44 | FORESTRY NZ Forest Managers T T from page 42 Forests mitigate effects of climate change term due to the substantial wind damage, but consequently production will be adversely affected for the next few years. Jackie, who has been with NZ forest Managers for two decades, says forests themselves mitigate some effects of climate change – as well as removing CO2 from the atmosphere they protect soil from erosion, and provide biodiversity habitat and waterway protection. A sustainable ecosystem “Our commercial forests provide sustainable wood that is used for a wide range of product. “Typically we will clear-fell harvest a patchwork of 28 year old stands, then replant. The next year we move to the next age class, this creates a continuous forest. Versatile Pinus radiata grows well in New Zealand and in a plantation situation. We have well-practiced methods for harvesting. Some countries would love to be able to do what we do. “We don’t want to remove indigenous remnants of forest. Waterways flowing through the plantations have a protective riparian strip of indigenous vegetation and we’ll always identify important habitats, like wetlands, and those of cultural significance. Overall we manage the forest as one unit – a mosaic of different land uses, habitat and vegetation types. “We monitor for disease and treat the trees or soil if needed - healthy trees are going to grow well. She says previous issues have included Boron deficiency and recent wet and muggy conditions have increased the fungal infection Dothistromaseptosporum that stunts young tree growth but is easily treated with a copper-based solution. “We collect needles to assess the health of pines and monitor the health of indigenous areas, and also treat areas with pesticide where juicy young leaves might attract rabbits, deer and possums and damage is observed that left unchecked would decimate the new plantings. “Research programmes match the owner’s objectives to improve productivity while ensuring no environmental effects on the waters that flow into Lake Taupo. This is monitored through our long-term water quality project and waterway sedimentation is minimised thanks to good harvesting practices and established riparians. “The voluntary Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification’s stamp of approval,recognises the forests as sustainably managed. And our solid Environmental Management System, EMS means everything undertaken in the forest is done so responsibly to achieve longterm sustainability, such as monitored harvest planning, protecting soil and water values and indigenous habitats, and recognising cultural significance – and then comes the economics benefits.” Community at its core Our forest owner’s objective is to provide access to their land. Beneficial owners are able to hunt, fish and have recreational use of the forest, and this feeds back to the community. NZ Forest Managers sponsor community events, and monitors influences on communities in a yearly survey, assessing how many families are being economically supported. The forestry industry operates long-term with a 28-30 year rotation cycle, so Jackie sites its vision as setting up for the next generation. “Forestry is economically viable if well managed by balancing both environmental and social implications - those values rely on each other. Innovation New developments have provided NZ Forest Managers with a plethora of research projects and trials, new machinery, and technology such as the use of drones in place of planes. Satellite images provide in-house information to analyse, and the team utilise the latest benefits relevant to their area, taking an increasingly lucrative industry into the future Proud to partner with NZFM Forest Managers 0223671268 FlightloggingLtd@gmail.com P.O Box 339, Turangi, 3353 KCL are proud to support NZ Forest Managers Earthmoving Contracting • Heavy Haulage 07 386 7271 or 027 275 2380 63AtirauRd, Turangi je @kcl.net.nz
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