Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management in Victoria Guidance Document PDF

Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management in Victoria Guidance Document A Victorian Government initiative Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management in Victoria Guidance Document This is the logo of The Montréal Process Working Group on Criteria and Indicators for...

Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management in Victoria Guidance Document A Victorian Government initiative Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management in Victoria Guidance Document This is the logo of The Montréal Process Working Group on Criteria and Indicators for the Conservation and Sustainable Management of Temperate and Boreal Forests. Victoria’s criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management are consistent with this process. Printed on 100% recycled paper. Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne, June 2007 © The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2007 This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Authorised by the Victorian Government, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Printed by: CMA Print 2/47 Wangara Road Cheltenham Vic 3192 Ph: +61 3 9586 3000 Fax: +61 3 9586 3050 www.cmaprint. com ISBN 978-1-74152-817-6 (Internet) ISBN 978-1-74152-811-4 (Print) For more information contact the DSE Customer Service Centre 136 186 or visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/sfm Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss, or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. ii Criteria and indicators for sustainable forest managment in Victoria – guidance document Foreword Victoria’s State forests are an important part of our environment. They are the origin of many of our creeks and rivers, and are some of our favourite places to explore, learn and enjoy. State forests contain diverse and outstanding natural values. They contribute to scenic landscapes and provide habitat for a wide range of plants and animals. State forests are important contributors to regional employment and provide the Victorian community with a wide range of products, including timber, firewood and honey. The policy initiatives Growing Victoria Together (2005), Our Forests, Our Future (2002) and Our Environment, Our Future – Victoria’s Environmental Sustainability Framework (2005), combined with the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 and the Sustainability Charter for Victoria’s State forests (2006), demonstrate and strengthen the Victorian Government’s commitment to regional communities and the sustainable management of Victoria’s State forests. To meet the requirements of the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004, criteria and indicators for the sustainable management of Victoria’s State forests have been developed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment with the assistance of key experts, Government partners, and in consultation with the community. The community and industry are entitled to scientifically robust and transparent information about Victoria’s State forests. Victoria’s sustainable forest management indicators will provide a framework for the State forest monitoring and information reporting activities undertaken by the Department of Sustainability and Environment. The outcomes will complement and inform other sustainability initiatives currently operating at various scales within Victoria and Australia. Hon. John Thwaites Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change   Contents Foreword Introduction Criterion 1: Conservation of biological diversity 1.1 Ecosystem diversity 1.1a Area of forest by type and tenure 1.1b Area of forest type by growth stage 1.1c Area of forest type by growth stage distribution in protected zones 1.1d Fragmentation of native forest cover 1.2 Species diversity 1.2a The status of forest dependent species at risk of not maintaining viable breeding populations, as determined by legislation or scientific assessment 1.2b Area of habitat available for forest dependent indicator species 1.2c Representative indicator species from a range of habitats monitored at scales relevant to regional forest management 1.2d Degree of disturbance to native forest species caused by invasive species 1.3 Genetic diversity 1.3a The number of forest dependent species at risk from isolation that may lead to loss of genetic variation 1.3b Number of in situ and ex situ conservation efforts for forest dependent species Criterion 2: Maintenance of productive capacity of forest ecosystems 2.1 Area and percentage of forest and net area of forest available and suitable for timber production 2.2 Volume of wood by forest type in State forest that is available and suitable for timber production 2.3 Annual production of wood products from State forest compared to sustainable harvest levels 2.4 Annual production of non-wood forest products 2.5 Proportion of timber harvest area successfully regenerated by forest type Criterion 3: Maintenance of ecosystem health and vitality 3.1 Scale and impact of agents and processes affecting forest health and vitality 3.2 Area and type of human-induced disturbance Criterion 4: Conservation and maintenance of soil and water resources 4.1 Area and percentage of forest by activity type systematically assessed for risk to soil attributes 4.2 Change in forested catchment water yield characteristics through time 4.3 Change in forested catchment river health characteristics through time Criterion 5: Maintenance of forest contribution to global carbon cycles 5.1 Total forest ecosystem biomass and carbon pool by forest type, age class and successional stages 5.2 Contribution of forest ecosystems to the global greenhouse gas balance Criterion 6: Maintenance and enhancement of long term multiple socio-economic benefits to meet the needs of societies 6.1 Production and consumption 6.1a Value ($) of wood and wood products 6.1b Value ($) and yield of non-wood forest products 6.1c Value ($) of forest derived ecosystem services 6.1d Degree of reuse and recycling of wood products 1 5 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 14 15 16 17 18 18 19 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31 32 33 34 37 38 39 41 42 42 44 45 46  Criteria and indicators for sustainable forest managment in Victoria – guidance document 6.2 Investment in the forest sector 6.2a Investment and expenditure in forest management 6.2b Investment in research and development, and education 6.2c Extension and use of new and improved technologies 6.3 Recreation and Tourism 6.3a Area and quality of forest actively utilised for recreation and tourism 6.3b Range and use of recreation and tourism opportunities that are available within forests 6.3c Number of visits per annum 6.4 Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultural, social, and spiritual needs and values 6.4a Area of forest to which Indigenous people have access and rights that protect their cultural heritage and are recognised through formal and informal management regimes 6.4b Proportion of places of Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultural values in forests formally managed to protect those values 6.5 Employment and community needs 6.5a Direct and indirect employment in the forest sector and forest sector employment as a proportion of total employment 6.5b Average wage rates and injury rates in major employment categories within the forest sector 6.5c Resilience of forest dependent communities to changing social and economic conditions 6.5d Resilience of forest dependent Indigenous communities to changing social and economic conditions 6.5e Area of forest available and accessible for Indigenous people to exercise their inherent rights to meet subsistence or individual and family cultural and spiritual needs 6.6 Indigenous participation 6.6a Extent to which the management framework includes the exercise of customary, custodial, traditional and native title rights as an essential component in achieving sustainable forest management Criterion 7: Legal, institutional and economic framework for forest conservation and sustainable management 7.1 Extent to which the legal framework (laws, regulations, guidelines) supports the conservation and sustainable management of forests 7.2 Extent to which the institutional framework supports the conservation and sustainable management of forests 7.3 Extent to which the economic framework supports the conservation and sustainable management of forests 7.4 Capacity to measure and monitor changes in the conservation and sustainable management of forests 7.5 Capacity to conduct and apply research and development aimed at improving forest management, including development of scientific understanding of forest ecosystem characteristics and functions Bibliography Glossary Appendix 1: Summary of indicators  47 47 48 49 50 50 51 52 53 53 55 57 57 58 59 60 61 62 62 63 64 66 68 69 70 71 73 79 criteria and indicators for sustainable forest managment in Victoria – guidance document Introduction The Victorian Government is committed to being a world leader in environmental sustainability. Victoria’s forests are of major importance at a local, regional, State, national and international level. They hold many values, benefits and products for the community. They provide habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals, and play a vital role in conserving habitat and biodiversity values. Forests also make an important contribution to Victoria’s economy, providing wood and other forest products, employment for local communities, regional development, recreation and tourism. The social, cultural, Indigenous, educational and aesthetic values associated with Victoria’s forests are highly prized in the community and more people visit our State forests for recreation and amenity than for any other purpose. Victorians expect that forest ecosystems will be protected for current and future generations to enjoy, while continuing to satisfy the need for products derived from sustainably managed forests. The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) has primary responsibility for the sustainable management of Victoria’s State forests. This includes the conservation of flora and fauna, protection of water catchments and water quality, the provision of timber and other forest products on a sustainable basis, the protection of landscape, archaeological and historic values, and the provision of recreational and educational opportunities. Sustainable Forest Management At the 1992 United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro, Australia endorsed the Global Statement of Principles on Forests. Based on this endorsement, the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments developed a strategy for the ecologically sustainable management of Australia’s forests. This strategy was embodied in the National Forest Policy Statement, signed by all participating governments in 1992, with the exception of Tasmania, which became a signatory in 1995. After the United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development, Canada convened the International Seminar of Experts on the Sustainable Development of Boreal and Temperate Forests in 1993. This led to the signing of the Santiago Declaration in 1995, which included a criteria and indicator framework – known as the Montreal Process criteria and indicators. Australia is one of 12 member countries in the Montreal Process, which spans five continents and accounts for 60 percent of the world’s forests. Similar frameworks have been developed for other forests of the world (for example the Helsinki Process for the forests of Europe (1993) and the International Tropical Timber Organisation Process (1992) for the world’s tropical forests). The Montreal Process criteria and indicators are designed to reflect the ecological, economic and social components of sustainable forest management. They provide a common understanding of what is meant by sustainable forest management. They also provide a common framework for describing, assessing and evaluating progress towards sustainable forest management at the national level. The Montreal Process criteria are: 1. Conservation of biological diversity; 2. Maintenance of productive capacity of forest ecosystems; 3. Maintenance of ecosystem health and vitality; 4. Conservation and maintenance of soil and water resources; 5. Maintenance of forest contribution to global carbon cycles; 6. Maintenance and enhancement of long-term multiple socio-economic benefits to meet the needs of societies; and 7. Legal, institutional and economic framework for forest conservation and sustainable management. Within these criteria, regional indicators have been developed for use in Australia under the Framework of Regional (Sub-National) Level Criteria and Indicators of Sustainable Forest Management in Australia (Commonwealth of Australia, 1998). These form the basis for measuring and reporting on sustainable forest management in Australia.  Introduction Victoria’s Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management To demonstrate that Victoria is committed to sustainable forest management, it is important for our public reporting processes to reflect the work done by the Montreal Process (1995). Victoria’s criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management are consistent with the Montreal Process. The Victorian criteria and indicators are also well aligned with Australia’s regional indicators of sustainable forest management (Commonwealth of Australia, 1998) and will meet Victoria’s national reporting obligations. Under the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004, DSE has the responsibility to collate information against each of the Victorian indicators. This is done through Victoria’s State of the Forests Report – a five-yearly report to the Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change from the Secretary, DSE. VicForests is also required to provide information on relevant indicators to support this reporting process. Victoria’s criteria and indicators will be used for a range of management and reporting processes and will complement other sustainability initiatives currently operating at various scales within Victoria and Australia. For example, the criteria and indicators provide a means to monitor and report on progress towards the objectives set out in the Sustainability Charter for Victoria’s State forests (2006). Specifically, it is anticipated that monitoring and reporting against the criteria and indicators will: • Improve information about the current state of publicly owned native forests and trends over time; • Define sustainable forest management on public land in the Victorian context; • Allow credible performance reporting to the community; • Facilitate inter/intra-agency communication and data exchange; • Improve stakeholder/community/Indigenous consultation and participation in sustainable forest management; • Draw on DSE’s extensive data resources and identify where other relevant data may exist; • Influence research directions to ensure knowledge gaps are identified and addressed; • Highlight the forest sector’s contribution to sustainable development in Victoria; and • Improve the efficacy of management systems, policies and procedures (including elements of the Code of Practice for Timber Production 2007). Process for developing Victoria’s Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management The development of Victoria’s criteria and indicators has included government, stakeholder and community consultation (see Figure 1), demonstrating the Victorian Government’s commitment to greater community engagement in forest management. Victoria’s criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management have been subjected to a process of expert review through a series of Technical Reference Group workshops held in November 2005. The Technical Reference Group was comprised of DSE and external people with high-level expertise in at least one of the seven Montreal Process criteria subject areas. The Technical Reference Group workshops identified a number of issues associated with the proposed indicators. These issues were addressed, where possible, and new indicators subsequently included. The draft criteria and indicators were then distributed across Government for comment and released for statewide consultation between July and September 2006. Further opportunity for comment by government bodies was also provided during this consultation period. Public information sessions were held at Ballarat, Bairnsdale, Benalla, Bendigo and Melbourne. These sessions aimed to provide interested stakeholders and members of the public with an understanding of how the indicators were developed and how they would be used in forest management. The sessions also provided an opportunity for questions and concerns to be raised. Forty written submissions were subsequently received from interested parties. All feedback was addressed, where feasible.  criteria and indicators for sustainable forest managment in Victoria – guidance document It is expected that the criteria and indicators will be periodically reviewed to ensure the continued supply of accurate and relevant information for sustainable forest management. Figure 1: Process for developing the Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) in Victoria Structure of Victoria’s Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management Forty-five indicators are proposed under the seven broad criteria of the Montreal Process and Framework of Regional (Sub-National) Level Criteria and Indicators of Sustainable Forest Management in Australia (Commonwealth of Australia, 1998). The reporting unit for each criteria and indicator is State forest. While the criteria and indicators can be applied to all forest land tenures in Victoria, the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 only requires DSE to monitor and report on the indicators in the context of Victoria’s State forests. Nevertheless, where data is available, a broader ‘all forests, all tenure’ approach to reporting will be adopted. It is recognised that no single criteria or indicator is an indication of sustainability, therefore, each must be considered in the context of other criteria and indicators. Associated with the indicators are a number of potential sub-indicator reporting areas. These potential sub-indicators are practical, yet aspirational, and will rely on data availability at the time of reporting. Reporting on these potential sub-indicators is not considered compulsory, however, the extent to which DSE can monitor and report on these areas needs to be considered in the evaluation of sustainable forest management and will play an important role in demonstrating continual improvement over time.  Introduction To facilitate a statewide approach to reporting, the following three categories have been applied to each indicator (see Appendix 1): A B C Category A: Indicators that can be reported against immediately for many areas of Victoria’s forest. In these cases, information is already available and/or being collected; Category B: Indicators that can be measured for some areas of forest, but where there remains a methodological or resourcing issue; and Category C: Indicators where significant research and development is required to assess if there is a practical, sensitive and cost-effective means of implementation. These categories will be used to determine the availability and completeness of the data, and to set information priorities. The Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management in Victoria is structured as follows: Montreal Process Criterion Indicator name and category Potential sub-indicator reporting areas • Rationale – why the indicator is used and what information it provides; • Issues – outlines specific issues that may affect DSE’s ability to report accurately on the indicator; • Possible data sources – lists the government and non-government agencies/groups that may provide data related to the indicator; • Potential methods – lists the various methods that can be used to obtain and assess the data related to the indicator; and • Interpretation – outlines the factors that need to be considered when interpreting the data and assessing the indicator.  criteria and indicators for sustainable forest managment in Victoria – guidance document Criterion 1 Conservation of biological diversity “Biodiversity refers to the different plants, animals, micro-organisms, their genes and the ecosystems they form. The conservation of biodiversity is a key element of ecologically sustainable development. Managing native forests to protect biodiversity and maintain ecosystem processes via the conservation of habitats and ecosystems is essential to the ongoing survival of all species.” Sustainability Charter for Victoria’s State forests (2006)  1 Criterion 1 Conservation of biological diversity Element: 1.1 Ecosystem diversity Indicator: 1.1a Area of forest by type and tenure Potential sub-indicator reporting areas i) Percentage of tree species (Ecological Vegetation Class and species group) by age class and site quality A Rationale Indicator: Measures the current level of forest cover by broad forest type and demonstrates whether/how the forested area is changing over time. This knowledge is fundamental for the effective management of our forests. Potential sub-indicator reporting areas: This sub-indicator aims to incorporate the concept of Comprehensive, Adequate and Representative with respect to tree species. Issues • Ecological Vegetation Class is not synonymous with forest type. Consequently, vegetation classification could be reported as either Ecological Vegetation Class or forest type, or both; • The Statewide Forest Resource Inventory program considers site quality by measuring the height of forests at 20 years and their growth potential. Sites < 20 years at the time of the inventory have not been assessed; and • In some Ecological Vegetation Classes the understorey age and composition may differ from that of the overstorey. Possible data sources • Department of Sustainability and Environment. Potential methods • Initially this indicator should use Statewide Forest Resource Inventory databases, however, the use of the Ecological Vegetation Class benchmarking process needs to be considered; and • National Forest Inventory classes may also be used, see National Forest Inventory (2003). Interpretation This information will allow the identification of changes in vegetation cover and condition over time. The data should be reviewed with respect to forest management objectives including seral stage distributions, forest condition and areas in reserve. 10 Criteria and indicators for sustainable forest managment in Victoria – guidance document Element: 1.1 Ecosystem diversity Indicator: 1.1b Area of forest type by growth stage Potential sub-indicator reporting areas i) Area of old growth forest, by type, distributed across the Forest Management Area ii) Area and percentage of old growth harvested annually iii) Area and percentage of old growth impacted by natural processes annually (e.g. wildfire, insect attack) iv) Area recruited for future old growth (areas of regrowth protected from anthropogenic disturbances – age distribution) B Rationale Indicator: Within any forest ecosystem or forest type, ecological processes and the species associated with those processes are related to vegetation structure (age and strata), successional stages (varies between species) and their configuration in the landscape. Potential sub-indicator reporting areas: These sub-indicators aim to incorporate issues related to the representativeness and future availability of old growth forest. Issues • In some Ecological Vegetation Classes the understorey age and composition may differ from that of the overstorey. This can be difficult to analyse and could cause difficulties in reporting. Possible data sources • Department of Sustainability and Environment. Potential methods • Standard forest measurement procedures, including aerial photograph interpretation, inventory data, disturbance history, logging history and fire maps can be used for determining growth stage. Interpretation This information will identify changes in growth stages within forest types related to forest management objectives, and by tenure. Implications for flora and fauna that favour particular growth stages should be discussed. 11 1 Criterion 1 Conservation of biological diversity Element: 1.1 Ecosystem diversity Indicator: 1.1c Area of forest type by growth stage distribution in protected zones Potential sub-indicator reporting areas A i) Area of forest, by type and age class in Comprehensive, Adequate and Representative (CAR) reserve areas ii) Range of sizes and average size of CAR reserve areas for each forest type iii) Number of outstanding or unique biological, zoological, geological, or paleontological features in protected areas iv) Area of forest available for timber harvesting in relation to area of forest in CAR reserve areas v) Area of forest types with significantly reduced area Rationale Indicator: Strategies for nature conservation should include a system of reserves that are Comprehensive, Adequate and Representative. Potential sub-indicator reporting areas: These sub-indicators aim to incorporate issues related to representativeness, connectivity and habitat availability. Issues • Some areas of forest still require measurement. This includes combinations of protected areas, mature forest and regrowth; • The effects of wildfire on forest age class and structure needs to be considered and incorporated; • Measurement unit types and regions may vary (for example Catchment Management Area, Forest Management Area and Bioregions); and • In some Ecological Vegetation Classes the understorey age may differ from the overstorey. Possible data sources • Department of Sustainability and Environment. Potential methods • Fire severity mapping case studies. Interpretation Generally, as the area of protected forest increases the indicator will show a corresponding rise in the area of forest type by growth stage distribution in protected zones, thereby increasing representativeness. However, it may also be possible for representativeness to increase, even when the area protected remains unchanged, because of reductions in the total forest estate. 12 Criteria and indicators for sustainable forest managment in Victoria – guidance document Element: 1.1 Ecosystem diversity Indicator: 1.1d Fragmentation of native forest cover Potential sub-indicator reporting areas i) Connectivity between areas with similar habitat types ii) Area of forest permanently converted to non-forest B Rationale Indicator: Provides information on the state of forests impacted by the loss of forest cover and determines the spatial configuration of that loss within a region. Because large stretches of continuous forest are often necessary for maintaining viable populations of species, fragmentation (for example from roads, pipelines) can cause populations (especially small populations) to become vulnerable, and can reduce gene pools through loss of biodiversity. Potential sub-indicator reporting areas: These sub-indicators aim to quantify habitat fragmentation at the landscape level. Issues • There needs to be a focus on the representation of growth stages in each Ecological Vegetation Class; • Fragmentation already exists in some Ecological Vegetation Classes – change through time is important; • Pest and wildfire (fire severity) effects need to be considered with respect to this indicator; and • Fragmentation is often an issue where a forest area adjoins private property, or is divided by private property across a forest type. Possible data sources • Department of Sustainability and Environment; • Arthur Rylah Institute; and • Birds Australia Atlas. Potential methods • FragStats: A computer software program designed to compute a wide variety of landscape metrics for categorical map patterns, and to explore some issues regarding the use of landscape metrics to describe landscape structure; • For measuring Connectivity Indices see Hanski (1999); and • For methods to assess fragmentation of parks see University of Ballarat (1998). Interpretation Broadly speaking, less fragmentation of forest by other land uses is considered to be more favourable to the conservation of biodiversity. Assessment of this indicator should be interpreted within the context of natural fragmentation patterns. It should also incorporate both temporary and permanent fragmentation in the landscape and consider their effects over time. 13 1 Criterion 1 Conservation of biological diversity Element: 1.2 Species diversity Indicator: 1.2a The status of forest dependent species at risk of not maintaining viable breeding populations, as determined by legislation or scientific assessment Potential sub-indicator reporting areas A i) Percentage of high priority actions at high priority locations successfully implemented annually for threatened species and communities ii) Percentage of high priority threatened species populations with positive trends for a) population, b) habitat and c) risk iii) Percentage of high priority occurrences of threatened communities with positive trends for a) extent and condition, b) physical environment and c) risk iv) Percentage change in the number of forest dependent species classified as vulnerable, threatened or endangered Rationale Indicator: Describes the status of known threatened species in Victoria’s forests and provides information to improve their conservation status and formal designation. Potential sub-indicator reporting areas: These sub-indicators aim to provide a measure of change in both the status of species at risk and the processes threatening their survival. Issues • The mobility of faunal species requires measurement and monitoring across land tenures; • The capacity of the system to absorb change requires consideration when reporting on this indicator; and • There is a time lag between the assessment of species at risk and implementation of appropriate interventions. Possible data sources • • • • • Department of Sustainability and Environment; Victoria’s Catchment Management Authorities; Arthur Rylah Institute; School of Forest and Ecosystem Science (The University of Melbourne); and Birds Australia Atlas. Potential methods • For ecological risk assessment and defining attributes required to meet the needs of species see Lambeck (1997) and Carey et al. (2004); • Actions for Biodiversity Conservation – measuring and reporting on the conservation of species through the three categories of population size, habitat extent and condition, and future risk; and • Reporting on the implementation of activities contained in Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988: Action Statements. Interpretation A decline in the total number of species at risk is desirable. It will also be important to note changes between the categories over time and any improvements in the number of species in lower risk categories. 14 Criteria and indicators for sustainable forest managment in Victoria – guidance document Element: 1.2 Species diversity Indicator: 1.2b Area of habitat available for forest dependent indicator species Potential sub-indicator reporting areas B i) Areas of high, medium and low habitat (quality) for indicator species • Percentage change in area of feeding habitat over time • Percentage change in area of breeding habitat over time • Percentage change in sites suitable for germination/regeneration ii) Distribution of selected habitat elements by catchment over time • Percentage change in stems by large live tree diameter class • Percentage of total area retained in Habitat Tree Patches • Dead and dying trees: volume (m3, ha) of dead potential • Stags per hectare • Volume (m3, ha) of coarse woody debris (logs) by size class and catchment Rationale Indicator: Provides information on the amount of habitat available for indicator species. While the existence of habitat does not necessarily indicate the presence of a particular species, habitat information can inform decision making for forest management and protection. Potential sub-indicator reporting areas: These sub-indicators aim to provide a measure of habitat quality through time. They also consider the lifecycle requirements of certain species. Issues • • • • Thresholds for habitat requirements need to be set for the indicator species being measured; The species richness of an area needs to be considered with respect to the amount of habitat available; The process of identifying species requirements needs to incorporate a risk assessment approach; and There is uncertainty about the methodology for the selection and monitoring of indicator species. Furthermore, this selection is often dependent on location and management objectives. Possible data sources • • • • Department of Sustainability and Environment; Arthur Rylah Institute; School of Forest and Ecosystem Science (The University of Melbourne); and Parks Victoria. Potential methods • For adaptive management see Holling (1978), Parma et al. (1998), Shea et al. (2002) and Nitschke et al. (2007); • For selection and ongoing monitoring of appropriate indicator species see Lambeck (1997), Lindenmayer et al. (2000), and Kavanagh et al. (2004); • High level approaches outlined in Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management Framework for Action; • Improved application of remote sensing technology; and • Actions for Biodiversity Conservation – database queries on habitat requirements and availability for a given species. Interpretation The availability of suitable habitat is fundamental to the survival of species and the maintenance of species diversity. It is generally accepted that species diversity will increase with habitat availability, however, this is also dependent on factors such as habitat connectivity, disease, disturbance, and competition and predation from other species. 15 1 Criterion 1 Conservation of biological diversity Element: 1.2 Species diversity Indicator: 1.2c Representative indicator species from a range of habitats monitored at scales relevant to regional forest management Potential sub-indicator reporting areas B i) Population levels of selected forest dependent species ii) Number of forest dependent species that occupy a small portion of their former range iii) Percentage of original range occupied by selected rare, threatened, endangered, or indicator species Rationale Indicator: Provides a broad measure of the conservation status of representative indicator species across a range of forest habitats. The intention is to provide an early warning of changes in conditions that may impact negatively on biodiversity. This indicator reflects elements of ecosystem diversity. Potential sub-indicator reporting areas: These sub-indicators aim to further quantify the extent of species monitoring conducted in Victoria’s State forests. Issues • There is uncertainty regarding satisfactory sampling methods to accurately estimate species distributions across different types of land tenure; • In order to understand changes, results for individual species need to be assessed relative to groups of species with similar life histories; • Identifying the former ranges of species may be difficult and, in some cases, not possible; • The monitoring framework must have the capacity to include new indicator species; • Species migration in response to habitat maturation needs to be determined; • Biodiversity Action Plans are influenced by land tenure, therefore different regulations apply and management strategies may vary; and • There is uncertainty about the methodology for the selection and monitoring of indicator species. Possible data sources • • • • Department of Sustainability and Environment; Arthur Rylah Institute; School of Forest and Ecosystem Science (The University of Melbourne); and Birds Australia Atlas. Potential methods • Actions for Biodiversity Conservation – database queries on habitat availability and population attributes for given species; • Aspects of monitoring program design and ecological modelling for sustainable forest management are discussed in relevant scientific literature including Lindenmayer (1999), Lindenmayer et al. (2000), Kavanagh et al. (2004), Loyn (2004) and Wintle et al. (2005); • For survey design for monitoring the abundance of arboreal marsupials see Lindenmayer et al. (2003); and • For selection and ongoing monitoring of appropriate indicator species see Lambeck (1997), Lindenmayer et al. (2000) and Kavanagh et al. (2004). Interpretation Interpretation of the potential consequences of changes in a species population size should be carried out by the appropriate scientific authority. Population numbers fluctuate up and down for many reasons, including natural cycles and stochastic variation. Species whose ranges are decreasing over time, particularly for those species at risk, indicate the need to implement or revise conservation strategies. Likewise, changes in the range of species of economic importance may indicate reduced or increased economic opportunities. 16 Criteria and indicators for sustainable forest managment in Victoria – guidance document Element: 1.2 Species diversity Indicator: 1.2d Degree of disturbance to native forest species caused by invasive species Potential sub-indicator reporting areas: i) Number of invasive, exotic forest-associated species ii) Location and dispersal of introduced species iii) Changes in abundance and distribution of native species known to be susceptible to such disturbance B Rationale Indicator: Invasive species can affect ecological processes in forests. Information on the degree of disturbance caused by invasive species can be used to inform rehabilitation and pest control programs. Potential sub-indicator reporting areas: These sub-indicators aim to further quantify the characteristics of invasive species present in Victoria’s State forests. Issues • Monitoring results may only provide an indication for future management requirements, rather than show impacts on biodiversity values; • Priority listing of pest plant and animals may determine which invasive species are reported; • Pest plant and animals do not include pathogens and insects, however, these are monitored through other programs; • Focal species monitoring may not be adequate to address the full extent of pest plant and animal impacts; • Some invasive species may exist outside their normal range; • The propensity for insect attacks on native vegetation may be affected by climate change; and • Catchment Management Authority weed priorities may not include high threat weeds to forest and woodland ecosystems. Possible data sources • Department of Sustainability Environment; • Parks Victoria; and • Department of Primary Industries. Potential methods • Glenelg Ark and Southern Ark programs – monitoring of fox numbers and distribution; • Parks Victoria indicators for invasive species; and • Quantitative monitoring to determine pest plant and animal impacts on biodiversity. Interpretation Increases in the number of invasive species will usually be detrimental. However, knowledge of the number of invasive species will only provide limited assistance to management decision-making. Also see Indicator 3.1. 17 1 Criterion 1 Conservation of biological diversity Element: 1.3 Genetic diversity Indicator: 1.3a The number of forest dependent species at risk from isolation that may lead to loss of genetic variation Potential sub-indicator reporting areas i) The number of seed-lot provenances used in regeneration, reforestation, roading and stabilisation works that meet Code requirements C Rationale Indicator: Provides a measure of the number of species identified as at risk of decreased genetic variation that may prevent long term survival and adaptation. Potential sub-indicator reporting areas: This sub-indicator provides an indication of the genetic diversity of trees used for regeneration and reforestation in Victoria. Issues • The effect of fragmentation in reducing genetic variation in non-commercial native flora and fauna species needs to be considered. Possible data sources • • • • • Department of Sustainability and Environment; Arthur Rylah Institute; School of Forest and Ecosystem Science (The University of Melbourne); Cooperative Research Centre for Forestry; and Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Corporation. Potential methods • Predictive modelling of genetic variation. Interpretation Increases in the mean or median value of genetic diversity are generally desirable. Native flora and fauna species may suffer reduced genetic variation if their populations are greatly reduced or fragmented. 18 Criteria and indicators for sustainable forest managment in Victoria – guidance document Element: 1.3 Genetic diversity Indicator: 1.3b Number of in situ and ex situ conservation efforts for forest dependent species Potential sub-indicator reporting areas i) Change in the area of gene protection forests ii) Changes in genetic diversity and structure within populations, and gene flow, for selected species C Rationale Indicator: Sustainable forest management requires a commitment by forest agencies to conserve locally or regionally adapted populations of native species using a combination of in situ and ex situ approaches. In situ (on site) conservation of genetic diversity is provided by parks and other protected areas, genetic and ecological conservation areas, reserved stands and areas of State forest that comply with the Code of Practice for Timber Production 2007. Ex situ (off-site) conservation measures include seed banks, seed orchards and clonal archives. This indicator describes the extent of in situ and ex situ conservation efforts for native species. Potential sub-indicator reporting areas: These sub-indicators aim to provide more specific information relating to the genetic diversity of forest dependent species. Issues • Ex situ studies are difficult; • Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation seed banks are not guaranteed for long term storage; and • Similar issues can apply to many flora and fauna species that are rarely investigated. Possible data sources • Department of Sustainability and Environment; • Arthur Rylah Institute; and • School of Forest and Ecosystem Science (The University of Melbourne). Potential methods • Monitoring the transfer of seeds in the landscape. Interpretation The discussion should include a description of the major genetic conservation programs in Victoria’s forests. 19 20 Criterion 2 Maintenance of productive capacity of forest ecosystems “The Victorian Government, through Our Forests, Our Future, has recognised that the use of Victoria’s State forests must be at a level that can be sustained without impairing the ability of the forest to regenerate and to continue to provide employment, products and services for future generations.” Sustainability Charter for Victoria’s State forests (2006) 2 Criterion 2 Maintenance of productive capacity of forest ecosystems Indicator: Potential sub-indicator reporting areas 2.1 Area and percentage of forest and net area of forest available and suitable for timber production A i) Additions and deletions of forest area, by cause and by forest type ii) Forest area (ha) reserved by special management regime (e.g. for conservation of powerful owls, baw baw frog or water quality) iii) Loss of forest area to roads and other developments (e.g. quarries) iv) Area (ha) removed due to site being inoperable or uneconomical (e.g. due to slope and other Code exclusions) Rationale Indicator: Reflects the area available for timber harvesting over time. This indicator provides important information on forest zoning and the capacity of forests to meet society’s demand for wood products. Sub-indicators: These sub-indicators aim to provide information on forest zoning and how much of the forested area has been affected by land use changes. Issues • Data on private native forest and plantations will be required for Victoria’s State of the Forests Report; and • Plantation resources must be represented to address sustainability concerns if there is a reduced area of native forest available for timber production. Possible data sources • Department of Sustainability and Environment; • VicForests; and • Department of Primary Industries. Potential methods • This indicator is best represented in a table that shows gross and net area of forest available and suitable for timber producction, and change over time; • Use Statewide Forest Resource Inventory definition of ‘forest land’; and • Soil surveys, radiometric surveys and terrain models. Interpretation An increase or decline in area may affect productive capacity. Care must be taken in the interpretation of this indicator to distinguish between a number of factors that can change the value of the indicator, for example, reclassification of land tenure or changes in forest area. 22 Criteria and indicators for sustainable forest managment in Victoria – guidance document Indicator: 2.2 Volume of wood by forest type in State forest that is available and suitable for timber production Potential sub-indicator reporting areas i) Total volume of wood and area of non-merchantable forest ii) Total volume of wood and area of merchantable forest iii) Area (ha) of available forest that is managed intensively A Rationale Indicator: The total volume of wood available and suitable for timber production is a basic indicator of forest sustainability in terms of the area potentially available for timber harvest. Results can be compared to the volume harvested each year, with increases or decreases in the total stock tracked over time. Potential sub-indicator reporting areas: These sub-indicators aim to provide quantitative data to determine changes in forest characteristics such as growth, age, species and volume. Issues • The type of forest classification used is a key consideration; • The indicator needs to be flexible around the definition of ‘merchantability’; • The Statewide Forest Resource Inventory has mapped all State forest. However, only stands with an average height of greater than 28 metres have been field validated; • Data on non-merchantable volume and area is limited; and • Information on non-merchantable forest types may be limited. Possible data sources • Department of Sustainability and Environment; and • VicForests. Potential methods • A variety of field inventory techniques including post-harvesting assessment. Interpretation Maintenance of, or an increase in, the growing stock is considered desirable. Sharp declines in the growing stock need to be interpreted in relation to the amount lost to natural and anthropogenic disturbances to understand why the decline has occurred. Consistent declines over time may indicate that the current harvest regime is not sustainable. This may be due to a range of reasons including changes in area designation from timber production to other purposes. However, it is also important to understand that maximising timber productivity may compromise the maintenance of ecosystem condition. Both desired levels of productivity and the broader ecosystem condition are important considerations with respect to timber production. 23 2 Criterion 2 Maintenance of productive capacity of forest ecosystems Indicator: Potential sub-indicator reporting areas 2.3 Annual production of wood products from State forest compared to sustainable harvest levels CATEGORY A A i) Annual volume (cubic metres) harvested from State forest by broad forest type • Sawlogs/pulpwood ii) Area harvested compared to sustainable harvest level (ha) by broad forest type • Sawlogs/pulpwood iii) Actual annual harvest of minor wood products compared to sustainable harvest level • Firewood • Other (e.g. sleepers, stakes and props, burls, etc.) iv) Area and volume by silvicultural treatment type (clearfell, thinning, salvage, selective) v) Volume of wood removed by ecological processes Rationale Indicator: Measures the actual harvest to meet society’s demand for wood products, against the sustainable level of production. Potential sub-indicator reporting areas: These sub-indicators specify the total volumes and sustainable yields by major wood product group. Issues • Loss of timber resulting from illegal removal (for example firewood) needs to be considered; • Mean Annual Increment is based on sawlog and total merchantable volumes, and does not include firewood; • Case studies may be required to respond to some sub-indicator reporting areas; and • The STANDSIM model was developed specifically for the growth and yield prediction of Ash and Silvertop regrowth. A growth model (simulator) has not been developed for the growth and yield prediction of mixed species and/or uneven-aged regrowth forests. Possible data sources • Department of Sustainability and Environment; and • VicForests. Potential methods • Use of growth functions; • Where appropriate, area statements can be used to report on this indicator because such statements outline how timber is allocated to VicForests under the Timber Allocation Order; and • STANDSIM model for predicting growth and yield for the ash-type forests in Victoria. Interpretation This indicator allows a comparison between the determined harvest levels and sustainable levels, and complements growing stock information (see Indicator 2.1). 24 Criteria and indicators for sustainable forest managment in Victoria – guidance document A Indicator: 2.4 Annual production of non-wood forest products Potential sub-indicator reporting areas i) Carrying capacity of the system for economically important species/products • Records of assessment of the productive capacity for existing non-wood products • Sample plots and records of regrowth ii) Non-wood products produced annually from State forests • Sand/gravel • Salt • Eucalyptus oil • Tea-tree/broom bush • Tree ferns • Xanthorrhoea fronds • Bee sites • Grazing licences • Water • Seed • Mining and prospecting • Game (e.g. deer, duck) • Wildflower licences • Agistment licences Rationale Indicator: Provides an indication of the production of non-wood forest products and services supplied annually. Potential sub-indicator reporting areas: These sub-indicators aim to provide more detail on the management of non-wood forest products in Victoria’s State forests. Issues • Forest age class, forest type and fire history will affect the carrying capacity and sustainable level of many minor forest products (for example honey production); • It is difficult to determine sustainable supply levels for many minor forest products; and • Illegal removal of non-wood forest products needs to be considered. Possible data sources • Department of Sustainability and Environment; • Department of Primary Industries; and • VicForests. Potential methods • Records of use for licensed activities; • Consult with Indigenous communities in relation to traditional uses and level of removal to ascertain sustainable levels; and • The ‘quantity’ of grazing should be recorded by size of area and location, by forest type, Ecological Vegetation Class, and the number of cattle per hectare. Interpretation Compare harvest trends to known sustainable levels. See also Indicators 4.1, 4.2 and 6.1c. 25 2 Criterion 2 Maintenance of productive capacity of forest ecosystems Indicator: Potential sub-indicator reporting areas 2.5 Proportion of timber harvest area successfully regenerated by forest type A i) Area not meeting stocking standards • First attempt stocking survey results over time • Area retreated • Area regenerated where stocking surveys are overdue • Area and percentage of area meeting stocking standards Rationale Indicator: To maintain the productive capacity of the forest ecosystem, all forest areas where timber harvesting has been undertaken need to be regenerated. This indicator assesses the effectiveness of regeneration in timber harvest areas. Potential sub-indicator reporting areas: This sub-indicator aims to provide specific information regarding the area of the forest estate not meeting stocking standards and efforts to ensure adequate stocking. Issues • There will be a time lag in the area regenerated versus the area harvested. Successful regeneration usually indicates that the stand is fully stocked. Possible data sources • Department of Sustainability and Environment; and • VicForests. Potential methods • Remote sensing – Quickbird and Multispectral imagery; and • Stocking and regeneration surveys. Interpretation This indicator will assess the proportion of the timber harvest area that has been successfully regenerated. ‘Successfully regenerated’ is in accordance with the Code of Practice for Timber Production 2007. 26 Criterion 3 Maintenance of ecosystem health and vitality “A range of natural and human induced disturbances, such as fire, pest plants and animals, disease, pollution and drought can impact on the health and vitality of forest ecosystems. These disturbances need to be identified, monitored and managed to ensure that the natural assets of State forests are restored and maintained.” Sustainability Charter for Victoria’s State forests (2006) 3 Criterion 3 Maintenance of ecosystem health and vitality Indicator: Potential sub-indicator reporting areas 3.1 Scale and impact of agents and processes affecting forest health and vitality CATEGORY A B i) Area of forest damage, by age class and forest type, caused by extreme weather including wind, rainfall, snow, drought and frost ii) Area of State forest burnt, by forest type and age class annually • Planned/Unplanned • Source of ignition (e.g. lightning strikes, deliberate) iii) Area of forest burnt for ecological management purposes on an annual basis iv) Area and percentage of regenerated coupes affected by browsing or other damage processes (e.g. drought, frost, etc.) v) Annual quantity (tonnes) of pesticide or herbicide used to control damage agents vi) Area and percentage of forested land subject to levels of specific air pollutants (e.g. ozone, nitrates) that may cause negative impacts on forest ecosystems vii) Area of forest damage, by age class and forest type, caused by insects and pathogens Rationale Indicator: Victoria’s State forests are impacted by a range of disturbances, both natural and human-induced. It is important that we monitor major disturbance processes that may impact on the maintenance of ecosystem health and vitality. Potential sub-indicator reporting areas: These sub-indicators aim to provide an overview of the major disturbances potentially affecting ecological processes in Victoria’s State forests. Measurement of these indicators will also enable researchers to develop links between aspects of the fire regime and the response of plants and animals, impacts on soil health and hydrology. This information will inform on the impacts of fire management practices and enable Victorians to engage in discussions on topics as diverse as fire suppression, pesticide usage, or wood supply. Issues • There are various scales at which disturbances can be reported (for example by forest, landscape or Catchment Management Authority region); • Defining a threshold for ecosystem health needs to be considered with respect to the natural extent of the damaging process; • Human disturbances require consideration when reporting on this indicator; • Cross-border considerations need to be made; and • Consideration of factors related to fires such as season, severity, patchiness, type and intent, should be incorporated into this indicator – refer to the Code of Practice for Fire Management on Public Land (2006). Possible data sources • • • • • • • • • 28 Department of Sustainability and Environment; Department of Primary Industries; Arthur Rylah Institute; School of Forest and Ecosystem Science (The University of Melbourne); Environment Protection Authority Victoria; Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Australian Government); Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service; Parks Victoria; and Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Criteria and indicators for sustainable forest managment in Victoria – guidance document Potential methods • Remote sensing; • Establish a network of forest health plots across the state – monitor with inventory plots; • Pest risk analysis; • State forests Environmental Management System; • Liaison with external agencies such as Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Australian Government), Department of Primary Industries, Parks Victoria, Catchment Management Authorities and other State equivalents; • Case studies for particular events relating to early detection/threat; • For a review of methods used to collect fire data see Chatto and Tolhurst (2004); and • Case studies on flooding (for example River Redgum forests). Interpretation Disturbance can contribute to a healthy forest ecosystem, however, large changes in the frequency of some types of disturbance may be undesirable. Consequently, the frequency of disturbance needs to be managed (where possible) to maintain ecosystem health. The type and extent of disturbance, the level of damage and its impact on ecosystems will also need to be considered. In the past decade, there has been considerable scientific debate about defining a ‘natural’ range of variation in ecosystem health. There can be a number of positive impacts (for example ecosystem renewal) associated with storm and fire damage. These impacts will depend on the timing and intensity of the event. 29 3 Criterion 3 Maintenance of ecosystem ecosystemshealth and vitality and vitality A Indicator: 3.2 Area and type of human-induced disturbance Potential sub-indicator reporting areas i) Harvested area by silvicultural system and forest type, and percentage of total forest area ii) Regeneration area and percentage change in the composition of the disturbed area iii) Area of forest and percentage of total forest area covered by grazing licences by forest type iv) Area of prescribed burning (e.g. fuel reduction, regeneration, ecological) undertaken on State forest and percentage of total forest area v) Area and percentage of forest thinned by age and forest type vi) Impact of other human induced disturbances (e.g. mining, infrastructure and recreation) CATEGORY A Rationale Indicator: Human-induced disturbance, whether intentional or unintentional, has the potential to significantly affect forest ecosystem health. Some human induced disturbance is undertaken for management purposes (for example prescribed burning) to achieve particular outcomes or objectives. Monitoring of this indicator is essential to assess the impact of human induced disturbances and the effectiveness of forest resource management. Potential sub-indicator