Defining a Forest

The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) defines a forest or forest land as;

• At least 1.0 hectare of trees in any individual area (can include woodlots).
• Comprises a forest species capable of reaching five metres in height at maturity in the place they are growing
• Is planted at or at a stocking density that has the ability to exceed a tree crown cover of more than 30% on each hectare

Forest land does not include land that has, or is likely to have tree crown cover with an average width of less than 30 metres. For example does not include shelterbelts.

Not eligible for inclusion in the ETS include:

• Tree species grown primarily for the production of fruit and nut crops.
• A forest of native (indigenous) species which existed before 1990.