Forest research and monitoring Natural Resources Commission

Our role in forest research and monitoring

We independently chair the NSW Forest Monitoring Steering Committee, overseeing the Forest Monitoring and Improvement Program. This work helps build a stronger, transparent evidence base to inform how forests are managed and includes forestry monitoring on coastal state forests and private land, and the Regional Forest Agreements Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Program.

We also oversee the delivery of the Koala Research Program, investigating koala response to harvesting, and the now complete Forest Dieback Research Program.

Highlights

Improves understanding of how NSW forests are changing over time by independently overseeing monitoring, research and evaluation across private land and state forests.

Provides insights to help government, land managers and communities respond to long‑term risks such as climate change, wildfire and declining forest condition.

Monitors trends in canopy condition, biodiversity, water resources, carbon stocks and other environmental values to support better decision-making.

Forest Monitoring and Improvement Program

Forest resource library

The forest resource library brings together the Natural Resources Commission’s independent research, monitoring programs, datasets, reports and research notes on forests across NSW.

Forest resource library