Scotland's Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 draft: strategic environmental assessment (SEA)
Findings of the strategic environmental assessment (SEA) of the consultation draft of Scotland's Forestry Strategy 2019-2029.
7 Proposed mitigation/enhancement measures
7.1.1 The 2005 Act requires information to be provided on measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the PPS. These measures are often referred to as mitigation measures.
7.1.2 The assessment has concluded that the Strategy, with its core purpose of promoting and supporting the implementation of SFM principles, will have overall positive environmental effects. There may be potential for some mixed effects in relation to the SEA topics historic environment, landscape, and to a lesser extent, biodiversity, air quality and soil, although it is expected that negative effects would be largely localised and can be mitigated through established regulatory regimes and guidance. Table 9 sets out the proposed mitigation measures against the potential impact, associated priority from which it is predicted to arise, and the responsible party.
Table 9: Proposed mitigation measures
Potential Mixed Impact on SEA Objectives |
Mitigation |
Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
Biodiversity, Flora and Fauna (Priority 8 and 9) |
In addition to the requirements of the UKFS, which requires forest managers to take account of environmental objectives and minimise direct impacts on biodiversity and historic environment sites caused by visitors, long-term forest plans could incorporate a suitable recreation / visitor plan, for sites where the impacts are likely to be a significant issue. |
Scottish Government Land owners and managers |
Soil (Priority 8) |
[Same mitigation as above – 'Biodiversity'] |
Scottish Government Land owners and managers |
Air Quality (Priority 6) |
Use of Environmental Management Plans for site specific mitigation such as enclosing stockpiles of dusty materials, damping down etc. |
On site contractor and private companies Land owners and managers |
Landscape / (Priorities 2, 3, 8 and 9) |
The Principles for Sustainable Land Use will be used by public bodies when making plans and taking significant decisions affecting the use of land (Land Use Strategy (2016-2021). Local forestry and woodland strategies also identify the most appropriate locations for woodlands to maximise the delivery of public benefits and minimise adverse landscape impacts. Additional information and guidance on forest landscape design is provided by Forestry Commission Scotland. |
Scottish Government Local Authorities Statutory Consultees / public bodies Land owners and managers |
Historic Environment (Priorities 2, 3, 8 and 9) |
Local forestry and woodland strategies also identify the most appropriate locations for woodlands to maximise the delivery of public benefits including the protection, and where possible enhancement of the historic environment. Additional information and guidance on protecting the historic environment is provided by Forestry Commission Scotland. |
Scottish Government Local Authorities Statutory Consultees / public bodies Land owners and managers |
Contact
Email: Bob Frost
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