Forestry plantation assessment study: Management options and mine closure criteria

Scope:
Assessment of forestry trials established on rehabilitated mine sites over 40 years. Evaluation of the productivity, commercial viability and environmental sustainability, and development of appropriate management options and mine closure criteria.
Challenge:
The client required a rapid assessment of trials covering over 200 ha of forestry trials established over 40 years to establish whether mined areas rehabilitated to forestry trials are a suitable final land use objective
Solution:
A system of rapid site assessment using circular plots was employed. Assessment and historic data was utilised to develop novel growth curves as the basis for productivity and profitability evaluation.
Benefit to Client:
The project assisted the client to determine whether mined areas that have been rehabilitated to forestry trials are a suitable final land use objective.
Market Sector: Mining
Capabilities:
- Environmental surveys, benchmarking and biodiversity assessment
- General land, water and vegetation technical services
- Research Services
Location: Queensland
Year: 2011 - 2012