A Review of Certain State Forest Policies and their Influence on Timber Harvesting

Abstract

SYNOPSIS A review of the State's forest policy indicates, amongst other objectives, that the acquisition of land and the management of land for the production of timber on the best possible economic basis, are major objectives. The availability of land is, however, a limiting factor which necessitates the optimum use of land. Silvicultural research and application of sound silvicultural practices for a specific product are important tools for achieving optimum land use. The development of timber harvesting equipment and systems has in some cases raised doubts regarding the production systems at present accepted and it has been suggested that silviculture should be adapted to the needs of mechanisation and new harvesting techniques. The main reason for these suggestions is the rising cost structure in the timber harvesting and transport business. This rising cost structure applies alos to the production of the raw material on land with limited availability, and the need for maximising timber production on ...