| 45 T T Karen Phelps Environmental success M&R freshwater ecologist, Anna Batty, taking Macroinvertbrate samples. FORESTRY M&R Forestland Management M&R Forestland Management has emerged as the winner of the Forestry Award at the 2023 Cawthron Marlborough Environment Awards. The accolade recognised the company’s exemplary commitment to reducing erosion, sedimentation and damage to waterways during the Canantor Forest harvest in the Wakamarina Valley. “Careful planning and collaboration with the logging operators, Kelly Logging, resulted in increased awareness of freshwater values and a desire to produce good environmental outcomes. Teamwork meant that all tools were considered and utilised, there was active communication throughout the process and operations were adapted when necessary,” says M&R Forestland Management director Kyle Heagney. M&R Forestland Management provides independent forestry advice and services to help clients maximise the full value from their forestry investment. Clients range from large public and private sector companies through to small-scale forest owners, such as farm foresters. In total M&R Forestland Management manages approximately 30,000ha of production forest land and produce and sell approximately 350,000 tonnes of logs per year. Kyle says that the Canantor Forest, located on the eastern banks of the Wakamarina River, presented a formidable challenge. With its steep terrain, incised gullies and an annual rainfall of 1600-1800 mm, it was an ecological hotspot with the potential for significant damage during harvesting operations. The National Environmental Standard for Plantation Forestry had labelled the area as highly susceptible to erosion, adding to the complexity of the task. M&R Forestland Management took charge of planning and managing the harvest in 2018, partnering with Kelly Logging to commence operations in 2021. Although the harvest is yet to be completed, the judging panel assessed the harvested area up to June 2022. What truly set M&R Forestland Management apart was its meticulous adherence to the Plan-Do-Check-Act process. This methodology ensured that every step of the operation was executed with precision and care. Kyle says the planning phase involved exhaustive consultations to determine the most effective harvesting method for the site while garnering support from all stakeholders. In the implementation phase, the team utilised mechanised, tethered felling machines known as ClimbMAX Harvesters. Kyle says these machines enabled the safe and efficient felling of logs on steep slopes, significantly improving both efficiency and worker safety. Importantly, high stumps were deliberately left near the streams to anchor the logs and prevent erosion. However what truly showcased M&R’s commitment to sustainable practices was its decision to veer away from traditional logging methods. Instead of utilising fixed skyline or high lead tower systems, it opted for a smaller-scale approach using swing yarders. Kyle says this approach reduced the environmental footprint, minimising soil damage and the risk of erosion. Off-road trucks were also deployed to further reduce soil disturbance. Logs were handled with utmost care, being either pulled away from streams or cut to size and lifted over them to prevent any disruption to riparian margins and waterways. Freshwater ecologist Anna Batty played a pivotal role in the operation, offering her expertise and guidance. While Kyle says it’s too early for extensive post-harvest results, M&R Forestland Management reports that the water quality remains unaffected due to its harvesting methods. Specialists in Agricultural Aviation, Lifting, Vineyard Spraying, Suspension Fertiliser Application, Charter Omaka Aerodrome Ph 03 578 9684 - 7 days Email info@marlheli.co.nz www.marlboroughhelicopters.com Kelly Logging is proud to support M&R Forestland Management as a key partner. Together offering harvesting solutions to forest owners in the Marlborough and Nelson regions. 0274 498 480 nigel@kellylogging.co.nz Kelly Logging Ltd :DVWH 0DQDJHPHQW ∙ Orchard & Farm Waste Mulching ∙ House Demolition ∙ Forest Procurement ∙ Logging & Earthworks ∙ Forestry Slash Mulching
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