Advanced forest planning in the Otways

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Abstract
The Otway region was chosen as the first area in Victoria in which a new forest management planning process is to be applied. The plan will address the full range of forest uses including water catchment, flora, fauna, landscape and soil protection as well as recreation, timber production, gravel and rock extraction. It will base the management of State forest and plantations on the government's four cornerstone principles of sustainability, environmental sensitivity, economic viability and public participation. Forest planning issues have been identified and a range of alternative management actions has been formulated into a series of strategic options. Advanced planning techniques that facilitate objective management decisions based on available information are being used in the preparation of the plan. A computer based geographic information system coupled with a resource modelling system enable detailed analysis of management options with respect to their impact on timber, water and conservation values. A comprehensive Statement of Resources, Values and Uses was released in June 1990 and a proposed management plan will be distributed for public comment after consultation with key interest groups later this year. The Otway project is showing that adherence to the four management principles can be achieved through a holistic, integrated and open approach to forest management.

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