Forest Carbon Study

The Tasmanian Forest Carbon Study final report was publicly released by the Minister for Climate Change Cassy O’Connor MP on Thursday 6 September 2012. 

The report gives a comprehensive picture of carbon stocks in Tasmania’s forests, including all significant carbon stored in living and dead biomass, soils and harvested wood products, as accurately as possible and across all forest types, land tenures and management regimes.  It represents one of the most detailed, field data-informed and comprehensive assessments of statewide carbon stocks undertaken within Australia. 

The project has created a valuable resource that will allow forest managers, researchers and policy makers to continue to develop the science around carbon accounting in complex forest systems and to evaluate a wide range of forest and land management options that may emerge in the future.

Additionally, the Study provides a realistic assessment of the potential market opportunities for carbon sequestration and avoided emissions under various domestic and international carbon trading programs, including possible pathways to the realisation of verified and tradable carbon credits.

The Forest Carbon Study was undertaken by consultants CO2 Australia Pty Ltd between November 2011 and July 2012. 

The independent Steering Committee (Distinguished Professor Jim Reid, Professor Brendan Mackey and Associate Professor Cris Brack) provided oversight of the project, which was funded through a $250 000 budget allocation from the Tasmanian Government.

Tasmanian Forest Carbon Study Summary Report  (PDF, 1.6 MB)

Tasmanian Forest Carbon Study Full Report (PDF, 7.1 MB)