Irish forest owners are facing a major challenge following the recent storms, but Teagasc is committed to supporting owners throughout the recovery process, ensuring they achieve the best possible outcome for their forests.
Since the recent storms hit, Teagasc forestry advisers have been working closely with affected owners, providing direct support through one-on-one clinics, consultations in local offices, phone engagements and collaborative events.
A dedicated section on the Teagasc website offers expert advice on managing storm damage, including links to Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) guidance.
Teagasc is actively assisting forest owners by offering guidance and reassurance on storm damage recovery, with updates on licensing and supports arising from the windblow taskforce.
Advisers are also providing technical support, including help with viewing satellite imagery of storm damage in their forest and DAFM’s online felling decision tool, both of which can aid in assessing damage and planning recovery strategies.
On-site timber recovery-focused events are now being organised by Teagasc to help owners make informed decisions about their forests.
Felling decision tool
One of the most valuable resources available to forest owners is the felling decision tool, which can help assess the best course of action for managing damaged forests.
This tool provides key financial insights, helping owners estimate timber revenues over a forest cycle and weigh the potential costs and benefits of early felling versus retaining their standing trees for a longer period.
By entering details such as tree species, productivity (yield class), rotation type and management approach, owners can generate an estimated net clearfell revenue per hectare.
The felling decision tool helps forest owners make more informed financial decisions, particularly when dealing with storm-damaged timber.
It is important to note that revenue values are estimates based on average timber prices and may vary depending on factors such as timber quality, site access, harvest and transport costs.
This tool can also model a premature clearfell due to storm damage from age 22. It should be remembered that in windblown plantations with minimal shattered stems, roadside timber can still command significant prices.
The reduction in revenue is associated with the extra cost of harvesting the windblown crop. Google ‘felling decision tool’ for further information.
Information
Teagasc is dedicated to ensuring that forest owners receive the information and support they need to navigate this challenging time, and encourages forest owners to contact their local Teagasc forestry adviser for advice on storm damage recovery and forest management.
Contact details are available at: teagasc.ie/forestrystaff. The following windblow-related events have been organised in April.
Tuesday 1 April, Co Galway: the first of Teagasc’s timber recovery-focused events will take place in Mountbellew. Forest owners will be bussed to a local forest site to see timber recovery harvesting take place. There will be a focus on optimising this recovery and how the forest site should be left after felling to facilitate future replanting. This event is organised in conjunction with DAFM and forestry stakeholders.Tuesday 8 April, Castlerea, Co Roscommon: the second event is a post-storm field day. This will offer forest owners with blown timber to sell an opportunity to hear about current timber markets, view harvested logs and timber products and network with a wide range of forest industry businesses. This event is organised in conjunction with DAFM and Forest Industries Ireland. Tuesday 15 April, Clayton Hotel Sligo: The third event is Teagasc’s Talking Timber session, focusing on the marketing of post-storm conifer timber. Google ‘Teagasc forestry events’ for times, locations and further information. Your forest is a valuable asset, and Teagasc staff are here to support you in maximising its value.
Irish forest owners are facing a major challenge following the recent storms, but Teagasc is committed to supporting owners throughout the recovery process, ensuring they achieve the best possible outcome for their forests.
Since the recent storms hit, Teagasc forestry advisers have been working closely with affected owners, providing direct support through one-on-one clinics, consultations in local offices, phone engagements and collaborative events.
A dedicated section on the Teagasc website offers expert advice on managing storm damage, including links to Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) guidance.
Teagasc is actively assisting forest owners by offering guidance and reassurance on storm damage recovery, with updates on licensing and supports arising from the windblow taskforce.
Advisers are also providing technical support, including help with viewing satellite imagery of storm damage in their forest and DAFM’s online felling decision tool, both of which can aid in assessing damage and planning recovery strategies.
On-site timber recovery-focused events are now being organised by Teagasc to help owners make informed decisions about their forests.
Felling decision tool
One of the most valuable resources available to forest owners is the felling decision tool, which can help assess the best course of action for managing damaged forests.
This tool provides key financial insights, helping owners estimate timber revenues over a forest cycle and weigh the potential costs and benefits of early felling versus retaining their standing trees for a longer period.
By entering details such as tree species, productivity (yield class), rotation type and management approach, owners can generate an estimated net clearfell revenue per hectare.
The felling decision tool helps forest owners make more informed financial decisions, particularly when dealing with storm-damaged timber.
It is important to note that revenue values are estimates based on average timber prices and may vary depending on factors such as timber quality, site access, harvest and transport costs.
This tool can also model a premature clearfell due to storm damage from age 22. It should be remembered that in windblown plantations with minimal shattered stems, roadside timber can still command significant prices.
The reduction in revenue is associated with the extra cost of harvesting the windblown crop. Google ‘felling decision tool’ for further information.
Information
Teagasc is dedicated to ensuring that forest owners receive the information and support they need to navigate this challenging time, and encourages forest owners to contact their local Teagasc forestry adviser for advice on storm damage recovery and forest management.
Contact details are available at: teagasc.ie/forestrystaff. The following windblow-related events have been organised in April.
Tuesday 1 April, Co Galway: the first of Teagasc’s timber recovery-focused events will take place in Mountbellew. Forest owners will be bussed to a local forest site to see timber recovery harvesting take place. There will be a focus on optimising this recovery and how the forest site should be left after felling to facilitate future replanting. This event is organised in conjunction with DAFM and forestry stakeholders.Tuesday 8 April, Castlerea, Co Roscommon: the second event is a post-storm field day. This will offer forest owners with blown timber to sell an opportunity to hear about current timber markets, view harvested logs and timber products and network with a wide range of forest industry businesses. This event is organised in conjunction with DAFM and Forest Industries Ireland. Tuesday 15 April, Clayton Hotel Sligo: The third event is Teagasc’s Talking Timber session, focusing on the marketing of post-storm conifer timber. Google ‘Teagasc forestry events’ for times, locations and further information. Your forest is a valuable asset, and Teagasc staff are here to support you in maximising its value.
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