Forest health surveillance in Tasmania

Abstract

Summary Forest health surveillance (FHS) has been routinely conducted in pine and eucalypt plantations in Tasmania's state-owned forests since 1997. The original objectives of FHS included the detection of exotic pests and diseases, managing the risks arising from native pests and diseases, identifying new threats and recommending operational responses to health or performance issues. Surveillance includes a mixture of aerial, roadside and ground or follow-up surveys. The program has undergone a process of constant revision in response to both industry needs and research outcomes. As a result FHS has become a simpler and more cost-effective operation with a focus on the detection of operationally relevant pest and disease problems. The notification and client liaison system ensures that problems are reported in a timely manner and allows for the tracking of operational responses and outcomes. FHS data are collated annually on a state-wide basis and are used to satisfy a range of reporting obligations. A hazard-site surveillance program now provides early warning of exotic pest and disease incursions. Today, FHS still satisfies most of its original objectives and plays an important role in achieving some of Forestry Tasmania's high-level management objectives. It has expanded, and is flexible enough, to incorporate the needs of a range of external clients, as well as including targeted surveys in areas with high non-wood values such as wildlife habitat strips. Furthermore it meets the requirements of certification schemes such as the Australian Forestry Standard and ISO 14000. It is expected that FHS will continue to evolve with the introduction of new technology and in response to the needs of a dynamic industry.