An operation to harvest and replant timber plantations will commence this month in Orara East State Forest, near Karangi.

Forestry Corporation of NSW’s Harvesting Manager Tom Halliday said the mature timber plantations would be harvested over the coming months and replanted with 1,100 seedlings per hectare to regrow the plantations for future generations.

“Like many State forests in the region, Orara East State Forest contains areas of native forest as well as areas of timber plantations that were planted for timber production around 40 years ago,” Mr Halliday said.

“This month, we’ll be starting work to harvest the mature timber plantations in the western part of the forest near the community of Karangi and then preparing to replant the plantation area for the future.

“The plantations will be a worksite during these operations, so areas may be closed for the community’s safety and there may also be access restrictions in place on some internal forest roads. We ask the community to pay attention to safety signage and not enter closed areas and thank them for their patience during this work.”

Planning Supervisor Matt Howat said plantation operations were planned in line with strict environmental conditions.

“We have a team of planners who have worked over several months to identify and map the historically cleared area which was planted with trees 40 years ago and to carry out environmental assessments and engage with neighbours and community members about the operations,” Mr Howat said.

“Because the plantation was established four decades ago, Forestry Corporation have applied a thorough process that is then independently authorised to confirm the plantation has been correctly mapped and identified.

“While growing native trees, timber plantations are not native forests. But we do put measures in place to protect mature trees that were there prior to plantation establishment, and map areas to be retained along waterways and other important environmental features.

“At the same time we have also been planning operations in the adjoining native forest, which will take place later in the year. As part of this planning process, our ecologists and Aboriginal partnership liaisons have been carrying out detailed surveys, to search for and protect wildlife habitat, hollow-bearing trees, culturally significant sites and a range of other forest features.

“We’ve published detailed operational plans on our website and we remain happy to discuss these operations with the community.

“These plantation harvesting operations will produce a range of renewably-sourced products, including power poles structural timbers for bridges and girders, and flooring and decking for houses, while the residue including tree crowns and branches will produce products including firewood.

Find out more about the operation.

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