Paperlinx Green Shareholders' Group

Gullies & Watercourses - The Code of Forest Practices

Planning and conduct of timber growing and harvesting operations must be such that:

b) the wood production capacity of forests is either maintained or enhanced using methods consistent with the Code. This will be achieved by effective regeneration and establishment techniques, and protection of soil values.

c) water quality is protected by measures which minimise the direct disturbance of streams, .......... , and minimise sediment and nutrient input to streams from roads and harvested areas;

Section 3.1.2.1 Plantation Planning and Design includes the following:

Guidelines: Plantations must be designed taking into account that:

• intact native vegetation within a minimum distance of 20 metres from permanent streams, .... and within 10 metres of temporary streams and drainage lines (i.e. filter strips) must be retained to prevent sediment movement into streams, .....

• new plantations should be confined to areas with ground slopes generally less than 30 degrees, with lower limits being applied in areas of high erosion hazard. Where existing plantations are growing on slopes greater than 30 degrees they may be replanted with commercial species where soils are stable and erosion hazard is low. Where high erosion hazard exists, any harvesting of existing plantations on these slopes must not compromise soil stability;

Section 3.2.3 Timber Harvesting, Water Quality Protection includes the following:

Goal: Measures must be taken to control timber harvesting operations in the vicinity of streams, drainage lines, ......... in order to protect them and the associated riparian vegetation from disturbance and exposure that could reduce their water quality.

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