Forest research in Tasmania
Monitoring water flow and water quality in the Warra Long Term Ecological Research Site in the Southern Forests.
Forest-based research projects cover a wide variety of issues and objectives. Sometimes they are long-term, encompassing life cycles of various species or part (or all) of the regeneration cycle of a whole forest. Science-related careers in forest management typically involve research projects which aim to:
- improve forest management systems to increase and sustain wood production and improve environmental performance
- monitor the short- and long-term effects of forest operations on a specific area
- monitor flora and fauna populations in protected and multiple use forest areas
- improve methods of establishing new forests and plantations
- improve protection of conservation and environmental values of forests
- improve protection of forests from fire, insects and other causes of damage
- improve the quality and quantity of timber yields, and develop timber and other non-wood forest industries to minimise harvest waste and maximise market suitability
Data collection is carried out both on the ground and using aircraft and satellite technology (for projects which require photo interpretation, laser scanning and / or mapping).
Sharing resources througout the world
The results of most forest-based research projects are analysed, interpreted and published in journals, publications, conference and academic papers and on Internet websites. Various forest resource managers, farmers, industry bodies, environmental groups, academics and members of the general public use them.
Forestry Tasmania has a public access library that provides many books on forests, forestry and related issues, as well as copies of most local forest based research studies. The library also contains hard copies of many national and international research papers, and access to a vast array of computer-stored information and international websites.