Sustained yield in Tasmanian forest management: An examination of the conflicts between sustained yield management and the provision of non-wood values

The traditional principles of sustained yield have long been relied upon in the planning of forestry management. Along with the more recently introduced concept of multiple-use , sustained yield remains the catchcry of forest managers. The principles of sustained yield concentrate on planning the extent and timing of harvesting for wood production objectives. However, in the transition from forestry management to forest management, these principles, with their heavy emphasis on wood production objectives, have been at variance with the multiple use concept in a number of ways. This study attempts to document these areas of conflict for forest management in Tasmania . Sustained yield management in Tasmania is carried out on a regional basis. One of these regions, the Southern Forests, is used as a case study for examining the compatibility between the application of sustained yield and multiple use concepts. The techniques of sustained yield management used in the Southern Forests are documented with particular attention being paid to the assumptions made in the planning of management operations. These assumptions are then analysed in terms of their potential effect on management's ability to incorporate non-wood objectives in its planning. The study concludes that while strong reliance on the traditional principles of sustained yield is maintained, non-wood values will only get partial consideration in forest management planning. This consideration is usually given where there is only minimal interference with wood production objectives. A change in the present use of sustained yield estimates and a shift in the emphasis of data collection are suggested as preliminary steps in ensuring that non-wood values are given adequate consideration in forest management planning.