Forico last week demonstrated its long-term commitment to the plantation forestry sector in Tasmania as it completed its extensive 2016 planting programme reports Woodweek. A total of 7 million seedlings (more than 6,300 ha) were planted during the season from September to early January.

“This is perhaps the largest current plantation establishment programme by a single company in Australia,” said CEO, Bryan Hayes. More than 60 people have been engaged by Forico and its contractors to achieve the target area of reforestation at a cost of AU$15m. “We are especially grateful for the contribution of all of our service providers and our staff in achieving this historic result,” said Mr Hayes.

Since its establishment by forestry investment manager New Forests in September 2014, Forico has planted 3,582 ha in 2015 and now 6,300 ha in 2016, clearly demonstrating that it is here for the long term.

All Forico land and forests, both plantation (100,000 ha) and native forests (81,000 ha) are certified against the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Forest Management standard and PEFC Australian Forestry Standard.