Teagasc supports in managing forestry storm damage
Following the severe impact of Storm Éowyn on many forests, the focus is now on the safe assessment of the scale of damage and particularly, the provision of support to forest owners affected by this weather event.
In this article, Tom Houlihan outlines the Teagasc advisory supports available for impacted owners.
Teagasc forestry staff are very busy engaging with and assisting forest owners affected by storm damage. Teagasc forestry advisors are available to provide one-to-one advice, phone and in-person consultations and guidance via advisory clinics on managing storm damage and recovery planning. With professional advice, a step-by-step plan and careful management, farmers and other forest owners will be best placed to address storm damage, to minimise risk and to recover as much value as possible.
Windblow Task Force
Teagasc is also collaborating with forestry stakeholders in a recently-assembled Windblow Task Force. This task force has been convened by Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine (DAFFM), Martin Heydon and Minister of State for Forestry, Horticulture and Farm Safety, Michael Healy-Rae, to help ensure that storm-damaged forests are managed safely and appropriately and that the recovery processes are planned in a co-ordinated way, with the needs of forest owners prioritised. Important issues to address include the potential to accelerate the licencing process, the capacity in the sector to harvest material and the markets for this timber.
Teagasc has a strong focus on working collaboratively with the Task Force to assist owners in getting through this major challenge to help ensure the best possible result for forest owners from the recovery process. Given the important need for the robust communication of a coherent recovery plan, Teagasc will also provide supports through the distribution of guidance, advice and updates via media channels, Teagasc Daily, Today's Farm, newsletters, e-newletters, website updates, podcasts and through social media.
Work is ongoing by DAFFM and Coillte to provide an assessment of the extent of damage nationally. This includes an assessment using analysis of satellite imagery, which will provide information nationally and at forest level.
Teagasc and DAFFM have issued guidance to forest owners with an emphasis on safety and the importance of planning the recovery process and getting advice. This guidance incorporates the following key points:
- Don’t rush in – prioritise safety first
- Check your insurance status
- Seek professional guidance and advice
- Assess the damage in a safe manner
- Ensure a valid felling licence is in place
- Plan access and apply for a road licence, where required
- Selling timber – engage available markets and secure the best deal
- Keep records and monitor progress
- Prepare an appropriate replanting plan
Teagasc will also be organising collaborative events in the coming days and weeks to support forest owners in managing storm-damaged forests. Details of upcoming events will be posted on here.
Storm damage can be a serious challenge, but with the right plan, expert support, and safety measures, forest owners can manage the impact, protect their forests, and recover as much value as possible. Seek professional guidance where needed - safety and proper management are key to optimising recovery.
Also read: Safety first when dealing with storm damaged trees