Technical Forestry Services
TECHNICAL FORESTRY SERVICES
We contract to a number of medium to large forestry companies as well as to forest consultants and managers who provide management services to smaller forest growers. We are completely independent and can therefore provide information specific to your forest and needs.
Below is a list of some of the services we provide.
Forest Inventory Data Collection
Inventory design and data collection using PlotSafe data collection software according to Industry accepted practices. We use Allegro data loggers to record data collected along with Vertex hypsometers to measure distance and height. Our staff are trained in the relevant NZQA unit standards for forest inventory.
Forest Inventory Data Analysis
We can analyse the inventory data collected for your forest using YTGEN data analysis software incorporating various industry growth models and tree functions. YTGEN is the industry standard in terms of inventory data analysis. Results will predict expected volumes by log grade as well as various stand parameters such as stocking, tree height and basal area. Data can be grown on to future ages using in-built growth models. This information can then be used to evaluate optimum time for felling.
Silviculture Quality Audits
Quality control of forest operations throughout the establishment and silviculture stages is essential to ensure operations are completed to a high standard. We can give independent information on the quality of establishment and silviculture operations carried out in your forest. Operations covered include planting, survival survey, pruning and thinning.
FMA Data Collection
We can carry out carbon assessment of your forest as required under the Government Emissions Trading Scheme using the Forest Measurement Approach (FMA).
Pre-Assessment-Early Age Inventory
This information can be useful for scheduling of pruning and thinning operations. The information can also be useful for rate setting for silvicultural operations.
Log Scaling
We can scale (measure) your logs according to industry standards to determine volumes and conversion factors useful in harvesting operations.
Log Quality Audits
In addition to scaling logs we can also carry out quality audits to identify logs which do not conform to customer log quality specifications.
Log Sonic Testing
We can collect sonic data using the Hitman tool to assess log stiffness. This is becoming increasingly important to log buyers depending on their end use requirements.
Trial/PSP Assessment & Analysis
We currently establish and assess trials and permanent sample plots (PSPs) for a number of clients. This information is used to build growth models and to assist with measuring genetic improvement through calculation of breeding values.
Cutover Waste Assessment
We can assess your harvested area after harvesting has been completed to determine the amount of merchantable volume of logs left behind on the hillside.
Foliage Sampling
Assessing tree health and nutrient status is an important part of the tree growing process. The collection of foliage samples for analysis can assist with developing fertiliser regimes that optimise tree growth for your forest.
