values present in our forests. External researchers are encouraged to undertake appropriately targeted research in State forests by application for a Special Purposes Permit.  

Forestry research is focussed on solutions through innovative science-based outcomes.

Forest NSW's research and development objectives are delivered through DPI Science and Research, as well as the Plantation and Tree Improvement units of Land Management and Technical Services (Forestry Corporation Division). These groups provide strategic research support to the organisation's operation and service branches.

Research news