Manual Site Preparation

Definition

The process of preparing a site for the purpose of slash and/or duff reduction and increasing the survival rate of planted seedlings or for the preparation of seedbeds suitable for germination of seed and establishment of seedlings.

Eligibility Criteria

• An appropriate pre-harvest covertype (see General Standards)
• The site in its pre-treatment condition does not contain a suitable number of adequate micro-sites for prescribed stocking
• Field sites will be eligible for treatment where existing vegetation impedes growth and survival of planting and/or seed germination
• The treatment is to be conducted immediately prior to establishment to attain the maximum benefit and in no case shall the treatment be conducted in excess of nine months prior to the establishment date
• The treatment is for control of seedling debarking weevil, grass, slash and/or duff

Guidelines and Assessment Procedure

• The creation of sufficient micro-sites to allow the planting of at least 90% of the prescribed density
• The minimum micro-site area would normally be 0.10 m²
• The micro site can be of any shape, however, it must be capable of receiving a planted seedling and/or seed such that there is a minimum clearance of 15 cm to the nearest undisturbed ground cover
• Unless otherwise prescribed, the micro-site consists of bare mineral soil