Forest Terminology Explained

Glossary

While undertaking research, you or your students may come across some terms that may need explaining, so we have made it easy for you below. 

*FURTHER INFORMATION: The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (ABARES) has produced an "Australia's forests and forestry glossary" (2020) found here -
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/forestsaustralia/glossary

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F

Farm forestry

Commercial tree production on farmland. Also see agriculture, joint venture.

Fauna

The animal life of a region.

Feller buncher

A logging machine that fells trees, de-branches, cuts to length and groups them ready to be removed with a forwarder or skidder.

Feral animal

Wild exotic animal. Usually refers to introduced animal species, like foxes, cats and pigs, in Australia.

Filter strip

A strip of permanent retained vegetation, 10-50 metres wide, along each side of a drainage line or bank of stream or river for retarding the flow of runoff water.

Fire

The active principle of burning or combustion.

Fire regime

The fire history or strategy of particular place including the frequency, intensity and season of burning.

Flitch

A longitudinal board of timber cut on two or more sides from a log or tree trunk.

Flora

The plant life of a region.

Forest

An area of land greater than 0.5ha in size, with trees higher than 2 metres and a canopy cover of more than 20 percent; or where trees will mature to these thresholds.

Forest products

Raw materials from forests, including timber, timber products and other forest materials (such as rock, stone, clay, sand, gravel).

Forester

A forester is a professional person who uses scientific principles to manage forests, engaging in a variety of activities including timber harvesting and wildlife conservation.

Fuel load

The amount of fuel available for burning.

Fuel reduction burning

See controlled burning.

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