Importance of good access in forests

By Donal Magner

Once forests have been successfully established, there is a period of low maintenance, which allows the grower breathing space before the next major phase, which involves the sale and harvesting of first thinnings.

The establishment phase lasts from year one to four and harvesting of crops can begin as early as year 15 for fast growing conifers and broadleaves, such as ash.

However, it would be a mistake to assume that there is a nine-year period in between where little occurs in the life of a plantation. Regular inspection is necessary, regardless of the age of a plantation.

Brashing of inspection paths can begin as early as year 10 and, in fast growing conifers, planning of harvesting roads should begin soon after. Brashing allows inspection of the plantation by the grower and potential timber buyers.

Brashing involves the removal of branches up to 2m on both sides of a lane of trees, so that unimpeded inspection is carried out. It is a relatively straightforward operation and requires little equipment.

In light branched stems, it can be carried out with a hook or strong secateurs although for most species, the preferred equipment is either a pruning saw or light chainsaw. Branches need to be cut cleanly and close to the stem. The operator should take necessary safety measures, especially when using chainsaws.

Roading

Adequate roading is necessary to ensure safe and cost effective removal of timber. Grant aid was suspended last year for roading but it has been reintroduced by Sean Connick, Minister of State with responsibility for forestry.

When the roading, pruning and support measures were withdrawn last year various groups including the IFA and Irish Timber Growers Association made a strong case for the reintroduction of the road grant. They maintained that roading is essential for the forestry and forest products sector to access timber safely, efficiently and cost effectively.

The reintroduction of the roading grant has been welcomed by growers, foresters and forestry companies as well as timber processors, who badly need thinnings as there is a shortage of timber in the Irish market, at present.

The Minister's announcement should encourage greater forest road construction and thinning of plantations.

Ideally, growers should plan their road requirements two or three years before thinning to allow sufficient time for grant processing, construction and completion.

However, the long timescale that growers enjoyed in the past from planning to eventual road completion has been cut as the Forest Service have adopted a 'just in time' approach to road grants.

In other words, growers need to convince the Forest Service that they will carry out harvesting after the road is built. In the past, 100% grant aid was provided when the road was complete. The Forest Service now pay 80% on completion with the balance paid after the forest is harvested.

Given the economic climate and need to increase thinning of private plantations, the withholding of 20% until harvesting is complete, is not an unreasonable precondition.

Grants cover 80% of the cost of construction and the Forest Service provide funding for harvesting roads to a density of 20m/ha. In the current economic climate, flexibility may be required to ensure the optimum use of limited funding.

For example, in plantations established on dry mineral sites, less than 20m/ha will be adequate. Grants for development and management roads are no longer available.

Before work starts on site, written approval from the Forest Service must be received. Roading forms are available from the Forest Service, Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford or from local forestry advisers.

Picture Above:Well constructed and maintained forest roads are essential for harvesting throughout the life of the crop and future rotations. PICTURE: Donal Magner