Natural eucalypt forests have been the primary source of sawlogs, veneer logs and pulpwood in Australia since European settlement. Gunns is a firm supporter of the continuing use of sustainable management of natural forest as an environmentally responsible, renewable resource, now and into the future.

In sustainably managing natural forests Gunns ensures that an appropriate silvicultural system is selected. A silvicultural system is the collective term for an operational treatment applied to wood production forests for timber harvesting operations and the following regeneration treatment. The regeneration of a forest is the process in which the young growing stock replaces over-storey trees removed by harvesting or natural mortality.

The correct selection and implementation of the appropriate silvicultural system is essential to ensure the long-term viability of the site for both productive and biodiversity values.

Selection of an appropriate silvicultural system depends on the forest type, and is based on recognised forest practices and guidelines. Selection is also subject to assessments of additional factors such as site factors such as aspect, soil type, rainfall and other natural and cultural values, fire management and management objectives.