Impact of major snig tracks on the productivity of wet eucalypt forest in Tasmania measured 17–23 years after harvesting

Assessment of ground-based skidding impacts on the horizontally rate and extent of soil disturbance along the margin of the skid trail

“…In contrast, Pennington et al (2004) found increases in estimated standing volume in the transitional zones (within a 5-m band both sides of the snig track) in three forest stands 17-23 years after logging. Helms and Hipkin (1986) also reported 18 % increases in soil dry bulk density on the areas adjacent to snig tracks compared to areas of the lowest bulk density.…”

Burning outcomes following aggregated retention harvesting in old-growth wet eucalypt forests

“…Firebreaks continue to affect a substantial area in both ARN and CBS coupes, and may negatively impact regeneration in these coupes. Disturbed and compacted seedbeds have been shown to grow fewer and smaller eucalypt seedlings (King et al, 1993a,b;Rab, 1994;Pennington et al, 2004;Neyland et al, 2009). Compacted firebreaks also negatively affect understorey vascular plant biodiversity relative to burnt harvested areas (Hindrum, 2009;Hindrum et al, submitted for publication) and may likewise affect other biodiversity groups such as soil invertebrates and fungi.…”

An examination of stocking and early growth in the Warra silvicultural systems trial confirms the importance of a burnt seedbed for vigorous regeneration in Eucalyptus obliqua forest

“…Harvesting native eucalypt forest and subsequent burning of the harvesting debris can have significant impacts on the soil (Rab, 1996;Bauhus et al, 2002;Pennington et al, 2004). The harvesting process can cause mechanical disturbance to the soil profile although in most parts of the Warra trial, the primary snig tracks were corded and matted with harvesting slash (Wilkinson, 2000) to minimise the extent of soil disturbance.…”