New Forestry Manual/CD is a highlight of 30th World Forestry Day

It might have been timed to coincide with the start of the Northern hemisphere's spring, but World Forestry Day will have a special local focus when it is celebrated this Wednesday, 21 March at Southern Cross University's Lismore campus.

Planned events between 8.30am and 12.30pm include the launch of a comprehensive manual and CD on Subtropical Farm Forestry, a rainforest tree planting ceremony, short talks by farm forestry experts and a working bee at the University's cabinet timbers wood lot.

According to Professor Jerry Vanclay, SCU's Chair of Sustainable Forestry, the working bee is perhaps the most important activity because there tends to be too much emphasis on tree planting and not enough on the need for appropriate maintenance. As a result, many trees die, he said.

"To foster a greater awareness of this problem we need to highlight the need for proper care and recognise the value of forestry as a continuum from production to conservation," Professor Vanclay added

"We are delighted that the student members of SCU's Forestry Club will be joined by members of the Subtropical Farm Forestry Association (SFFA) and Environmental Training and Employment (EnVITE), two important local groups in the field."

The working bee, which will include weed control, pruning and the possible replacement of dead trees, will be followed at 11.30am by a short official ceremony attended by senior academic staff and guests.

The media is invited to attend, as are interested members of the public. The location will be signposted.

Professor Vanclay said that although the day was a symbol of new life in the Northern hemisphere it also coincided with a perfect time for tree planting and vigorous growth in our region.

"World Forestry Day has the sanction of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation and has been going for thirty years. It is aimed at reminding global communities of the importance of forests and the benefits they can gain from them. It's a true celebration of all facets of forestry riches - production, protection, recreation and links to the Conservation of Nature."