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CONSULTATION PAPER

FORESTRY PROGRAMME 2014-2020

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED MEASURES

March 2014

DRAFT PROPOSALS

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1 Context ....................................................................................................................................... 3

2 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 4

3 Strategic Context of the Forestry Programme 2014 – 2020 .................................................. 5

3.1 EU Policy Framework ............................................................................................................. 5

3.2 National Forest Policy ............................................................................................................. 5

4 Proposed Measures ................................................................................................................... 6

4.1 Measure 1: Afforestation and Creation of Woodlands ........................................................... 6

4.1.1 Measure outline ............................................................................................................... 6

4.1.2 Outline of new GPCs ...................................................................................................... 6

4.1.2.1 Agro-forestry (GPC 9) .................................................................................................. 6

4.1.2.2 Forestry for fibre (GPC 10) .......................................................................................... 7

4.2 Measure 2: Investments in Infrastructure: Forest Road Scheme ............................................. 8

4.2.1 Measure outline ............................................................................................................... 8

4.3 Measure 3: Prevention and Restoration of Damage to Forests: - Reconstitution Scheme ...... 9

4.3.1 Measure outline ............................................................................................................... 9

4.4 Measure 4: Investments improving the Resiliance and Environmental value of Forestry: -

NeighbourWood Scheme .................................................................................................................... 9

4.4.1 Measure outline ............................................................................................................... 9

4.5 Measure 5: Investments improving the Resiliance and Environmental value of Forestry:-

Woodland Improvement (Thinning and Tending- Broadleaves) ...................................................... 10

4.5.1 Measure outline ............................................................................................................. 10

4.6 Measure 6: Investments improving the Resilience and environmental value of Forests:-

Native Woodland Scheme ................................................................................................................ 10

4.6.1 Measure outline ............................................................................................................. 11

4.7 Measure 7: Knowledge Transfer and Information Actions ................................................... 11

4.7.1 Measure outline ............................................................................................................. 11

4.7.1.1 Knowledge Transfer Groups (KTG) ............................................................................ 11

4.7.1.2 Continuous Professional Development .................................................................... 11

4.7.1.3 Targeted Training ...................................................................................................... 12

4.7.1.4 Advisory Services....................................................................................................... 12

4.8 Measure 8: Setting up of Producer Groups ........................................................................... 12

4.8.1 Measure outline ............................................................................................................. 12

4.9 Measure 9: Investments in Forestry Technology .................................................................. 12

4.9.1 Measure outline ............................................................................................................. 12

4.10 Measure 10: Forest Environment and Climate Services: - Forest Genetic Reproductive

Material 13

4.10.1 Measure outline ............................................................................................................. 13

4.11 Measure 11: Forest Management Plans ............................................................................ 13

4.11.1 Measure outline ............................................................................................................. 13

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1 Context

The primary regulatory framework within which the new forestry programme will operate is

the “European Union Guidelines for State Aid in the agriculture and forestry sector and in

rural areas 2014 to 2020”. These Guidelines, as they are referred to, are still in draft form and

are not expected to be formally adopted until the 1st July 2014. This means that it is possible

for provisions within the Guidelines to change and therefore exclude or alter some of the 11

measures being proposed in this document. Furthermore, for those measures which can

progress beyond the 1st July 2014, the outcome of the Strategic Environmental Assessment

(SEA) process, which is now underway, could change the conditions under which these

proposals are implemented. Possible changes should be known in September/October 2014.

The proposals now being put forward for consultation are also subject to the approval of the

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) and the EU Commission. In relation

to the EU, the Forest Service must prepare a State Aid application in line with Article 108(3)

of the Treaty. Changes to the final make up of the measures could therefore emerge from

negotiations with both DPER and the EU. Despite the relative uncertainty that exists with

regard to the final programme content, it is necessary to begin work on these proposals at this

stage so that the new forestry programme can come into operation on the 1st January 2015.

The aim of this document is to deal with the design of the measures and how they will

operate in practice. The financial aspects are being dealt with as part of a separate costings

exercise with the overall financial package including grant and premium rates to be approved

by DPER in due course.

It is important for those stakeholders taking part in this consultation process to understand

that the measures set out below represent proposals only; nothing is fixed at this stage. The

Forest Service encourages stakeholders to examine the content of this list and to set out what

their needs are in relation to the programme as a whole and in relation to each of the

measures individually. With this in mind stakeholders should consider addressing the

following questions when submitting replies;

1. Has the measure been designed to meet market needs?

2. What impact do you feel it will have? ( positive and negative impacts)

3. What changes would you recommend to the measure and why?

4. With a limit on funding, how would you prioritise the measures listed with top

priority being listed as 1 and working down?

Written replies can be forwarded by e mail to forestryprogram2014-2020@agriculture.gov.ie

by the 23rd

April 2014. A Forestry Programme Stakeholder Event will also be held on

Tuesday 15th

April 2014 at the Portlaoise Heritage Hotel. This will begin at 10am and finish

at 1pm. If you are able to attend please notify the Department by the 28th

March 2014, by

phoning Liz Somers on 053 91 60216 or by sending an e mail to the address above.

A public consultation process will also take place as part of the Strategic Environmental

Assessment which is scheduled to begin in early June 2014.

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2 Introduction

The new Forestry Programme for the period 2014-2020 is currently undergoing an Ex-ante

Evaluation, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment. The proposal

is to support the new programme with 100% Exchequer funds in line with European Union

Guidelines for State Aid in the agriculture and forestry sector and in rural areas 2014 to 2020.

In order to be considered compatible with the internal market and therefore compliant with

these State Aid rules, measures set out in the new forestry programme must meet all the

conditions laid down in the Rural Development Regulation (No. 1305/2013). This means that

they must contribute towards the aims and objectives of CAP and the priority areas of the

Rural Development Regulation specifically. While the new forestry measures will not be

included in the wider Rural Development Programme currently being prepared by the

Department, they must follow the same general rules and principles.

During the stakeholder consultation process on the Rural Development Programme (RDP),

submissions were received from approximately 90 interested parties in January 2013 and

were considered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. A stakeholder

workshop was held in mid July 2013 with approximately 80 invited participants attending.

The preliminary findings of the SWOT Analysis and Needs Assessment were presented at the

workshop and further discussions took place in breakout groups at the level of each rural

development priority in order to seek stakeholder views on how they might be improved. An

internal consultation event was also held within the Forest Service which focussed

specifically on forestry issues. In late 2013 the decision was taken not to include forestry

measures in the RDP but to have a separate Forestry Programme. The outputs from all the

consultation activities have however been incorporated into the design of this outline

document.

The views of stakeholders are now being sought on the composition of the new proposed

forestry measures. To facilitate this exercise the Forest Service have prepared a list of

possible measures which are compliant with the draft Guidelines and which are based on

stakeholder input received to date.

The proposed measures represent a continuation of the previous Forestry Programme 2007-

2013 which has been effective in supporting the growth and development of the forestry

sector and rural economies. During this period in fact a total of €785 million of state funding

was provided to support the ongoing development of the forestry sector. The main outcomes

during the 2007-2013 period were:

c.48,000 hectares of new forests established under the various afforestation schemes,

including FEPS and Native Woodland Scheme;

c.945 kilometres of new forest roads constructed to facilitate forest harvesting and timber

transportation.

The new Forestry Programme aims to build upon the progress made under previous Forestry

Programmes.

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3 Strategic Context of the Forestry Programme 2014 – 2020

3.1 EU Policy Framework "Europe 2020, a strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth"

1 sets the strategic views

of the Union for the next programming period. It defines precise objectives and

corresponding targets for the Union at the horizon 2020. All Union policies (including the

CAP) are expected to contribute to Europe 2020 objectives and targets. The Common

Strategic Framework sets the strategic vision of the Union for the use of five funds provided

for under the EU’s Cohesion Policy, Rural Development Policy and the Maritime and

Fisheries Policy (European Structural and Investment Funds known as ESI funds).

The Common Provisions Regulation (CPR) represents the common strategic guidelines of the

Union for all the ESI funds for the next programming period. In this way the five funds will

better contribute to reaching the Europe 2020 objectives for smart, sustainable and inclusive

growth. The CPR will achieve these objectives through the setting of 11 thematic objectives

some of which are linked to the six priority or focus areas set out in the Rural Development

Regulations.

3.2 National Forest Policy Notwithstanding the necessity to link proposed measures to EU policy goals, forestry

measures must also fulfil and be consistent with national policy. In this regard the

Department’s Statement of Strategy includes the following goal:

“Promoting economic, social and environmentally sustainable farming, fishing and forestry”.

Strategic actions under this goal include the following;

Develop and implement measures, schemes and services that underpin a rural economy

Collaborate with other organisations to deliver policies on environmental sustainability

and biodiversity

Enhance the development of a sustainable and diverse forestry sector

Implement measures to promote use of non-food crops for energy production

The measures proposed in this outline document also take into account the Department’s

current strategic plan for forestry “Growing for the Future” and the recent policy review

report “Forest products and people – Irelands forest policy – a renewed vision” which is

currently in draft format. Finally, national policy is also framed by the Smart, Green Growth

message of Food Harvest 2020. Proposed measures aimed at addressing these objectives are

as follows:

Smart – Knowledge transfer and innovation features strongly in proposed measures such as

Knowledge Transfer Groups, Targeted Training, and Advisory Services. Combining

measures may also feature, in order to gain synergies between complementary activities.

Green – Support for the creation of new forest and woodlands will contribute to resource

efficiency and the shift to low carbon economy by providing a sustainable and renewable raw

1 Communication from the Commission of 3 March 2010 - Europe 2020 A strategy for smart, sustainable and

inclusive growth [COM(2010) 2020 final – Not published in the Official Journal

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material for industry and renewable energy. Support for native woodland conservation will

contribute to the protection and enhancement of forest ecosystems. The forest genetic

measure will support the conservation of native forest genetic material and improve the

resilience of Irish forest species to disease and the effects of climate change.

Growth – The range of measures proposed provides for a number of supports aimed at

encouraging growth and maintaining viability. Investment in new technology and

restructuring of the afforestation scheme are designed to attract more land holders into

forestry thereby increasing applications and the size of forests planted, and are examples of

the growth oriented measures being proposed. Support for forest management plans will help

to plan for the future development of forestry in Ireland and facilitate the mobilisation of

timber resources to processers in accordance with best practice. Management plans can also

be used in support of felling licence applications. The forestry for fibre measure will help to

increase the supply of small diameter roundwood.

4 Proposed Measures 4.1 Measure 1: Afforestation and Creation of Woodlands One of the aims of Ireland’s forest policy is to encourage planting by private landholders in

order to achieve a forest cover of 18% by 2046. The principal means of encouraging land

holders to plant has been the provision of grants to cover the cost of afforestation, and an

annual forest premium to compensate for income foregone as a result of converting farm land

to forest. The proposal for the afforestation and creation of woodlands measure is to combine

it with forest environment and climate services and forest conservation measures.

4.1.1 Measure outline

Two new Grant and Premium Categories (GPC) are being proposed on a pilot basis; agro-

forestry and forestry for fibre. Proposals for premium payments are as follows;

Premiums may be payable for a maximum period of 5 years for agro-forestry plots.

Premiums may be payable for a maximum period of 10 years for forestry for fibre plots.

Premiums may be payable for a maximum period of 12 years for other GPCs.

The proposal is also to replace the farmer and non farmer rates with a single rate. Apart from

proposed changes to the premiums, the Forest Service envisages that the measure will operate

in a similar manner to the existing scheme.

4.1.2 Outline of new GPCs

4.1.2.1 Agro-forestry (GPC 9)

The agro-forestry GPC is being introduced on a pilot basis and will be primarily targeted at

silvopastoral agro-forestry systems which combine forestry and pasture. Other systems may

be considered. A stocking rate of 400 - 1000 trees per hectare (equal spacing) is proposed and

the minimum eligible plot size will be 0.50 hectares. Acceptable broadleaf species will

include oak, sycamore and cherry. Other species, including conifers, will be considered on a

site by site basis. Large plants (90cm – 120cm) should be used.

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Ideally, sites should contain free draining mineral soils and should have no requirement for

additional drainage. In general, sites suitable for agro-forestry should not require additional

fertiliser for tree growth, although additional Nitrogen (<100kg/ha) may be required to

promote grass growth for spring/summer grazing. Prior to planting, herbicide weed control

will be required to prevent grass growing within the tree shelters and around each tree until

free growing and established. In general, little or no weed control post successful

establishment will be required.

Agro-forestry plots must be fenced with appropriate stock proof fencing to prevent animal

trespass into the adjacent forest plots. Plants must be protected by tree shelters for the first

6-8 years, which can be replaced with plastic mesh after 6-8 years, depending on tree

growth. Planting should be carried out using pit planting where possible.

Grazing by sheep or young domestic stock will be permitted during the spring and summer

months for the first 6-8 years, depending on tree growth, but trees must be protected and tree

shelters checked regularly. Thereafter, when tree shelters are replaced with plastic mesh,

larger animals may be introduced. Silage and hay production will also be permitted using

appropriate machinery so that trees are not inadvertently damaged.

The proposal being put forward is that payment structures will be similar to the afforestation

scheme, premiums to be paid for five years only and will cover the cost of maintenance only.

Once land is converted to agro-forestry it will be classified as forest land and the provisions

of forest legislation will apply.

4.1.2.2 Forestry for fibre (GPC 10)

The objective of this GPC is to contribute to meeting the supply-demand gap for fibre for

energy and other wood product applications that is forecast to arise over the next two

decades. This is being introduced on a pilot basis. The GPC is targeted at growing productive

species on fertile sites capable of providing yields in the region of 150-300 cubic metres per

hectare over a 10-15-year period. Sites capable of such levels of production are mainly free-

draining arable land and surface water gleys (for a more limited range of species).

Stocking shall be a minimum of 20002 plants/ha at establishment. Good vegetation control

will be needed in the first 2-3 years after establishment to support and maintain vigorous

growth. Normally fertilizer application will not be required. Stocking must be maintained at a

minimum of 80% over the first five years of the period of premium payment.

Sites must be below 200m elevation, with free-draining arable or pasture soils, or surface

water gleys without a peat layer. Species proposed are as follows:

2 Hybrid aspen can be at a minimum stocking of 1,400 plants/ha at establishment. Grant aid rates to be adjusted

accordingly.

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Table 3.1: Proposed Species under Forestry for Fibre GPC Species/genus Species and clones

Common and Italian alder Alnus glutinosa and A cordata

Hybrid aspen Populus tremula x tremuloides

(subject to plant availability)

Eucalyptus E. glaucescens, gunnii, nitens, rodwayi and subcrenulata. (E nitens

only to be restricted to within 50 km of coast and frost-prone, low-

lying areas also avoided)

Poplar Clones3

18 71058/2, Fritzi Pauley, Trichobel, V.471xV.24(65)/34, 72030/7,

76004/10 Raspalje 19 and Unal

Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus

Short rotation coppice, Christmas trees or fast growing trees will not be eligible under this

measure. Fast growing trees are defined by Ireland as having either 8 or 9 years between

cuts. Trees planted under this measure will be harvested between 10 –15 years.

Once land is converted to forestry for fibre it will be classified as forest land and the

provisions of forest legislation will apply.

4.2 Measure 2: Investments in Infrastructure: Forest Road Scheme

Ireland’s existing forest resource is relatively young, especially in the private sector where

output is projected to increase significantly over the next 15 years. As the private forest

estate matures, further investment in infrastructure is necessary to improve access to forests

to facilitate harvesting and timber extraction. Access to forest areas is also required for

emergency vehicles and for recreational and amenity purposes.

4.2.1 Measure outline

The proposed measure will support the construction of forest roads and associated

infrastructure such as bell-mouths, turn-tables, drains, culverts and bridges. The primary

objectives are to improve the economic value and competitiveness of the forest resource,

provide access for harvesting machinery and timber transport vehicles, emergency vehicles

and to facilitate recreation and amenity use of forests.

Support will be restricted to forests where harvesting (thinning or clearfell) is scheduled to

take place within the following two years. Only the minimum amount of roadway required, as

determined by the Department, will be eligible for support.

It is proposed that the measure will operate in a similar manner to the existing scheme.

3 List of clones subject to final confirmation

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4.3 Measure 3: Prevention and Restoration of Damage to Forests: -

Reconstitution Scheme

Forests can be affected by a range of natural events which may negatively impact on

productive capacity and ecosystem services. The purpose of this measure is to restore and

maintain forests and forest ecosystems following significant damage by natural causes. It is

proposed that the measure will be primarily aimed at restoring forest potential as a result of

damage, or potential damage, from disease outbreaks. Where necessary, the removal and

destruction of trees infected by contagious pathogens, or trees likely to be so infected,

especially where such diseases pose a threat to other forest areas may be supported. Support

may also be considered towards the restoration of forests damaged by other natural and

catastrophic events and/or climate change related events, where the event has caused the

destruction of at least 20% of the relevant forest potential.

4.3.1 Measure outline

Support shall be granted only for the reconstitution of forests which were established under

one of the following Department schemes:

Afforestation Grant Schemes;

Native Woodland (Establishment) Scheme;

NeighbourWood Scheme; or

Forest Environment Protection Scheme (FEPS)

Support will be provided towards the approved costs necessarily incurred, subject to the

maximum limit laid down in the scheme document (not to exceed original establishment

costs).

It is proposed that the measure will operate in a similar manner to the existing scheme.

4.4 Measure 4: Investments improving the Resiliance and Environmental

value of Forestry: - NeighbourWood Scheme

The proposed measure will provide grant support towards the development of new, and

enhancement of existing, “close-to-home” woodlands (“NeighbourWoods”) for public access,

education, recreation and enjoyment on land in or near villages, towns and cities.

Investment in amenity forests for public use is desirable for environmental and public good

reasons.

4.4.1 Measure outline

The proposed measure will provide grant support under three separate elements:

Element 1 will support the silvicultural enhancement of existing amenity forests.

Element 2 will support the establishment of new NeighbourWoods.

Element 3 will support the provision of recreational facilities.

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Support will be provided towards the approved costs necessarily incurred, subject to the

maximum limit laid down in the scheme document. Support will be available to cover the

cost of investments that are made for non-profit purposes only. NeighbourWoods supported

under the measure must be adequately maintained, and access provided, for a minimum

period of 10 years from receipt of the first grant payment. In addition, they must be open to

the general public throughout the year and access must be free-of-charge.

Operations supported under Element 3 can be general in nature and can include footpaths,

signage, way markers, car-parking, seating or picnic tables or can be more specialised to

include fitness or playground equipment, bird watching hides and mountain bike tracks.

It is proposed that the measure will operate in a similar manner to the existing scheme.

4.5 Measure 5: Investments improving the Resiliance and Environmental

value of Forestry:- Woodland Improvement (Thinning and Tending-

Broadleaves)

The purpose of the measure is to stimulate investment in the improvement, protection and

development of broadleaved woodlands and forests for a range of functions, including:

healthy tree growth, landscape improvement, biodiversity enhancement, soil protection and

water protection. These aims will be achieved through improvement felling of malformed and

over mature trees; felling of additional trees to release potential crop trees (PCT); pruning to

improve stem quality; thinning or re-spacing to promote growth and management and re-

spacing of natural regeneration. Tending and thinning also benefits biodiversity by

increasing light and contributing to shrub and ground flora abundance.

4.5.1 Measure outline

This proposed measure will provide financial support to forest holders towards the cost of

woodland improvement works associated with either tending or thinning of grant – aided

forests planted since 1980. Funding may also be provided for brashing to improve access for

manual application of fertiliser where aerial fertilisation is not possible. Foliar analysis may

be required to establish nutrient status and determine the type and rate of fertiliser

It is proposed that the measure will operate in a similar manner to the existing scheme.

4.6 Measure 6: Investments improving the Resilience and environmental

value of Forests:- Native Woodland Scheme

Native woodlands provide a wide range of economic, environmental and social benefits.

Support for the establishment of new, and enhancement of existing, native woodlands is

desirable.

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4.6.1 Measure outline

The primary aim of the Native Woodland Scheme is to encourage and support the protection

and expansion of Ireland’s native woodlands, using appropriate “close to nature”

management techniques. The priority will be to conserve and expand native woodlands, and

associated biodiversity, but the production of wood and non-wood products will be

encouraged, where appropriate.

The measure will provide grants to landowners under two elements:

Element 1 – Native Woodlands Conservation

Element 2 – Native Woodland Establishment

It is proposed that the measure will operate in a similar manner to the existing scheme.

4.7 Measure 7: Knowledge Transfer and Information Actions

With many private forests now approaching first thinning stage, critical management

decisions and, in many cases, time critical harvesting interventions are required. There is a

need, therefore, to build significantly on the existing skills and knowledge base and develop a

culture of forest management among forest owners. Forest management techniques and skills

also need to be disseminated in an effective and cost efficient manner. The transfer of

awareness, knowledge and skills to forest owners through knowledge transfer groups can

play a pivotal role in achieving these objectives.

The proposed measure will support 4 elements:

Knowledge Transfer Groups (KTG)

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Targeted training

Advisory Services

4.7.1 Measure outline

4.7.1.1 Knowledge Transfer Groups (KTG)

This measure would involve the formation of Knowledge Transfer Groups, each managed by

an accredited facilitator. Group facilitators approved by DAFM, who can either be Teagasc or

private professionals, would be trained to a FETAC-accredited standard in order to operate a group.

It is proposed that the initial focus of KTGs will be in the areas of silviculture, financial

management, forest health, environmental awareness and timber harvesting/ marketing.

Forest holders may complete their KTG programme involvement over a two year period,

attending at least 4 discussion group meetings (or other relevant events) per year.

4.7.1.2 Continuous Professional Development

It is proposed that eligibility for inclusion on the Department’s list of Registered Foresters

and Forestry Companies may require membership of a professional forestry association

which has a mandatory continuous professional development programme. Confirmation that

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professional foresters are members of the association may be required on an annual or bi-

annual basis.

4.7.1.3 Targeted Training

This proposed measure will provide support towards training for private forest holders,

professional foresters and forestry workers. For private forest holders the main focus would

be forest management, while training for forestry workers could include harvesting and

forwarding techniques on sensitive sites. Training in health and safety, environmental

legislation, forestry scheme rules and conditions, silviculture, and forest health could also

feature.

It is envisaged that training would be delivered by accredited training organisations.

4.7.1.4 Advisory Services

Support for advisory services will be targeted at individual forest holders and farmers.

Advisory services will be delivered in the form of clinics, field days, information meetings,

demonstrations, workshops, conferences etc. These services will primarily be provided by

Teagasc.

4.8 Measure 8: Setting up of Producer Groups

The objective of this measure is to encourage and facilitate private forest owners to work co-

operatively in the management and marketing of their forest resource. By coming together

forest owners can create economies of scale which will reduce management and marketing

costs and improve the viability of private forests.

4.8.1 Measure outline

The proposed measure will provide support towards the cost of establishing new forest

producer groups.

4.9 Measure 9: Investments in Forestry Technology

This proposed measure aims to support the introduction of new technologies for use in

private forests which have the potential to increase efficiency, reduce costs or contribute to

reducing the environmental impact of forestry operations.

It is not proposed to support investment in standard harvesting machinery under this measure.

What is envisaged however is support for smaller scale technologies which are applicable to

private forest holders, producer groups, forest contractors and haulage operators. For

example consideration may be given to aid variable tyre pressure systems to reduce the

potential impact on private and public roads with low bearing capacity, or forest inventory

technologies could also be considered where such technologies show potential to provide low

cost or low impact options to private forest holders.

4.9.1 Measure outline

It is envisaged that the measure will focus on early adopters of new technologies who would

purchase the equipment, use the equipment in the field and then demonstrate it to others.

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4.10 Measure 10: Forest Environment and Climate Services: - Forest

Genetic Reproductive Material

The primary objectives of this proposed measure are to improve the quality of new planting

stock; increase self sufficiency in tree seed production; provide for in-situ and ex-situ

conservation of forest genetic resources; and provide breeding populations of designated

broadleaf species. Sustaining and Developing Ireland’s Forest Genetic Resources4 sets out a

strategy for forest genetic resource conservation and development, and makes

recommendations as to how this can be achieved.

4.10.1 Measure outline

The proposed measure will provide support towards the costs related to the management and

conservation of registered seed stands and production areas such as seed orchards. Eligible

costs may include provision of access paths, fencing, control of ground vegetation and

thinning to open up crowns for greater levels of seed production. Costs may also include

income forgone.

Forest areas registered by the Department as a seed production area (seed stand) and being

actively used for seed production and collection will be eligible. Areas for which a forest

premium is being paid will not be eligible for support under the measure. Only broadleaf seed

stands will be eligible.

4.11 Measure 11: Forest Management Plans

The primary objective of this proposed measure is encourage and facilitate private forest

owners with forest exceeding a certain size (to be determined) to have forest management

plan (FMP) prepared and submitted to the Department by 2020 and to encourage the

submission of FMPs in support of felling licence applications.

FMPs enable forest owners to plan for future harvesting and forest infrastructure

requirements; disease risk management; environmental protection (e.g. identification of

potential hot spots); fire prevention and control and contribute to accurate forecasting of

roundwood and biomass production and certification.

The COFORD Forest Management Plan Working Group is currently revising the type of

information currently required in FMPs. The intention is to develop these plans further to

include additional information to improve production forecasting and to link the data to the

Department’s IFORIS system.

4.11.1 Measure outline

It is proposed that support could be provided to private forest owners towards the cost of

preparing a FMP, probably in the form of a once off payment upon satisfactory completion

and submission of the plan.

4 Cahalane, G., Doody, P., Douglas, G., Fennessy, J., O’Reilly, C. and Pfeifer, A. 2007. Sustaining and Developing

Ireland’s Forest GeneticRresources. An outline strategy. COFORD, Dublin.