site selection and management
	Site management details for Carbon Neutral tree plantings - a general guide: 1.     Planting sites are chosen for their ability to sequester carbon dioxide while improving and protecting the rural environment 2.     Species will be selected according to soil type and climate and will generally include a mix of native tree and understory species.         On most sites, tree and understory species will be chosen for reasons of biodiversity and each site will contain a minimum of four different species indigenous to that location. Carbon Neutral will make every endeavour to preserve the genetic integrity of the region. If this is not feasible the seed will be sourced from similar climatic conditions.         In some cases, selected non-weedy, fire resistant and drought resistant non-indigenous species may be planted, for example carob.  Any non-indigenous species that may be considered for planting will firstly be researched with advice from local experts.  Examples of species that would not be planted for CN are those that become environmental weeds in some areas, such as tagasaste and Eastern States wattles.         Fire prone, non-weedy commercial species such as pines would not be planted by CN unless the carbon rights were to be held by the client and CN was legally exempted from any requirement to replant in the event of mortality by fire or disease.  Only indigenous species will be planted in South Australia. 3.     It may be a year from the time of selecting a site to planting the seedlings. It takes a minimum of six months to raise a seedling from seed. Trees can only be planted after rainfall in early winter. In some cases there may be a lead time of between six and eighteen months for the trees to be planted 4.     Seedlings will be raised for Carbon Neutral by regional accredited nurseries in close proximity to the planting sites. In South Australia, seedlings will be raised at Trees for Life’s Nursery, through private nursery sources or by direct seeding on the site and backfilled in subsequent years with tubestock. 5.     In WA sites will be selected based on the overall impact on the local environment and the wider community. The intention is always to maximise the environmental outcomes by coordinating sites within the same catchment boundaries and working with Land Conservation District Committees, Landcare Officers and Regional Catchment Councils as part of the approved Catchment Management Plan for the region.  In South Australia consultation will be with NRM Boards. 6.     All sites will be prepared to exacting standards to ensure maximum health, vigour and survival of seedlings. In general, sites will be prepared for planting by the land owner or a local contractor in consultation with and overseen by Men of The Trees revegetation officers, Trees for Life personnel and/or the local Landcare Officer and will comply with the following guidelines:         Excavation to at least 30cm to ensure adequate depth of suitable soil. (deep ripping may be needed to create these conditions, and this will be carried out generally in the Summer-Autumn period).         The soil is tested for salinity, texture and pH.          In drought-prone sites planting lines will be furrowed to create wide, shallow planting depressions         In waterlogged sites planting lines will be mounded. Thick matted weeds will be eradicated by chemical means to facilitate easy and effective planting and subsequent root development.         All weeds within a 1m band of planting lines will be controlled prior to planting. Weed control will be maintained for at least 6 months after planting. Soil amendments:          Planting the seeding will be accompanied by soil conditioners and fertilisers in the unlikely event that soil tests indicate that these are  required. Water repellency will be controlled as part of the planting program if required.           The planting/re-vegetated lines will be maintained free of weeds and pests for at least 12 months after planting. Inspections:    Seedlings are monitored regularly over the first summer and autumn after the planting.  In areas with vigorous weeds second year weed control will be considered. 7.     At each site, upon completion of the planting, a written declaration will be obtained from a local JP, landcare officer, Shire Councilor, or person of similar standing affirming that the stated number of trees has been planted. A metal sign will be wired to the fence designating it to be a Carbon Neutral planting site. 8.     Where the land remains the property of the landowner, a legal agreement will be entered into restraining the removal of any CN trees for a minimum of 100 years. A carbon covenant will be placed over the site for a minimum of 100 years with the carbon rights also registered on the land title. In every case the intention is for the site to remain under trees for perpetuity. 9.     In the case that oil mallee species are planted, the oil mallees may be harvested at 4-5 yearly intervals with the sale of the product to be the property of the landholders.