Multiple-use hardwood forest management in the Otway Ranges

Summary Within the Otways Forest District of Victoria hardwood production forestry is practised over a land area of about 97 000 ha From this area 50 000 m3 of sawlogs are removed annually. Currently there is no pulpwood utilised. The hardwood production zones of the district are managed under a multiple use management policy. Forest prescriptions apply to all hardwood forest operations. Under these prescriptions provision is made for the exclusion of many areas from utilisation operations which together are referred to as excepted areas. These areas, which generally amount to at least 20% of the gross area of each coupe, are seen as successfully maintaining other forest values such as water production, flora and fauna and recreation. An attempt is made to determine the value, in terms of lost forest production, of these excepted areas. The silviculture of the forests is also discussed.