FICA Input Shapes Practical Slash Management Guidance for Steep Hill Country
In collaboration with MPI, FICA has played a pivotal role in the development of the Managing Slash on Steep Hill Country Harvesting Operations Manual. This targeted manual offers a practical, operational tool designed to support contractors, forest managers, and regulators in managing slash risk in challenging terrain.
FICA’s feedback focused on improving usability and aligning guidance with field realities—especially for contractors whose primary concern is managing slash during active harvesting.
Recognising that lengthy technical documentation often goes unread in operational environments, FICA advocated for a condensed version of the more comprehensive Slash Risk Management Handbook (released August 2024).
This contractor-focused edition distils key recommendations and risk mitigation strategies into accessible, actionable content.
A critical addition, driven by FICA’s input, is a clear emphasis on responsibility and communication within harvest planning.
Contractors repeatedly encounter scenarios where expectations shift mid-job—often without contractual clarity or adequate resources—leading to rushed work and compromised safety. FICA pushed for upfront clarity through job prescriptions, contract schedules, and pre-harvest briefings.
The latest draft now places stronger accountability on forest owners and harvesting managers to clearly define roles, outcomes, and slash management protocols before a job starts.
The new manual details essential components such as:
Responsibility handovers between earthworks and harvesting contractors
Site-specific guidance on slash containment and disposal
Requirements for designated storage areas, cutover clearance, and waterway protection
Post-harvest rehabilitation procedures tied to final site sign-off
This operational guidance underscores the need for robust planning, transparent communication, and practical decision-making that reflects on-the-ground realities. FICA’s efforts have helped ensure that contractors are not just informed, but empowered—with clear expectations, defined responsibilities, and tools to manage risk effectively.
This document is in the final draft stages - watch this space and we will share the final document when it is ready.
