Identifying and building robust responses to the threat of Global warming since 1995

Forest Carbon Exists in Distinct Pools

- Crown

- Stem

- Litter

- Roots and Soil

At Harvest 60% of the Carbon is DEEMED emitted representing the logs removed from the site.

The balance DEEMED to decay over 10 years at 10% per year

In the case of Pinus Radiata it is accepted 7-9 tonnes of carbon are removed (sequestered per hectare each year) this means that between 25 and 33 tonnes of C0₂ are removed from the atmosphere. At $15 per tonne this is around $550 per hectare and $40 around $1440 per hectare every year.

At present MAF approved look up tables are acceptable for the purposes of calculating the number of NZU units your are entitled to under the NZETS. Click here for more information

An example 285 ha forest planted in 1995 in the Hawkes Bay are would yield the following at $18 NZD per NZU

Area (ha): 285			year end	age class	stand C02	Change C02	Area	NZU issued	Value	$
Species: Pinus radiata				12	291		285
Subscribe to the Carbon Monitor: yes			31/12/2008	13	325	34	285	9690	18	$ 180234
			31/12/2009	14	361	36	285	10260	18	$ 190836
			31/12/2010	15	398	38	285	10545	18	$ 196137
			31/12/2011	16	436	38	285	10830	18	$ 201438
			31/12/2012	17	473	37	285	10545	18	$ 197137
						182				$964782

Click here to load your basic ownership and forest data to receive information on what carbon is in your forest

Proposed Field Measurement Approach for Carbon Assessment in Post-1989 Forests

The New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has released a draft document outlining a proposed Field Measurement Approach for the NZETS

Click here for MAF Consultation Document October 2010

Click here for MAF technical guide October 2010

Highlights of the proposal include:

• Indigenous and Exotic categories both requiring permanent sample plots

• A threshold of 100ha per Participant (as opposed to forest – a participants total forest area is added to establish the threshold)

• Sub 100ha must use a look up table they cannot opt for measurement

• The sample plots are to be measured at least once every 5 year commitment period with the first measurement required before the end of 2012

• The number of plots ranges from 30 to 200 on a sliding scale for 100ha to 10,000ha and above respectively

• The methodology and measurements for each plot are specified. The resultant data is sent to MAF.

• MAF provides each forest owner with customised look up tables at no charge

• The forest owner uses these tables for an emissions return

• Costs are estimated at least $200 per plot to carry out the work. MAF recommend using a registered forestry consultant.

• The sample plots are located from a grid the baseline from a random GPS coordinate in the forest.

• How CAA and the plots interact appears complex

• Plots that are located in areas not practical to measure may be relocated by permission of MAF Chief Executive

 

Commentary

The expected threshold was 50ha so it is gratifying that the number is 100ha. However given the total is by participant this does create significant potential issues with say 5x20ha forests – where are the 30 plots located and whether the objectives in that case would be met using the method suggested.

The cost is significant to those opting in to preserve their rights.

It could be argued with relatively few participants to date that these costs would discourage more participation from the forest sector. The negative is the risk of not opting in, the benefit to existing forest owners is reducing the NZU supply.

Locating plots on a random basis with no regard to access or health and safety issues seems naïve but the waiver provisions would presumably be exercised with discretion. MAF approach to date with the ETS would indicate a common sense approach will prevail.