Research and Development
Research is a fundamental component of good forest management. Science-based decision making should be at the forefront when considering forest practices and the best way in which to manage forest values.
VicForests acknowledges that research is an integral component for developing successful conservation outcomes, while also taking into account the social and economic needs associated with forest management.
VicForests has a responsibility to add to the existing knowledge pool, either through contribution to research programs run by other organisations, or by undertaking its own programs.
Development of a threatened fauna management framework across Victoria's state forests (Powell and Sedunary 2013)
This paper is a review of VicForests pre-harvest fauna survey process and targeted monitoring projects, outlining the results and survey effort undertaken over the past year, and how this process has contributed to the conservation of a range of threatened species across eastern Victoria.
This review also considers potential improvements to the framework that may drive further development in the future. This information is relevant to all forest management agencies that are faced with the delicate task of balancing the management of multiple forest uses with forest biodiversity conservation.
Timber harvesting does not increase fire risk and severity in wet eucalypt forests of southern Australia (P.M. Attiwill, M.F. Ryan, N. Burrows, N.P. Cheney, L. McCaw, M. Neyland, & S. Read, 2013)
New research by some of Australia’s leading fire scientists reject suggestions that timber harvesting is making Victoria’s forests more fire-prone.
This research paper brings together new evidence and specialised knowledge from some of Australia’s best fire scientists.This research shows recent major bushfires did not burn anymore intensely in forests where timber harvesting takes place than they did in National Parks and reserves where there is no harvesting.
