Pine plantation management

For more than 100 years, the ACT’s plantation forests have supported local jobs and communities. Forest management also supports the natural environment.

Today, the forestry estate includes a mix of plantation areas, native ecosystems, cultural heritage sites, conservation areas, and places for recreation. The ACT Parks and Conservation Service manages these areas for the benefit of the community.

Sustainable forestry operations

Sustainable forest management

The ACT Parks and Conservation Service manages the plantation estate under the Strategic Plantation Management Plan 2026-2030. The plan guides workforce skill development and safety, collaborative decision making, and ways to ensure good financial, social and environmental outcomes.

The Forest Management Section of the ACT Parks and Conservation Service maintains Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. It shows that the estate meets recognised standards for responsible forest management. Commitments to responsible forest management are outlined in the ACT Forest Management Unit Policy Statement. Certification documents are available upon request.

Timber production

ACT plantations supply about 90,000 tonnes of softwood logs each year. The timber is used for roof trusses and other building materials. It is also used for paper and packaging.

Harvesting and haulage operations are carried out Monday to Friday, in accordance with the ACT Code of Forest Practice (under review).

There are often road works in our plantations. Road works reduce the risk of erosion and provide safe access for forestry vehicles. Good road, transport and sales operations help maintain a reliable timber supply.

Pine plantations are active workplaces, and some areas may be closed at times when work is underway. Visitors must follow all signs, closures and directions from authorised staff.

Environmental and cultural heritage protection

Biodiversity and environmental management

ACT plantations contain areas of important native habitat and support a wide range of native plants and animals. Current biodiversity programs include:

• protecting, monitoring and managing endangered, threatened, and rare species
• retaining riparian zones, native vegetation patches and wildlife corridors
• protecting High Conservation Value (HCV) areas
• managing pests and weeds including the use of biological controls.

Important natural areas include habitat for:

• Murrumbidgee Bossiaea (Bossiaea grayi)in Pierces Cree
• native orchids and Yellow Box-Gum Grassy Woodland in Kowen
• Natural Temperate Grassland in Sherwood, Uriarra.

We map and monitor areas of high ecological or cultural significance and protect these areas from forestry operations where needed. We use a precautionary approach that is consistent with ACT laws and FSC requirements.

Climate action and carbon capture

Plantation forests capture and store carbon as they grow. Timber products can also store carbon for many years. The way we manage our plantations supports the ACT’s climate goals by:

• maximising carbon sequestration through well-managed forest rotations
• re-establishing every tree that is harvested
• supporting low‑emission construction using renewable timber
• enabling carbon farming projects, including at Ingledene Forest
• integrating climate risk into planning, monitoring and continuous improvement.

Cultural heritage and First Nations engagement

Plantation forests contain Aboriginal and historic heritage sites. These sites are protected by law.

The ACT Parks and Conservation Service works closely with ACT Heritage and the Traditional Custodian Engagement team. Together they ensure cultural values are respected and incorporated into forest management. This includes:

• finding and protecting heritage sites before forestry work starts
• following heritage laws and unexpected finds procedures
• working with First Nations crews
• supporting training and cultural knowledge sharing.

Recreation and community use

Plantation forests are popular places for activities that may not be suitable in nature reserves or national parks. Popular activities include:

• walking, running and mountain biking
• camping and picnicking
• horse riding and sled dog activities
• school, community, educational and training events
• orienteering and rogaining
• motor‑sport including 4WD, rally training and outdoor competitions.

While plantations provide recreational opportunities close to the city, they are also active workplaces. Active work sites are closed to the public. Visitors must follow all signs, closures and directions from authorised staff.

Organised events may require approval or a public land use permit. Events cannot take place at active work sites. Visit events on public land to book an area for your event. Contact the ACT Forest Management Section if you need help with planning.

History

Established in 1915, pine plantation management in the ACT has a long and varied history. Historian Brendan O’Keefe has compiled ten interviews with key forestry figures into the book Forest Capital [PDF 7.1 MB]. The interviews were recorded in 1994 as part of an oral history project led by former ACT Forests Director Graham McKenzie‑Smith. The book provides an insight into the development and character of forestry in the ACT.

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