Forest Management Assessment 1GENERAL INFORMATION 2SITE CONDITIONS3ECOSYSTEMS AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION 4PEOPLE5FORESTRY ACTIVITIES INSTRUCTIONSComplete the following questionaire as the first step towards certification under SAFAS. After your responses are analyzed, further information may requested or an infield audit may be required. PLEASE ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONSScope of assessmentThe scope of the assessment is the Forest Management Unit (FMU). In the case of farms where forestry is the primary activity, the FMU would usually be the whole farm. On mixed farms, the FMU would be the timber compartments and any infrastructure or unplanted areas logically associated with the timber areas.GENERAL INFORMATIONEmail* Farm Name* Farm CodeInsert unique farm code if relevant Manager Title & Name*E.g. Mr. Siya Kolisi Farm Map available?* Yes No Farm Boundary Area (ha) (Round to the nearest hectare)*Timber area (ha)*Tenure System* Communal Land Owned by organisation Leased by organisation State/municipal Land Tenure: Select ONE option that best describes the legal tenure through title deeds or lease agreements*For Tribal Authorities see guidance in standard Tenure secure and uncontested. Tenure demonstrable, but contested e.g. under landclaim Tenure cannot be demonstrated. Business type: Select ONE option****This includes mixed farming operations or farms that grow only timber. Timber is a self-supporting business*** (Annual production of timber with the objective to be financially sustainable and in rotation) Timber is a minor part of the farming operation (e.g. a cane farm with some timber compartments) Management structure**Definition: Owner Manager – Where the owner is also the manager or the manager gets to draft, budget for and implement the management plan. Owner manager* Community owned Multi-Level national corporate structure Multi-Level global corporate structure Timber LegalityAll all plantations registered as a water-use?* Yes No Has the DWS (Department of Water and Sanitation) verification process been completed for all plantations?* Yes No Is the plantation area within the allocated ELU (Existing Lawful Use)? Yes No Other legal aspectsLegality: Is the organisation currently engaged in illegal activities, or involved in any legal disputes involving laws relevant to forest management?* No Declared legal non-compliance currently being negotiated with the authorities. Undeclared legal non-compliance that will not materially effect business, environmental or social values. Undeclared legal non-compliance that materially effect business, environmental or social values. EIA: Have you recently, or are you planning, to undertake any activities that require an Environmental Impact Assessment by law? e.g. new roads, new afforestations, bridges, weirs, clearing of virgin land.* No Yes – An EIA has been approved or the process is in progress Yes but did not do an EIA EmployeesNumber of long-term** forestry workers.* **Long-term forestry workers are those that are employed, either directly or through a contractor to work on the FMU for longer 1 year or longer. Number of direct short-term** forestry workers.* **Short-term forestry workers are those that are employed, either directly or through a contractor to work on the FMU for less than 1 year. Total number of employeesContractors: Are any of the forestry operations ever done by contractors?* Yes No Use of ContractorsSelect ONE option PER ROW that best describes the proportion of that operation that is done by contractors. Harvesting*NeverSometimesThe majority of the timeSilviculture*NeverSometimesThe majority of the timeAlien plant control*NeverSometimesThe majority of the timeConservation management*NeverSometimesThe majority of the timeFire protection*NeverSometimesThe majority of the timeProductsInsert the approximate percentage of turnover for all the products produced in the FMU. Answer for all products i.e put 0 if it is 0. Pulp wood* Bark* Sawn timber* Poles for treating* Firewood* Charcoal* Other* Total Percentage of Turnover*(Max = 100%)Certification and MarketsAssurance of Market Market secured for all timber grown for the foreseeable future Market secured for the majority of all timber grown for the foreseeable future Markets are NOT secured for all timber for the foreseeable future, signficant financial losses are anticipated. Rate the importance of certification to the organisations market access and marketing.* Critical Important Quite important Irrelevant Rate the importance of certification to the organisations public image.* Critical Important Quite important Irrelevant SITE CONDITIONSMean Annual Precipitation (mm)*Average for the timber growing areaMean Annual Temperature (C)*Average for the timber growing area.Topography: Rate the average topography across the timber growing area.* Flat (< 10 Degrees) Moderate (10-20 Degees) ) Steep (> 20 Degrees) Topographic Index for the FMU TimberTaken from GIS analysis if available Soil depth: Rate the average soil depth in the timber growing area* Shallow (<45 cm) Moderate (45-80cm) Deep (>80cm) Average soil depth (cm)If there are field or GIS data, please insert the average soil depth value for the FMU. Soil erosion: Rate the average soil erosivity on the FMU* Low Moderate High Average Soil Erosivity Soil compaction: Rate the average soil vulnerability to compaction.* Low Moderate High Site-Species toleranceRisks to timber growth Select ONE category PER ROW for each risk factor.Soil fertility*Low riskModerate riskHigh riskFrost*Low riskModerate riskHigh riskSnow*Low riskModerate riskHigh riskCold temperatures*Low riskModerate riskHigh riskDrought*Low riskModerate riskHigh riskWind*Low riskModerate riskHigh riskSite Tolerance risk factor0-3 High risk=3Damage causing animalsAre there animals, wild or domestic, that cause significant damage to your plantations?* Yes No Select which animals are causing damage: You may select more than one.*YesNoDomestic (e.g. cattle, goats)BaboonsRodentsBushpigsAntelope (e.g. duiker)OtherSelect ONE option that best describes the current or potential scale of animal damage to your plantations if not controlled.* Small loss which is considered ‘business as usual’ Moderate loss that is inconvenient but that doesn’t require re-planting Significant loss that impacts profitability but that doesn’t disrupt normal operations Major loss and disruption of operations that requires a change of business plan Bankruptcy FireSelect ONE risk category PER ROW that best defines the risk of unplanned fires on the FMU from that factor.Arson*Low riskMedium riskHigh riskSpread from neighbours*Low riskMedium riskHigh riskFuel load*Low riskMedium riskHigh riskAlien plant infestation*Low riskMedium riskHigh riskPoor roads and access*Low riskMedium riskHigh riskTopography*Low riskMedium riskHigh risk ECOSYSTEMS AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATIONEcosystems and BiodiversityDo you have areas of natural vegetation within the FMU? Answer no if all unplanted areas in the FMU are transformed. i.e cultivated, converted to pasture or some other land use.* Yes No Natural ecosystemsRecord the total area (ha) of natural ecosystems within the FMU. If the ecosystem is totally absent put 0. i.e complete all the questions. Grassland (ha) (dominated by grasses, can have a few scattered trees, burns)*Provide the area in hectares of this ecosystem on the FMUIndigenous forest (tall, closed canopy trees, no burn)*Provide the area in hectares of this ecosystem on the FMUSavanna (open canopy trees, grassy understorey, burns)*Provide the area in hectares of this ecosystem on the FMUValley bushveld / thicket (short, dense closed canopy trees, no burn)*Provide the area in hectares of this ecosystem on the FMUWetland (either grassy or wooded, permanently wet areas, may burn)*Provide the area in hectares of this ecosystem on the FMURiverine (grassland or wooded, associated with river, may burn)*Provide the area in hectares of this ecosystem on the FMUTotal area of Natural EcosystemsCondition of Natural ecosystemsCondition of Natural Grasslands* Mostly virtually pristine with no livestock grazing Well managed grazing land with some near pristine areas Moderately managed grazing land Extensive areas in poor condition with signs of serious overgrazing Condition of Natural Forests Pristine – a range of species including large climax species (e.g Yellowwoods). Canopy clear of creepers. Good condition – hardly any alien plants Moderalte condition -A large number of alien plants and creepers Poor condition – highly disturbed, dominated by alien plants and creepers. To what extent does the FMU comply with the DWS Wetland delineation guidelines? i.e. Wetlands and streams are clear of timber and have adequate plantation-free buffers?* There are no plantations near wetlands or streams. Fully compliant More than 75% compliant Between 50 and 75% compliant Less than 50 % compliant Invasive Plants and soil erosionAre you growing Acacia mearnsii, Pinus patula or any other species that are clearly invasive?* No Yes Select ONE option that best describes the risk of your plantations spreading to surrounding properites.* FMU is entirely surrounded by other timber growers or arable farmers that do not have significant natural areas at risk of invasion FMU shares borders with some properties with natural habitats vulnerable to invasion To what extend are your plantation species spreading to adacent properties?* No sign of spread or virtually none A little, but under control A moderate amount Extensive spread or don’t know Select ONE option that best describes the risk of the natural habitats within your FMU being invaded by alien plants.* Alien plants seldom establish in the natural lands, and are easily eradicated. Alien plants regularly establish in the natural lands, and are easily eradicated. Alien plants regularly establish in the natural lands, and are a significant problem. Condition of conservation zones. What is your estimate of the condition of the coservations zones on the FMU?* All conservation zones in maintenance phase (almost weed free). More than 50% of conservation zones are in maintenance phase Less than 50% of the conservation zones are in maintenance phase Threatened and Protected SpeciesListed Threatened or Protected Species that may be found in areas where plantation forestry is commonly undertaken in South Africa.BirdsDo any of the following birds occur on your FMU? For each bird listed select Yes, No or Don’t know.Grey Crowned Crane* Yes No Don’t know Blue Crane* Yes No Don’t know Wattled Crane* Yes No Don’t know African Grass Owl* Yes No Don’t know Southern Bald Ibis* Yes No Don’t know Southern Ground Hornbill* Yes No Don’t know African March Harrier* Yes No Don’t know Cape Parrot Yes No Don’t know Blue Swallow* Yes No Don’t know Denham's Bustard* Yes No Don’t know Bearded Vulture* Yes No Don’t know Cape Vulture* Yes No Don’t know PlantsDo any of the following plants occur on your FMU? For each species listed select Yes, No or Don’t know.Hilton Daisy – Gerbera aurantiaca* Yes No Don’t know Pineapple Lily – Eucomis autumnalis* Yes No Don’t know Blue Squill – Merwilla plubea* Yes No Don’t know Orchids – Any species* Yes No Don’t know Cycads – Any species* Yes No Don’t know Black Stinkwood tree – Ocotea bullata* Yes No Don’t know Red Stinkwood tree – Prunus africana* Yes No Don’t know Pepper-bark tree Walburgia salutaris* Yes No Don’t know Wild Ginger – Siphochilus aetheopicus [Indigenous forest herb, not to be confused with Ginger Lily, which is an alien invasive plant)* Yes No Don’t know Mammals, reptiles and amphibiansDo any of the following species occur on your FMU? For each species listed select Yes, No or Don’t know.Oribi* Yes No Don’t know Samango Monkey* Yes No Don’t know Leopard* Yes No Don’t know Serval* Yes No Don’t know Tree Dassie* Yes No Don’t know Aardvark* Yes No Don’t know Giant Bullfrog* Yes No Don’t know Long-toed tree frog* Yes No Don’t know Nile Crocodile* Yes No Don’t know Southern African Rock Python* Yes No Don’t know Cape Clawless Otter* Yes No Don’t know Spotted-necked Otter* Yes No Don’t know Brown Hyena* Yes No Don’t know Honey Badger* Yes No Don’t know Poaching and illegal plant collectingSelect the option that best describes the risk of poaching or illegal plant collecting Recreational Dog Hunting*NoneInfrequentFairly commonVery commonSubsistence / Recreational Poaching*NoneInfrequentFairly commonVery commonIllegal Plant Harvesting*NoneInfrequentFairly commonVery commonMeasures implemented to provide protection from illegal hunting, fishing, plant collecting trapping* Someone is tasked with inspecting for illegal activities. Access control is in place where needed. There are very few incidents reported Someone is tasked with inspecting for illegal activities. Access control is in place where needed. There are regular incidents. Nobody is tasked with inspecting for illegal activities Access is uncontrolled. There are regular incidents. PEOPLESocio-economic factorsRate the exposure of the FMU to communities in the area based on proximity, shared, borders, easy access, history of access.Low exposureModerate exposureExtensive exposureUnemployment*LowModerateHighCivil Unrest*LowModerateHighRecent retrenchments from the FMU*LowModerateHighHistory of grievances / disputes with the FMU*LowModerateHighEmploymentMonitoring of Contractors for compliance with labour and health and safety legislation.* Highly effective- there is a sytem in operation to monitor contractors using a checklist and a high level of compliance. Moderately effective – there is a sytem in operation to monitor contractors using a checklist and a moderate level of compliance. Ineffective – there is no system in operation to monitor contractors using a checklist Employment Policies: Select ONE option that best describes the organisation's employment policies when making decisions regarding the use of contractors, manual labour or machines to do forestry work.* The organisation’s employment policies are responsive to the local socio-economic context and it attempts to employ as many local people as possible. The organisation’s employment policies are responsive to the local socio-economic context but the organizations does not choose to employ as many local people that need work as possible. The organisation’s employment policies are not responsive to the local socio-economic context. Employee engagement: Select ONE option that best describes the organisation's engagement with employees regarding their working conditions.* Employed workers are able to negotiate their conditions of employment through collective bargaining with formal and informal workers organizations. In the absence of union structures, employed workers are adequately informed of and consulted on matters that directly affect their working conditions. There are no union structures available and no satisfactory forum to negotiate working conditions. Compliance with Basic Conditions of Employment:**** Child labour: 1. No children below the age of 15 are employed on the management unit 2. Workers over the age of 15 and under the age of 18 years are employed only in positions that are not hazardous, inappropriate for their age nor detrimental to their schooling. Forestry worker who is under the age of 18 years (and over the age of 15 years) do not: – Work more than a 35 hour week – Work after 18:00 and before 06:00 the following day – Work with agro-chemicals – Perform hazardous work Family Forestry*: There may be children assisting parents in the school holidays or on weekends but this does not constitute formal employment.YesNoChild labour***is forbidden within the FMUAll workers are legally entitled to work in South Africa.Wages comply with the national minimum wage.All workers are registered for the Workman’s compensation fund.Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements:*YesNoNot applicableThere is a copy of the OHS Act displayedDisplayed copy of health and safety policy signed by ownerIf there are more than 20 workers there is least one person per 50 employees has a valid first aid certificateThere is one health and safety representative appointed for every 50 employees.If you have than 50 workers there is a health and safety committee.Health and Safety representatives conduct inspections of the workplace using a checklist.Safety talks are conducted when neccessary and records kept on file.Employees are trained on safety procedures.Workers are provided with Personal Protective Equipment appropriate for their task.Training: Indicate which training is provided to workers. This applies to your own workers or the contractor's workers.*YesNoNot ApplicableFirst AidHealth and Safey representativesChain-saw operatorsChain-saw operators refresher coursesVehicle licensesMachine operatorsChemical useFire fightingHealth and Safety incident reporting:*** Occupational Health and Safety Act Reportable injury related incidents* are recorded and investigated as required by law** AND minor indicents are recorded and trends examined. Reportable injury related incidents* are recorded and investigated as required by law**. No recording of incidents Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate*Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate is the number of lost time injuries per million hours worked. Not applicable <0.5 0,5-1.0 > 1 Cultural HeritageCultural Sites: Select the statement the describes the presence and importance of sites of special cultural, spiritual or religious significance to local communities* No known sites or forestry is all within a tribal authority area Minor sites, of no interest to the community e.g. unmarked graves Known cultural sites with value to the community e.g gravesites that are visited by the community Cultural sites of provincial or national importance e.g. rock art sites Impacts on water resourcesWater: Are there downstream communities that may be affected by reduced stream from due to the timber on the FMU?* No downstream communities use water directly from streams At least one downstream community uses water from the streams, but they have an alternative water supply At least one downstream community is partially dependent on streams for their water supply At least one downstream community is totally dependent on streams for their water supply Worker AccommodationComplete the following survey selecting ALL the boxes that are relevant to your worker accommodation Are any employees working on the FMU that live on the farm?* Yes No Number of foresty workers housed on the FMU. (Own-labour or contractor)*Housing of workers: Indicated one of both of the options.* Organisation supplied housing Workers live in traditional housing (self-built) Are there more than 6 people staying in a single room?* Yes No Room size: Do people have more than 3.5 square meters per person?* Yes No Structure and maintenance: Indicate which of the following statements apply to your workers accommodation.*YesNoSafe and Structurally SoundSituated so as to avoid flooding or other natural hazardsWaterproof and weatherproofSufficient ventilation and insulationClean and well maintainedMeans to control rodents and harmful insectsNo stores for flammable, chemical or explosives substances near housesLockers are available for personal belongings in shared roomsFacilities for washing and drying clothes with adequate water supply and drainageThere is place to hygenically store foodKitchen area seperate from sleeping area is availableFire safety equipmentEmployee accomodation – access to water Water is piped into houses Water is available at a tap within 40m of the housing Water is available at a tap more than 40m from the housing A river or spring is the only available water supply Has the water source been tested for potability?* Water source has never been tested Water source has been tested once Water source is regularly tested Water is supplied by the municipality What personal hygene facilities are provided* Bathrooms provided with showers or bath. No bathrooms provided. Personal hygene facilities – does the housing have a working hot water system?* Yes No Toilets: What types of toilets are supplied?* Flushing toilets in house or bathroom only Pit latrines only Some flushing toilets, some pit latrines None Pit Latrines*Select only statements which apply to your situation.YesNoSituated further than 50m from water bodies or boreholesOn soils with sutable drainageDo not have storm water drainage flowing into themTreated with chemicals if neccessaryWaste disposal* Waste is taken to the municipal dump Waste pit WITH a fence Waste pit WITHOUT a fence Do you recycle waste?* Yes, most recylable waste is recyled Limited recycling takes place None, there are no local recycling options None, we have not explored the options Self-built (Traditional housing)*State yes or no statements which apply to your situation.YesNoFacilities are provided for rubbish disposalAdequate water is provided (50 liters per person per day)Water is within 200m of the dwellingsWater has been tested and is potableToilet faclilties are sited appropriately and enclosedPeople are discouraged to wash clothes or utensils in riversWorkshops, Nurseries and ProcessorsWorkshops: Select the ONE option that best describes the scale of workshops on the FMU.* No workshops Small farm workshop for occasional use (servicing less than 5 vehicles) Medium-sized workshop/s regularly servicing 5 to 15 vehicles Large workshop/s regularly servicing a large fleet of vehicles Do you have a nursery on the FMU?* No nursery or holding nursery only Nursery for propagating plants On-site processing: Is any timber processed on the FMU, e.g. charcoal, pole treatment, milling?* No Yes FORESTRY ACTIVITIESFor each set of questions select the ONE option that describes the organisation’s approach. All forestry operations are manual. [Answer Yes if there are NO mechanised systems used on the FMU.]* Yes No Maintenance of even distribution of age classes* Age class distribution even within 10% tolerance Age class distribution skewed but correctable within one cycle without profound impact on future revenues Age class distribution skewed with profound impact on future revenues. EstablishmentResidue burning* No burning of residues Burning of residues is the exception, with residues being retained on the majority of sites, including all sensitive soils. The choice of residue management is guided by slope, soil sensitivity and fire risk. If residues are burnt, then it must be a cool burn. Burned areas are monitored and measures taken to prevent soil erosion or rehabilitate eroding areas. Residues are burned on most of the sites in policy and/or practice without regard to site sensitivity. Cultivation and planting: If you employ various systems, what option describes your highest impact system?*Select the option that describes what you most commonly do. No cultivation or cultivation accross the slope and manual pitting and planting. Cultivating across the slope, mechanised pitting and planting. Cultivating down the slope manual pitting an planting Cultivating down the slope, mechanised pitting and planting. Average period between harvesting and reestablishment.* 0-6 months 6 -12 months 12 – 18 months more than 18 months Fertilisers: What option describes your most common practice?* Fertilisers are not used. Fertilising only at establishment according to accepted industry protocols. Fertilising during establishment and during the rotation according to accepted industry protocols. Fertilising outside of accepted industry protocols. Harvesting: Indicate which of the following safety measures apply to hazardous operations, e.g. harvesting, by selecting the relevent options.*YesNoNot ApplicableAdequate supervisionTrained first aider on siteFirst aid kitA system to restock first aid kitsFire fighting equipment availablePPE worn and in good conditionThere are safe work procedures for each hazardous taskContractors are monitored for compliance with the aboveFire ProtectionSelect the appropriate responses to the questions pertaining to the fire protection system you have on the FMU. Does the organisation have fire insurance?* Yes No Is the organisation a member of a Fire Protection Association (FPA)* Yes No Available water supplies.* More than adequate Adequate Inadequate Fire equipment, including access to fire tenders.* More than adequate Adequate Inadequate Availability of skilled personnel to fight fires.* More than adequate Adequate Inadequate Number and position of firebreaks and fire belts* More than adequate Adequate Inadequate Indicate which of the following elements of a fire protection system you have in place.*YesNoSchedules of activities necessary for fire preparednessDetails of internal and external breaks, clearly shown on maps.Standby duty arrangements.Special precautions for orange/red FDI.Action plans and call-out procedures and aircraft operations – KNFPA operations plan (if a member).Resource lists, including neighbour contact numbers and equipment.Statistical reports of fire incidence and post mortems (This is done through FPA)Do you prepare firebreaks within the grassland on the FMU?* Yes No Preparation of tracer belts. Indicate what methods are used.ntitled* Dessicant herbicide e.g. Paraquat Non-selective herbicide. e.g. Glyphosate. Hoeing Mowing Cultivation Mechanised methods Preparation of Firebreaks. Select from the list which techniques are used.* Burning, using manual operation Brushcutting or mowing, using manual operations Hoeing Mechanised operations for mowing or burning Cultivation of breaks, e.g Ploughing or Discing Is the position of the firebreak shifted from year to year to allow the grassland time to recover. (Answer Yes or No.)* Yes No Do you undertaked under canopy burning to reduce fuel load?* Never Very rarely, only on flat sites In strategic areas avoiding sensitive sites Frequently without considering site sensitivity Chemical UseAre chemical pesticides and/or herbicides used on the FMU?* Yes No Only legal chemicals are used and in compliance with label specifications:* Yes No Chemical storage: Are more than 70 litres chemical stored on the FMU?* Yes No Chemical storage: Indicate which of the following requirements your chemical storage complies with.*YesNoEmergency procedurePersonal Protective Equipment availableSoap and water and/or eyewashRequirements on Material Safety Data sheets are understood and applied where relevant.Harvesting and extractionFelling: Select the system/s that you employ. You can select more than one choice.* Manual – Chainsaws Mechanised – low impact system Mechanised – high impact system Extraction: Select the system/s you employ. You can select more than one choice.* Manual, animals, high lead Skidding -lighter systems that drag logs accross ground Mechanised – heavy machinery Special Management ZonesConservation Zones adjacent to timber compartments*A Conservation Zone is any unplanted area (e.g. natural habitats, riparian areas, grave sites) No Yes Livestock GrazingGrazing: Is there any grazing of natural Grasslands by livestock within the FMU? ?*Include all grazing, intentional or uninvited. No Yes Livestock ownership: Select ANY of the options that best describe the ownership patterns of livestock that graze on the FMU*YesNoLivestock belong to the organisationLivestock are owned by staff or contractors employed on the FMU.Livestock are owned by neighbouring individuals or communities.Livestock ownership is vague or unknown.Stocking rates: Please select ONE option that best describes the number of grazing animals (animal units) relative to the carrying capacity of the FMU grazing areas.* Stocking rate is well below the carrying capacity. Stocking rate is close to the carrying capacity. Stocking rate is above the carrying capacity. There is insufficient information on stocking rate and/or carrying capacity. There is a grassland management plan that includes a mosaic of areas that are rested and burned from year to year.* Yes No, all the grassland is burned every year