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Forest Service NewsIssue No. 14 – January 2017
Message from Minister of State DoyleWelcome to this year’s ‘Forest Service News’. The purpose of this annual Newsletter is to inform forest owners of developments in the forestry sector and draw their attention to proposals and events that may be of particular interest to them. Responsibility for forestry was assigned to me last May (2016), but I was already well acquainted with forestry as I have my own forestry plantation and being from Wicklow (the most afforested county in Ireland) have seen first-hand the contribution
forestry can make to the local economy. During my tenure as Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, one piece of legislation considered by the Committee was the Forestry Act 2014. It was timely to update the legislative framework within which forestry operates and I enjoyed being part of the consideration of the new legislation.
I have been pleased to meet a large number of individuals and organisations involved in the forestry sector over the last number of months. It has become apparent to me, from such engagement, that one of the strengths of the sector is the close co-operation and collaboration among the various players involved. It is also obvious that many of the initiatives in our sector would not have been possible without that co-operation.
Two ongoing priorities in our sector are afforestation and the mobilisation of timber from privately-owned forests. The gradual increase in new planting over the last couple of years is welcome – payments in respect of 6,293 hectares of new forests were made in 2015 while the comparable figure for 2016 was 6,500 hectares. The provision of €111.6 million for the Forestry Programme in 2017 will facilitate the payment this year of afforestation grants in respect of 7,100 hectares of new forests. Equally important for the development of our existing forests, funding is available for 110 kilometres of new forest roads and for a number of forest management initiatives to improve the productivity of our forests while maintaining the highest environmental standards.
As mentioned elsewhere in this newsletter, forest roads enhance the economic viability of forests primarily by improving access for thinning and clearfell operations. Information on forestry thinning and support schemes, including the Forest Roads Scheme, is contained in this newsletter for your information; please note that forest owners should seek professional advice from a registered forester before making decisions on when and how to thin.
Readers may also be interested to note that forestry advisory clinics are to be held by Teagasc throughout 2017; the Forestry Development Department of Teagasc also provided, for inclusion in this newsletter, a list of the other events they propose to hold or attend this year. Information and knowledge are essential in any sector. For this reason, I would like to draw
your attention to the Call for Expressions of Interest to join a Knowledge Transfer Group for Forestry, the proposed focus of which will be on mobilisation of timber and biomass. An Information note on this proposal, associated application form and how to apply are included in this newsletter.
A number of other initiatives are also underway including a project to facilitate forest certification by private forest owners. You may be aware that timber processors, on whom you rely to purchase your timber, may only take in a maximum of 30% of uncertified timber if they wish to retain their certification status; the retention of this status is essential for companies that need continued access to the UK and European markets. There is growing concern amongst processors and forest owners that the lack of certification for private forest owners could hinder access to timber markets in the years to come. A contract to design a certification template for private forest owners has recently been signed. As part of this work two certification groups will be established by North East Forestry Group and Forest Owners Co-operative Society. The project is due for completion in May 2018.
Another recent initiative is the development of a training course for forest machine operators at the Teagasc Agricultural College, in Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan. This initiative, which is financially supported by my Department, includes the provision of a new harvester/forwarder simulator, which will form an important element in the training. The COFORD Report, “Mobilising Ireland’s forest resource”, noted that provision of a well-organised and structured training programme for harvesting machine operators is needed at national level in order to support high quality thinning operations and aid in the mobilisation of roundwood.
There are a number of interdependent stages in the forestry sector, all of which need to be progressed to ensure the sustainable development of our sector. For example, while encouraging forest owners to put their timber on the market, we need to ensure that the crop meets the needs of the purchaser and that there is a trained workforce to harvest, extract and transport this timber.
In addition to progressing such initiatives, we also need to manage our current forest estate, which includes monitoring the health of our forests and taking every precaution against threats such as forest fires. As this newsletter is being issued in early February, it is timely to remind farmers, forest owners and foresters of the ever-present threat of fire. Over the coming weeks, it is traditional farming practice in many parts of the country to burn upland scrub as a means of encouraging new grass growth in advance of the coming grazing season. Farmers should note, however, that the burning of growing vegetation on uncultivated land between 1 March and 31 August each year is prohibited by law. There are some precautions you can take as a forest owner, such as checking and clearing fire breaks, ensuring there is clear access to the plantation and that your insurance is up to date.
I referred earlier to the collaborative approach evident in the forestry sector and I believe this is essential for the sustainable development of our sector into the future. I look forward to working with you to achieve this.
Andrew Doyle, TD Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for forestry.
Forestry Thinning and Support SchemesBenefits of thinningThinning in conifer and broadleaved woodland involves the removal of part of the crop in order to concentrate future volume growth on fewer and better quality stems. The main aim of thinning is to improve stem quality through the removal of deformed/weaker trees and to reduce the time taken for trees to reach valuable sawlog size. Thinning is the most powerful tool the grower possesses to manipulate the development of the plantation and the quality and log size of the final crop. Thinning will improve overall timber revenue by increasing the volume of sawlog and final crop trees produced. This is due to the fact that larger quality trees generally attract significantly higher prices.
Types of thinningIn conifer woodlands generally every 7th line of trees is removed with some selection in between. This can vary depending on the site and quality of the crop. In broadleaved woodland thinning will also involve removing some lines of trees to allow access for machinery.
Selection of trees involves the removal of deformed and weaker trees throughout the crop. Thinning can be either mechanised or motor manual. In mechanised thinning in conifer woodland, a harvester fells, delimbs and crosscuts the stem into various product assortments, e.g. pulpwood, pallet wood, stake wood and sawlog (usually based on the top diameter and length of the log). The material is then extracted to roadside by a forwarder.
Timing of thinningThe timing of first and subsequent thinnings depends on the productivity of the site. Yield class is used to identify the potential growth rate of plantations. Yield classes vary from 4 to 30 for conifers depending on species and site productivity. A yield class of 20 means that the crop has the potential to produce 20 cubic metres (m3) per hectare (ha) per year over a full rotation. Broadleaved crops have lower yield classes in the range of 4 – 8 m3 per ha per year. The higher the yield class, the greater the growth rate, the shorter the rotation and the earlier the age of first thinning.
The timing of first thinning is especially important in Ireland due to our windy climate and the wet mineral soils that so often typify plantations. If delayed, the crop trees can get drawn up and once opened up through thinning could render the crop liable to windthrow. The recommended ages of thinning varies between species and depends on a number of site factors. For example, the recommended age to thin Sitka spruce can range from 14 to 22 years of age. In young broadleaved woodland, the height of trees is used as a guide and first thinning can take place when trees are approximately 8 to 12 metres in height. Forest owners should seek professional advice from a registered forester before making decisions on when and how to thin.
Available Schemes to support thinning operations
Forest Roads SchemeForest roads enhance the economic viability of forests primarily by improving access for thinning and clearfell operations. In addition, forest roads also provide areas for stacking, drying and chipping of wood. Forest roads also improve the environmental and biodiversity value of forests by increasing edge effects, improve access to deal with fire and allow for better health and safety by providing access for emergency vehicles.
Grants of up to 100% of eligible costs incurred in the construction of a forest road are available and are paid in a single instalment. The maximum grant rate available is €40 per linear metre and the maximum density of road is 20m/ha. For example a 20 hectare forest could receive grant aid to construct a road 400 metres in length and receive funding of up to €16,000.
Additional supports under this scheme are available for bellmouth entrances, connecting roads and special construction works.
Woodland Improvement Scheme: Thinning and Tending of BroadleavesThe ‘Woodland Improvement Scheme: Thinning and Tending’ (WIS) provides financial support for woodland improvement work associated with tending and thinning of young broadleaved woodland planted under grant aided afforestation schemes.
The broadleaf thinning and tending operations allow the improvement of existing grant aided woodlands.
The WIS is 100% funded by the Exchequer and is approved by the EU as part of the Forestry Programme 2014 -2020. A fixed grant of up to €750 per hectare is available as a single payment under the Scheme.
Details of the Schemes and grants may be obtained from:Approvals Section, Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co. Wexford, Y35 PN52Tel: 053 9163400 or 0761 064415Email: [email protected]: www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/grantsandpremiumschemes2015-2016/
Requirement for Felling LicenceThe felling of trees is regulated by the Forestry Act 1946 and a felling licence is required. The Forestry Act 2014, enacted in October 2014, will, when commenced, replace the Forestry Act 1946. The requirement for a Felling Licence will remain under the Forestry Act 2014.
Application forms are available from: Felling Section, Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co. Wexford, Y35 PN52.Tel: 053 9170371Email: [email protected]: www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/treefelling/
Forestry Advisory Clinics to be held by Teagasc throughout 2017
Teagasc is introducing regular nationwide series of Forestry Advisory Clinics throughout 2017 to facilitate as many farmers and other landowners as possible. The first series of these clinics took place in January and will be followed by clinics in February, March, October, November and December promoting the establishment of forestry as a sustainable and rewarding land use on Irish farms.
The clinics are held in Teagasc offices around the country on specific dates, from 10 am to 4 pm each day, where a one to one consultation with an experienced forestry adviser can be arranged by appointment.
The Forestry Programme (2014-2020) offers landowners and existing forest owners many options in relation to forest establishment with a range of attractive grants and annual premium categories available.
A land use change to forestry, like any new farm enterprise, will raise many questions. A consultation with your Teagasc forestry adviser will provide independent and objective advice, empowering you to make informed decisions on many relevant issues including the following: - Opportunities for farmers and other landowners
under the Forestry Programme 2014-2020- Available grants and premiums - Interaction with other farm schemes, e.g. BPS, GLAS,
etc. - How forestry can improve farm income and the
environment - How to apply and get the job done right first time- Harvesting and timber sales
The forestry programme also offers landowners, who are not farming, the opportunity to avail of the same annual planting premiums as farmers. These forestry clinics provide an ideal setting in which to discuss their particular situation. Although the emphasis for the
upcoming clinics is on new planting, existing forest owners, regardless of what stage their forest is at, can also avail of this opportunity to pick up valuable management tips.
Prior booking of a one to one forestry consultation is essential. For further details including event updates and contact details and to book your free consultation, see www.teagasc.ie/forestry. Please bring maps and other relevant information on the day to optimise the advisory experience and outcome.
These clinics provide an ideal opportunity to get answers to your forestry questions – don’t miss it!In 2017, Teagasc will focus strongly on the benefits of planting a forest as well as the importance of managing an existing forest. Forestry advisers will advise and support land owners in making a balanced decision as well as existing forest owners in building knowledge around forest management, thinning and developing structures to harvest and market their timber. All Teagasc Forestry events are organised in association with the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
To contact your local Teagasc Forestry Adviser, please call:- John Casey (Cork, Waterford), 087-2242283- Tom Houlihan (Kerry, Limerick), 087-6184353- Liam Kelly (Kildare, Laois, Longford, Offaly,
Westmeath), 087-9090495- Noel Kennedy (Galway, Mayo, Roscommon), 087-9090504- Frances McHugh (Carlow, Dublin, Wexford,
Wicklow), 087-6222111- Steven Meyen (Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim), 087-6775158- Kevin O’Connell (Thurs-Fri, Cavan, Louth, Meath,
Monaghan), 087-1216159- Michael Somers (Clare, Kilkenny, Tipperary), 087-1216163
Details of 2017 Teagasc events:
Date Event Venue
January 9 - 19, 2017 Forestry Advisory Clinics Nationwide
February 13 - 17, 2017 Forestry Advisory Clinics Nationwide
March 13 - 17, 2017 Forestry Advisory Clinics Nationwide
April 17 - 28, 2017 Forest Management Walks Nationwide
May 5 / 6, 2017 Timber 2017 - Irish Forestry, Woodland and Bioenergy Show Stradbally, Co Laois
June 8, 2017 Crops Open Day Oak Park, Carlow
August 13, 2017 Forestry & Sustainable Living Section at the Tullamore Show Tullamore, Co Offaly
September 2017 Talking Timber - timber marketing event To be confirmed (TBC)
September 19 - 21, 2017 Teagasc Forestry stand at the National Ploughing Championships Tullamore, Co Offaly
October 2017 Talking Hardwoods - hardwood marketing event South
October 9 - 13, 2017 Forestry Advisory Clinics Nationwide
November 2017 National Forest Owner Groups Workshop TBC
November 13 - 17, 2017 Forestry Advisory Clinics Nationwide
December 11 - 15, 2017 Forestry Advisory Clinics Nationwide
Further information is available from the Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford Y35 PN52.
Phone (053) 9163400 or email [email protected] or visit our website at www.agriculture.gov.ie
Call for Expressions of Interest to join a Knowledge Transfer Group for Forestry
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is planning to carry out a pilot project to test the feasibility of a Knowledge Transfer Group (KTG) scheme for forestry. The focus will be on mobilisation of timber and biomass and will be modelled closely on the Department’s existing Knowledge Transfer Groups for beef, sheep and other sectors of agriculture. The groups will be made up of between 10 and 20 members, facilitated by a professional forester. While some topics to be discussed will be mandatory, there will be sufficient scope for the group to decide themselves which topics will be covered. The cost of attending meetings and events will be reimbursed (€70 per event); the pilot will involve 7 meetings and events that will take place over roughly 6 months. Three existing forestry groups are taking part in the pilot and there will be multiple KTGs within each group; these forestry groups cover counties Limerick, Tipperary, Clare and Donegal. The Department would like to invite forest owners within these four counties to contact the relevant forestry group and register their interest in taking part in the pilot which is scheduled to begin during the first quarter of 2017. The specific details of the pilot scheme have yet to be worked out but, once registered, you will be kept informed of the final format of the scheme, at which point you can decide whether or not you wish to participate. There is no requirement to be a member of a forestry group but numbers will be limited so register early. Where the number of forest owners exceeds the places available, selection will be on the basis of creating groups with members whose forests are at the same forest management stage. Once this criterion can be achieved it will be first come first served thereafter.
The Forest Service must be notified if there is a change of ownership of a grant-aided plantation during the term of the contract (either 15 or 20 years depending on scheme and owner status).
The owner of lands afforested under the Afforestation Grant and Premium Schemes must give advance notice to the Forest Service of any intention to sell or transfer ownership, or if the legal status of that ownership becomes subject to a caution, inhibition, judgement mortgage or enforced sale. Where the death occurs of the owner or joint owner of a grant-aided plantation, the Forest Service should be notified as soon as possible.
In every case, payments will be suspended until a new owner signs up to continue the scheme. The Change of Applicant section (contact details below) will assist in making arrangements to continue payment of grant and premiums to the new owner.
When selling lands on which forestry grant-aid / premia are being paid, forest owners should note that if the buyer does not take over participation in the Scheme, all grants and premiums already paid from the date of planting must be repaid to the Department by the previous owner. Solicitors dealing with the sale or transfer of land should be informed of the terms of the scheme.
If the pilot proves successful the Department plans to roll out a Knowledge Transfer Scheme for forestry nationwide, at which stage those who have not been selected for the pilot may reapply.
For forest owners with forest(s) located in County/ies:
please complete the KTG application at the end of this article and
post to: or e-mail to:
Limerick or Tipperary,
Michael RyanChairman Limerick and Tipperary Woodland Owners Ltd.Sologhead Village,Monard, Co. Tipperary
Clare
Mr. Brian MeaneyGroup SecretaryClare Timber GroupBallymacooda,Darragh Ennis, Co Clare.
Donegal
Mr. Charles DohertyChairmanDonegal Woodland Owners Society Ltd.P.O. Box 10, Donegal Town,Co. Donegal, Ireland
The final date for registering your interest in the pilot scheme is 1st March, 2017.
There are important differences between the conditions attaching to the new forestry schemes (lands planted since 1 Jan 2015) and those applicable under older schemes (lands planted up to 31 Dec 2014). In relation to change of ownership, the 2015 Scheme requires that the new applicant must submit all necessary documentation no later than one year after the date of the deed of transfer for the land ownership change, or the date that a deceased applicant’s estate is settled.
There are detailed Guides to Change of Ownership / Applicant for each Scheme on the website (please ensure that you consult the correct Guide). The Guides should be read in conjunction with the relevant scheme conditions and the Forestry Standards Manual, which set out the detailed provisions and requirements attaching to the schemes. All forestry contracts remain subject to the conditions under which they were approved originally (i.e. older contracts do not transform to the new scheme).
Please direct all correspondence and /or enquiries to:Change of Applicant Section, Forestry Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford, Y35 PN52.Tel: 0761 064 415 or 053 9163400Website: http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/forestservicegeneralinformation/contact/changeofapplicantsection/
KTG Application
Name
Address
Mobile Tel No:
E-mail address:
Area of forest (hectares):
Species
Planting year
Existing Forest Management Plan in place (Y/N)
Has the forest ever been thinned (Y/N)
Is the forest property serviced by a forest road (Y/N)
Grant-aided Forestry - Change of Ownership or Applicant
