CHAPTER B3 – STAND HISTORY

PDF available to download here

Purpose
The purpose of this standard is to describe the completeness and reliability of the stand records used as a source of information for describing the current condition of the forest and forecasting woodflows and cashflows.

Standard B3.1
For stand history, the forest description shall:

• describe records (including the name of the forest management information system used) available for use and those which have been used in preparing the forest description (including the rationale for the selection or rejection of data from the records);
• for plantation forests, describe the completeness of the stand records on tree crop characteristics:
  − species
  − genetics
  − establishment year and month
  − coppice year and month (if applicable)
  − irrigation, including volume applied and timing
  − initial stocking and establishment method
  − thinning history (age and residual stocking)
  − pruning history (age, pruned height, number of stems pruned, Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), Diameter Over Stubs (DOS))
  − fertiliser application and foliar sampling
  − adverse events (fire, wind, drought, land movement, pests, disease) and
  − measurement data (stocking, height, basal area).
• for natural forests, describe the completeness of the stand records and tree characteristics:
  − species mix
  − historic and current management approach, including applicable laws or regulations that prescribes management aspects such as the allowable cut
  − constraints and restrictions (e.g. conservation requirements, slope, threatened species) that impacts the management of the forest
  − harvest or thinning history (period and intensity)
  − enrichment or replanting activities (species, time [month and year], intensity, approach)
  − adverse events (fire, wind, drought, land movement, pests, disease) and
  − measurement data (stocking, height, basal area).
• describe the procedures used in the collection, and the recording and maintenance of the information contained in the forest records;
• describe the reliability of the information contained in the forest records which have been used in preparing the forest description;
• describe the procedures followed to review and audit the reliability of the records; as a minimum the audit will:
  − review procedures used for collecting, recording and maintaining the information
  − undertake compliance testing depending on the results. note: audits should have regard to the materiality of the information or the purpose for which the forest description is prepared; and
• describe the steps taken and assumptions made to address deficiencies in the information available in the stand records.

Importance of stand history
Records of the physical events and measurements that have occurred in stands constitute an important part of the forest description. Stand history is a record of what has occurred and what presently exists and is used in forecasting what will be in the future. This will likely be in respect to both quantity and quality and can have a considerable impact on forest value.

Form and substance
Like financial records, stand history may be kept on paper or a computer-based record system. Whilst the latter will allow easier retrieval and analysis, it is the substance and accuracy rather than the form of the records that is of importance.

What to report
Both crop and site characteristics should be reported. Guidance notes for crop characteristics are given below.

Crop characteristics
Forest area measurement conventions shall be consistent with conventions used for the estimation of yields.

Species
Influences growth, yield and value.

Genetics
Influences growth, yield, log quality and value. Original certificates or reference to records may allow genetic rating to be identified and adjustments made for growth. Any adjustments made for genetic gain should be supported.

Establishment year and month
Often available from planting records (alternatively from increment borer or ring count), this allows the calculation of current age. Some checks can be performed via height, age and site index comparisons.

Silvicultural history
These records allow for the modelling of silviculture and internal/external tree characteristics that impact on value. In the case of plantation tree crops, records of pruning and pruning height are important because these events can significantly impact on value, yet some years after the event they are difficult to verify by other than intensive destructive sampling. The emphasis should be on data derived from inventory/post-operational assessments rather than silvicultural prescriptions or intentions.

Fertiliser application and foliar sampling
Records of fertiliser applications and/or foliar sampling are important in areas where there are known growth limitations and responses to fertiliser. Any adjustments made for fertiliser gain of foliar nutrient levels should be supported.

Adverse events and timing
Events such as fire, wind, drought, land movement, pest attack, disease and physical damage (e.g. from production thinning operations) are important as they influence future growth, yield and value.

Measurement data
This can be in the form of quality control assessments, mid rotation inventory or pre-harvest inventory.

Inventory
Where records are non-existent or incomplete some gathering of data or inventory will likely be required. The design of such an inventory will depend on the type of forest, specifics of the information sought and the purpose of the investigation. Whilst it is difficult to specify the level of precision in a general sense, inventory design should address the matter of confidence in the estimates that are produced.

Audit or verification
Because of their bearing on forest value, stand history records, like financial records, should not be accepted at face value. Rather, it is appropriate in most cases for the forest valuer to review/audit the reliability of the records.

An audit is an objective systematic review process. It involves selecting and evaluating evidence for the purpose of ascertaining the reliability of the information contained in the forest records. Any audit should include a description of the procedures followed to audit the reliability of the records.

As a minimum an audit of forest records will:

• review procedures used for collecting, recording and maintaining the information;
• undertake compliance testing, depending on the results of the review; and
• state the valuer’s opinion on the reliability of the information.

Importance of area in forest valuation
Forest value is closely related to reported stocked area.

There will be a trade-off between the value of having a more precise area statement and the cost of obtaining it. Thus, the purpose of the forest valuation and potential impact of not having precise areas must be known.

An appreciation of the confidence that should be placed on any area statement can be extremely important to the user of a forest valuation.

Disclosure
The valuation should clearly detail the basis of the information used (such as existing records and verification of these records), or independent inventory, and highlight any adjustments to stand history records or assumptions made where information is lacking.

Last date updated: 31/07/2025