Woody vegetation rates of clearing 2009–21
Woody vegetation clearing in New South Wales is captured in the Statewide Landcover and Tree Study (SLATS). Woody clearing data has been captured since 1988 and reported since 2006. Data captured over these 30 years is reported as an annualised rate.
For woody and non woody vegetation clearing data from 2018 to 2021, see the 2021 NSW Vegetation Clearing Report.
Figure 1 shows woody vegetation clearing between 2009-21, split into landcover classes.
Figures for woody vegetation clearing in 2021 are reduced compared to previous years. Annual rates remain higher than those recorded prior to the last 6 years.
In this report, plantation and native forestry have been separated to identify known planted and predominately non-native forests.
The 2021 total clearing rate when plantation forestry is not considered is similar to 2020, with an increase in agricultural clearing, and a slight reduction in native forestry and infrastructure clearing.
All data showing long term trends in woody vegetation rates is available for download.
Figure 1 Total rates of clearing 2009–21