New procedures in forest management planning in the New Zealand Forest Service.

Authors: I. G. Trotman
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1973, Issue N.Z.J.For. 18(1) 1973, pp 81-86, May 1973
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Following a review of forest management, the New Zealand Forest Service has modified its planning framework to recognize two types of forestry planning; indicative regional development planning of production forests under all ownerships, and prescriptive management planning for State forests. This paper outlines the broad planning considerations and the shortcomings of the previous procedures which led to this change.
Development plans will be used to discuss regional demand and supply, the availability of land for afforestation, will include economic studies to assess the relative profitability of forestry between regions, and will form the basis of achieving regional aims and potential for forest and forest industry development. Management planning should arise from this indicative planning. The new working plans will provide for the statutory control of the management of State forest land and will prescribe in broad qualitative and quantitative terms for all forest operations in State forest. They will form the basis for detailed annual and long-term programmes of work and the justification for the related financial requirements. Detailed planning and control of forest operations will be decentralized to conservators of forests. The format of working plans will be changed to deal with the various activities in self-contained sections which will be capable of easy amendment when necessary. With the exception of limited confidential information, working plans will be open to examination by the public.
To assist in the new management planning procedures, increased use is being made of computer processing and servicing to link the various stages of planning and to keep information up-to-date. Work is proceeding towards forest management simulation and evaluation which will be used in the preparation of both indicative development plans and prescriptive working plans.

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