Ecologically Sustainable Forest Management Plans: Western and Riverina Native Forest Regions

Forests NSW is dedicated to Ecologically Sustainable Forest Management (ESFM) for current and future generations, to complement management on other tenures and to develop a sustainable forest industry. This is reflected in adherence to policies and directives such as the Commonwealth Government National Forest Policy Statement (NFPS), the Forestry Act 1916, and Forests NSW Environmental Policy, which states that Forests NSW will “achieve ecologically sustainable forest management”.

Within the native forest regions there are ESFM plans for areas covered by Regional Forest Agreements (RFA). These agreements were reached between the Commonwealth and State governments after a Comprehensive Regional Assessment (CRA) process. The RFA areas of Upper North East, Lower North East, Southern (South Coast), Southern (Tumut), and Eden have had ESFM plans in place since 2005.

The Native Forest regions of Western and Riverina have had ESFM plans developed to reflect more recent corporate policies and directives whilst maintaining their requirements under relevant Acts. These plans have been in place since 2008.

Each ESFM plan underwent a public consultation process and was adapted to incorporate stakeholder suggestions where appropriate, and generally follow the same format of the Native Forest plans published in 2005.

Electronic versions can be downloaded from the links provided below. Alternatively, hardcopies of the plans can be obtained by contacting relevant regional offices.