Teagasc post-storm timber harvesting demonstrations provide guidance for impacted forest owners
Over two hundred and fifty forest owners attended recent Teagasc demonstrations providing guidance on managing forestry storm damage.
An estimated 24,000 hectares of forests were felled by Storm Eoywn, with half of the forests owned by farmers and private landowners.
With the most severe damage to forests in the west and north-west, the two post storm timber harvesting demonstrations were held in Ballymacward, Co. Galway and Castlerea, Co. Roscommon on April 1 and April 8 respectively. These events are part of a series of Teagasc events to provide ongoing support for forest owners impacted by storm damage.
Organised in association with the Forestry Division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM), the demonstrations were held in forests where an appropriate response plan is in place and windblow clearance operations were underway.
Led by Teagasc forestry advisers, groups of forest owners were brought through the key steps in developing such a response plan, helping ensure an orderly process of timber harvesting and forest restoration. This included live timber harvesting and processing into logs at the demonstrations.
Experts from Teagasc, DAFM, Coillte, Western Forestry Co-Op and harvesting contractors addressed a range of issues including felling licence and forest road requirements, the logistics of harvesting windblown trees, the marketing and sale of windblown timber, timber product assortments and indicative prices and planning for forest restoration.
Tom Houlihan, Acting Head of the Teagasc Forestry Development Department said; “A key positive message from the events is that, despite the storm impacts, the vast majority of the windblown timber on site is harvestable and will be sold into normal timber markets.”
He added; “It is important to ensure all available supports are provided to owners addressing such challenges. Planning a way though the problems is vital with a 12 to 18 month window to harvest timber before it begins to seriously degrade.”
Local Teagasc forestry development officer, Noel Kennedy, said; “A storm damaged forest remains a valuable asset. Teagasc forestry advisers are here to support you and provide guidance to realise its potential timber value. For further information, contact your local forestry advisor or visit the Teagasc forestry website www.teagasc.ie/forestry”
Talking Timber event, Tuesday, 15th April, 9.30am to 2.30pm – Clayton Hotel, Sligo F91 N8EF
Teagasc’ annual timber marketing event returns with a particular focus on the post-storm harvesting response. This event, held in association with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Forest Industries Ireland, will address the harvest and marketing of timber in the aftermath of recent storms. All are welcome.