New Zealand Forest Owners Association

Order copies of the NZ Forest Road Engineering Manual $115 per copy. Further information contact the FOA office

(Note: large file 3.74 MB)

The NZ Forest Owners Association is strongly committed to assisting its members to achieve the highest standards of plantation forestry practice. This is reflected in the fully revised edition of the Road Engineering Manual first published in 1999 by the former Logging Industry Research Association (LIRA).  This 2012 edition is the result of a major rewrite. It contains much needed erosion and sediment control guidance, introduces new materials and methods, and describes best practice construction techniques. Forest owners, engineers and contractors are encouraged to use this Manual in conjunction with the FOA Environmental Code of Practice. In doing so they can be confident that their roading infrastructure will be fit for purpose and meet the industry’s high environmental standards.

FOA Position Paper - Why heavier and longer trucks are needed on New Zealand roads

A review of issues relating to the use of district roads for the transportation of forest harvest. Report prepared by Frame Group Ltd for FOA

This publication was designed to provide information to forest owners on their legal responsibilities and obligations and on measures they can take to mitigate their exposure to possible prosecution in the event of a mishap occurring to a member of the public using a forestry road

Letter to association members from Chief Exexutive about new 0800 plates

This manual is based on a comprehensive literature search of New Zealand and overseas information on unsealed and forest roads. New and innovative practices and procedures have been identified through consultation with roading engineers, supervisors and other associated personnel. The Forest Roading Manual covers all aspects of the planning, design, construction and maintenance of unsealed forest roads. It has been prepared for people who have only a limited civil engineering background.

The publication is not intended to replace any existing operational instructions in the various road construction agencies or forest companies. Rather, it is intended to fill a void by providing, in one document, information on well understood techniques as well as the latest developments and practices for unsealed roads.

During 2011 an updated manual will be published