BEECH ISSUE

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33096, 11 December 1972, Page 2

BEECH ISSUE

More study called for

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Dec. 10. Much more information should be made available to the public before the Forest Service begins its scheme to promote the use of South Island beech forests, says the chairman for Action for Environment (Mr W. S. Emsfey). In the public interest, there should be an independent cost-benefit analysis of the proposals, said Mr Emsley in a statement, replying to recent comment on the beech-forest proposals by the Forestry Development Council. “There should also be a detailed survey of the wildlife in the project areas,” he said. Efforts should be made to ascertain the affects of conversion to exotic forest on the beech-dwelling wildlife, and on the effects of the change on soils and the water levels and water tables in the affected areas. Both the Forest Service and the Forestry Development Council should provide an assessment of the probable loss of recreational areas involved. The effects of this loss if the project went ahead] should also be assessed in the light of the increasing need! for more public recreation i areas for the increasing. population, he said. The public should also be told of the possible effects of the use of the beech forest on tourism.