ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION
HVP’s commitment to environmental responsibility is underpinned by the company’s environmental policy and management system, forest stewardship program, best management practices, which include internal and external performance measures, and active community consultation program, working with groups such as Landcare, field naturalists and Waterwatch.
Forest Stewardship Policy
Certifications Gained
Environment
At the same time as HVP sets its own high standards, its operations are monitored by local shires, water catchment management authorities, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Victorian Department of Environment and Sustainability. The company is also subject to regular audits to maintain its Australian Forestry Standards (AFS) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifications. |
Certification involves independent, third party assessment of HVP’s silvicultural practices, environmental management and continuous improvement program against internationally recognised standards. It also provides a chain of custody certification, through processing and manufacturing, to the end-user. |
Conservation
|
Around 70 per cent of HVP’s total landholdings are sustainably-managed plantations, growing largely on land that was previously cleared for farming. The company maintains the remaining 30 per cent of its holdings for plantation protection, conservation and other community values. In the Strzelecki Ranges, HVP has set aside almost half of its land from timber production, managing this native forest for conservation. In line with its commitment to foster active partnerships with the community, the company has donated or exchanged more than 4,500 hectares of sensitive land over the past few years for the creation of national parks and conservation reserves, including land mainly in the Strzelecki Ranges, and worked in partnership with local groups to protect historically significant sites and develop heritage projects such as the Duff Sawmill Heritage Trail in the Strzelecki Ranges. Field studies on HVP’s leasehold properties in the Strzeleckis, conducted under a Memorandum of Understanding between the company and the Australian Koala Foundation, have provided the framework for gathering scientifically credible data on Koala habitat in the region. The field studies are expected to lead to a comprehensive forest management plan to meet the long-term needs of Koalas in the Strzeleckis. |
The company has already conducted a series of fauna surveys across the Strzelecki Ranges to add further to its knowledge and understanding of biodiversity on company land. The fauna surveys are linked to a significant native vegetation mapping project which HVP has begun across its entire estate. The project identifies Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs), dominant species, age structure and disturbance history. Data gathered from the mapping will help to ensure that the company has the most complete knowledge of, and best protection plans for these areas. The company has also begun using techniques involving sampling of macro-invertebrate populations, such as freshwater crayfish and yabbies, as biological indicators to cover the significant geographical and temporal variability in stream condition across the company’s estate. HVP provides support for other research projects such as South Australia University’s studies of the Yellow-bellied Glider and has also been involved in water quality projects with Greening Australia and catchment management authorities involving baseline water quality studies and the planting of indigenous trees, shrubs and native grasses. |
Cores & Links
|
The Cores and Links comprise approximately 8,000 hectares of both Eucalyptus regnans (Mountain Ash) plantation and native forest in the eastern Strzelecki Ranges located in Gippsland. The area includes four areas of key native vegetation and plantation (the Cores) joined by corridors of land (the Links), which are also a mixture of plantation and native vegetation. Taken together, the Cores and Links area provides a contiguous vegetated land area stretching from Tarra-Bulga National Park in the east to Gunyah-Gunyah Rainforest Reserve in the west. | An agreement to protect the area known as the "Cores and Links" has resulted in an important and historic outcome for the environment and industry. Over 23,000 hectares of native vegetation will be permanently protected in the Strzelecki Ranges, most is protected immediately. The attached brochure 'What are the Cores and Links' provides details and a map of the area. Click on the pdf link to download this brochure. |
