Decision Tree initiative launched in South West to assess suitability of lands for plantation

An innovative forestry program aimed to help landowners assess whether their land is suitable for the plantation industry has been launched in the South West. Driven by South West Timber Hub, the Decision Tree is a program designed to rapidly assess the suitability of farms for plantation forestry as well as provide information and assistance to those seeking to plant trees. The unique assessment tool’s launch is the first phase of the organisations plan to supporting landowners to examine and overcome barriers into private forestry industry. SWTH project manager Wendy Perdon said the initiative was developed in collaboration with Wespine and the Forest Products Commission. “Integrating commercial tree-planting on farms will be vital for farmers looking to reduce their carbon footprint while still generating profits,” she said. “It will allow farmers and landowners to quickly assess if forestry is a profitable option, factoring in their local conditions, distance to ill alternative land uses and carbon prices to generate a potential profit margin. “If the result generates interest, Decision Tree has different investment models to select from depending on how hands-on the landowner wishes to be in their farm forestry project.” With the launch marking phase one of Decision Tree, SWTH will embark on further development and and program expansion planned for the next 12 months, including turning the assessment tool into a web-based application. Phase two will utilise funding of $500,000 from an agreement between Commonwealth and WA Government. Federal Member for Forrest Nola Marino MP officially launched the program welcoming the Decision Tree initiative. “This new tool is particularly crucial given the historic lack of accurate objective information to guide farm forestry enterprise decisions.” she said. “It will enable the commercial interests of landholders to align with the needs of the forest products sector. The emergence of carbon markets adds an exciting dimension to this decision process. “