Vegetation Extent

AUS-TDG-FOR-VEX General High confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range

Range: 6 to 8 m²/ha

Optimal Range: 6 to 8

Direction: Higher is desirable ↑

Form: OptimalRange

This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context.

"Residual basal area should be about 6–8 square metres per hectare."

Metric Definition:

Operational target basal area range to be retained following commercial thinning of Cypress stands.

Benchmark Definition:

Operational target basal area range to maintain canopy health and understory development after thinning.

Justification:

Formal silvicultural guidelines published in the NSW PNF Code of Practice to ensure long-term ecosystem health.

Private Native Forestry Code of Practice for Cypress and Western Hardwood Forests Journal

Private Native Forestry Code of Practice for Cypress and Western Hardwood Forests

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Forest Strategy Group Management Plan

Direct Evidence Journal

Forest Strategy Group Management Plan

FSC Global Review Report Criterion 6.5

Direct Evidence Journal

FSC Global Review Report Criterion 6.5

Private Native Forestry Code of Practice for Northern NSW

Direct Evidence Journal

Private Native Forestry Code of Practice for Northern NSW

Maintains canopy health while allowing sufficient understory development of native grasses.

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TDG-FOR-VEX family.