Clear felling, which sees every single tree on a specific block of land cleared, is the quickest method of logging but the most detrimental to the environment.

Industry and Investment NSW said the method being used is Heavy Single Tree Selection (STS) under the silvicultural system, which ensures quicker, more efficient regeneration.

“The purpose of utilising STS is to create maximum regeneration opportunities through the removal of a significant proportion of the canopy, whilst meeting the environmental protection requirements of the IFOA,” the spokesperson said.

Maximum regeneration is ensured by leaving eight to 10 trees per hectare.

However, concerns have been raised about the amount of trees being cleared in the area and the small amount being left untouched.

Last week residents voiced concerns over the abundant number of trees being logged. Others took note of the logging trucks passing through Dalgety on the way to the coast.

“It’s an amazing amount of timber. They are leaving pretty much nothing much on the land,” one resident said.

There was concern that loggers were not following proper procedures.

“It looks like larger than one hectare with very few trees left,” they said.

Logging was scheduled to be completed yesterday with timber haulage operations expected to be completed mid next week.

The remaining logging area in Ingebirah State Forest is 22.9ha of State Forest and 73.8ha of Crown Lease.

“However, it is unlikely harvesting will cover anywhere near this extent,” the Industry and Investment spokesperson said.