SOFTWOOD PLANTATION FIRE SYNOPSIS and bibliography

 

Softwood plantations play an important role in the economics of both Australia and New Zealand.  The pine species used in these plantations are relatively sensitive to fire so effective fire management is an essential part of plantation management.

 

This CD contains the Softwood Plantation Fire Synopsis which provides detailed information collated from a wide range of sources on the fire behaviour in softwood plantations, and of the land management practices that can be taken to protect these plantations, and adjoining properties and communities.

 

The key Synopsis findings are summarized into a four page brochure that has been structured to provide easy to read information for land managers, plantation owners, fire authorities and local authorities and communities.

 

Included on the CD is also a bibliography on fire behaviour and management on pine plantations.  The references compiled constitute a wealth of fire related studies that have been carried out in pine plantations in Australia and elsewhere in the last 40 years.

 

The Fire Synopsis and the brochure were compiled by the Forest Fire Management Group (FFMG), a sub committee of Forestry and Forest Production Committee of the Primary Industries Ministerial Council.  The documents have been endorsed by the Australasian Fire Authorities Council Ltd (AFAC).

 

As Chair of the Forest Fire Management Group (FFMG), I would like to thank the many staff from FFMG Agencies for their valuable contribution to this Synopsis.  My thanks is also extended to the principle researchers who assisted with the compilation and analysis of the Synopsis and the large volume of information listed in the Bibliography. They include Richard Rawson, Jim Gould, Phil Cheney, Dr. Lachlan McCaw and Miguel Cruz.

 

I am confident the Softwood Plantation Fire Synopsis and accompanying brochure will be a valuable reference document for all managers, planners, land owners, researchers and students interested in the fire protection and management of softwood plantations in the Australian and New Zealand landscape.

 

 

 

_____________________________

Rick Sneeuwjagt

Chair of Forest Fire Management Group

13 February 2008

 

 

 

 

 

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