The study examined the efficacy of the Variable Retention Harvesting System (VRHS). It focused on 1939 regrowth Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans) forest in the Central Highlands of Victoria. The experiment involves comparing biodiversity responses in traditionally logged (clearfelled) sites with coupes where islands of forest cover were retained.
Findings show that VRHS is more difficult to implement than traditional clearfelling. However, it is feasible to implement VRHS in logged Mountain Ash forests. In particular, islands of 1.5 ha are more straight forward to establish and maintain than multiple ones of 0.5 ha, especially during the regeneration burning phase of coupe preparation.
Reference Number:
PNC062-0607
