The Evolving Nature of Small-Scale Forestry in Australia

Two forms of small-scale forestry are developing in Australia, each with different impacts on rural communities. One is based on growing short-rotation Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum) for pulp and the other on production of higher-value products from longer-rotation native hard-woods. Several impediments exist to further development of small-scale forestry, including the lack of a small-scale forestry culture, concerns over harvest rights, lack of market development, the long wait for returns, and satisfaction with current land uses. Nevertheless, the rapid increase in farm woodlot establishment in the past five years has paralleled the strong increase in the private industrial plantation estate. As markets develop and hindrances are overcome, landholders not previously interested in small-scale forestry may consider ita worthwhile land use.

Planted forests and biodiversity

Expansion of planted forests and intensification of their management has raised concerns among forest managers and the public over the implications of these trends for sustainable production and conservation of forest biological diversity. We review the current state of knowledge on the impacts of plantation forestry on genetic and species diversity at different spatial scales and discuss the economic and ecological implications of biodiversity management within plantation stands and landscapes. Managing plantations to produce goods such as timber while also enhancing ecological services such as biodiversity involves tradeoffs, which can be made only with a clear understanding of the ecological context of plantations in the broader landscape and agreement among stakeholders on the desired balance of goods and ecological services from plantations.