Private indigenous forests

Press, 12 January 1981, Page 14

Private indigenous forests

Sir, —■ After the introduction in 1977 of the revised policy for State indigenous forests, widespread concern has been expressed at the continued removal of forest from privately owned (including Crown leasehold and Maori) lands. The Forestry Council, recognising that lowland forest has now largely disappeared and that private “bush” has taken on a greatly increased national significance as a result, in December. issued policy guidelines for private indigenous forests. The council notes that, if we wish to conserve these remaining islands of lowland forest, more attractive economic incentives than those presently provided by central government will have to be offered to the private owner. The council believes that local government will need to take a more active role in providing these incentives. Since it is accepted that parks and reserves do not represent adequately our unique lowland biota and landscapes, surely central government also should be adopting a more responsible attitude. — Yours,etc., ERIC BENNETT, Wellington. January 9, 1981.