Background

Armidale State Forest has a unique, varied past. Some of the exotic pine trees were planted as far back as 1908 and a large majority of the forest was planted prior to the second world war.

The 2019-2020 drought has severely impacted the health of trees across the forest but has most severely impacted the oldest stands of trees.

Dead and dying trees present a safety hazard as large limbs, branches and the trees themselves will begin to fall. See more in the video below.

What will happen?

Forestry Corporation staff and contractors will be selectively removing dead and dying trees over the next 12 months.

The intention is to try and keep as many mature trees as possible. The space created by removing some trees should be taken up by the remaining trees and some naturally regrown trees that have already begun to grow.

There will also be some slashing of areas for fire and weed suppression as well as mulching of certain areas to remove shrubs and woody weeds. The work will take place in stages, as outlined below.

Stage 1:

• Dead Tree Removal – MTB Entrance towards NEMAS
• Mechanical Weed Control – Section 1

Stage 2:

• Dead Tree Removal western side
• Mechanical Weed control – MTB Entrance towards NEMAS

Stage 3

• Monitor regrowth of pinus species
• Mechanical weed control in remaining areas

Stage 4:

• Supplementary planting if required
• Ongoing weed control

Latest updates

Stage 1 of the project commenced in July 2022. While wet weather restricted operations, remediation work was carried out in approximately 18 hectares of forest and approximately 1400 tonnes of wood products were salvaged and supplied to sawmills and wood fibre processors.

While the areas of forest that were closed for the stage 1 operations have re-opened, recent weather events have contributed to further tree and limb fall in these sections.

Forest users are recommended to exercise caution when visiting, particularly in areas with fallen trees, and avoid visiting the forest during periods of high winds and rain.

The future

Forestry Corporation is currently reviewing the plan of management for this forest with key stakeholders.

As a general principle we are not seeking to change the overall species makeup of the forest. We will be working to maintain what is now in the forest as much as possible.

Forging connections

Forestry Corporation is seeking to connect with interested parties to maintain and improve sections of the forest.

More information on what is proposed will be made available on this website soon.

If you have questions, comments or if you would like to be involved, contact info@fcnsw.com.au