Table of Contents. 1. Overview... 4

Transcription

1 2018

2 Table of Contents 1. Overview Resource Description... 8 i. Forest Resource... 8 ii. Land use and ownership status... 8 iii. Environmental compliance... 8 iv. Socio-economic conditions... 9 v. Profile of adjacent lands... 9 vi. Native Title Forest Management System... 9 i. Permanent native forest estate ii. Silvicultural systems iii. Native forest Rate of Harvest and Species Selection i. Rate of harvest ii. Species selection Monitoring of Forest Growth i. Growth Models ii. Forest Assessment iii. Permanent Growth Plots iv. Growth Rates v. Carbon model Environmental Safeguards & Environmental Assessments i. Soils ii. Water iii. Geomorphology Threatened Species Protection i. Flora ii. Fauna Cultural Heritage Maps i. Norske Skog Geographic Information System (GIS) ii. Forest type map iii. Ownership map iv. Native forest estate map v. Defined Forest Area maps vi. Operational maps Harvesting Equipment and Techniques i. Product optimisation Monitoring

3 i. Objectives and targets ii. Auditing Estate Protection i. Forest Health ii. Fire protection Community Involvement I. Dispute Resolution II. Review of Management Plan III. Publically Available Documents IV. Request for feedback V. Contact Details Appendix 1: Forest Resource Appendix 2: Plantations by Land Ownership Appendix 3: Native Forest on Norske Skog Freehold Appendix 4a: DFA by Land Ownership Appendix 4b: DFA by Land Ownership Appendix 4c: DFA by Land Ownership Appendix 4d: DFA by Land Ownership Appendix 5: Background documentation sources Norske Skog acknowledges and pays respect to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community as the traditional and original owners and continuing custodians of this land which we manage Norske Skog s core values are openness, honesty and cooperation

4 1. Overview Norske Skog Boyer Mill located in the Derwent Valley, commenced production in 1941 and has been operating continuously for 76 years. Known as one of Tasmania s iconic employers, the Boyer Mill has a long history of continuous improvement, and produced its 13 millionth tonne of paper in November We have a sustainable business platform and revenue of $200 million per annum. A major project was completed which involved an upgrade of one of the Boyer Mill s two paper machines to make lightweight coated (LWC) paper, and was commissioned in April The Boyer Mill is the only Australian manufacturer of LWC paper and this upgrade diversifies our product range significantly. We have an annual production capacity of around 150,000 tonnes of newsprint and improved newsprint, and 140,000 tonnes of LWC paper. The Boyer Mill supplies approximately 20% of Australia s newsprint needs and a third of the national LWC paper market. Norske Skog also operates the Albury Mill in NSW and the Tasman Mill in New Zealand. The three mills make up our Australasian Unit. Norske Skog Boyer Operations The Boyer Mill uses a Thermo-mechanical pulping process (TMP) for the production of pulp from softwood timber. Some quantities of additional kraft pulp fibre from external sources is incorporated in the pulp stream as required to meet overall production demand and paper grade specifications. In November 2009, Norske Skog completed the softwood conversion project for the Boyer Mill. The transition to an all softwood fibre furnish entailed: The conversion of the existing Cold Caustic Soda (CCS) (eucalypt) plant to a TMP (radiata pine) plant with sufficient capacity to replace all the CCS pulp and a significant portion of the recycled fibre pulp supplied from the Albury Mill. The amalgamation of the existing chipping operations (Boyer s Pine Chip Plant and eucalypt contract chipping operation). This established a single new facility, capable of chipping all of the Boyer Mill s requirements, which is operated by an independent company. Some of the significant benefits gained from undertaking the softwood conversion project include: Step change environmental improvements for both resource utilisation and reduced emissions impact. It provides opportunity for improved water, salinity and carbon footprint outcomes at our Albury Mill; Deliver an environmentally sustainable operating platform at the Boyer Mill and - 4 -

5 facilitates the final step to Best Available Technology (BAT) index performance; 15% reduction in total CO 2 emissions; 25% reduction in effluent volume per tonne of paper; 20% reduction in solid waste to landfill and; 60% reduction in Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) / Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) emissions. Norske Skog Corporate Vision Norske Skog is recognised as a world leader in the paper industry: investors choose us for the value we create; employees take pride in our values and are committed to growing with the company; forest estate. These principles, as listed below, reflect the commitments made in our Sustainable Forest Management Policy. To maintain forest management systems to ensure an economically viable, long term sustainable supply of fibre to the Boyer Mill whilst minimising our impact on the environment. These management systems will be compatible with the Forest Practices Code 2015, the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme and the Forest Stewardship Council certification requirements. To employ forest management systems that maintain or enhance natural and cultural values of the area. These values include, but are not limited to, conservation of biodiversity, protection of soil and water quality and protection of cultural heritage. customers prefer us for our dedication to their success; suppliers support our continuous efforts to improve; all stakeholders respect us for our commitment to sustainable development, for our reliability and for our business conduct. Norske Skog Corporate Values Norske Skog s core values are openness, honesty and cooperation. These values govern our internal and external relations. Norske Skog Forest Management Principles Norske Skog Boyer has developed a number of principles for the management of our To adopt systems to ensure:- we communicate with openness and honesty and work co-operatively with our people, the community and stakeholders on forest management issues; and our staff, business partners and service providers are aware of our sustainable forest management policy and are able to fulfil their environmental responsibilities accordingly by providing adequate training and resources to support policies and programs. To implement business systems that ensure that we:

6 achieve continuous improvement of our environmental performance through proactive and vigilant management, monitoring and review of our operations; conduct our activities in compliance with relevant environmental legislation, regulations and permit conditions; and use processes, practices, materials or products that minimise our impact on the environment. Norske Skog Forest Management Objectives Norske Skog is certified to the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme standard AS4708 which is mutually recognised by the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC). Norske Skog is also certified under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification scheme. Norske Skog is committed to adhering to these internationally recognised certification standards on its forest estate. Long-term, sustainable supply of fibre to the Boyer Mill whilst minimising our impact on community, environmental and heritage values. The plantation estate was originally established by Norske Skog and its predecessors for the supply of fibre to the Mill. In order to maintain this supply Norske Skog recognises the importance of replanting and regenerating forests and maintaining and enhancing the productive capacity of the land under its management. A range of products are sourced from plantations including sawlog and pulpwood products. Norske Skog is committed to the protection of its employees, contractors and other parties involved with company assets and will take practical steps to prevent personal injury and damage to property. The primary priority for managing our forest estate is to provide an economically viable, - 6 -

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8 2. Resource Description i. Forest Resource Norske Skog manages a Defined Forest Area (DFA) of approximately 27,150 hectares. The majority of the forest management area is Pinus radiata plantation. Norske Skog manages approximately 18,100 hectares of pine plantation predominantly in southern Tasmania. Norske Skog also manages approximately 530 hectares of eucalypt plantation. In addition to the plantation resource, Norske Skog manages approximately 5,700 hectares of native vegetation. Some of this area is managed for wood production while the rest is either managed as forest reserves or in protection forest. The remaining area of approximately 2,850 hectares is predominately infrastructure, including roads, access tracks and firebreaks and noncommercial land. remaining land is largely occupied by native vegetation, which is managed for a range of values. Private property Norske Skog manages 50 joint venture plantation projects with private landowners across Tasmania. State Forest Norske Skog manages pine plantation areas on State Forest in southern Tasmania. These plantation areas are managed under a Long Term Forestry Agreement or under Joint Venture Agreements with Sustainable Timber Tasmania. Land Ownership JV PRIVATE NSA FREEHOLD NSA STT JV STT LAND NSA LEASEHOLD NSA ON CROWN NSA ON STT LAND Forest Estate Softwood Plantation Hardwood Plantation Native Vegetation iii. Environmental compliance All forest operations carried out by Norske Skog are in accordance with the Forest Practices Act The Forest Practices Act provides that the Forest Practices Code 2015 shall prescribe the manner in which forest practices are to be conducted so as to ensure reasonable protection to the environment. ii. Land use and ownership status Norske Skog Freehold - The greater part of the companies land is used for plantation forestry (including roads, firebreaks, etc.). The The Forest Practices Code 2015 provides a practical set of guidelines and standards for the protection of environmental values during forest operations, in particular: - soils, geomorphology, visual landscape, water - 8 -

9 quality and flow, flora, fauna, genetic resources and cultural heritage. Norske Skog maintains a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS), which enables our foresters to assess environmental values such as slope, watercourse and catchment type, soil types, threatened species locations and habitat and cultural heritage sites. iv. Socio-economic conditions A number of social and economic indicators have been identified and are being monitored on an annual basis in order to determine the impact of Norske Skog activities on the wellbeing of the local community. v. Profile of adjacent lands Norske Skog manages forest on both public and private land. Areas adjacent to the forest management area include reserves managed by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment and private property where we have in the order of 350 private neighbours. Apart from forestry, adjacent land is used for agricultural, tourism and domestic purposes. vi.native Title Currently there is no Native Title claim on the Norske Skog estate or any other land in Tasmania as advised by the Native Titles Office. 3. Forest Management System The legislative and policy framework within Tasmania provides a comprehensive basis for planning. Proper planning at both the strategic and operational level reduces environmental impacts and operational costs. Strategic planning is undertaken on the basis of processes such as: The Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement and Forests and Forest Industry Strategy; Forest Management Plans and Management Decision Classification Zoning on State Forests. Norske Skog is a signatory to the Long Term Forestry Agreement with Sustainable Timber Tasmania. This Agreement constitutes a management plan for existing plantations and Joint Ventures on State Forest; Forest Management Plans and Private Timber Reserves on private land; and Three year plans prepared for State Forests and private forests under the provisions of the Forest Practices Act The Forest Practices Act requires Norske Skog to lodge a Three Year Plan detailing proposed forest practices with the Forest Practices Authority each year. As part of the Three Year Planning process, Norske Skog is required to consult with relevant local councils on the information contained in the Three Year Plan. These plans include a detailed map and information on: Location where harvesting is to occur; Approximate volumes of timber to be harvested; and - 9 -

10 Transport routes for the harvested timber. Operational planning is carried out through Forest Practices Plans and associated Forest Operations plans for activities such as site preparation. The environmental risks of all operations envisaged for an area including access, harvesting, restoration, reforestation and maintenance is considered as part of the operational planning process. All Forest Practices Plans are certified by a qualified Forest Practices Officer as required by the Forest Practices Act. i. Permanent native forest estate Norske Skog supports the maintenance of a permanent native forest estate in Tasmania and has in place its own Permanent Native Forest Estate Policy statement. Norske Skog complies with all relevant Commonwealth and State legislation including the Tasmanian Government Policy for Maintaining a Permanent Native Forest Estate Norske Skog manages a number of Forest Conservation Reserves and protection forest which forms part of the Permanent Forest Estate. Fletcher Challenge Paper owned and operated the Boyer Mill and the associated forestry activities until it was purchased by Norske Skog in In the following two years Norske Skog finalised existing commitments for native forest conversion but has since only undertaken small scale conversion, primarily for boundary rationalisation. ii. Silvicultural systems Silviculture is the science of growing and managing trees. Silvicultural systems guide establishment, maintenance and harvesting operations. As they have different objectives, different silvicultural systems are used for plantation and native forestry. Norske Skog recognises that the choice of an appropriate silvicultural system is an important decision in the pursuit of sustainable forest management. Norske Skog has formed close links with a number of research organisations, both through direct funding and through in-kind support. These organisations conduct research and provide advice based on the most current silvicultural knowledge to enhance productivity and efficiency in the Industry. Such organisations include the Southern Tree Breeders Association, CSIRO, Forest and Wood Products Australia, Sustainable Timber Tasmania and the University of Tasmania. Norske Skog has access to the reports that are produced by these organisations. In the management of its native forests, Norske Skog employs different regimes depending on the required objective. Native forests are managed for a range of values

11 including wood production, flora and fauna habitat, heritage protection, conservation of soil and water quality and flow, and landscape aesthetics. For areas of wood production in native forests, harvesting systems, regeneration treatments, monitoring and protection are carefully selected depending on local site characteristics and the principles of sustainable forest management are employed to both ensure the conservation of natural and cultural values and to optimise the benefit to current and future generations. The harvesting and regeneration methods employed are decided upon well in advance of the operation commencing and are documented in Forest Practices Plans. Seed is often collected from the local area prior to harvesting operations commencing. To ensure that successful regeneration is achieved, all areas are formally monitored and surveyed and protected from browsing. The current three year plan for harvesting undertaken by Norske Skog does not include any native forest coupes. In plantations, the initial establishment phase is critical to ensure the success of the plantation and in order to enable optimum management regimes to be employed. Aspects considered in the establishment of plantations include site preparation, tree spacing, fertilising, weed control and browsing control. Norske Skog uses a number of different systems in the establishment of their plantations. The decision of the best establishment methods is based on site conditions including site productivity, soil characteristics and slope, and cost. Norske Skog monitors their plantations for health and nutrition and performs maintenance operations as required. There are three harvesting regimes currently employed by Norske Skog: Stands that will receive a first and a second thinning and will be harvested at age 25 or older with the intention of producing a high proportion of sawlogs. Stands that will receive one thinning and be clear-felled at age 22 or later will produce less sawlog and more pulpwood. Stands that have not been thinned due to operational constraints or are too old to be thinned will produce a high proportion of pulpwood. The choice of harvesting system that is employed is based mainly on the productivity of the plantation and operational constraints such as slope and access issues. iii. Native forest Norske Skog manages approximately 5,700 hectares of native forest for production, formal reserves and protection purposes. Norske Skog Native Vegetation* Production Forest Forest Reserves Protection Forest TOTAL NATIVE 1,600 Hectares 1,000 Hectares 3,100 Hectares 5,700 Hectares * Figures have been rounded and do not include roads and access tracks

12 Production forests Our production forests are managed for both sawlog and pulpwood production. These forests are managed in accordance with Norske Skog s native forest management principles as listed:- These formal reserves are covenanted with the State Government under the Forest Conservation Fund program. Each of the reserves has a management plan which provides management prescriptions to maintain and enhance the conservation values of these areas. All native forests will be managed in accordance with the Forest Practices Code 2015 and other legislative requirements; All native forests will be managed on a sustainable basis; and In accordance with Norske Skog Permanent Forest Estate Policy, all native forest that is harvested will be regenerated with a similar species composition as the previous forest. Seed collected from the site prior to harvest will be used where available for regeneration purposes. Due to the size, spatial distribution and age class distribution of the production forest resource, large scale harvesting operations will not occur in the Norske Skog native forest estate. Forest Reserves Protection Forests Protection forests are managed for a range of different values including recreation, heritage, landscape and conservation purposes. All of this forest is on land privately owned by Norske Skog. Protection forests will not be harvested. These forests do not have formal covenants but have been identified by Norske Skog as worthy of protection. Management of these areas includes fire protection, limiting access for incompatible uses and monitoring of forest health. Forest reserves are parcels of land from which wood production is excluded in order to maintain and enhance natural and cultural heritage values. These areas include both forest and non-forest vegetation

13 4. Rate of Harvest and Species Selection i. Rate of harvest Norske Skog uses a combination of forest inventory and forest growth modelling to determine the rate of harvest. Norske Skog needs to be able to provide a sustainable supply of fibre to the Mill, as a result, all forest that is harvested is re established for future supply to the mill. ii. Species selection The main focus for Norske Skog plantation forests is to ensure there is a high quality fibre source for the mill. As the Boyer Mill only uses radiata pine in its papermaking process, that species is the focus for our plantation forests. forest stand. They have been customised into an easy to use platform for forest planners to predict yields for any stand in the estate. ii. Forest Assessment Norske Skog pine plantations are assessed at age 10 and the results from this assessment are compared with growth models to determine the most appropriate silvicultural regime for each plantation coupe. These assessments measure stocking, tree height, diameter and form. 5. Monitoring of Forest Growth i. Growth Models Plantation growth models have been developed based on historic growth data from the Norske Skog estate. These growth models are a series of yield tables that predict growth for each type and the productivity for each Plantations are usually thinned years after planting. A post thinning assessment is then carried out. Post thinning assessments allow a comparison of model estimates with actual yields. The reports produced from these assessments are reviewed by the Harvesting Coordinator and by the relevant managers. This in turn allows Norske Skog to review its own modelling as well as contractor performance

14 iii. Permanent Growth Plots Norske Skog has permanent growth plots established across the estate and resource assessments are carried out periodically throughout the life of the plantation. The results of these assessments are used to refine the growth models which are used to predict future growth and yields. iv. Growth Rates Target levels for annual plantation growth (mean annual increment) are set between 12 and 30 m 3 /ha/yr. This range is due to the varied nature of soils, aspect, rainfall, temperature and altitude in the Norske Skog Estate. v. Carbon model Norske Skog has developed a Carbon Emissions Model which considers the carbon accumulation over the Tasmanian forest estate and the carbon loss through harvesting, transport and burning to provide an estimate of our net carbon position. This model allows Norske Skog to assess carbon emissions and identify areas where carbon emissions from our operations can be reduced. Areas that have already been identified through this process include emissions from transport operations and from burning. Norske Skog is working on plans to reduce emissions from these activities. 6. Environmental Safeguards & Environmental Assessments i. Soils Soils are an essential part of the forest ecosystem with forest growth closely allied to soil quality and quantity. The understanding of extent, location, capacity and limitations of the soils under Norske Skog s management allows for maximum productivity while maintaining the soils integrity and ensuring their sustainable use. Appropriate management of the vital soil resource in a sustainable manner is an important aim for Norske Skog if current production is to be maximised while future productive capacity is maintained or improved. The Forest Practices Code 2015 underlines the importance of the care of soils and provides guidelines for their protection. The care of soils requires that possible soil degradation threats posed by inappropriate operations be identified and avoided. Forest management must aim to prevent and control unacceptable rates of erosion and landslip, the excessive compaction, puddling and mixing of soils, and the maintenance of soil fertility during and after forest operations. Norske Skog undertook an extensive soil mapping and soil survey project of the estate in the mid 90 s. The final report (Grant 1998) describes and maps the soils that occur throughout the plantation estate. This information is a valuable resource which is used in all aspects of plantation planning, harvesting, establishment and maintenance. This enables forest workers to recognise

15 various important forest soils and the requirements for good management of them. From Norske Skog conducted a collaborative program with CSIRO to maximise the productivity of their Pinus radiata stands. The results of this work have enabled fertiliser application to be targeted to specific soil types for maximum growth response. and strategies including the National Water Initiative 2004; State Policy on Water Quality Management 1997; Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Act 1995; and with reference to the needs of downstream users and ecosystems. The Forest Practices Code 2015 sets out prescriptions and guidelines to protect water values during forest operations. These include protection through streamside reserves and guidelines for harvesting in water supply and other significant catchments. The Forest Practices Code 2015 contains specific sections detailing management of water quality and flow, and soils. With respect to these matters, the Forest Practices Code 2015 states as general principles that: ii. Water Norske Skog recognises the need to reduce as far as possible any impact of our operations on water quality and quantity. Water quality and flow are affected by natural factors such as annual rainfall regime; vegetation types, cover and age; geology and geomorphology; soil type and exposure; topography; wildfires; storm events; and by human actions such as road construction and maintenance, timber harvesting, reforestation, land clearing, dam construction and chemical use. Maintenance of acceptable water quality and flow and catchment and channel stability is a major focus and is considered at the catchment and operational level through the development of Forest Practices Plans. Norske Skog manages water resources in line with State and National policies, guidelines forest operations should not result in a significant deviation from natural rates of erosion and landslides; and maintenance of acceptable water quality and flow and catchment and channel stability is of major concern and should be considered at the catchment and operational level. Norske Skog are aware of these general principles and ensure they are adhered to in all aspects of operational planning and implementation. A thorough assessment of potential downstream users is undertaken and consultation with these users is carried out as part of the planning process to ensure any concerns are considered as part of the

16 development of the three year plan and forest practices plans. iii. Geomorphology Norske Skog recognises the importance of geomorphic values and hazards in the forest landscape. Conservation and management of these values is addressed by specific provisions in the Forest Practices Code Threatened Species Protection Biological Diversity Biological diversity (or biodiversity) is the diversity of plants, animals and other living organisms in all their forms and levels of organisation. It includes the diversity of genes, species and ecosystems, as well as the evolutionary and functional processes that link them. The Forest Practices System ensures that forest operations are consistent with relevant management prescriptions and guidelines for biodiversity conservation and recovery plans developed for the protection of threatened species. Identification of Biological Diversity Values The major geomorphological features in the defined forest area relate to karst around the Settlement and Maydena areas. A number of karst surveys and studies have been conducted in the defined forest area such as Eberhard (1994, 1996 and 1998), Sharples (1997, 2007 and 2009). Research is continuing with the Forest Practices Authority. Norske Skog has had an independent analysis of threatened species occurring on the forest estate. The recommendations of this assessment and the Norske Skog High Conservation Value Management Plan are used in our forest planning and management processes. Further to this, Norske Skog has undertaken an independent analysis of the biodiversity priorities in the forest estate. From this, additional management priorities will be put in place, where required, for identifying and protecting rare, threatened and endangered species and habitat. Norske Skog maintains a GIS which documents forest data, the various forest types, growth stages and information relating to specific biological diversity values. The

17 Forest Practices Authority, the Threatened Species Unit of the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment (DPIPWE) and Sustainable Timber Tasmania also maintain computer based systems which are accessed by Norske Skog staff and used to identify biological diversity values. These systems are interrogated by forest planners when planning operations. In addition, Norske Skog uses the procedures produced by the Forest Practices Authority and the Threatened Species Unit of Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment (DPIPWE) to identify biological diversity values throughout the defined forest area. These procedures allow for the identification and for the assessment of the significance of those values to support their maintenance and protection during the conduct of forest management planning and operations. i. Flora The Forest Practices Authority have developed Forest Botany Manuals which are designed to help identify and manage flora values (plant species and communities) in areas proposed for forest operations. Other sources of information that are used in the planning process include vegetation maps, the flora databases held by Sustainable Timber Tasmania and DPIPWE, and advice from specialists. Norske Skog has a number of employees who have undertaken training in Forest Botany conducted by the Forest Practices Authority. Advice is sought from flora specialists at the Forest Practices Authority if significant flora values are identified at the coupe planning stage. ii. Fauna The Forest Practices Authority website contains a procedure for the identification of fauna values on the Fauna Values Database section of the website. This procedure requires the use of a number of different tools for the identification of known sites and important habitat including the Threatened Fauna Database, Threatened Fauna Range Maps, Conserve Database and the Threatened Fauna Manual. Norske Skog has a number of employees who have undertaken the Forest Practices Authority Fauna Course and are trained in the management of fauna values including threatened species. Also under the Forest Practices Authority procedure there is a requirement for contact to be made with the Forest Practices Authority (Biodiversity) if there is known or potential habitat for threatened species present on a site where forestry activities are planned. If a threatened species is identified or if potential habitat for a threatened species is identified then specific management prescriptions are implemented through a Forest Practices Plan. The management prescriptions have been developed by a range of specialist scientists from organisations including the University of Tasmania and the Threatened Species Unit of DPIPWE

18 8. Cultural Heritage Aboriginal and historical cultural heritage management is a vital part of maintaining cultural, religious, spiritual and social heritage values and sites and is protected under the Aboriginal Relics Act 1975, Historical Cultural Heritage Act 1995, Forest Practices Act 1985 and the Forest Practices Code The cultural heritage of all ethnic groups will be considered in all stages of forest management. The need for consultation with special interest groups is acknowledged. There are two areas within the Norske Skog estate with known aboriginal sites. In both of these areas, Norske Skog planners work in close consultation with specialists from the Forest Practices Authority and Aboriginal Heritage consultants to ensure that appropriate management prescriptions are written into the Forest Practices Plans. 9. Maps i. Norske Skog Geographic Information System (GIS) Norske Skog maintains a comprehensive resource inventory and mapping system. This system is made up of GIS mapping layers and the Forest Management System (FMS). This system is used for planning and management of the forest estate. Information contained in this system includes forest typing, land tenure, special values, infrastructure and fire management information that assist accurate mapping and subsequent planning for Norske Skog forest management and operations. ii. Forest type map See Map in Appendix 1 iii. Ownership map See Map in Appendix 2 iv. Native forest estate map See Map in Appendix 3 v. Defined Forest Area maps See Map in Appendix 4 a, b, c, d vi. Operational maps More detailed maps are produced using the GIS for use in operational situations, such as Forest Practices Plans and Forest Operations Plans. These are generally produced to scale (normally 1: 10, 000), and contain information such as operational boundaries, roads, watercourses and special values information

19 10. Harvesting Equipment and Techniques Norske Skog s forest estate in Tasmania is managed by the Norske Skog Fibre Division which has a staff of 11 people. The Fibre Division looks after the total supply of fibre to the Mill, including the sourcing of wood from other plantation owners and processors in Tasmania. This includes planning (both strategic and operational), and supervision of roading (design, construction and maintenance), harvesting, transport, inventory and silvicultural (establishment and maintenance) operations. Forest operations are carried out by highly specialised contractors. Contract Principals have made significant investments in machinery, training and management systems to ensure reliable supply of services to Norske Skog. Contractors are expected to operate with a high degree of self management and to embrace Norske Skog s policies and procedures by providing a high standard of production and operating performance. Safe work practices, sound environmental management and delivery to our customers on time and within specification are cornerstones of these commitments. Contractor safety data is collected by Norske Skog and reviewed each month. operations are fully mechanised to provide a highly productive, environmentally sensitive and safe work environment. Exceptions occur in some remnant older plantations and on difficult terrain where either the size of the trees or the access is beyond safe machinery capabilities. In these cases felling and/or log making occurs manually with chainsaws. The vast majority of the harvesting that is undertaken by Norske Skog uses ground based harvesting systems. Occasionally we may employ cable harvesting or excavator logging systems on steep areas for safety and environmental protection. The selection of the appropriate system to be used for the harvesting of a particular plantation unit is based on consideration of: any potential environmental impact; safety; productivity of the systems in relation to the terrain, slope and soil conditions. Each of the systems generally uses a processor - an excavator-based, tracked machine with a felling/de-limbing/log-making unit mounted on the end of the boom. This type of machine will generally fall the trees (except on very steep sites or areas that exceed the machine s limitations), and cut the stems into logs. Norske Skog contract harvesting

20 significant risk to environmental, social or economic values as a result of our operations are identified. Ground based harvesting systems utilise a purpose-built forestry tractor to retrieve either logs or whole stems from where they have been felled by hand or machine. These objectives are met by monitoring of the Norske Skog estate and operations and undertaking corrective actions where needed. Monitoring is carried out on a range of environmental, social and economic aspects of Norske Skog operations. This monitoring allows us to review our operations to ensure we are meeting all environmental, social and economic objectives and targets. ii. Auditing Norske Skog has a comprehensive audit system which entails both internal and external audits. Our internal audit system routinely audits all aspects of our business including operational audits, forest management system audits and safety and emergency procedure audits. i. Product optimisation The focus for Norske Skog is to optimise production from our forests to meet the needs of the Boyer Mill and our other customers. Major products from our forest area are pulpwood and sawlogs for local processing. 11. Monitoring i. Objectives and targets Norske Skog Boyer has developed a number of objectives and targets for the management of our forest estate. These objectives and targets are developed to monitor areas where Our Company is audited on a regular basis by a number of external parties including the following: The Forest Practices Authority undertakes annual audits of our forest operations. The audits are conducted on a random sample of our operations and include both field and desktop audits; Independent external auditors undertake audits of our forest management system and operations to ensure that we comply with the requirements of the AFS and FSC certification standards;

21 Sustainable Timber Tasmania audit operations on State Forest. These audits review all aspects of the forest operation in progress. 12. Estate Protection i. Forest Health A range of forest management programs combine to ensure a healthy forest capable of resisting pests and diseases thereby decreasing forest management risks and the reliance on chemical control methods. This integrated pest management approach includes: Maintaining tree vigour by implementing an optimum stocking control regime from plantation establishment through to timely thinning operations to utilise suppressed individuals. This is the primary control mechanism for insect pests such as the Sirex wood wasp; A scientifically targeted forest nutrition and nutrient conservation program to reduce the incidence of nutrient deficiencies thereby improving crop vigour and disease resistance. Other forest management programs are directly aimed at managing threats to forest health such as: Control of competing vegetation particularly in the early stages of crop development; Minimising wild fires, which at lower fire intensities can damage plantations and act as the primary agent for subsequent attack by pests and diseases; Browsing animals which can inflict physical damage to crop trees by removing bark and thereby exposing the tree to subsequent insect or pathogen attack. A tree breeding program which aims to select vigorous plants adapted to the range of sites on the estate, including breeds with specific disease resistance; A forest health surveillance program; These programs comprise the long-term pest and disease prevention strategy for sustainable forest health. Nevertheless, this prevention program must be supplemented by carrying out control programs in response to outbreaks of pests and disease and incursions of new agents. These control programs are conducted in a safe and

22 responsible manner utilising biological control agents where possible (such as for Sirex wasp) and other methods which have minimal environmental impact. ii. Fire protection Norske Skog s fire management policy is to protect life and property, minimise fire damage to plantations and manage fires to prevent spread to and from adjoining lands. Norske Skog has co-operative agreements with Sustainable Timber Tasmania and the Tasmanian Fire Service for fire management and abides by the Protocol for Interagency Response for Fire Management. The cooperative agreements include working in with other companies for fire detection and suppression services. An annual fire plan is developed which outlines areas of responsibilities, weather monitoring, weather shutdown conditions, patrol and tower detection responsibilities, equipment lists and contact details for emergencies. Norske Skog employs fully trained and equipped fire crews for the duration of the fire season. are available for a rapid response on days of high fire danger. Norske Skog broadcasts the fire weather over their radio system daily during the fire season to ensure that all forest workers are informed of the predicted fire risk. All forest operations are required to have a trained fire weather observer on site during the fire season and are required to take fire weather readings throughout the day during the fire season. The Tasmanian Forest industry has developed a set of shutdown guidelines for forest operations during high fire danger periods. Forest contractors must also have the prescribed fire fighting equipment on site throughout the fire season. Norske Skog audits each operation at the beginning of the fire season to ensure that all equipment is on site and in working order. Fire breaks are kept clean and useable for four wheel drive vehicles for fire access where terrain permits. A range of waterholes are also maintained throughout the forest estate for fire fighting purposes. Norske Skog are represented on the Forest Industry Fire Management Committee and the State Fire Management Council. Norske Skog has developed a fuel reduction burning program. This program identifies high risk areas and prioritises areas for fuel reduction burning in order to protect our estate and other assets. During the fire season Norske Skog monitors the fire risk on a daily basis to ensure that fire detection is in place and fire fighting crews

23 13. Community Involvement Norske Skog takes its community and social responsibility very seriously. This means we must be an active part of the community, understand their issues and work with them. Boyer Mill works with the community through a number of avenues. Norske Skog assists many charities and community groups throughout Tasmania through the work of the Norske Skog Boyer Vision Team, the Norske Skog Boyer Health and Safety Fund and the company corporate sponsorship program. The Boyer Vision Team has been operating for over 15 years. Their charter is to promote the principles of the Boyer Vision on site and within the community. The Vision Team is comprised of a committed and cohesive group of people at the Mill and has an objective to build the reputation of Norske Skog in the community. The Team is a strong contributor to Norske Skog s objective of corporate social responsibility. The Norske Skog Boyer Health and Safety Fund is managed by an independent subcommittee of the Health and Safety Council who are charged to ensure that worthy projects/cases involving a health, safety or wellbeing aspect in the local or wider community are funded. The Boyer Mill contributes money each quarter for teams achieving good safety performance. The fund has been operating for more than 10 years and to date over $300,000 had been allocated towards a variety of projects within the community. The Fibre team at the Boyer Mill initiated its own charity, Log a Load for Kids in 1998 and has raised over $300,000. This charity focuses on helping disadvantaged rural children with a need for medical, educational or social assistance. The concept was taken from the forestry industry in South Carolina where the value of a load of wood was donated to a charity. Log a Load for Kids has a strong partnership with the Variety Club of Tasmania. In conjunction with the above projects, Norske Skog has a program of corporate sponsorship of projects in sport, education and the arts. I. Dispute Resolution Norske Skog has a complaints resolution procedure. This procedure outlines how Norske Skog will deal with complaints about forest and transport operations which relate to its operations. Norske Skog also has a procedure for dealing with disputes with contractors and Joint Venture partners. This is outlined in the Contract document or the Joint Venture Agreement

24 II. Review of Management Plan The Forest Management Plan will be reviewed and updated on an annual basis by the Forest Certification Coordinator with input from the Fibre team and stakeholders. III. Publically Available Documents The following documents are publically available in hard copy by contacting the Forest Certification Coordinator: Norske Skog Native Vegetation Management Plan; Norske Skog High Conservation Value Management Plan; Norske Skog Forest Management Monitoring Plan. IV. Request for feedback Norske Skog welcomes input, comments and feedback to our Forest Management Plan. V. Contact Details Michael Schofield Forest Certification Coordinator Norske Skog Fibre Boyer, TAS 7140 Phone:

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28 Appendix 4a -

29 Appendix 4b -

30 Appendix 4c -

31 Appendix 4d -

32 APPENDIX 5 Following is a list of Norske Skog documents that form the background information used in the development of this Forest Management Plan. Norske Skog High Conservation Value Management Plan Norske Skog Cultural Heritage Plan Norske Skog Boyer Integrated Pest Management Plan Norske Skog Biodiversity Management Plan Norske Skog Socio-Economic Management Plan Norske Skog Stakeholder Communication and Consultation Plan Fibre Training and Professional Development Plan Norske Skog Sustainable Forest Management Policy Norske Skog Permanent Forest Estate Policy Grant 1998 FCP Soil Survey Norske Skog Strategic Fire Management Plan Norske Skog Boyer Fire Plan Norske Skog Native Vegetation Management Plan Norske Skog Forest Management Monitoring Plan Norske Skog Dispute Resolution Process Norske Skog also has Standard Operating Procedures for all its operations. -