In today's episode we dig into all things technical site evaluation with Dr. Colin Smith of Paperbark Consulting. Colin is an expert soil scientist, and today he shares his vast experience in plantation forestry, giving insights that will support investors (and forest managers for that matter) with what considerations should be made and questions should be asked when evaluating several technical plantation management factors. We talk about where certain tree species do best and get into specifics on soil, water, climate, the importance of research, ecological deserts and more.

4:16

"The most dangerous thing in a forestry investment plan is a spreadsheet"

43:37

"Make sure they get a good independent opinion about what they're up to. In some cases, consultants try to make projects look good to attract investment, and I think there is a big danger in that; not to be seen as a wet blanket, but I think people need a realistic appraisal."

Host: Shauna Matkovich - The Forest Link

Producer: Magdalena Laas - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laasmagdalena/

Dr. Colin Smith's email: [email protected]

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/colin-smith-900b051a

Favourite trees: Acacia Sieberiana and Eucalyptus deglupta

The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF): CIFOR

Theory of Change Webinar: Theory of Change Webinar

00:44

Professional background and focus of work (Paperbark Consultancy)

04:09

The complicated process of forest management

05:54

Interesting assignments (real stories)

09:05

Macro-level technical considerations when investing in forestry

13:08

Micro-level technical considerations

15:41

Issues with native species

17:56

Dispell myths around Eucalyptus, specifically water usage

23:30

Irrigation of plantations

30:59

Climate change & species matching

36:25

Invest in research and technical expertise

39:03

Info on sustainability studies - eucalyptus & PH levels of soil (CIFOR)

43:36

Actionable advice for forestry investors

44:46

Contact details

1. Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud
2. Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

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