Forestry Tasmania’s Derwent District Regenerates Success

Forestry Tasmania’s Derwent District Regenerates Success

For the second time in three years, Forestry Tasmania’s Derwent District office has been awarded with the Gilbert-Cunningham Trophy for excellence in native forest silviculture.



The trophy is presented annually by FT in recognition of high standards in native forest management according to the Native Forest Quality Standards process.

“It gives me great satisfaction to see the commitment of staff to the Native Forest Quality Standards process and the innovative methods that are being developed to contribute to continuous improvement,” said Managing Director Bob Gordon. “Staff in all regions can be proud of their achievements.”

Once again, the overall results across all Districts was very strong. The Derwent District achieved a near-perfect track record for regeneration success, sowing delay, seedbed preparation, and browsing mammal management. Congratulations also to Bass District, who came a very honourable second in a tight field.

“I am pleased with very strong results FT has achieved, with 98% of the area regenerated meeting the exacting Native Forest Quality Standards,” Mr Gordon said. “Our track record of regenerating native forest is strong. We have done this while maintaining a viable forest industry that supports jobs and families in rural areas.”

“In particular, I want to acknowledge the efforts that are going into browsing mammal management. FT has banned the use of 1080 in state forests and is demonstrating its commitment to continuous improvement. We have adapted management practices in response to the broader interests of Tasmanians rather than simply using the most economically efficient ways of regenerating native forest.”

Regeneration is making a positive contribution to Tasmania’s carbon balance. According to the Forest and Wood Products Research Development Corporation, trees sequester carbon more rapidly during their peak growing years. Young, healthy, growing forests are also absorbing carbon at a higher rate than mature forests. A native regrowth forest typically absorbs 60 percent of its expected total carbon in the first 50 years.

Mr Gordon presented the awards at the Golden Oldies, an annual event hosted by FT that recognises the contributions of those who have long served in Tasmania’s forests.