Intensive forest systems - a new forest management research programme

Authors: Graham West, Bob Shula
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2008, Issue N.Z.J.For. 53(4) 2009, pp 34-37, Jan 2009
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: A new six-year ($18m) forest management research programme called “Intensive Forest Systems” (IFS) has begun at Scion in partnership with Future Forests Research Ltd (FFR). This flagship programme will help redefine the intensity and precision with which New Zealand’s forests are managed and monitored from the nursery to the mill. This article outlines the background to this research programme, the bidding process, and the associated formation of FFR. The business case is described briefly and gives the rationale for the science investment. An overview of the work programme gives the underpinning approach taken to the planned science. The IFS Programme has been central to the restructure of the five Research Co-operatives and the associated Scion relationship with industry. The overall strategy of restructing has been validated by the 50% increase in Foundation for Research Science and Technology (FRST) funding achieved in the IFS Programme and two other FRST programmes.

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