The Forestry Department is now in the final stages of moving from a department of the Ministry of Agriculture to becoming an executive agency.

Conservator of forests, Marilyn Headley, said while the Forestry Department, as an executive agency, would generate some income for services offered, it would be more service centred, rather than revenue centred.

"As an executive agency, we will change how we do business. We will work more with targets and take new approaches to planning," she said.

"It is a three-pronged approach focused on modernising of our corporate, technical and enforcement service."

Field autonomy

The department will have more autonomy in its field activities as an executive agency.

It will manage the forests in two zones - the Cockpit Country in the west and the Blue Mountains in the east.

These areas will be overseen by clusters, looking at management, research, biodiversity, enforcement and client services.

Previously, a single forester did everything in the field, including enforcement. Now enforcement will be carried out by a specially designated legal section.

"The Technical Services Division will gather information and undertake research to inform forest planning, and planners are to be brought on board," Headley explained, adding that findings would also inform client services and awareness programmes.

She pointed out that the next 12 months would be a transition period for the Forestry Department.