If you’re entering the forestry Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), you are likely to have been asked to map out your forest land. This is the first step used to estimate the total amount of carbon stored (i.e. the forest “carbon stocks”). Apart from determining your forest land area, it also confirms to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) that you have legal rights to the forest area mapped. MAF will also overlay the mapped area with historical aerial photos and satellite imagery reviewing the classification of forest land type (i.e. comparing the forest cover at 1990), to ensure it is correctly allocated into Post-89 Forest Land or Pre-1990 Forest Land.
An example of a forest map produced for application into the forestry ETS is shown below.
When is a Map Required?
Each MAF application process will clearly outline the requirements for mapping and should be consulted before deciding if a map is needed. But at time of writing the following situations require delivery of “shape files” or use of the MAF online mapping facility to map out your Forest Land.
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Post 1989 Forest Land
- Registering Post-1989 Forest Land
- Adding to, or removing land from Post-89 Forest Land
- When a forestry right or lease, or crown conservation contract either comes into force or ceases to be applicable to Post-1989 Forest Land
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Pre-1990 Forest Land
- Application for exemption from deforestation liabilities for an area of Pre-1990 Forest Land
- Emissions return for deforestation of Pre-1990 Forest Land
- Application for the Pre-1990 Forest Land Forestry Allocation Plan.
How is a Map created ?
Maps are created using one of two methods.
- Using specialist mapping software such as ESRI ArcGIS or similar style products.
- Using the MAF provided online mapping tool for forestry ETS applications.
Be careful not to expect too much from “simple mapping software” that is available as often they do not have enough flexibility to output the required mapping data formats needed by MAF. Mapping is often a complex task with many concepts and rules that need to adhered to and should often in all but the smallest forest areas be left to a professional.
Interpine operate the ESRI ArcGIS software and have qualified resource foresters and mapping professionals to make this process simple, fast and efficient. Mapping is part of our normal forest consulting and service business so we are happy to guarantee you MAF should not have any problem accepting our mapping system data.