Karamea forests

Press, 19 August 1981, Page 22

Karamea forests

Sir,—Statements regarding a recent Government study of soils in the Oparara region made by the Karamea Forest Service ranger, Mr Norman Stopforth, according to your reporter (“The Press,” August 15) are emotive and misleading. First, the soil survey report presented basic scientific facts concerning the properties and distribution of the soils of part of the region. Second, the properties were evaluated in terms of possible limitations to exotic forest growth, on a scale from negligible to severe. Some soils have negligible limitations and others have severe limitations. No judgment was presented in the report as to whether the area was suitable or unsuitable for exotic conversion. Decisions on whether limitations can be overcome, and at what cost, are made according to the expertise. of forest managers. Third, I must point out that neither of the two soil scientists who wrote the report belongs to. or is affiliated to. any conservation organisation.—Yours. etc., G. MEW. August 17, 1981.