Private Forests Tasmanian launches Carbon Forestry 101 project

A new education and information program on carbon forestry has been launched.

Private Forests Tasmania (PFT) launched its Carbon Forestry 101 project at Agfest.

Rob Downie has three parcels of land across the state where he grows trees.

He said that around 90 per cent of his income is from forestry.

“Initially we were leasing land to Gunns, but once they went belly-up we secured the right to the trees,” Mr Downie said.

“Until last year, I hadn’t planted a tree for about 30 years.

“We had trees on the property and could see that forestry was the highest and best use for the land.”

Mr Downie said carbon forestry had been an absolute game-changer for him.

“I know about this more than most, but I fear for those who don’t know.

“That’s where the program comes in and is going to help.

“It will be an information pool.”

PFT CEO Elizabeth Pietrzykowski said there is a gap between service providers and landowners with trees who want to engage in carbon forestry.

“When service providers start explaining carbon projects, landowners often get lost in all the jargon and technical information,” Dr Pietrzykowski said.

“We saw an opportunity here to educate people about carbon forestry and how it might work for them, which then would give them confidence to engage with a service provider.”

Dr Pietrzykowski said that the number of landowners signing up to carbon projects was increasing.