Association News

08/02/2010: Change of name for major Victorian organisation
A change of name for one of Victoria’s peak forestry and cartage bodies will help it gain more relevance, member appeal and strength.

18/05/2009: Number of Australian wine producers tops 2300
The number of Australian wine producers continues to grow despite concerns of drought and over-supply that are impacting profitability in the industry. There are now 2320 wine-producing companies in Australia according to the 27th annual Australian and New Zealand Wine Industry Directory recently published by Adelaide-based company Winetitles.

14/04/2009: Olive Industry Directory continues to grow
Since the 2006 inaugural edition, The Australian & New Zealand Olive Industry Directory has continued to grow, with the current fourth edition out now and available to purchase.

08/04/2009: Style in "green flooring" agreement
Environmentally friendly flooring manufacturer, Style Limited (ASX: “SYP”), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the global flooring provider, Tarkett, to launch a new range of “green flooring” products based upon Style’s proprietary strand‐woven wood technologies.

08/04/2009: VECCI Fair Work Act briefings hitting regional Victoria to keep businesses in the loop
As a clear picture emerges of when and how the new industrial relations changes will impact business, Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) is taking a series of briefings around regional Victoria to keep businesses on top of what the changes mean for them. Forest and timber industry employers are advised to attend the meetings, being held at Bendigo, Geelong, Ballarat, Stawell, Wodonga and Traralgon to ensure they’re up to date with the new laws, that commence from 1 July.

15/12/2008: Gottstein five-day wood science course
The 2009 Gottstein Wood Science Course is to be held in Melbourne from 16 - 20 February.

15/12/2008: Communications officer for peak national organisation
NATALIE LOUDON is the new communications officer for A3P, the peak national body for Australia’s plantation products and paper industry.

Australian Forestry News

10/03/2010: Accreditation highlights commitment to sustainable forestry
VicForests has successfully achieved re-certification to the Australian Forestry Standard. The Australian Forest Certification Scheme is recognised internationally by the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Scheme (PEFC) – the world’s largest forest certification organisation.

10/03/2010: Urgency to prepare Australian agriculture for climate change
Australian agriculture needs to adapt now to climate change, according to a CSIRO book Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change: Preparing Australian Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for the Future.

22/02/2010: Contractors Hall of Fame nominations sought
The Australian Forest Contractors Association is recognising the pioneers and legends of the timber industry through the creation of the “AFCA Contractors Hall of Fame”.

01/02/2010: Special grants available to help maintain competitive edge
Forestry has been included in the second round of the Promoting Australian Produce (PAP) funding scheme.

01/02/2010: Emphasis on transport infrastructure to cater for future growth
The Victorian Government has recognised a crucial need to upgrade roads and transport infrastructure to cater for a growing forestry and timber industry, including the introduction of high productivity freight vehicles. According to Government details, an estimated additional 138,000 semi-trailers (equivalent to 93,000 B-doubles) are expected to join the annual current estimated 90,000 truck movements into the Port of Portland alone.

25/01/2010: New edition of Australian Forests & Timber News ...out soon
It’s all in the coming edition of Australian Forests & Timber News … out soon.

20/01/2010: Flying start to a bigger and better AUSTimber event
REX Airlines has stepped up to the plate in a bid to help ensure that AUSTimber 2012 in Mount Gambier is bigger and better. The regional airline has backed a request to work with AUSTimber to ensure adequate air transportation is provided to Mount Gambier from both Adelaide and Melbourne for delegates and visitors to the 2012 event, expected to be larger and more spectacular than AUSTimber08.

20/01/2010: ‘BRIC’ Insight into Forestry for Australian Financiers
BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) and their impact on the future of the Australian forestry sector are one of the hottest topics on the agenda at the upcoming “Future Forestry Finance Conference” being held in Sydney this March.

13/01/2010: New truck scheduling system could save the forestry industry big money
FastTRUCK, brainchild of Research Fellow Mauricio Acuna, has been hailed as a major step forward in trucking and logistics in the forestry industry.

13/01/2010: American and Canadian firefighters to boost Victoria's regional firefighting effort
Premier John Brumby today welcomed an expert team of 15 forest firefighters from the United States and Canada who arrived in Victoria to boost the state’s firefighting capacity.

09/12/2009: GBCA decision on timber credits good news for engineered wood
The decision by the Green Building Council of Australia to revise its timber credit to allow equal consideration of the Australian Forestry Standard and Forest Stewardship Council schemes ‘levels the playing field and gives Australian and New Zealand members hard-won access to the green rated commercial market,” the general manager of the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia Simon Dorries said.

07/12/2009: Letter to the Editor
Dear Sir, Why do Governments waste money on environmental studies, judicial enquiries, and natural resource assessments, when they have no intention of accepting recommendations contrary to their wishes?

07/12/2009: Trees on Farms
An innovative tree planting project being developed by Forestry Tasmania will deliver significant benefits to farmers and help offset global warming.

02/12/2009: Alternatives to clearfelling
The development of variable retention silviculture will open the way for Forestry Tasmania to retain stands of old growth trees in regrowth forest, in line with international best practices.

30/11/2009: Seeking a sustainable timber industry
The Green Building Council of Australia has announced the release of a revised Timber credit effective January 1, 2010, which allows for equal consideration of the Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) schemes. This is an outstanding outcome for the Australian forestry industry.

25/11/2009: Forestry initiative to transform desert in carbon credit offset push
Diversified hydrocarbon explorer, Central Petroleum, may be looking to discover and extract large volumes of hydrocarbons from the parched deserts of Australia’s “Red Centre” – but in at least two small corners of its vast exploration acreage, the story is quite the reverse.

18/11/2009: Tasmanian Government supports $50 million Boyer project
The Minister for Economic Development, Michael Aird yesterday congratulated Norske Skog and BIS Industrial Logistics on the successful completion of the $50m Softwood Conversion Project and Integrated Woodchip Plant.

09/11/2009: First Australian standard for protection of trees on development sites
Arborists and building developers now have an agreed framework for the protection and preservation of trees during all stages of a development project with the first Australian Standard covering tree protection on construction sites now available.

04/11/2009: Pulp mill clarification legislation
Energy and Resources Minister, David Llewellyn, today introduced legislation to clarify the legal status of the Pulp Mill Approval Permit.

04/11/2009: Forestry Tasmania's Stewardship Report
Forestry Tasmania’s 2008/09 investment of $330,000 in searching for wedge-tailed eagle nests had paid dividends, with the discovery of 51 new nests on state forest, Energy and Resources Minister David Llewellyn said last week.

28/10/2009: Tasmanian forestry company building a sustainable future
One of Tasmania’s leading forest harvesting companies, SFM Forest Products (SFM), has taken a step closer to providing a fully sustainable timber product with a move to gain Australian Forest Certification (AFS) with assistance from Forest Technical Services – the consulting arm of Forestry Tasmania.

26/10/2009: Australian foresters let down by Government
The Institute of Foresters of Australia President, Dr Peter Volker, said that the forestry profession feels let down by the Australian Government not being represented at the World Forestry Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

26/10/2009: Committees maintain volunteer voices
In Victoria’s South West Area, CFA volunteers are working closely with newly established Municipal Fire Management Planning Committees (MFMPCs) to plan and manage fire across prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

21/10/2009: Innovation needed to boost woodcraft sector
A review of Tasmania’s woodcraft sector has found that more than 2000 people are employed in the State’s special species timber and woodcraft sector, while a further 8500 participate in woodcraft activity as a hobby or on a limited commercial scale. In addition to its contribution to Tasmania’s brand, woodcraft has local cultural significance, reflected in a participation rate of 26 people per 1000 – higher than the national average of 19 per 1000.

21/10/2009: Fire danger rating changed
The Bureau of Meteorology is changing the way fire danger is rated within its weather forecasts and warnings.

21/10/2009: National bushfire summit urgently needed
Pressure is being brought to bear on the Federal Government to hold a national bushfire summit “as a matter of national security”.

21/10/2009: Illegally felled trees pose danger to all
People illegally cutting down trees in State forest reserves are unnecessarily risking lives and adding to the escalating levels of damage occurring in state parks and conservation areas throughout Tasmania.

14/10/2009: VAFI appoints new communications chief
After almost two years as the communications manager for the Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI), John Liston has packed his bags and is heading off to tackle new and exciting challenges in the United Kingdom.

14/10/2009: Laminex to expand using Government funding
Gympie manufacturer Laminex will use $180,000 of state Government funding to increase its competitiveness and capture new domestic and export markets.

23/09/2009: Applications for 2010 Max Jacobs Grants closes next week
A reminder that applications for the 2010 Max Jacobs Grant close next week – 30 September 2009!

16/09/2009: New acoustic technology helps increase sustainable timber production
Financial returns and productivity from fire-damaged pine plantations at Pinjar and Yanchep have been maximised thanks to new acoustic tools now in use by the Forest Products Commission (FPC).

16/09/2009: FWPA rejects greenwashing claims
Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has rejected ‘greenwashing’ claims that its Wood. Naturally Better™ print advertising campaign is flawed.

14/09/2009: Australian Forestry Certification Scheme (AFCS) - Stakeholders dialogue forum
Australian Forestry Standard Limited are inviting stakeholders in the Ausralian Forestry Certification Scheme to attend a free forum being held Wednesday 16 September at the Hyatt Hotel, Yarralumla, ACT.

09/09/2009: New Senior Appointment in Timber Industry Standards
Forest and Wood Products Australia Ltd (FWPA) announced the appointment this week of Neil Evans to the new senior management role of Timber Standards Manager commencing in late October.

09/09/2009: SCHOLARSHIP FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDY
Forest & Wood Products Australia is calling for applications for the 2010 Russell Grimwade Prize for the advancement of forestry science in Australia.

09/09/2009: FWPA supports ‘Sustainable House Day 2009’ through
On Sunday 13 September this year, hundreds of people will visit houses throughout Australia to see how everyday Aussies are using wood and other sustainable products to do their bit for climate change. FWPA’s Wood. Naturally Better. ™ program is sponsoring ‘Sustainable House Day 2009’ to help bring the message of wood and sustainable houses closer together.

09/09/2009: State government commitment to forest agreements essential to the future of Australia’s
The National Association of Forest Industries (NAFI) is urging state governments to follow the lead of the Federal Government by reconfirming their commitments to Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) as the cornerstone of forest management in Australia, thereby ensuring ongoing investment and growth in Australia’s sustainably managed forest industry.

19/08/2009: Training partnership aims to increase forestry safety
A PARTNERSHIP agreement between Forestry Tasmania and the Tasmanian Forest Contractors Association (TFCA) promises to deliver improved safety outcomes for forest workers.

19/08/2009: Forestry: a climate of change, is conference theme
THE INSTITUTE of Foresters of Australia (IFA) National Conference to be held in Caloundra on Queensland's Sunshine Coast from 6 – 10 September has set its sights on climate change.

12/08/2009: AFG national conference in Mount Gambier
The 2010 Australian Forest Growers (AFG) National Conference will be held in Mount Gambier, the centre of the Green Triangle, the largest plantation region in Australia boasting nearly 20% of Australia's plantation resource.

12/08/2009: FWPA Standards Manager
Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) is seeking a senior manager to coordinate the ongoing development and review of Australian timber standards (and associated building standards and codes).

12/08/2009: Forests NSW workforce meets to take safety to a higher level
Forests NSW workforce from Bombala and Moss Vale met last week to discuss numerous aspects of safety.

12/08/2009: Stimulus to help bolster forests and forest products
The Australian Government is inviting applications for funding under the $9 million Forest Industries Development Fund.

12/08/2009: The Safety Show Sydney puts safety into action
Manual handling, bullying, compliance and safe work at heights workshops plus acres of the latest workplace safety products and services await visitors to The Safety Show Sydney, when it runs from October 27 to 29 this year.

05/08/2009: Putting things to the test is a positive move
IF YOU want to know something about a product, whether it be new or old, the best thing is to ask someone in the know. That’s what we have done and so has been born Australian Forests & Timber News’ Tried & Tested, the definitive view of a product in the field tested by those in the field.

05/08/2009: ITC grows market share in forestry MIS
ITC Limited (ITC) MIS sales for the year to 30 June indicated it had trebled its share of the MIS market. ITC’s final MIS sales of $24 million (exclusive of GST) for the year represent approximately 10% of the total market estimated in FY2009.

05/08/2009: Start planning now for bushfire season
Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett has called on those living in bushfire-prone areas to start work now on preparing for the fire season.

03/08/2009: World’s largest Forestry AAU Transaction– 520,000 Forestry AAUs sold from New Zealand to European Buyer
The world’s largest transaction to date involving a purchase and sale of forestry AAUs from New Zealand has just taken place. This is also the first purchase of forestry AAUs from New Zealand by a European Buyer.

03/08/2009: Applications being taken for Jacobs Fund grants
APPLICATIONS ARE currently being taken for the Maxwell Ralph Jacobs Fund 2010 grants.

29/07/2009: Pulp & Paper industry suppliers well represented at BULKEX Exhibition
SUPPLIERS TO Australia’s pulp and paper industry will be out in force at Asia-Pacific’s only dedicated bulk and powder handling exhibition. The event, which is expected to attract 2,500 attendees from a variety of industries will be held at Brisbane’s Convention and Exhibition Centre on 4-6 August.

29/07/2009: Conference looking for the silver lining
THE NEW Zealand Pine Manufacturers Association 2009 wood industry conference will be held in Wellington on 8-9 October.

29/07/2009: New deal ensures forestry growth in NSW
FOREST ENTERPRISES Australia (FEA) and Forests NSW have signed a pact to establish and maintain 4,500 hectares of hardwood plantation in the north and north east areas of the State over three years.

29/07/2009: Contract systems leave forest contractors out on a limb
UNFAIR CONTRACTUAL conditions such as no minimum quotas are taking their toll on an already depressed forest contracting workforce, according to Ferdie Kroon, Tasmanian Forest Contractors Association (TCFA) chief executive officer.

27/07/2009: Long-term research paves the way for better productivity
FIFTEEN YEARS of research by scientists across Australia has significantly improved the opportunities for farmers and catchment managers to make farm forestry a profitable and productive component of their business.

27/07/2009: Machinery for energy wood selling well despite global financial downturn
Andrew Lang's special report on Elmia highlights the focus on machinery development bringing down the cost of harvesting and extracting thinnings by 30% per m3 extracted. This, among other major points, is a not-to-be-missed article in the latest edition of Australian Forests & Timber News.

27/07/2009: World line-up of sawing expertise coming to Australasia
A BIANNUAL study jointly prepared by International Wood Markets Group out of Canada with input from PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Beck Group, has just released the Global Lumber/Sawn Wood Cost Benchmarking Report. From sawmilling cost data collected from mills in more than 29 countries or regions on six continents the latest report benchmarks global timber and sawmilling costs.

27/07/2009: Prestigious science award for Tasmanian botanist
TASMANIAN BOTANIST Professor Brad Potts has been awarded the 2008 Clarke Medal for his cutting edge research on the evolutionary biology and breeding of eucalypts. The Clarke Medal has been awarded by the Royal Society of New South Wales since 1878 for distinguished research in natural sciences performed in Australia and its territories and rotates through geology, botany and zoology.

22/07/2009: AFL stars gear up to tackle planting duties on National Tree Day
Australian Football League (AFL) players, legends and Toyota ambassadors James Hird, Jonathan Brown, Luke Hodge, Matt Maguire and Brian Taylor are swapping footy talk for tree talk in support of Toyota’s tenth year of involvement in Planet Ark’s National Tree Day this year.

20/07/2009: Early warning system could help in fight against fires
AN EARLY warning system that can detect a fire within five minutes of it starting, alert fire personnel with an SMS of the exact location and send real-time imagery of the fire could be the answer to Australia’s quest to protect communities from future bushfire devastation.

20/07/2009: Tarkine Forest Adventures closed during August
Tarkine Forest Adventures will close for the month of August to allow a number of potentially dangerous tree limbs to be removed. The closure will be effective from 3-28 August.

20/07/2009: Woodworking and Technology Expo
After a 20 year wait Melbourne will see a woodworking expo totally focused on the needs of the kitchen and cabinetmaking industry.

15/07/2009: Tree dudes go live online
An exciting new Gen X and Y career ‘reality’ website designed to stimulate, inform and entertain was launched today by national industry association Plantations 2020.

06/07/2009: Pulp & Paper industry suppliers well represented at BULKEX Exhibition
Suppliers to Australia’s pulp and paper industry will be out in force at Asia-Pacific’s only dedicated bulk and powder handling exhibition. The event, which is expected to attract 2,500 attendees from a variety of industries, including the food processing industry, will be held at Brisbane’s Convention and Exhibition Centre on the 4-6 August 2009.

01/07/2009: Government calls for input on timber legislation review
TIMBER INDUSTRY stakeholders have been invited to have their say in the Queensland Government's review of the Timber Utilisation and Marketing Act 1987.

01/07/2009: Chairman passes baton to successor
AFTER THREE years at the helm of Western Australia’s Forest Products Commission (FPC), David Taylor has retired and handed the baton of chairman to his deputy Eva Skira.

01/07/2009: Red gum harvesting ends in proposed parks
Commercial timber harvesting has ended in two of the most important parts of Victoria’s River Red Gum country following the Brumby Government’s decision to protect iconic areas along the Murray River.

01/07/2009: Wood goes from strength to strength
THE ADVANTAGES and potential uses of laminated wood were highlighted at the International Symposium on Veneer Processing and Products in Finland in May.

29/06/2009: World line-up of sawing expertise coming to Australasia
A BIANNUAL study jointly prepared by International Wood Markets Group out of Canada with input from PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Beck Group, has just released the Global Lumber/Sawn Wood Cost Benchmarking Report.

29/06/2009: Training partnership to deliver improved forest safety
A partnership agreement signed today between Forestry Tasmania and the Tasmanian Forest Contractors Association (TFCA) promises to deliver improved safety outcomes for forest workers.

24/06/2009: Timber industry set to generate employment with infrastructure-led recovery
PLANTATION FORESTRY expansion is driving a massive increase in investment in the timber processing industry with infrastructure and development proposals worth around $7 billion of new capacity set to generate around 6,000 jobs, according to the National Association of Forest Industries (NAFI).

24/06/2009: Joining forces in fight against illegal logging
AUSTRALIA AND Papua New Guinea have formally agreed to join forces to tackle illegal logging.

24/06/2009: Australian timber industry consolidates and improves systems to verify legally harvested wood
AUSTRALIAN TIMBER and forest-based product industries are starting a project to consolidate and improve systems to verify that the wood they import and use is sourced from legal forest operations.

22/06/2009: Gottstein Trust applications for 2010 awards
Applications are currently being called for the highly-prestigious Gottstein Memorial Trust Fellowships and Awards. The closing date for applications is 11 September.

22/06/2009: Australia: Emissions Trading Scheme update
by David Coombes, Anna Wilson and Christine Hutchinson THE START date for the emissions trading scheme has been pushed back 12 months as the politics over the scheme unfold. If the new Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill (CPRS) is passed and phased in as promised from 1 July 2011, how will Australian emissions units (Units) be treated under Australian taxation laws?

22/06/2009: Kimberley Timber retreats from MIS sector in wake of collapses
A FORESTRY manager has withdrawn its managed investment scheme (MIS) from the market due to the recent adverse publicity about the sector, according to John Wilkinson, writing for Money Management.

22/06/2009: Rubbish problem mounts in some forests
ASBESTOS ILLEGALLY dumped at three locations in State forests in northern Tasmania in recent months is posing a potential threat to humans and wildlife.

22/06/2009: New Green Star assessment framework supports best practice timber use in buildings
THE GREEN Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has released its new Assessment Framework for Forest Management Certification Schemes, as part of its ongoing review of the Green Star environmental rating tools for buildings.

22/06/2009: International sawing technologies to be unveiled
FOR SAWMILLERS there’s no denying the fact that it’s tough out there. Current market prices, reduced demand for wood products and rising raw material costs mean that sawmillers are demanding more from themselves, more from their operations and more from their technology suppliers.

22/06/2009: Workshops to help you survive in this tough climate
TIMBER QUEENSLAND has always been noted as ensuring its members are kept up to date, especially during the current economic downturn. To this end, it is promoting a series of workshops that could help make the difference.

11/06/2009: Timber industry set to generate employment with infrastructure-led recovery
Plantation forestry expansion is driving a massive increase in investment in the timber processing industry with infrastructure and development proposals worth around $7 billion of new capacity set to generate around 6,000 jobs, according to the National Association of Forest Industries (NAFI).

11/06/2009: $50K to advance Australia’s forestry industry
Innovators have just a few weeks to win up to $50,000 to advance Australia’s forestry and other rural industries.

11/06/2009: Agreement with PNG another step forward in fight against illegal logging
Australia and Papua New Guinea have formally agreed to join forces to tackle illegal logging, with an agreement signed at the Australia Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forums in Brisbane.

01/06/2009: MIS forest managers growing wood for an undersupplied domestic market
In the torrent of media commentary about the recent collapse of major agribusiness managed investment scheme companies, Timbercorp and Great Southern, many of the statements made by the most vocal MIS detractors have been factually wrong or at best misleading, according to the Australian Plantation Products and Paper Industry Council (A3P).

25/05/2009: Forest activists recklessly misleading the community on woodchips
Victoria’s peak forest industries body says extremist climate activists are recklessly and deliberately misleading the community about the role of woodchipping in Victoria’s forest industries.

20/05/2009: Bushfire devastation inevitable without forest industry
In its submission to the Black Saturday Bushfires Royal Commission, the Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI), Victoria’s peak forestry body, has warned of a further reduction in bushfire prevention and suppression capabilities without the presence of a strong forest industry.

20/05/2009: Data confirms state forests as carbon sink
Forestry Tasmania today released new figures that confirm state forests are a net carbon sink.

20/05/2009: On the way to financial recovery
Australia's top central banker said that the country was in a good position to stage a recovery, although he warned growth was likely to slow in the early part of the global expansion cycle.

20/05/2009: Auction of Ord’s oldest tropical sandalwood
The oldest tropical sandalwood to come out of Kununurra will go to the market for the first time at the Forest Products Commission’s (FPC) auction at Harvey on Saturday, 23 May.

18/05/2009: Australia’s forest sector resilient in 2008, tougher times to come
Throughout 2008 Australia’s forest sector continued to perform strongly according to a new ABARE report released Wednesday.

18/05/2009: Council to consider wood pellet mill plan
The Grant District Council in south-east South Australia will be asked to consider a proposal for a multi-million wood pellet mill for the region.

18/05/2009: Great Southern appoints voluntary administrators
The Directors of Great Southern Limited and Great Southern Managers Australia Limited have appointed Martin Jones, Andrew Saker, Darren Weaver and James Stewart of Ferrier Hodgson as joint and several administrators of the two companies and the majority of their subsidiaries.

13/05/2009: Forest Protestors barking up the wrong tree
The Victorian Forest Harvesting and Cartage Council (VFHCC) have labelled a protest rally in Melbourne today to gain support for illegal blockades in East Gippsland as a cheap stunt trying to shift the focus of real environmental issues.

11/05/2009: AUSTimber message will be heard overseas
It's still a few years before AUSTimber2012, but the promotional work has already been on in earnest for some months.

11/05/2009: Composites attract
It's a cold, hard fact – hardwood is becoming harder to get in Australia.

06/05/2009: Woodcraft is more than just a ‘whittle’ industry
A new study into the Tasmanian woodcraft sector has found that more than 2000 people are directly employed in the industry.

06/05/2009: Agroforestry is a way of life for many
In its early days, agroforestry may have been viewed as the domain of the ‘landcare enthusiast’. Today, integrating trees and shrubs into productive farming systems is seen as a core principle of sustainable agriculture.

06/05/2009: NSW Government to establish private plantations
An agreement for the management of plantations for private industry will see 4500ha of hardwood planted starting immediately, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today.

06/05/2009: Out of the past comes something for the future
When something old is new again … Two of a swag of environment innovations recognized under the Commercialising Emerging Technologies (COMET) program grants are leading the way in recycling.

04/05/2009: Upper Florentine timber needed by sawmillers
A rebound in the demand for sawn timber means that sawmillers need timber from planned harvesting in the Upper Florentine Valley, forest manager Steve Whiteley said today.

29/04/2009: Jodie Campbell supports Timber Communities Australia’s call to ‘buy locally’
Federal Labor Member for Bass Jodie Campbell said today that she supported the proposal from Timber Communities Australia for local timber to be sourced as the Federal Government’s $42 billion Nation Building and Jobs Plan was rolled out.

27/04/2009: MIS forestry continues to grow Australia’s timber resource
Timber plantations funded through managed investment schemes (MIS) will continue to grow a large proportion of Australia’s future wood resource, despite the decision by leading agribusiness MIS manager, Timbercorp, to go into voluntary administration.

27/04/2009: New software program plants the seed for economic gain
A specialist software program developed by the Southern Tree Breeding Association (STBA) and PlantPlan Genetics Pty Ltd is set to deliver millions of dollars in added value to the plantation industry each year.

22/04/2009: Sugar gum – the sweet taste of success in vineyard stakes
Sugar gum could become a viable alternative for posts used in vineyards, farms and horticulture, according to a new study funded by the Joint Venture Agroforestry Program (JVAP1).

20/04/2009: Survey shows understanding of forestry improving
Less than eight per cent of Tasmanians support illegal forest protests a new survey has shown.

20/04/2009: Bushfire inquiry undermined by forest industry exclusion
Victoria’s peak forestry body, the Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI), was dumbfounded that it would not be allowed to appear before the Bushfire Royal Commission. Now, VAFI has called on the commissioner to explain and reverse his decision.

14/04/2009: FPC defers harvest of Chester coupe
The Forest Products Commission (FPC) will not harvest timber in Chester 01 coupe in season 2009.

06/04/2009: Engineering group announces key appointments
Southern Cross Engineering Group recently made a number of key appointments in managerial and sales areas.

06/04/2009: Timber industry leaders start rebuilding ravaged industry
Victoria’s forestry industry leaders met last Friday in Healesville and toured bushfire-affected regions to plan the industry’s recovery after it was devastated during the recent tragedy.

01/04/2009: Arsonist torches forestry equipment
In the early hours of Monday March 30 an arsonist has destroyed around half a million dollars worth of forestry equipment near the township of Woods point.

01/04/2009: Force Majeure or Forced Manure called by VicForest
The heroic role of forest contractors in fighting the fires has been rewarded by VicForest by invoking the Force Majeure clause of the contracts between VicForest and Forest Contractors effectively removing any financial obligations by VicForest to Forest Contractors.

01/04/2009: Wood panels industry seeks CPRS assistance
The wood panels industry is seeking to have the manufacturing of wood panels (particleboard, medium density fibreboard and laminated veneer lumber) recognised as an emissions-intensive trade-exposed (EITE) activity and therefore eligible for assistance as part of the Government's proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.

01/04/2009: Taking the stress out of making the grade
In recent times an emphasis has been placed on producers of structural grade timber to ensure their products are meeting the stress grade claimed and that compliance is capable of being verified.

01/04/2009: Building relationships is what it’s all about
Manitou Australia's new industrial products and key account manager is a firm believer that building relationships is what business is all about.

30/03/2009: National Carpenters Day
On April 21 2009, Australia's first ever Carpenters Day will be held in most capital cities around the country. It will be a day to celebrate the ways in which carpenters play an important role in tackling climate change, by using one of the planet's most natural materials - wood.

30/03/2009: Woodchip industry proven unviable once again
The Tasmanian Greens today accused the Bartlett Government and Forestry Tasmania of pulling the wool over the eyes of Tasmanian forest contractors, as well as the Tasmanian community itself, as the global decline in pulp and woodchip prices pulp Gunns and the woodchip-driven Tasmanian forest industry.

30/03/2009: Delay of carbon trading not just about the financial crisis
The Federal Government's apparent decision to delay the carbon trading scheme by around six months may still leave Australia unprepared for its introduction, according to carbon trading expert, Jan Brandjes of Carbon Focus.

25/03/2009: Fibre-fever, efficiencies and diversification
Bioenergy using wood as an alternative energy source is getting a huge amount of attention both internationally and much closer to home.

25/03/2009: Australian furniture still sought after in US
The times are a changing … One of the most successful jarrah businesses in Western Australia has closed its doors, but not without becoming a major player on the American scene.

25/03/2009: Who will put trees back on farms now?
Last June, the Federal Government dissolved the national network of 19 Private Forestry Development Committees (PFDCs), regional groups whose key objective was to put trees back into over-cleared farm land.

18/03/2009: Dual promotion to ensure success of two events
Bioenergy Australia has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with the organisers of the European Biomass Conference and Exhibition to mutually publicise Bioenergy Australia and its conference.

18/03/2009: No charge if you want to check out the Prom
Wilson’s Promontory National Park will re-open to visitors this Saturday (March 21) after the fires in the park were brought under control over the weekend.

18/03/2009: Vision blurs on farm forestry future
Last June the Federal Government dissolved the national network of 19 Private Forestry Development Committees (PFDCs), regional groups whose key objective was to put trees back into over-cleared farm land.

18/03/2009: Trio combines for annual workshop
The Australian Timber Trainers Association (ATTA), ForestWorks and Forest Industry Assessment Plan System (FIAPS) members will hold a combined annual workshop in Mt Gambier on 27-30 July 2009.

18/03/2009: Improved representation for plantation industry
National representation of Australia’s plantation forestry, wood and paper industries will be further consolidated next month.

16/03/2009: Put yourself in the picture and promote your organisation
When you have a party, a meeting, special occasion or just a social gathering there’s always someone with a camera, so, snap off the best shots you can and send them to us (editorial@forestsandtimber.com.au).

16/03/2009: National timber industry publication set to re-launch
RYAN PUBLICATIONS, publishers of Australian Forests & Timber News, Daily Timber News and Australian Forests & Timber Directory, will re-launch Australian Timberman magazine in April.

16/03/2009: Where do the Liberals stand on protecting redgums?
The Brumby Government has called on the State Liberals to stop flip-flopping and either admonish or fall into line with their coalition partners the Nationals on the protection of the State’s iconic River Red Gum forests.

16/03/2009: Blue Tier makeover unveiled
Improvements to trails and other visitor facilities on the Blue Tier in Tasmania’s North East have been unveiled. The joint project by Forestry Tasmania and the Australian Government was completed through the Tasmanian Forest Tourism Initiative at a cost of $240,000.

11/03/2009: Bushfires make disaster book
A BOOK based on disasters that have shocked Australia would not be complete without a chapter dedicated to the Black Saturday fires that devastated so many.

11/03/2009: Salvage harvesting gets timber industry back on track
The Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI) has commended the Brumby Government’s commitment to commence salvage harvesting as a priority within bushfire affected areas.

11/03/2009: Size isn't everything
Knowing where energy is being used is the secret to making carbon management an exercise in profitability rather than just compliance says Coffey Environments, a specialist sustainability engineering service with the benefit of 10 years experience assessing and analysing carbon footprints.

04/03/2009: Research sheds new light on water catchments
CONTROLLING forest density can help maintain stream flow levels, according to research findings presented at a recent Forestry Tasmania seminar.

02/03/2009: World Forestry Day
World Forestry Day has been celebrated around the world for 30 years to remind communities of the importance of forests and the many benefits which we gain from them.

02/03/2009: New Smoke Management Strategy unveiled
A smoke management forum organised by the Forest and Forest Industry Council has been told a new strategy to manage smoke from regeneration and fuel reduction burns will be in force this year.

02/03/2009: Contactor appointed to bushfire clean-up
The State and Federal Governments have announced Grocon as the contractor to clear debris from bushfire sites.

25/02/2009: Third Forestry firefighting crew on ground in Victoria
FORESTRY Tasmania has just sent its third crew of firefighters to help fight the Victorian bushfires. The first crew of 19 firefighters and 11 vehicles travelled to Victoria on Monday February 9, following the devastating February 7 bushfires.

25/02/2009: Loggers under pressure
Up to one third of Tasmania's small forestry businesses are predicted to fold in the next few months.

23/02/2009: Economists speak out against flawed Carbon Trading Scheme
A group of 10Australian economists has slammed the Rudd Government’s proposed carbon emissions trading scheme, and called for a science-based policy to achieve 25%-40% cuts in emissions by 2020.

23/02/2009: One in three bosses put production ahead of safety or just don't care: WorkSafe research
One in three supervisors say senior management is not serious about safety and another 9 per cent are in denial, research commissioned by WorkSafe Victoria and to be presented at the Safety In Action Conference in March will reveal.

18/02/2009: State and Local Governments meet on river red gums
The Brumby Government is working with Local Government to support workers and communities affected by the implementation of the $38 million River Red Gum package.

18/02/2009: Hoo-Hoo special convention in Canberra
Hoo-Hoo members of Jurisdiction IV (JIV), made up of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Malaysia, hold their annual general meeting at a convention which will be held 3-5 April in Canberra at the Rydges Capital Hill Hotel.

18/02/2009: Australian fires smoke out Kyoto failings
While the tragedy of the shocking loss of life and destruction of property in the Australian wildfires are the immediate focus for authorities, this shouldn’t stop their impact eventually reaching all the way to Copenhagen and the halls where climate negotiators will meet later this year.

18/02/2009: ITC Funds Management expands team
Forestry and timber specialist ITC boosts its Funds Management team with three more executives, each boasting at least 15 years industry experience, as the group ramps up its services for financial planning groups and advisers.

16/02/2009: Forklift operators will be put to the test
AUSTRALIA’S BEST forklift operators are getting ready to battle for the title of Champion Driver at Melbourne Materials Handling Trade Show 2009, which will host the finals of the National Forklift Championships for the first time.

16/02/2009: Forklift operators will be put to the test
AUSTRALIA’S BEST forklift operators are getting ready to battle for the title of Champion Driver at Melbourne Materials Handling Trade Show 2009, which will host the finals of the National Forklift Championships for the first time.

16/02/2009: Snap ‘n zap puts you in the picture
WHEN YOU have a party, a meeting, special occasion or just a social gathering there’s always someone with a camera, so, snap off the best shots you can and send them to us (editorial@forestsandtimber.com.au). Your Christmas parties will provide the perfect opportunity. Add a few details about the function and name the people in the pix and leave the rest to us. We’d like to share those precious moments with you (and the rest of the industry, of course). Remember, it’s as easy as SNAP them off and ZAP them through the email. Look forward to receiving those unique moments.

16/02/2009: Forestry Tasmania on target for performance objectives
THE end of conversion of native forests to plantations, development of alternatives to clearfelling, absence of chemicals in water samples, more open communication and closer ties with the community are among achievements listed in Forestry Tasmania’s 2007/08 Sustainable Forest Management Report.

16/02/2009: Grateful thanks to firefighters
The Brumby Government has thanked overseas and interstate firefighters for their contribution to the ongoing effort to fight Victoria’s bushfires.

16/02/2009: Grave concerns for Chester ecosystems, surrounding life and property
The WA Forest Products Commission (FPC) has expressed growing concern at the activities of the Chester Forest Action Group (CFAG), which is actually doing more harm than good through damage to the areas ecosystem.

16/02/2009: National timber industry publication set to re-launch
RYAN PUBLICATIONS, publishers of Australian Forests & Timber News, Daily Timber News and Australian Forests & Timber Directory, will re-launch Australian Timberman magazine in April.

11/02/2009: TIMBER INDUSTRY LAUNCHES BUSHFIRE SUPPORT INIATIVE
The Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI) has today announced the creation of a new industry wide bushfire support initiative to assist in the rebuilding of communities and townships devastated by recent fires.

11/02/2009: Global financial meltdown haunts the huge Australian woodchip trade to North Asia
For decades the Japanese pulp industry has been remarkably resilient in its use of imported hardwood chips, even as global pulp demand cycles waxed and waned. Indeed, in 2008 a record 12.3 million BDMT's of hardwood chips were imported with Australia being the largest supplier, delivering more than 36% of the total.

11/02/2009: Horse saves farmer from firey death
A farmer who faced death as a ring of fire descended on his rural Victorian property says his prized horse saved him by knocking him into a creek.

09/02/2009: Bushfire death toll continues to rise
Victoria Police can now confirm that 108 people have died as a result of bushfires across the state.

09/02/2009: Perryman seeks assurance on forestry sale
Mount Gambier mayor and Liberal candidate for Mount Gambier, Steve Perryman, has called on Labor Government Forestry Minister Rory McEwen to provide assurance the proposed upfront sale of three rotations of ForestrySA plantations is in the best interests of the region.

09/02/2009: No bail out to cost timber industry jobs
The West Australian Government admits its refusal to bail out the timber industry may lead to job losses and business closures.

09/02/2009: Black Friday anniversary renews importance of ongoing bushfire research
AUSTRALIA’S PEAK fire management and research organizations are calling for ongoing support for scientific research to deal with the bushfires.

09/02/2009: Forest fuel load to blame for fires: Tuckey
OUTSPOKEN federal Liberal MP Wilson Tuckey has blamed the major parties for Victoria's bushfire tragedy, saying it's been caused by politicians pandering to green votes.

09/02/2009: Government package brings new hope
THE FEDERAL Government’s $42 billion economic stimulus package has been seen as a lifeline for the future for many in the forest and timber and associated industries. First announcements of the rescue package brought hope. Then hopes were dashed when the Opposition tried to block the move in the Lower House. Despite the marathon sitting, the Government won out and now it remains a matter of receiving approval from the Senate.

04/02/2009: GOVERNMENT STIMULUS AN OPPORTUNITY TO KNOCK ON WOOD
The Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI) has welcomed the Federal Government’s $42 billion Nation Building and Jobs Plan as a critical step in safeguarding Australia’s economy whilst providing a remarkable opportunity to build an environmentally sustainable future.

04/02/2009: Biochar – untested and unproven – or political football?
The global warming challenges we face have been linked to our addiction to digging “black stuff” out of the ground and using it to fuel our growth and prosperity. Biochar technology offers society the opportunity to pay back this historic greenhouse burden – by taking renewable resources, converting them into “black stuff”, or biochar, which can be beneficially sequestered in the ground. The good news is that biochar sequestration actually adds value by increasing soil productivity, so can contribute to ongoing prosperity rather than coming at a huge cost to society.

28/01/2009: National timber industry publication set to re-launch
Ryan Publications, publishers of Australian Forests & Timber News, Daily Timber News and Australian Forests & Timber Directory, will re-launch Australian Timberman magazine in April 2009.

14/01/2009: Volvo truck engines to get Clean Air Power
UK-based Clean Air Power has announced an agreement with Volvo to development and incorporate their Dual-Fuel™ technology into Volvo truck engines. Dual-Fuel™ is a patented system which enables heavy duty diesel engines to run on up to 90 percent natural gas with a small amount of diesel fuel providing the ignition source. The benefits are lower fuel costs and lower emission.

07/01/2009: Snap and zap offer … and it’s absolutely free!
When you have a party, a meeting, special occasion or just a social gathering there’s always someone with a camera, so, snap off the best shots you can and send them to us (editorial@forestsandtimber.com.au).

07/01/2009: Massive biofuel investment for the Mount
Western Australian-based Plantation Energy is gearing up to build a $25m wood pellet mill on the outskirts of Mount Gambier which would employ more than 60 people directly and indirectly. The company will build the mill and another at Heywood of the same size, initially to service market demand in Europe for biofuel.

07/01/2009: Timber families frustrated by Clayton’s decision on Bell Bay Pulp Mill
The approval in principle by the Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett of the Environmental Impact Management Plan (EIMP) for the Bell Bay pulp mill should have been great news, but new Commonwealth demands for even more modeling brings great frustration for timber dependent families. The so-called Clayton’s approval has been the subject of criticism from several sources.

07/01/2009: Residues to Revenues in NZ and Australia
HERE’S SOMETHING to put in your diary for 2009 -- Residues to Revenues. But, what is it all about, and when is it being held? First, the dates … Rotorua (NZ) 10-11 June and then Melbourne 15-16 June.

07/01/2009: Wood Preservation 2009 profiling new opportunities
WOOD PRESERVATION 2009 provides a unique three-yearly update on new wood treatment technologies, research, changing standards and key developments from Australasia, North America, Europe and South Africa. This year it will run in Brisbane on 21-22 April after a similar program has been run for New Zealand companies in Rotorua on 15-16 April.

07/01/2009: Territory timber trade takes off
THE Northern Territory's timber industry is likely to undergo a rapid expansion following the buyout of four cattle stations. Up to 40% of the newly-acquired stations will be planted with African mahoganies and the rest of the land kept for cattle.

07/01/2009: Forests NSW concerned about motorcycle and motor vehicle driver safety
With the commencement of the New Year, Forests NSW is again appealing to motorcycle and motor vehicle drivers to drive sensibly in State forests. Forests NSW regional manager Gavin Jeffries said drivers should be aware that timber harvesting as well as recreation took place in State forests and logging trucks used the roads to transport timber.

07/01/2009: Companies exploiting consumer naivety on forest management certification
A3P, Australia’s peak national body representing the plantation products and paper industry, is concerned by the efforts of some companies to deliberately exploit the limited understanding of forest management certification among consumers and the public generally.

07/01/2009: 2009 Gottstein Fellowships and Skill Advancement Award
Peter Gunnersen, Chairman of the J. W. Gottstein Memorial Trust Fund, has announced the award of five Gottstein Fellowships and one Skill Advancement Award for 2009, and World Forest Institute Fellowships for 2009 and 2010.

05/01/2009: Independent research confirms the benefits of forestry
An independent study has highlighted the primary social, environmental and economic impacts of the forestry industry in Western Australia. Conducted by Dr Jackie Schirmer, Project Leader from the Fenner School of Environment and Society at the Australian National University, the report looked at the forestry industry in Western Australia and its social and economic impacts.

05/01/2009: 2009 Gottstein Fellowships and Skill Advancement Award
Peter Gunnersen, Chairman of the J. W. Gottstein Memorial Trust Fund, has announced the award of five Gottstein Fellowships and one Skill Advancement Award for 2009, and World Forest Institute Fellowships for 2009 and 2010.

05/01/2009: Red gum decision fells local communities
The Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI) has expressed its disappointment at the State Government’s decision to effectively end timber harvesting in the River Redgum region along the Murray River.

05/01/2009: Forest biosecurity experts gather in New Zealand
Forest biosecurity experts from around the world will be converging in Rotorua, New Zealand from 16 to 20 March to attend a conference focused on protecting forests from invasive insects, diseases and weeds. As the first international conference on this topic ever to be held, it is being hosted by Crown Research Institute Scion, which is New Zealand’s leading provider of forest biosecurity research.

05/01/2009: Massive biofuel investment for the Mount
Western Australian-based Plantation Energy is gearing up to build a $25m wood pellet mill on the outskirts of Mount Gambier which would employ more than 60 people directly and indirectly.

17/12/2008: New tool monitors chemical risk factors
A Tasmanian adaptation of the CSIRO’s Pesticide Impact Rating Index (PIRI), which analyses the mobility and toxicity of chemicals according to site, operational and climatic conditions, is one of the latest aids for forestry workers.

17/12/2008: Snap and Zap and put your people on show
When you have a party, a meeting, special occasion or just a social gathering there’s always someone with a camera, so, snap off the best shots you can and send them to us (editorial@forestsandtimber.com.au).

17/12/2008: Time to get back to the grassroots
Tish Campbell, Western Australia’s Timber Communities Australia manager for the past seven years has decided to call it quits. Basically on the eve of stepping away from a job she sees as essential, Tish sounded a warning on where the organisation was heading.

17/12/2008: Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year
This edition of Daily Timber News brings to a close the 2008 segment of our electronic coverage of all things forests and timber. It has been a year of turmoil and tears and in some cases triumphs.

17/12/2008: Mill upgrade is a key strategic development
Construction of the Maryvale Mill pulp upgrade is now complete and is a key strategic development that will provide benefits to all stakeholders, according to the Managing Director of PaperlinX, Tom Park.

17/12/2008: New exhibitors and new fire and security area for Safety In Action
The 10,000 or more visitors expected to return to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre for Safety In Action and Melbourne Materials Handling next March will see plenty of fresh OHS exhibitors and an entirely new fire and security feature area. The new feature area will host suppliers of fire preparedness training, investigation training, fire monitoring systems, closed circuit television (CCTV), intercoms, access control and security systems.

17/12/2008: Reference manual caters for all
The Australian Forests & Timber Industry Directory was published in response to a growing need throughout the industry for a quick-look, connection-catering, informative reference manual.

17/12/2008: EITE – Right direction, long way to go
A3P, the peak body for the plantation products and paper industry, has acknowledged the Australian Government’s foresight in addressing the key issue for a non-global emission trading scheme through its recognition of emissions-intensive, trade-exposed industries in the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) White Paper.

17/12/2008: Woodchips lead the way in export growth
The value of Australia’s forest product exports rose significantly in 2007-08, growing by 5% over the year to reach $2.5 billion, driven by woodchip export growth and to a lesser extent growth in recovered paper exports.

15/12/2008: Agreement to improve environment and access in southern forests
ENVIRONMENTAL protection and recreational access in the southern forests will be improved following a community agreement signed between Forestry Tasmania, 4WD Tasmania and the Huon 4WD Club. Forestry Tasmania managing director Bob Gordon said the new community agreement was the first of its kind in southern Tasmania.

15/12/2008: Long live the deck
A study by the State Government has found the use of verandahs, decks and patios is making a major contribution to limiting green house gas emissions by reducing the use of air conditioners.

10/12/2008: ‘Bring us in line with the rest of the country’
A challenge has been laid down to the Victorian Government … “bring us in line with the rest of the country by addressing the fundamental flaw in its Forestry Rights legislation”. That challenge came from Pat Groenhout, general manager of PF Olsen Australia, at the Victorian Association of Forest Industries annual dinner. And he threw down the gauntlet to the industry to “work as one” to ensure necessary changes were made.

10/12/2008: It’s what’s under the veneer that counts
Tasmanian rotary veneer company Ta Ann was crowned as the Australian Emerging Exporter of the Year at the national export awards in Melbourne at the weekend.

10/12/2008: Guide to help reduce work-related driving deaths and injuries
WorkSafe Victoria and the Transport Accident Commission have launched a guide to help reduce deaths and injuries resulting from work-related driving.

10/12/2008: Fire training helps set the safety scene
Seventy people took part in an interagency fire training day at the Delegate Country Club to help prepare the Monaro region for fire.

10/12/2008: Valuable assistance from above
A Lyndoch helicopter pilot will play an important part in this summer’s fight against bushfires. Bridgette Kies, one of the ‘chopper chicks’ from Barossa Helicopters, will be based at the Parafield Airfield as an air-attack response pilot during the fire danger season.

08/12/2008: Posthumous presentation of inaugural award
Stephen Jamieson, timberman and 25-year veteran firefighter who lost his life in January, has been posthumously awarded the inaugural Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI) Lifetime Service Award.

08/12/2008: Product development and research pays off
FORESTRY TASMANIA managing director Bob Gordon says the opening of the Ta Ann rotary peel veneer mill at the Smithton Wood Centre would benefit Tasmania by creating jobs and establishing new export markets. The new manufacturing enterprise follows almost 10 years of product development and market research by Forestry Tasmania.

08/12/2008: Service with a smile
LONG-SERVING employees who have reached 40 year, 35 year and 25 year milestones with Forestry Tasmania have been recognised at events held at Smithton, Scottsdale, Hobart, and Geeveston.

08/12/2008: Hands-on learning programs on offer in Queensland
If ever you have wanted to know something about growing trees, then a series of Master Tree Grower South East Queensland programs is the obvious choice.

01/12/2008: Forestry is at the crossroads
Forestry: a climate of change is the theme for the Institute of Foresters of Australia Conference at The Events Centre, Caloundra, Queensland, from 6-10 September, 2009.

01/12/2008: Campers asked to observe Solid Fuel Fire Ban
Numerous small fires have occurred of late in the Murray/Murrumbidgee region, and Forests NSW is concerned that some campers may not be paying attention to the Solid Fuel Fire Ban, that is now in place.

26/11/2008: Foresters’ scholarship a first class option
Local university student Lauren Pittard-Robb has been awarded the Institute of Foresters of Australia 2008 scholarship. She is studying forestry through Southern Cross University in Mount Gambier.

26/11/2008: Sister park agreement to benefit State
TASMANIA is set to benefit from the first formal sister forestry park relationship between Australia and China, following the signing of an historic agreement between Forestry Tasmania’s Tahune AirWalk and the Qiandao Lake Park at Hangzhou owned by China International Forest Travel.

26/11/2008: Laser points the way to new forest management
LASER APPLICATIONS for forest management was the focus of the SilviLaser 2008 Conference at Edinburgh’s Heriot -Watt University.

26/11/2008: Forests actually enhance waterways
THE LATEST scientific report on the health of south-east Queensland’s waterways and catchments provides much support for plantation forest management in the region, according to Forestry Plantations Queensland’s Beerburrum Forest manager Stan Ward.

26/11/2008: Adaptive management is only sensible option available
The Institute of Foresters of Australia (IFA) has sought Government action over the current critical situation of the streams and forests in WA, and says that adaptive management is really the only sensible option available. The institute spelled out its concerns in a letter to the WA Premier, C.J.Barnett.

Australian Forestry News, Overseas Forestry News

26/10/2009: Will your date show up?
If you have any event coming up in 2010 you wish to have considered for inclusion in the 2010 Australian Timberman Wall Planner, let us know!

13/05/2009: New machines, new heads and a new thinning concept
Three new machines and two new heads. Komatsu Forest is launching five unique world premieres at Elmia Wood 3-6 June 2009.

07/10/2008: Komatsu Forest area manager rides for good cause
Nigel Howard is again competing with his fellow pink suited bike riders in the 210km ride in the aid of Breast Cancer Network Australia.

Events

10/03/2010: Workshop for three major organisations
The 2010 ATTA/ForestWorks/FIAPS workshop will be held in Hobart from 26-29 July. Like last year, the workshop program for 2010 has been combined with the ForestWorks and FIAPS annual conference so attendees will be able to get the most out of their time away from normal work schedules.

01/03/2010: Now every carpenter has their day
Following the success of the inaugural event in 2009, the second National Carpenters Day promises to reach an even wider audience with new activities and participants.

22/02/2010: Frame Australia 2010 Conference
The construction and operation of buildings is one of the single biggest contributors of emissions influencing global climate change according to an OECD report, which is currently leading to governments worldwide introducing regulations to reduce carbon emissions by buildings.

17/02/2010: Timber Trade Cup golf day at Muirfield - reminder
A reminder to get your entries in as soon as possible for the Timber Trade Cup golf day at Muirfield Golf club, being held to raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

15/02/2010: Finance sector to get insider view at Australian Forestry Conference
Key Finance company leaders and risk specialists are going to be treated to a unique and insightful view of the Australian forestry sector in early March at a national forestry finance event.

10/02/2010: Forestry Education Centenary Celebration
One hundred years of forest education in Australia will be celebrated in 2010 in a series of events throughout Victoria, where it all started.

03/02/2010: Latest designs in bushfire prevention talked up
On the anniversary of Black Saturday, 7 February, you can find out more about how new designs are helping with fire prevention, emergency response, post-fire regeneration in communities and more, by attending floor talks at Melbourne Museum.

03/02/2010: Timber Trade Cup golf day at Muirfield
Dozens of weekend golfers will soon be teeing up to help raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

01/02/2010: Get a piece of the road transport action at Trucks in Action
t's on again at Lardner Park, the only working truck show held in the Southern Hemisphere. Running in conjunction with the Civil Works Expo, Trucks In Action will be held at Lardner Park near Warragul in Victoria from 19-21 February.

07/12/2009: Submit your abstracts on the World Bioenergy website
If you are interested in holding a presentation, or exhibiting a poster at the largest bioenergy event in the world you are welcome to visit our website www.worldbioenergy.com and the Conference & Excursions pages.

02/12/2009: Lost and Found: The 1939 "Black Friday" Bushfires Royal Commission Evidence
On Monday 7 December, the University of Melbourne's Crenswick Campus will hold a seminar detailing the evidence found from the 1939 Black Friday Bushfires.

02/12/2009: Lost and Found: The 1939 "Black Friday" Bushfires Royal Commission Evidence
On Monday 7 December, the University of Melbourne's Crenswick Campus will hold a seminar detailing the evidence found from the 1939 Black Friday Bushfires.

18/11/2009: Pioneer in bioenergy crop research to share knowledge in New Zealand
Landowners considering the potential of deriving new income from dedicated bioenergy crops have the opportunity to learn first hand from a leading international expert next month.

11/11/2009: Bioenergy Australia 2009
Australia’s premier bioenergy conference, Bioenergy Australia 2009 will be held at the Radisson Resort Gold Coast, Queensland from 9 - 10 December 2009 with a Technical Tour on 8 December 2009.

09/11/2009: Heartwood Plantations launch and field tour
An invitation has been extended to all to attend the Heartwood Plantations launch and free field tour on 13 November.

04/11/2009: Much sought after timber goes under the hammer
The Forest Products Commission (FPC) is expecting a large crowd of wood enthusiasts and spirited interest from bidders who attend a log auction to be held in Harvey, WA next week.

21/10/2009: All aspects of bioenergy under the microscope
Australia’s premier bioenergy conference, Bioenergy Australia 2009, will be held at the Radisson Gold Coast, Queensland on 9 - 10 December, with a technical tour on 8 December.

14/10/2009: The Koondrook-Barham Redgum Showcase
On Sunday 1 November, Koondrook in Victoria will host the 2009 Redgum Showcase.

14/10/2009: Conference to address the future of jobs in forestry
This year's Forest Industries Conference is setting its attention on innovation, investment and jobs. Michael Hartman, chief executive officer of ForestWorks, said that with the impact of the global economic recession being felt in the forest, wood, paper and timber products industry, these were the topics that demanded attention.

21/09/2009: Identifying the silver linings
The New Zealand Pine Manufacturers Association presents Wood Industry Conference 2009 at the Holiday Inn, Wellington, on 8-9 October. Under the theme, “Global Storm Clouds – Identifying The Silver Linings”, the conference will look at major economies with which NZ trades, focusing on likely challenges and trends for NZ exporters.

16/09/2009: NSW Rural Fire Service address to Hoo Hoo Club
Sydney Hoo Hoo Club 215 has organised a special dinner meeting later this month during which timber usage for building in bushfire-prone areas will be the main topic for discussion.

15/07/2009: Foresters meet to talk
The Institute of Foresters of Australia will be holding its 2009 National Conference at Caloundra, Queensland, Australia from 6-10 September 2009. The Institute President Dr Peter Volker said it was timely for foresters to meet, when forestry issues are receiving increasing prominence in national politics particularly in relation to its prominent role in climate change.

25/05/2009: Pike & Co. issue early notice for Brazil conference
This is an early notice of the next International Pulpwood Conference - "Global Wood Fibre Trade - Woodchips and Biomass" - which will be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil during the week of March 15, 2010.

27/04/2009: First National Carpenters Day a great success
Hundreds of carpenters from around Australia, nine current serving soldiers in Afghanistan, and celebrity carpenter Tom Williams, celebrated Australia’s first ever National Carpenters Day on Tuesday, April 21.

22/04/2009: Industry throws support behind Queensland Safety Show
Three of Queensland's top industry associations have thrown their support behind the Queensland Safety Show.

16/04/2009: Australasian Forest Genetics Conference
The second Australasian Forest Genetics Conference will be held in Perth Western Australia from 20th – 22nd April 2009 and is in conjunction with the Australasian Forestry Research Working Group 1 (Genetics) (RWG1 18th Meeting).

14/04/2009: Association VBFB of WA Inc General Meeting
The next general meeting of the Association of Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades will be held on Sunday May 3, 2009 at the GS Knight Building 177 Great Eastern Highway, Belmont, Western Australia.

06/04/2009: ATTA Workshop to be held in Mount Gambier
The Australian Timber Trainers Association (ATTA), ForestWorks and Forest Industry Assessment Plan System (FIAPS) members will hold a combined annual workshop in Mt Gambier on 27-30 July.

06/04/2009: Double option for LIGNA-lovers
Time is running out to book your seat on Weinig Australia’s Ligna double-header. There is one tour going to the US (and then on to LIGNA) and one straight to Germany with a tour prior to heading to LIGNA.

15/01/2009: Seminar: Long term water use of mountain ash and the efficiency of heavily forested catchments
Seminar SeriesDepartment of Forest and Ecosystem Science Department of Sustainability and Environment Associate Professor Leon Bren, DFES This seminar presents an updated analysis of the Coranderrk paired catchment project using data from 1954 to 2007. This is located 70 km east of Melbourne, and is Australia’a longest-running paired catchment study. Three small catchments originally carrying old growth mountain ash and mixed species have been gauged since 1958.

15/12/2008: Kenworth and Westport to bring LNG trucks to Australia
Westport Innovations and PACCAR Australia, the manufacturers of Kenworth trucks, have announced that the companies will develop and commercialise liquefied natural gas (LNG) Kenworth trucks for the Australian market.

01/12/2008: Workers crucial in helping to stabilise banks
BORAL TIMBER employees are firm in the belief that your word is your bond, even if it means a lot of extra work. They recently planted 1,000 trees and shrubs in the Wisemans Ferry area of NSW to honour a promise to Conservation Volunteers Australia during a promotion.

24/11/2008: Bioenergy Australia conference and technical tour
AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER bioenergy conference, Bioenergy Australia 2008, will be held at the Sebel Albert Park, Melbourne, on 8-9 December, with a technical tour on 10 December.

03/11/2008: Australia’s premier bioenergy conference to be held next month
Australia’s premier bioenergy conference, Bioenergy Australia 2008, will be held at the Sebel Albert Park, Melbourne, Victoria on 8-9 December, with a technical tour on 10 December.

27/10/2008: BioFibres for industry – from field to factory
Biofibres for industry was officially launched by the Minister Gavin Jennings (Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Innovation) at the Biofibres for Industry workshop on Wednesday 29 October.

22/10/2008: Business comes to grips with climate change at The Safety Show
Financial and practical help for tackling the business impact of climate change will be a feature of seminars at The Safety Show Sydney over the first two of the three-day event next week.

18/08/2008: Bioenergy conference scheduled for December
Bioenergy Australia will be holding its annual conference in Melbourne on 8-9 December, with a technical tour to bioenergy-related destinations on the following day.

23/07/2008: Asia Pacific Forest Industries Climate Change Conference
The Asia Pacific Forest Industries Climate Change Conference, co-sponsored by our industry’s national organisations – is the only climate change event that focuses on our industry and how it will be affected by an emissions trading scheme.

General Industry News

Health & Safety

09/11/2009: Major fines for farmers caught burning rubbish
A reckless act by a Jeetho farmer in South Gippsland has prompted a warning from EPA Victoria to other landowners.

26/10/2009: Could 'Zero Harm' be killing our people?
"Could Zero Harm be killing our people?" Yes, says veteran OHS expert Phillip Byard ahead of his October 29 address to The Safety Conference.

04/05/2009: WorkSafe Victoria Awards 2009 – closing date extended to 8 May
There is still time to enter this year’s WorkSafe Victoria Awards with the closing date for entries extended to 8 May.

15/12/2008: Chainsaws: Having A Sharp Chain Is Vital
With time, depending on the project, your chainsaw may become dull, and the chain will not produce the same precise cut. You will notice that it’s time to reach for your chainsaw sharpener when the cut from the saw is not straight anymore or the edges are uneven. Dull chains also produce fine sawdust when cutting, while a sharp saw produces thicker chips of wood.

01/12/2008: Safety still a key factor despite the economy
SAFETY REMAINS a priority for business even in the face of global economic turmoil. This was borne out by the fact that there were more than 10,000 visits to the Safety Show Sydney this year.

Overseas Forestry News

01/03/2010: Squeaky clean shoes for scientists
Biosecurity officers at Auckland International Airport won’t need to clean any dirty shoes belonging to a select group of international scientists arriving next week for the 5th International Phytophthora working party meeting.

04/01/2010: Forest Products Market Update
Global sawlog prices jumped almost 8% in the 3Q/09 because of improved lumber markets in the US and Europe, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly.

07/12/2009: Forest Products Market Update
Higher hardwood pulpwood costs in Brazil, Australia, Russia and Sweden pushed the 3Q/09 Global Hardwood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) to the highest level in 12 months, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly. The HFPI was over six percent higher than theGlobal Softwood Fiber Price Index (SFPI), the biggest difference in 21 years.

20/07/2009: Forest fire forces evacuation of 6,500 homes in western Canadian
VANCOUVER, July 19 (Xinhua) -- The forest fire in Kelowna, Canada's western province of British Columbia (B.C.), is spreading rapidly, forcing emergency evacuation of 6,500 homes and damaging nine houses, the provincial Ministry of Forests said Sunday.

29/06/2009: € 4.5 million to fight illegal logging
THE EUROPEAN Commission has strengthened its support to the implementation of the EU Action Plan on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) by contributing € 4.5 million to the EU FLEGT Facility at the European Forest Institute (EFI).

24/06/2009: Footprint free timber flooring
MCKAY FLOORING Ltd now has exclusive rights to storm harvest flooring, a new ‘footprint free’ range of Scottish hardwood products.

24/06/2009: Vietnam’s rapidly expanding plantation resources becoming important supply source
VIETNAM IS NOW one of the most important suppliers of plantation eucalyptus and acacia wood chips to the pulp industry in both Japan and China. The country has expanded shipments gradually over the past six years and is now the world’s fourth largest hardwood chip exporter, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly.

22/06/2009: International Pulpwood Conference in Brazil
THE NEXT International Pulpwood Conference ("Global Wood Fibre Trade - Woodchips and Biomass") will be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, during mid-March 2010.

20/05/2009: New Zealand Forest Expo 2010 postponed
Organizers of the popular four-yearly Forest Industries Expo have made the difficult decision to postpone the 2010 event until the global economic downturn has eased.

18/05/2009: Hoo Hoo International Convention
The Rameses, with help from Black Bart #181, invite you to join them for the 2009 HHI Convention in Reno, Nevada, 'The Biggest Little City in the World.' Reno and surrounding area is known for its good ol’ western hospitality.

18/05/2009: CATERPILLAR launches new 18t and 20t forwarders
Cat Forest Products announces the launch of a new forwarder line with the introduction of two models with 18 metric tonne and 20 metric tonne capacities.

11/05/2009: Foresters mooooving with the times to combat weeds
A visit to Lion Match Forestry’s Clifton estate in Mpumalanga, South Africa, led to a surprise meeting with their new weed control team.

11/05/2009: Volvo sets its sights on the forest industry
Felling and off-road transport are areas Volvo is now focusing on in order to offer a total machinery solution to the forest industry, according to Jukka Moisander, director, global forestry solutions at Volvo.

01/04/2009: Wood chip prices fell in Canada in the 1Q/09
Wood chip prices fell in Canada in the 1Q/09 as pulpmills reduced their operating rates substantially, reports WRI.

01/04/2009: Paper industry giant prioritizes green goals
In 2004, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management awarded the Barton plant a Pollution Prevention Achievement Award for the plant’s good environmental footprint and design. In 2008 SCA established a new carbon-dioxide target of a 20% reduction in emissions from fossil fuels from 2005 through 2020. It has also undertaken to reduce its water consumption by 15% from 2005 through 2010 and to reduce the organic content in its wastewater by 30%.

04/03/2009: Södra offers its members FSC certification
Södra has decided to offer FSC certification to its members.The reason behind the decision is the strong increase in demand for FSC-certified products. FSC certification of forest owners gives Södra greater earnings capability by enabling it to offer products that are FSC certified to pulp and timber customers alike.

04/03/2009: West Fraser Timber trims lumber production again
VANCOUVER, British Columbia(Reuters): West Fraser Timber Co (WFT.TO) will cut back production at seven of its British Columbia sawmills because of continued weak lumber demand, the company said.

04/03/2009: Wood fibre prices tumble globally
Global wood fibre prices in the 4Q/08 experienced the largest drop in over 20 years, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly.

02/03/2009: Canada breached softwood lumber agreement
Sawmills in four provinces have been ordered to pay an additional 10% export charge in a softwood lumber ruling made by an international arbitration tribunal. The London Court of International Arbitrations ruled last week that Canada breached the softwood lumber agreement by failing to calculate quotas properly during the first six months of 2007.

02/03/2009: International workshop: Forest policy and economics in support of good governance
Registration to an international workshop on forest policy and economics in support of good governance to be held on 3 -4 April 2009, in Dubrovnik, Croatia, is now open.

25/02/2009: International Biomass Conference promises focus on feedstocks
The 2009 International Biomass Conference & Expo, to be hosted by BBI International Inc. in Portland, Ore., on April 28-30, will feature 90 speakers and six feedstock-oriented session tracks to appeal to the most diverse of biomass interests. In addition, 150 exhibitors are expected.

25/02/2009: Combining bio-heat and power with power train technologies and fuels
Two highly acclaimed and reoccurring activities on the international renewable energy events calendar have teamed up for a special combined edition. The organisers behind World Bioenergy respective Clean Vehicles & Fuels will together with the Swedish Energy Agency stage World Bioenergy - Clean Vehicles & Fuels 2009.

25/02/2009: PEFC announces comprehensive revision of core documents
PEFC International, the world's largest forest certification scheme, is calling on all stakeholders to nominate candidates for a working group dedicated to the revision of two of its core documents. The documents deal with PEFC's global criteria for sustainable forest management and its standard setting procedures at national level.

23/02/2009: State will back new paper mills
President Dmitry Medvedev said the Government would support the creation of pulp and paper mills close to the country's borders to export more value-added products.

18/02/2009: World Bioenergy recruits new manager – and arranges a new event
Elmia has recruited Jakob Hirsmark as project manager for World Bioenergy.

18/02/2009: Assistant Director for EFI appointed
Dr.Ir. Gert-Jan Nabuurs has been appointed assistant director of the European Forest Institute (EFI). Dr. Nabuurs will start his three-year term, with a possibility of extension, on 1 June 2009.

18/02/2009: BlueLinx announces new engineered lumber agreement with Georgia Pacific
Eat for a killer immunity Stocks tumble — Dow ends at lowest since Nov. Obama: Stimulus lets Americans claim destiny BlueLinx Holdings Inc., a leading distributor of building products in North America, has signed a three-year agreement to be the exclusive two-step distributor of Georgia-Pacific's GP LAM(r) laminated veneer lumber; Wood I Beam(tm) joists, including its new XJ 85(r) Wood I Beam(tm); and FiberStrong(r) rim board engineered lumber in the United States and Canada. The products are all designed to help ensure a stronger floor system and structural integrity.

18/02/2009: Metso to rebuild Stora Enso's board machine line
Metso will modernize the BM 4 board machine line at Stora Enso Kaukopää mill in Imatra, Finland. The start-up of the rebuilt line is scheduled for November 2009. The parties have agreed not to disclose the order value. The order is included in Paper and Fiber Technology segment's Q1 orders received.

18/02/2009: MDF firm holds crucial talks
An estimated 100 jobs could be saved after it was revealed a Doncaster company in administration was in talks with other firms regarding a takeover.

16/02/2009: Billions of trees to be planted
Early next month — on March 12 to be precise — millions of Chinese people will head out to the countryside to plant trees. This has been happening every year for the last 30 years, with 500 million volunteers participating in National Tree Planting Day in 2007, planting over 2.27 billion trees between them according to official statistics. This is one small part of China’s continual battle against its increasingly arid landscape.

16/02/2009: 40-hour forest fires extinguished in east China
A series of forest fires in China's Fujian Province were finally out after 40 hours and four deaths.A forestry guide was injured when fighting a fire and died after treatment failed.

11/02/2009: Weyerhaeuser's Q4 loss widens on charges
Timber and forest product maker Weyerhaeuser Co has reported a wider fourth-quarter net loss, hit by goodwill and asset impairment charges. On an adjusted basis, the company posted a loss, compared with a profit last year, reflecting the impact of adverse market conditions.

09/02/2009: An important forum in the recession
The forest industry’s economic situation and market conditions have been radically affected in recent months. Despite this, interest in the world’s biggest forestry fair, Elmia Wood 3–6 June, is still high.

07/01/2009: Northpine expansion may create more jobs
A New Zealand business is firing on all cylinders and about to grow, even in these uncertain economic times. Northpine is set to start its $3 million expansion that could in the future add up to 12 new jobs in the small Waipu community.

07/01/2009: Atlantic forestry industry's future in biofuels
By John Morrissy OTTAWA — The Atlantic region's struggling forestry industry could reverse its fortunes by taking measures that would place it at the forefront of the renewable-energy economy, says a report Monday by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

07/01/2009: Family Fun at Forest Products EXPO
Mixing some business with a family vacation is the perfect combination for those attending EXPO 2009 – the 30th Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition – to be held June 11-13 in the New Orleans Convention Centre.

07/01/2009: When slash becomes something special
There’s a special pre-show conference at Elmia Wood 2009 and basically it’s for international bioenergy pioneers. Bioenergy is the source of 28% of Sweden’s total energy consumption, including in the transportation sector. Most of this biofuel comes from the forest.

07/01/2009: Forest biosecurity experts gather in New Zealand
Forest biosecurity experts from around the world will be converging in Rotorua, New Zealand from 16 to 20 March to attend a conference focused on protecting forests from invasive insects, diseases and weeds. As the first international conference on this topic ever to be held, it is being hosted by Crown Research Institute Scion, which is New Zealand’s leading provider of forest biosecurity research.

05/01/2009: Family Fun at Forest Products EXPO
Mixing some business with a family vacation is the perfect combination for those attending EXPO 2009 – the 30th Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition – to be held June 11-13 in the New Orleans Convention Centre.

05/01/2009: When slash becomes something special
Participants can discover more about how Swedish solutions and systems work – on the spot. The conference is part of the program for the Elmia Wood 2009 forestry show in Jönköping. Together with the show, the conference offers a unique insight into the entire chain from forest to energy user. The special Slash Conference is now being arranged for 2 June in Jönköping.

17/12/2008: China releases 2009 timber production plan
China’s annual timber production plan for 2009 has been released by the State Forestry Administration

17/12/2008: Cherry, maple popular on furniture
American cherry was the most popular choice for wood furniture at this fall's High Point Market, according to a survey by the Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc. Knowing what happens in the finished goods marketplace helps lumber producers in purchasing tracts of timber for future production, said Tom Inman, president of AHMI, in a press release.

17/12/2008: Cursory coverage for forestry during crucial talks
Here is Fitzpatrick Woods Consulting’s assessment of the hot topics tracked over the course of the United Nations climate change negotiations:-

17/12/2008: Efficient technology on show at WoodMac in China
WoodMac China 2009, the largest and longest running woodworking technology trade event in China, has recorded a 28% growth in area according to the organizers. Scheduled for 17-20 February 2009, WoodMac China and associated events FurniTek China (for hardware) and WoodBuild China (for lumber and wood accessories) will be the largest show in the event’s 10-year history.

17/12/2008: When slash becomes something special
There’s a special pre-show conference at Elmia Wood 2009 and basically it’s for international bioenergy pioneers.

15/12/2008: UK invests £12 million in biomass heating
The UK Government has announced £12 million in funding for industry, businesses and community groups investing in biomass-fuelled heating and combined heat and power systems.

15/12/2008: UK invests £12 million in biomass heating
The UK Government has announced £12 million in funding for industry, businesses and community groups investing in biomass-fuelled heating and combined heat and power systems.

15/12/2008: Region's farm forestry on show
Registrations are rolling in for the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association national conference to be held in Gisborne in April next year, writes Debbie Gregory in the Gisborne Herald.

15/12/2008: Online way to report unsafe driving of forestry and logging trucks
A new online tool will improve road safety by making it easier to identify and report unsafe driving of forestry vehicles and logging trucks.

10/12/2008: This feller’s in real trouble
KOLKATA: Five months after being charged with felling trees in connivance with hoarding agencies, forest guard Gouranga Chakraborty is about to be penalised.

10/12/2008: More job losses expected in battered manufacturing sector
Canada’s battered manufacturing sector shed 38,000 jobs last month and has lost nearly 400,000 factory jobs since an employment peak in 2002 - a trend expected to intensify over the next year as the North American economic slump deepens and demand for everything from auto parts to newsprint dries up.

10/12/2008: Contracts cancelled over substandard timber
Building materials supplier Placemakers has cut off some of its contractors after finding substandard timber had been used for building homes.

10/12/2008: Ghana's 'miracle': Logging underwater forests for exotic timber
Ghana, which is running short of forests to chop down, is about to turn to the dead trees underneath its Lake Volta as a new source of exotic timber, one of its top export earners.

10/12/2008: Selecting survival species
Scientists at a Mount Allison University lab are predicting which tree species will be threatened by climate change in the next century.

08/12/2008: Saw doctoring project to help raise quality
Guyana has collaborated with the Canadian Cooperation Fund (CCF) in the implementation of a project aimed to address the level of efficiency and quality of forest products in Guyana.

08/12/2008: Solidwood exports face worsening prospects
Gazeta Marcantil/Celulose Online has reported that the solidwood industry in Brazil is being crippled by the impact of the United States housing crisis since early this year.

08/12/2008: Legality certification a first for PNG business
James Lau, managing director of Rimbunan Hijau (PNG) Group, said that Saban Enterprises Limited, an RH subsidiary company, was the first forestry company in Papua New Guinea to receive certification that the legality of the timber it uses has been independently verified.

08/12/2008: Sawlog prices increase in China in 3Q 2008 as log supply tightens
The domestic sawlog market in China has tightened as a result of reduced log imports from Russia in 2008. The increased competition for logs has pushed log prices upward to record highs in the 3Q 08, according to Wood Resources International.

08/12/2008: Sawdust-powered smoke dryer is very user-friendly
The Wood Industries Training Centre (WITC) of the Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD) in Kumasi has developed a smoke dryer facility that uses sawdust instead of electricity to dry wood products.

08/12/2008: Timber expo timing couldn’t be better
Timber Expo Southeast, the South’s original live logging equipment demo, is returning to South Georgia (Baxley) in 2009!

26/11/2008: Bankruptcy could bring a new beginning
PORTLAND, Maine: A federal bankruptcy judge has approved the sale of the idle Old Town pulp and paper mill to a New York investment group for nearly $19 million. Patriarch Partners plans to reopen the Red Shield Environmental mill Patriarch provided no timetable but said it hopes to get the mill up and running as soon as possible.

24/11/2008: Forestry investment bucking the trend
Many leading personal finance blogs in Europe and the US have been buzzing with discussion centred on the question of what are the best alternative investments in the current climate. Why are timber and forestry investments cropping up so often?

24/11/2008: Forestry investment bucks the trend
MANY LEADING personal finance blogs in Europe and the US have been buzzing with discussion centred around the question of what are the best alternative investments in the current climate. Why are timber and forestry investments cropping up so often?

24/11/2008: Forest sector CEOs warn against selective bailouts
CHIEF EXECUTIVE officers from 15 of the nation's leading forest companies have warned Ottawa against bailing out the auto and aerospace sectors.The CEOs, who have been struggling to survive a severe downturn in their own industry for the past two years, said in Vancouver that they don't want to see public money going to bailouts for any failing industries, according to Gordon Hamilton writing in the Vancouver Sun.

03/09/2008: Land reforms will be the ultimate test
Foresters are used to facing challenges, from pests and diseases attacking their trees to climate change and rising fuel prices, cheaper imports and falling commodity prices, steep slopes and environmental lobby groups trying to shut them down, yet they always find a way to adapt, persevere and overcome.