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The Institute of Foresters Australia (IFA) is the peak professional body for forest scientists, forest educators and forested land managers in Australia. We are a non-profit organisation with 1350 members who are committed to the principles of sustainable forest management and the processes and practices which translate these principles into outcomes. We wish to commend the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) on its Report and in particular to acknowledge the effort it has undertaken to gain first hand knowledge of the forests and to document the management programs past and present as well as the future challenges. The IFA has a long history of involvement and interest in the science and sustainable management of the Riverina’s river red gum forests. We also have a strong interest in climate change and climate variability and recently held the National IFA conference in Caloundra, Queensland, the theme for which was ‘Forestry a Climate of Change’. Our submission includes contributions from IFA members who are senior foresters from the public and private sectors who are working or have worked in these forests for many years, both in management an