Local jobs, renewable timber, thriving flora and fauna and world-class recreational facilities are among the benefits of State forests being celebrated today on the International Day of Forests.

Forestry Corporation of NSW’s CEO Nick Roberts said State forests play many vital and varied roles in communities across the state and the day highlights the importance of the local forest industry.

“This year’s International Day of Forests is an opportunity to reflect not only on the services State forests deliver, but also the rigour and care we exercise when managing them,” Mr Roberts said.

“Our forest management is predicated on ensuring the forests remain full of trees. We replant over 8 million seedlings each year in plantations and ensure trees in native forests regrow and regenerate continuously.

There are over 500 thriving State forests throughout NSW, demonstrating the balance between a sustainable supply of renewable timber and maintenance of forest health and habitat.

“We manage over two million hectares of native forests and plantations that support thousands of Australian jobs in production of much-loved timber products and underpin an industry that contributes $2.4 billion to the economy annually.

“Equally important, these forests also provide many environmental values that the corporation protects for the benefit of the community. Ensuring wildlife habitat is maintained, pests and weeds are managed and the threat of fire is minimised is also important in forest management.

“Each year we also welcome millions of campers, bushwalkers, trail bike riders, four-wheel drivers, horse riders and mountain bikers who want to enjoy forests throughout the state.

“Our production forests have been harvested and regenerated many times over more than 100 years of harvesting — the fact they continue to thrive is testament to the sustainable forest management practices of the past and the stringent modern requirements we work under.”

The United Nations General Assembly has designated 21 March as the International Day of Forests to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests and the benefits they bring to communities.

Media contact: Rod Campbell 0428 058 549