Forest Operation Plan Private Native Forestry Code Of

forest operation plan ===================== private native forestry code of practice for cypress and western hardwood forests

Forest Operation Plan
=====================
Private Native Forestry Code of Practice for
Cypress and Western Hardwood Forests
============================================
This template sets out the information you need to record for a Forest
Operation Plan (FOP)
that complies with the Private Native Forestry Code of Practice for
Cypress and Western Hardwood Forests.
Refer to the FOP Guidelines.
Throughout this document you will see references to the FOP
Guidelines. The Guidelines that accompany this FOP template explain
what you have to do with the FOP once it is complete, and contain
background information, extra instructions, tips and examples to help
you answer the questions set out in this template.
Contact your local Private Native Forestry Officer or call the Office
of Environment and Heritage (OEH) on 131 555 if you have any questions
about what you have to do, or if you would like help completing this
FOP.
To help you identify this FOP:
What is name of the landholding this FOP applies to?  
On what date was this FOP completed?  
Amendments to the FOP
If you need to amend this FOP after it has been completed, record the
changes here:
Date of amendment
What needs to be added or changed?
Which section of the FOP does this apply to?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contents
========
2 Forest operation planning and management 4
2.2 Property details 4
3.1 Forest operations 7
3.2 Harvesting technique 7
3.3 Timber products to be harvested 7
3.5 Harvesting methods and equipment 8
3.7 Regeneration and stocking 9
4.1 Protection of landscape features of environmental and cultural
significance 10
4.2 Protection of habitat and biodiversity 10
4.3 Minimising damage to retained trees and native vegetation 11
4.4 Drainage feature protection 11
5.1 Construction and maintenance of roads (and crossings) 12
Appendix: Listed species 18
Management actions for listed species 18
FOP sign off 21
Working with a Contractor 21
Landowner’s declaration 22
Who completed this FOP? 22
FOP map checklist
=================
Refer to the FOP Guidelines page 9.
Features shown on the FOP base map
Check that the FOP base map (supplied by OEH) shows the location of
the following features, where they are present in the FOP area:
*
First, second, third, fourth, fifth or higher order streams
*
Old growth forest
*
Known record sites of listed threatened species.
Features you need to add to the FOP map
Mark the following additional features on the FOP map if they are
present in the FOP area:
 The location and boundaries of the FOP area, if this is different
from the PNF PVP area
 Forest types (according to the ‘Broad forest types’ listed in the
Code Table A)
 Heathland
 Rocky outcrops
 Cliffs, caves, tunnels and disused mine shafts (excluding open pits
less than 3 m deep)
 Aboriginal objects or places
 Listed heritage sites
 Dispersible and highly erodible soils
 New and existing roads*
 New and existing drainage feature crossings*
 Log dumps
 Portable mill sites
 Site evidence of listed threatened species, if you find this as you
prepare the FOP or during forest operations. (See page 18 of this FOP
template for more information.)
* Before you mark roads or crossings on the map, refer to section 5.1
of this FOP template. The names and numbers you use on the map should
be the same as the names and numbers you use in the tables.
You also need to mark the following features on the FOP map. Check the
sketch map that OEH sent you as part of the PVP application process –
this may show indicative locations for these features:
 Wetlands
 Areas of existing mass movement
1 Property Vegetation Plan
==========================
Refer to the FOP Guidelines page 9.
What is the Private Native Forestry Property Vegetation Plan number
(PNF PVP no.)?  
2 Forest operation planning and management
==========================================
Refer to the FOP Guidelines page 9.
2.1 Landowner’s details
-----------------------
What is the name of the primary landowner?  
Phone number:  
Mobile number:  
2.2 Property details
--------------------
What is the property address?  
 
What are the property’s Deposited Plan (DP) numbers and Lot numbers
for the FOP area?
DP numbers:
Lot numbers:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.3 Forest inventory
--------------------
Refer to the FOP Guidelines page 10.
The table below lists the two forest types covered by the Code (these
are referred to in the Code as
‘broad forest types’).
*
Tick the broad forest types that are present in the FOP area.
*
Use this table to describe the forest condition and species mix
for each broad forest type in the FOP area.
*
If you haven’t already done so, mark up the FOP map so it shows
the area covered by each broad forest type.
Broad forest type
Forest condition
Species mix
Cypress
 
 
Western hardwood
 
 
2.4 History of forest disturbance
---------------------------------
Refer to the FOP Guidelines page 11.
Use the table below to briefly describe what you know about how the
forest has been disturbed in the past. Disturbances include
harvesting, fire and grazing. The time intervals used in this table –
‘Last 10 years’,
‘10 to 25 years ago’ etc. – are just suggestions. Use other time
intervals if appropriate.
When did
the disturbance occur?
Harvesting history:
target species,
products taken and harvesting intensity
Fire history:
fuel reduction or bushfire
Grazing history
Last 10 years
 
 
 
 
10 to 25 years ago
 
 
 
 
More than
25 years ago
 
 
 
 
Are there any other types of disturbance that have affected the
current condition of the forest?
If so, briefly describe them here:
 
 
 
 
3 Silvicultural operations
==========================
Refer to the FOP Guidelines page 12. Harvesting must be carried out in
compliance with the Code section 3.
3.1 Forest operations
---------------------
Which of the following forest operations will be carried out? Tick all
that apply.
Commercial timber harvesting
Non-commercial silvicultural activities e.g. non commercial thinning
Regeneration and restocking activities, e.g. prescribed burning, soil
disturbance, seeding etc.
Construction or maintenance of roads, crossings or tracks
3.2 Harvesting technique
------------------------
Which silvicultural techniques will be used? Tick all that apply.
Cypress pine
Non-commercial thinning
Commercial thinning
Oldest age class harvest of cypress pine (release operation)
Western hardwood
Single tree selection
Thinning
3.3 Timber products to be harvested
-----------------------------------
Which of the following products will be harvested? Tick all that
apply.
Large sawlogs
Veneer or plywood logs
Poles or girders
Small sawlogs
Salvage logs
Pulpwood or wood chips
Fencing products (e.g. posts, rails, stays)
Sleepers
Firewood
Furniture and craftwood
Landscaping
Other forest products:
 
 
3.4 Timber species to be harvested
----------------------------------
Which of the following species will be harvested? Tick all that apply.
Apple box
Blakey’s red gum
Black cypress pine
Brown bloodwood
Ironbark
Long-leaved box
Red stringybark
Red box
White cypress pine
Yellow box
White box
Other species:
 
 
 
 
3.5 Harvesting methods and equipment
------------------------------------
Which of the following harvesting methods and equipment will be used?
Tick all that apply.
Manual felling
Mechanised felling
Snigging or extraction using a forwarder
Snigging or extraction using a dozer
Snigging or extraction using a skidder or rubber-tyred tractor
Log landing and loading using an excavator
Log landing and loading using a forwarder
Log landing and loading using a skidder, dozer or log loader
Other equipment or methods:
 
 
 
3.6 Stand heights and stand basal areas
---------------------------------------
Refer to the FOP Guidelines page 13. Harvesting limits must comply
with the Code sections 3.1 and 3.2.
Use the table below to record stand heights and stand basal areas for
each broad forest type in the FOP area.
Note: ‘(< 25 m)’ means where the stand height is less than 25 m,
and ‘(≥ 25 m)’ means where the stand height is equal to or greater
than 25 m.
Column 4 has been added for your convenience; this is not a requirement
of the Code.
1
2
3
4
5
Broad forest type
Stand height
(m)
Estimated stand basal area (m2/ha)
Proposed stand basal area post harvesting – if different from the
minimum requirement (m2/ha)
Minimum stand basal area from Code Table A (m2/ha)
Cypress
(< 25 m)
 
 
6
(≥ 25 m)
 
 
6
Western hardwood
(< 25 m)
 
 
8
(≥ 25 m)
 
 
12
3.7 Regeneration and stocking
-----------------------------
Refer to the FOP Guidelines page 14. The minimum stand stocking levels
which must be achieved within 36 months of a regeneration event are
set out in the Code section 3.3.
If additional activities will be carried out to promote regeneration
(i.e. in addition to harvesting) list them here:
 
 
 
4 Protection of the environment
===============================
4.1 Protection of landscape features of environmental
and cultural significance
-----------------------------------------------------
Refer to the FOP Guidelines page 14. Certain landscape features must
be protected in accordance with the Code section 4.1. These features
trigger the protection requirements listed in the Code Table C.
Which of the following landscape features are present in the FOP area?
Tick all that apply.
Endangered ecological communities
Endangered populations
Vulnerable ecological communities
Old growth forest
Wetlands
Heathland
Rocky outcrops
Cliffs, caves, tunnels and disused mine shafts (excluding open pits
less than 3 m deep)
Aboriginal objects or places (see below)
Listed heritage sites (if you’re not sure, check with your local
council)
Areas of existing mass movement
Dispersible and highly erodible soils
Check that these features are marked on the FOP map.
Aboriginal objects and places must be protected when carrying out
forestry and other activities in accordance with the Code section 4.1.
Existence of an Aboriginal object or place triggers the protection
requirements listed in the Code Table C. To determine the existence of
Aboriginal objects or places see the FOP Guidelines page 14.
4.2 Protection of habitat and biodiversity
------------------------------------------
Refer to the FOP Guidelines page 15. Certain trees must be retained in
accordance with the Code section 4.2.
How will you indicate on site which trees have to be retained? Tick
one or both of the following options,
and provide extra information if necessary.
Trees to be retained will be marked as set out in the tree marking
checklist at the end of this FOP.
Trees to be retained will be indicated as follows:
 
 
 
4.3 Minimising damage to retained trees and native vegetation
-------------------------------------------------------------
Refer to the FOP Guidelines page 16. All the trees that have to be
retained are defined by the Code as ‘protected trees’. Trees must be
protected in accordance with the Code section 4.3.
Which of the following plant species, also defined as ‘protected
trees’, are present in the FOP area?
Grass tree (Xanthorrheoa)
Forest oak (Allocasuarina)
Banksia
[Note: Bull oak (Allocasuarina luehmannii) is not defined as a
‘protected tree’.]
How will you indicate on site which trees have to be protected? Tick
one or both of the following options,
and provide extra information if necessary.
Trees to be protected will be marked as set out in the tree marking
checklist at the end of this FOP.
Trees to be protected will be indicated as follows:
 
 
 
How will you minimise damage to protected trees?
 
 
 
 
4.4 Drainage feature protection
-------------------------------
Refer to the FOP Guidelines page 16. Drainage features (also referred
to in the Code as ‘streams’ and including dry drainage features) must
be protected in accordance with the Code section 4.4. Forest
operations must not occur in riparian exclusion zones (see the Code
Table F) except for the purpose of crossing drainage features.
Check that the FOP map shows the location of all the mapped first,
second, third, fourth and fifth-order streams in the FOP area.
5 Construction and maintenance
of forest infrastructure
==============================
Refer to the FOP Guidelines page 17. Infrastructure used in the forest
operations must comply with
the Code section 5.
5.1 Construction and maintenance of roads (and crossings)
---------------------------------------------------------
New roads
Refer to the FOP Guidelines page 18. All new roads that will be
constructed and used in the forest operations must comply with the
Code section 5.1.
*
Use the table below to provide details about how new roads will
comply with the Code. Include all new roads that will be used in
the forest operations. Use extra pages if necessary.
*
More than one new road can be listed in each column of the table
provided that the management prescriptions are the same for these
roads.
*
Check that the roads are shown on the FOP map using the same names
or numbers used in this table.
New roads
New road name or number:
 
 
Will clearing be required?
Yes No
Yes No
If yes, describe the clearing required:
 
 
How will groundcover be established over cleared areas?
Groundcover will be established through natural regeneration.
Groundcover will be established as follows:
 
Groundcover will be established through natural regeneration.
Groundcover will be established as follows:
 
Will the road grade exceed 10 degrees?
Yes No
Yes No
If yes, the reason for the grade being greater than 10 degrees (but no
more than 15 degrees) is:
 
 
Is any section of the road located on ground with a slope greater than
25 degrees?
Yes No
Yes No
How will fill or cut batters
be stabilised?
 
 
How will soil erosion on roads be prevented?
Maintaining vegetation cover
Establishing grass cover
Crossfall or shaping
Drainage structures
Maintaining vegetation cover
Establishing grass cover
Crossfall or shaping
Drainage structures
How will drainage be provided (e.g. what types
of drainage structures will
be used)?
 
 
Will the road be stabilised and allowed to revegetate after this
forest operation?
Yes No
Yes No
Does this table continue on extra pages? Yes No
Existing roads
Refer to the FOP Guidelines page 21. All existing roads that will be
used in the forest operations must be maintained and, if necessary,
upgraded so they comply with the Code section 5.1.
*
Use the table below to provide details about how existing roads
will be maintained or upgraded so they comply with the Code.
Include all existing roads that will be used in the forest
operations. Use extra pages if necessary.
*
More than one existing road can be listed in each column of the
table provided that the management prescriptions are the same for
these roads.
*
Check that the roads are shown on the FOP map using the same names
or numbers used in this table.
Existing roads
Existing road name or number:
 
 
Will clearing be required?
Yes No
Yes No
If yes, describe the clearing required:
 
 
How will groundcover be established over cleared areas?
Groundcover will be established through natural regeneration.
Groundcover will be established as follows:
 
Groundcover will be established through natural regeneration.
Groundcover will be established as follows:
 
How will soil erosion on roads be prevented?
Maintaining vegetation cover
Establishing grass cover
Crossfall or shaping
Drainage structures
Maintaining vegetation cover
Establishing grass cover
Crossfall or shaping
Drainage structures
Is the road surface shaped for infall or outfall?
Infall Outfall
Infall Outfall
Does the current (pre-harvest) road condition comply with the Code?
Yes No
Yes No
If not, what maintenance or upgrading work will be carried out to
bring the road up to the Code standard?
 
 
Is the existing drainage up to standard with the Code?
Yes No
Yes No
If not how will drainage be provided (e.g. what types
of drainage structures will
be used)?
 
 
Are fill and cut batters currently stable?
Yes No
Yes No
If they are not stable, what work will be carried out to stabilise
them?
 
 
Will the road be stabilised and allowed to revegetate after this
forest operation?
Yes No
Yes No
Does this table continue on extra pages? Yes No
New drainage feature crossings (e.g. bridges, causeways or culverts)
Refer to the FOP Guidelines page 23. All new crossings that will be
constructed and used in the forest operations must comply with the
Code section 5.1.2.
*
Use the table below to provide details about how new crossings
will comply with the Code. Include
all new crossings that will be used in the forest operations. Use
extra pages if necessary.
*
Check that the crossings are shown on the FOP map using the same
names or numbers used in
this table.
New drainage feature crossings
New crossing name or number:
 
 
What type of structure
will be used (e.g. bridge, causeway, culvert)?
 
 
What material will be used for the base or surface of the crossing?
 
 
What construction work will be carried out to build the crossing?
 
 
What sediment and
erosion control works
will be carried out?
 
 
How will road drainage on the crossing approaches be provided?
 
 
Does this table continue on extra pages? Yes No
Existing drainage feature crossings
Refer to the FOP Guidelines page 25. All existing crossings that will
be used in the forest operations must be maintained and, if necessary,
upgraded so they comply with the Code section 5.1.2.
*
Use the table below to provide details about how existing
crossings will be maintained or upgraded
so they comply with the Code. Include all existing crossings that
will be used in the forest operations.
Use extra pages if necessary.
*
Check that the crossings are shown on the FOP map using the same
names or numbers used in this table.
Existing drainage feature crossings
Existing crossing name or number:
 
 
What type of structure
will be used (e.g. bridge, causeway, culvert)?
 
 
Does the crossing comply with the Code?
Yes No
Yes No
If not, what maintenance or upgrading work will be carried out to
bring the crossing up to the Code standard?
 
 
What sediment and
erosion control works
will be carried out?
 
 
How will road drainage on the crossing approaches be provided?
 
 
Does this table continue on extra pages? Yes No
5.2 Log landings, portable mill sites and snig tracks
-----------------------------------------------------
Refer to the FOP Guidelines page 26. Log dumps, portable mill sites
and snig tracks must be used and maintained in accordance with the
Code section 5.2.
Check that the FOP map shows the location of all the log dumps and
portable mill sites that will be used in the forest operations.
Appendix: Listed species
========================
Refer to the FOP Guidelines page 26. Threatened plants and animals
must be protected in accordance with the Code Appendix: Listed species
ecological prescriptions.
Management actions for listed species
-------------------------------------
Refer to the FOP Guidelines page 27.
Are there any known records of listed species in the FOP area? Yes No
Is there any site evidence of listed species in the FOP area? Yes No
If you find site evidence of listed species as you prepare this FOP or
during the forest operations, you need to make sure the Code
provisions to protect the listed species are complied with. You may
need to amend this FOP. Check with OEH if you are not sure what to do.
Use the table below to describe the specific management actions that
will be carried out to protect listed species.
Note: This table must not include the names of known records of listed
species (this information is protected by a licence agreement with
OEH). However, the locations of listed species record sites (see
Guidelines) are shown on the FOP map supplied by OEH, and each record
site within the FOP area needs to be included in the table. Names of
species identified through site evidence can be included in the table.
Check the map: Make sure the numbers you use to describe the record
sites in the table are also used on the FOP map.
Management actions for listed species
Threatened plant or animal:
Record site 1:  
Record site 2: 
Does an exclusion zone apply to this species? If so, what is the
exclusion zone?
 
 
For plants, what % of individuals will be protected by the exclusion
zone?
 
 
Does a buffer zone apply to this species? If so, what is the buffer
zone?
 
 
Do extra tree retention measures apply to this species? If so, what
are the extra retention measures?
 
 
If exclusion or buffer zones apply, how have they been marked in the
field?
 
 
Will other management actions be carried out?
If so, what are they?
 
 
Does this table continue on extra pages? Yes No
Tree marking checklist
======================
If you will be using tree marking, which of the following marks will
you use? Tick all that apply.
FOP area boundary
Single yellow tape or ring
Exclusion zone
 or single blue tape
Machinery exclusion zone
X
Log landing or portable mill site
D
Stream crossing site
↕
Trees to be removed
 (or a number of dots)
Trees to be retained for growing on
——
Directional felling mark
←

Habitat trees to be retained
H
Recruitment trees to be retained
R
Other trees to be retained
(including feed, roost, nest and individual species)
E
Boundary of listed threatened species buffer area
——
T
If you will be using other types of tree marking, describe or
illustrate them here:
 
 
 
 
 
FOP sign off
============
Working with a Contractor
-------------------------
If the work is to be carried out by a Contractor:
*
You must fully brief the Contractor on the requirements set out in
this FOP before work starts.
*
You must give the Contractor a copy of this FOP and ask them and
all crew members to read, sign and date it, before work starts.
*
All people signing this FOP must be fully aware that by signing
the FOP they are legally bound to comply with the Private Native
Forestry Code of Practice for Cypress and Western Hardwood Forests.
*
You must make sure that anyone else who will work on the site is
fully briefed on the requirements set out in this FOP before work
starts.
*
You must make sure the Contractor and anyone who will work on the
site is familiar with the physical features of the FOP area and
any boundaries, buffers or exclusion zones.
*
A copy of this FOP must be available on site during operations.
*
The Contractor must notify you immediately if there are any
operational changes that require this FOP to be amended.
Amendments must be noted on this FOP.
Contractor’s declaration
I, the person contracted to carry out the forest operations set out in
this plan, certify that I have read and understand the requirements of
this Forest Operation Plan (FOP).
I, and any people working on my behalf, will carry out the work in
accordance with this FOP and with the Private Native Forestry Code of
Practice for Cypress and Western Hardwood Forests.
I will have a copy of this FOP on site during the operations.
I will notify the landowner immediately if there are any operational
changes that require this FOP to be amended.
Name:  
Signature:
Date:  
Others who will work on site
----------------------------
Any person who will work on site during any stage of the forest
operations must read, sign and date this FOP:
Name:  
Signature:
Date:  
Name:  
Signature:
Date:  
Name:  
Signature:
Date:  
Name:  
Signature:
Date:  
Name:  
Signature:
Date:  
Name:  
Signature:
Date:  
Name:  
Signature:
Date:  
Note: All new crew members who join the team during the operations,
including workers such as truck drivers, must also read, sign and date
this FOP (but this does not have to be written up as an amendment to
the FOP).
Landowner’s declaration
-----------------------
Note: Where there are joint landowners, this declaration may be signed
by a single landowner only where that landowner has the authority to
sign on behalf of all landowners.
I, the landowner, declare that I have read and understand all the
requirements set out in this Forest Operation Plan (FOP).
Signature:
Date:  
Who completed this FOP?
-----------------------
Name of person who completed this FOP:
Signature:
Date:  
Phone no.:  
Mobile no.:  
OEH 2011/0451
June 2011
Forest Operation Plan TEMPLATE for Cypress and Western Hardwood
Forests 1