Hunter Farm Forestry Network (HFFN) is a community organization whose members are concerned about the environment and in particular the role of forests to protect rural lands, to control erosion, to protect wild life and to reduce the impact of global warming. Private forests make up 30% of all NSW timber and the role of HFFN is to ensure that the owners are made aware of the need for preservation and appropriate management. HFFN has grown over the last 16 years to involve over 60 members many of whom have the required experience to provide such advice, which is given through the field days held on members’ lands
Hunter Farm Forestry Network (HFFN) is a non-profit incorporated body formed in 1997 and is a community organization whose members include farmers, landholders, environmentalists, marketers, processors of timber and other interested people. HFFN has grown over the last 16 years to involve over 60 members.
The aims and objectives of HFFN are to:
- Promote the productive and sustainable use of trees on farms and private land.
- Exchange information and ideas within the network and between other networks and organisations.
- Educate landholders and others by: sponsoring courses; field days; stands at the Tocal field days and presentations at conferences.
Private forests make up 30% of all NSW timber and much has been logged starting in the 1830’s. When logging stopped (often about 1960’s) there was regrowth of native timbers that required management if the timber and environment were to be preserved. The management of trees is not only to be sustainable but to improve the role of timber from the regrowth. The role of HFFN is to allow members to appreciate the need for appropriate management. Many members have the required experience to provide such advice, which is given through the field days held on members’ lands and attending courses etc.
Forests can improve productivity in several ways including: silviculture principles which ensure the growth of the major trees; logging using sustainable methods; and milling in an accredited mill. Caring for forests also requires removing plants such as lantana and members are involved in obtaining grants to provide funds to clear lantana areas. The need to look after rivers is also funded and includes plantings and fencing to keep animals away from the river.
HFFN runs courses and field days to show members how biodiversity and conservation can co-exist with timber production. Most members and other land holders have attended the “Master Tree Growers Course” where the principles are taught over 6 days of lectures and field days held at different locations.
Projects
The AGM is being held at the Hunter Botanic Gardens on the 12th of October.