Forest Products Industry

A delegation from Bhutan, led by Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Gem Tshering, met with India’s Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh in New Delhi on Friday (July 12, 2024) to discuss environmental concerns and the potential for collaboration in some critical areas. Source: India News Network The meeting, held in New Delhi, centred on crucial issues such as air quality, climate change, forests, natural resources, wildlife, and renewable energy sources. This bilateral discussion underscored the shared environmental concerns and the commitment of both nations to sustainable development. Singh expressed his gratitude to the Bhutanese Minister for Bhutan’s participation in the International Big Cat Alliance, an initiative spear-headed by India to protect big cats globally. He highlighted the strong ties between India and Bhutan, noting their shared geography, ecosystem, and democratic values. He emphasized that climate change is a pressing issue that affects both countries and requires collaborative efforts to address effectively. Tshering shared insights on Bhutan’s environmental initiatives, including the successful hosting of the Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscape Conference in April 2024 in Paro. He proudly mentioned Bhutan’s status as a carbon-negative country, largely due to its reliance on hydropower for energy. Bhutan’s commitment to maintaining its carbon-negative status serves as an inspiration for other nations striving for environmental sustainability. During the meeting, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in several areas. Climate change, air quality, forest management, wildlife conservation, and capacity building in the field of environment and climate change were identified as key areas for collaboration. The Indian delegation suggested holding a Joint Working Group Meeting to develop a structured plan for these initiatives, demonstrating a proactive approach to tackling environmental challenges. The discussion also highlighted the importance of renewable energy sources. Bhutan’s significant hydropower resources were recognized as a vital component of its energy strategy. India’s expertise in renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, presents opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration. This partnership aims to enhance energy security and reduce carbon footprints in both nations. The meeting builds on the longstanding partnership between India and Bhutan. In 2023, Bhutan’s Foreign Secretary, Aum Pema Choden, visited India and engaged in discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. These talks reinforced India’s support for Bhutan’s development aspirations and underscored the progress in bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including energy, cross-border connectivity, and economic ties. The 13th Five Year Plan of Bhutan, discussed during the India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks, outlines the nation’s developmental goals. India’s commitment to partnering with Bhutan based on these priorities reflects the deep-rooted relationship between the two countries. This bilateral partnership extends to newer areas such as digital development, science and technology, and skill development, further strengthening the ties between the two nations. Both India and Bhutan face similar environmental challenges, making their collaboration essential. Air quality management, for instance, is a critical issue for both countries. Urbanization and industrialization have led to deteriorating air quality in many regions. Collaborative efforts to monitor and improve air quality can lead to significant health benefits for the populations of both countries. Forest conservation is another shared priority. Bhutan, with its vast forest cover, plays a crucial role in regional biodiversity. India’s experience in forest management and conservation can complement Bhutan’s efforts, leading to improved forest health and resilience. Joint initiatives in wildlife management, particularly for species that traverse national boundaries, can enhance conservation outcomes, and protect biodiversity. The bilateral meeting concluded with a commitment to continue working together to address these pressing environmental issues. The proposed Joint Working Group Meeting will serve as a platform to develop concrete plans and actions. Both sides expressed optimism about the positive outcomes of this enhanced cooperation. The collaborative efforts between India and Bhutan demonstrate the importance of regional partnerships in addressing global environmental challenges. By leveraging each other’s strengths and experiences, both nations aim to achieve sustainable development and environmental conservation goals. The meeting in New Delhi marks a significant step forward in this enduring partnership, promising a greener and more sustainable future for both countries.

The Real American Hardwood Coalition (RAHC) and the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA), in partnership with the US Forest Service, has launched a new website developed to educate architects, interior designers, and construction professionals on the attributes of Real American Hardwood products, as well as introduce new and innovative hardwood product technologies for the built environment. Source: Timberbiz Filled with information on the uses, value, and benefits of the most commonly specified domestic hardwood species, the website also explores new ways for design/build professionals to incorporate hardwood products, such as thermally modified hardwood and cross-laminated timber into commercial and residential spaces. A sustainability section provides visitors with data backed by science and research on the environmental and climate friendly qualities of hardwood products, and how they compare to alternatives, such as vinyl and steel. Linda Jovanovich, chair of the RAHC, says the new website plays an important role in educating current and future professionals. “As the RAHC works with and educates architects, designers, specifiers, and students, RealAmericanHardwood.pro is a valuable resource to serve those communities. I am looking forward to adding it to our education toolbox and putting it to work alongside our website at RealAmericanHardwood.com, which is designed to inform and inspire consumers and prosumers alike,” she said. “There are many different factors that are important to consider when designing a space for people to gather, while celebrating the Naturally Authentic beauty and character of Real American Hardwood products,” says Dallin Brooks, executive di-rector of the NHLA. “From the visual aesthetics of lumber to the functionality of different species, this new platform will equip all involved in the design/build community with the information they need to create a positive impact on both people within design spaces and on the environment outside by specifying Real American Hard-wood flooring, cabinetry, millwork, furniture, and more.” The website also includes a featured projects section, where visitors can read case studies about unique projects and submit their own work for publication. https://www.realamericanhardwood.pro  

JCB has developed a fully glazed, heated ROPS/FOPS cab alternative for the 403E electric compact wheeled loader. Source: Timberbiz The cab comes complete with heated front and rear screens, a heated seat, and an efficient three-speed heater with boost feature. It is also possible to pre-condition the cab while charging, to preserve traction battery power and potential operating time. The 403E uses a 2.2kW Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater system with three temperature settings. There is also a boost switch that can be used to rapidly increase the temperature within the cab for 10 minutes, before switching off to conserve energy. The heater is automatically disabled if the doors are open, to further preserve battery power. In the warmer months, the operator can use the blower function, even if the doors are open, to circulate air within the cab. Cab pre-conditioning allows the operator to warm the cab while the machine is being charged prior to the start of work. This time-based system uses a rotary dial and the main digital display in front of the operator to set the time that work will commence. With the start time set, the heater will activate 30 minutes before work commences and will de-activate 15 minutes after the start time if the machine has not been used. This feature will only function when there is more than 25% battery charge available. The heated seat provides rapid warming for the operator, reducing the need to run the main cab heater, conserving electrical energy and prolonging run time. Heated front and rear windscreens also allow rapid defrosting in colder climates and demisting during wet weather. Again, this reduces the requirement for the heater to be run, preserving battery power for loader use. The 403E is JCB’s first full electric compact wheeled loader. The machine boasts a 20kWh battery pack, among the largest in the sector, allowing up to 4-5 hours of continuous use in a mixed operating cycle. Even with the full cab, the machine weighs in at less than 2.6 tonnes, allowing transportation on a 3.5-tonne trailer, behind a 4×4 or a light commercial vehicle. The machine has a 33.4kW peak power drive motor for the wheels, with three driving modes. Drive is transmitted through a ZF drop-box, to both axles, which can be supplied with open differentials or with differential locks. In addition, it uses a 20kW peak power motor to drive the hydraulic pump for the lift arms and attachments.

Fiera Comox Partners, an affiliate of Fiera Capital Corporation, has announced the signing of an agreement to enter a newly established joint venture with Ngāi Tahu Holdings relating to Ngāi Tahu’s forestry estate on the West Coast of New Zealand, South Island. Fiera Comox will acquire an 85% interest in the joint venture, with Ngāi Tahu retaining a 15% interest. Source: Timberbiz The estate is situated on approximately 45,500 hectares and consists primarily of radiata pine and Douglas fir plantation forests. The forests are sustainably managed under a Forest Stewardship Council certification. For Fiera Comox, the investment marks the initial acquisition by Fiera Comox’s Global Sustainable Timberland Strategy, which invests in high-quality, private forests globally. The Timberland Strategy is led by a team of highly experienced professionals who have acquired more than two million acres of timberland in transactions representing several billion dollars in value. Members of the team also have deep operational experience having run one of North America’s largest private timberland companies managing more than 1.5 million acres, driving significant improvements in safety, sustainability, and financial performance. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with Ngāi Tahu in one of the most attractive and globally competitive softwood producing regions in the world,” Antoine Bisson-McLernon, Partner and CEO, Fiera Comox, said. “Our team has had significant success investing and creating partnerships in New Zealand, and we look forward to working with our partners at Ngāi Tahu in generating long-term sustainable value for the joint venture, West Coast communities, and the Ngāi Tahu people in recognition of their deep connection to the land.” Todd Moyle, Chief Executive, Ngāi Tahu Holdings, has welcomed the partnership saying they were looking forward to building a successful long-term relationship with Fiera Comox, which has an established track record of working with Indigenous groups in both New Zealand and Canada. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals.  

Conditional approval has been given by the planning authorities to the major expansion of the Borg Manufacturing plant in Mount Gambier. Source: SE Voice Conditions were sought by the City of Mount Gambier, the Environment Protection Authority and the Commissioner of Highways. According to the documents lodged with Plan SA, the company is seeking multi-million-dollar alterations and additions to its existing timber processing facility on Commercial Street West. When completed, the mill will have Australia’s largest particleboard production line. The project includes a warehouse expansion, an automated panel picking and packing line, a MDF moulding processing and painting equipment, a joinery product shelving line, additional laminating, cut to size and paper treatment equipment and an automated strapping and particleboard flooring processing line. Borg Manufacturing is looking to install an extra eight weighbridges and create an office and amenities within the main building and associated infrastructure. The Southern Limestone Coast Regional Assessment Panel invited public comment and three representors addressed its meeting last month Borg Manufacturing was represented at the forum by a company employee Victor Bendevski along with consultant planner Frank Brennan.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has renewed its commitment to grow and diversify overseas markets for Australia’s primary producers via a highly successful network of agricultural counsellors. Source: Timberbiz Deputy Secretary for Agricultural Trade and Regulation Tina Hutchison said DAFF had committed to replenishing nine counsellor positions in the year ahead. “Our counsellors are instrumental in maintaining Australia’s multi-billion-dollar ag exports and, like their colleagues, are key to helping the sector meet the $100 billion farm gate production target by 2030,” Ms Hutchison said. “The counsellors have been crucial in gaining and maintaining market access to support Australia’s international agricultural trade over the past 25 years. “The counsellor network help establish trading arrangements between Australia and other nations by supporting trade agreement negotiations and multilateral agricultural trade rules and help establish market entry provisions for Australian agricultural produce. “The network is highly valued by our agricultural industries and also has a key role in solving specific import and export problems when they arise.” In 2022–23, Australian agricultural, fisheries and forestry exports reached a record $80 billion, with grains, oilseeds and pulses the fastest-growing segment, increasing 11% annually in real value terms since 2003–04. The nine positions include filling current vacancies in Japan, Malaysia and the United Kingdom and six expected replacements as counsellors’ deployments delivering for Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry come to an end. The network currently consists of 19 officers posted in Brussels, Bangkok, Beijing, Santiago, New Delhi, Jakarta, Rome, Tokyo, Mexico City, Seoul, Riyadh, Dubai, Washington DC, and Hanoi. Postings are typically 3-4 years to maximise opportunities for Australian agriculture in those markets. Each counsellor location employs locally engaged staff to provide support through language services, stakeholder engagement, knowledge of local customs and etiquette.  

All National Forestry Hub Managers recently met in Darwin to discuss regionally specific and broader industry issues being considered by each of the Hubs, along with selected field trips to local forestry activities. Source: Timberbiz A notable highlight of the meeting was a presentation by the largest indigenous-owned agricultural venture in Northern Australia, Tiwi Plantations Corporation. The Hubs visited local African Mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) plantations being managed by African Mahogany Australia in the Douglas Daly region of the Northern Territory. The plantation managers demonstrated how they manage a large operation with just two full-time staff on site and amidst the challenges of the classic wet/dry climate seasonality that comes with the country. Sawlog trials from the stand have so far shown some promising timber qualities with AMA now looking to explore and secure markets for their resource. More information on this plantation can be found at https://africanmahoganyaustralia.com.au The group also visited some of the Sandalwood being grown in the region, where insights into the complexities of managing such a plantation there were shared by the operational managers.

A leading forestry expert has strongly criticised opponents of prescribed burning in forests and has urged a radical new approach combining traditional Indigenous knowledge and bushfire science to tackle bushfire policy. Source: Philip Hopkins, Latrobe Valley Express Dr Tony Bartlett AFSM, an independent forestry consultant, told a bushfire conference in Melbourne that a quantum shift in thinking and practice was needed to manage climate change impacts on native forests. “The increased frequency of high intensity landscape-scale wildfires is having an impact on forest resilience,” he said in a presentation to the Forestry Australia Forest Summit. “For forest fire management, we need adaptive and innovative actions drawing from both traditional knowledge and bushfire science.” Dr Bartlett was one of a three-person, expert panel that conducted a Commonwealth-State review to assess the impact of the 2019-20 bushfires on the modernised Regional Forest Agreements. The other members of the panel were a Victorian Traditional Owner, Katherine Mullett, and the Victorian Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability, Dr Gillian Sparkes AM. Dr Bartlett criticised comments made by academic opponents of prescribed burning – Dr Phil Zylstra and Professor David Lindenmayer – in the Canberra Times on May 17 this year and in The Conversation on March 23 this year. These quotes were: “Our research has shown that native forests can become more flammable – not less- as a result of prescribed fires”; “Disturbances such as prescribed burning lead to pulses of flammable regrowth”; “Prescribed burning too often has short-term benefits but long-term costs”, and; “Burning made WA forests on average seven times more flammable for 43 to 56 years”. Dr Bartlett emphasised that the findings from this “landmark” research were inconsistent with those from the extensive body of Australian bushfire research. “They do not match the lived experience in many forests burnt by severe wildfires,” he said. “Prescribed fire is the solution not the problem. Passive management is failing our forest ecosystems.” Dr Bartlett said it was critical to debunk the academic myth that prescribed burning was only effective and appropriate close to high-value houses. He indicated there are six reasons to conduct prescribed burning in forests: Protection of built assets and critical infrastructure; Increasing the probability of success of direct fire suppression operations; Enhancing the options and practicality of conducting indirect suppression operations, when implemented in proximity to strategic fire trails; Increasing the resilience of forest ecosystems to the impacts of repeated severe wildfires; Reducing wildfire severity in areas next to fire-sensitive ecosystems or to create flora and fauna refugia within landscape-scale wildfires, and; Protecting water quality, by limiting the prospect of vegetation close to reservoirs and streams being severely burnt. Dr Bartlett said the resilience of dry forests was also being compromised by repeated intense wildfires, resulting in areas of forest that resemble burnt-out matchsticks. “Do ecologists really believe these forests will survive under passive forest management regimes?” he said. Now based in Canberra, Dr Bartlett worked for many years in East Gippsland, but the main forces driving forest ecology are the same throughout Australia. At Canberra’s Cotter Catchment, in 2006, three years after 2003 bushfires, the water quality was severely compromised, resulting in construction of a new filtration plant. In 2020, where prescribed burning had been conducted in the Cotter catchment, Dr Bartlett said fire severity was greatly reduced. “However, environmental concerns had precluded burning slopes adjacent to the dam, and these areas were very intensely burnt” he said. Dr Bartlett said modern science forest management had much to learn from Aboriginal fire practices. A Bandjalang Aboriginal community member in northern NSW described the forest structure after the 2020 fires as “upside-down forest” and said that “this forest is now so dense that an emu can no longer run through it”. “Fire management is all wrong – now after a bushfire the forest managers are not allowed to burn for around 10 years (under the NSW Bushfire Environmental Assessment Code),” Dr Bartlett said. However, the Bandjalang had explained that “In the past, after a bushfire, we used to do cool burning of these areas in the following summer, burning the grasses which also killed some of the regenerating wattles and eucalypts”. Dr Bartlett said in the ACT, all of the 7430 hectares of fire-sensitive Alpine Ash forest had been burnt in two wildfires since 2003. “About two-thirds of the alpine ash was burnt in both 2003 and 2020 – about one third was burnt twice at high severity and is now lost as there was no seed on the young trees to regenerate the burnt forest. Another third of these fire-sensitive forests burnt at low intensity, including areas that were part of backburns in 2003,” he said. “Prescribed burning adjacent to and (when appropriate) within remnant Alpine Ash may enhance the resilience of this important forest ecosystem to future wildfires.”