Day 056 - 28 Nov 94 - Page 33


     
     1   Q.   Plantation forests, in general, have less diversity,
     2        biological diversity, is that correct, than natural forests
     3        or old growth forests?
     4        A.  I think that I can state from my own opinion and, if
     5        necessary, make reference to other scientific opinion, that
     6        plantation forests in the very earliest stage (and that is
     7        before the little seedlings have really emerged from the
     8        ground) has less biodiversity than the forest which it
     9        replaces, assuming we are talking about regeneration of
    10        forest.  It will then go through a period of increased
    11        biodiversity as animals, birds, insects, invertebrates and
    12        the like are attracted into it.  It may then go through a
    13        stage, as a very dense forest before thinning, when there
    14        is a change in the cycle and a reduction in biodiversity
    15        and then, eventually, after thinning and maturing of
    16        forest, there will be a greater increase in the
    17        biodiversity in that forest again.
    18
    19        So, it is a cyclical situation and a cyclical situation
    20        brought about by the management of the forest.  One thing I
    21        would add -- I would add one more point to that and that
    22        is, if, in fact, the land was heathland before or grazed
    23        over land before or agricultural land before, it is almost
    24        certain that plantation forest will add to biodiversity in
    25        a considerable profusion greater than was there previously.
    26
    27   Q.   That is if it is replacing agricultural land, for example?
    28        A.  Yes, agricultural land which may well have been
    29        affected by fertilizers, pesticides and the like turned to
    30        forestry has a great advantage in forestry terms in
    31        biodiversity.
    32
    33   Q.   But in comparing plantation forests with natural forests,
    34        the diversity of plantation forests is less overall?
    35        A.  Taking in a broad generalisation ------
    36
    37   Q.   Through a lifetime?
    38        A.  In a broad generalisation, that must be so, because
    39        there has been a disturbance.  But I would also point out
    40        that natural forest over the years has been affected by all
    41        of nature's influences -- wind throw being one such
    42        influence, fire being another -- and because of forest
    43        management techniques over the last 50 years, there is far
    44        less intrusion of fire than used to happen in years gone
    45        by.
    46
    47   Q.   Fire can be a natural part of the forest life, can it not?
    48        A.  Indeed.
    49
    50   Q.   Winds can be part of the natural forest life. 
    51        A.  It always has been. 
    52 
    53   Q.   It may blow trees down which then rot and create ecosystems
    54        all of their own?
    55        A.  Yes.
    56
    57   Q.   Micro systems, yes?
    58        A.  Yes, and I would add, it can also be very destructive.
    59
    60   Q.   Which would not be allowed to in a plantation, would it,

Prev Next Index