Assessment of the Reforestation Area at Crow Valley, Clarkfield, Pampanga.

Abstract

This study aimed at a thorough assessment of the PAF reforestation area at the Crow Valley, Clarkfield, Pampanga. Its primary objectives were to determine: (a) the suitability of the bio-physical condition of the area for forest production; (b) the acceptability of the PAF reforestation plan to the stakeholders; and © the feasibility of the PFA reforestation project.

To achieve these, a map survey was conducted supplemented by an ocular inspection of the area. This was followed by a social survey through interview with the stakeholder's key personnel. Furthermore, a feasibility study was conducted based on a reforestation plan developed.

Based on the biophysical assessment, the area is found suitable for forest production with its slope falling within 0% to 50% gradient and its elevation below 1000m asl. However, more than its productive use, the area needs rehabilitation because it is slightly eroded and its vegetation is basically covered with grasses with few patches of trees.

On the socio-institutional assessment of the community in the area, the social survey revealed that the residents accepted the PAF reforestation project as indicated by their willingness to participate in the reforestation project despite no consultations made by PAF. However, the residents preferred that the project should not be contracted for fear that they would not be involved in forest management.

If the PAF would pursue the project, it was assessed that it is financially viable based on a reforestation plan formulated that would address the current bio-physical and social-institutional concerns into a socially and environmentally acceptable undertaking. This is indicated by an NPV of 10% and 12% of P8.277M and P5.772M respectively, and an IRR of 23%. More than its financial returns, it was also assessed that the project could uplift the socio-economic life of the residents in terms of employment and livelihood benefits, and could improve the various environmental services like increased biodiversity, improved microclimate, increased water-generating capacity, among others.