Step 5: Conduct a Formal Survey of the Forest

Action: If the forest area is sufficient, the team of foresters then goes on to work with members of the community to conduct a formal survey of the Group's lands. We conduct our surveys using 20 by 100 meter strip transects along compass bearings. For medium-sized areas of forest (less than 3500 ha), we survey around 10 % of the total forest area. For large areas (greater than 3500 ha) we sample around 2 - 5 % of the total area. In each transect, we record commercial tree species 20 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) and greater to provide an estimate of the standing timber volume in the forest. We also note things like vines and rattans and other materials that the community can use. These data are then shared with community members.

Once the survey is completed, we hold a discussion among members of our staff including the foresters who did the survey, the Area Technical Assistant, Field Coordinator, Senior Forester, and the Senior Practical Trainer. Based on this discussion, we draw up a plan for how the enterprise should proceed.

IRECDP forester carrying out a boundary survey

Rationale: Before beginning, it is important to know if the Group owns sufficient timber resources to make the project economically and ecologically viable. The forest survey enables us to develop a forest management plan

Example: samples from a typical forest survey report are provided in Annex C.

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