Natural resource management advisory series : note 10: Old growth forests

Abstract

This document provides a comprehensive overview of old growth forests in North East New South Wales, their ecological characteristics, and conservation significance. Old growth forests are defined as ecologically mature forests with minimal disturbance, characterized by late mature to senescent trees containing hollows, diverse understory structure, and substantial dead woody material both standing and fallen. The advisory note details the mapping methodology used to classify forest growth stages and describes various categories from young regrowth to old growth. It emphasizes that old growth forests now represent less than 10% of their original extent in NSW due to clearing, logging, and other disturbances. The document highlights the critical importance of these forests for biodiversity conservation, particularly for hollow-dependent fauna, with an extensive species inventory including 45 vertebrate species that rely on old growth forest characteristics. Key structural features that support wildlife include tree hollows, loose bark, fallen logs, and diverse understory vegetation. The advisory note concludes by presenting management implications and providing references for further information on old growth forest conservation in the region. This technical document serves as a valuable resource for forest managers, conservationists, and policymakers involved in the protection and management of remnant old growth forests in eastern Australia.