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Forest policy

Sir,—Government plans to base a timber industry in Buller and South Westland on pine plantations are affecting sound sustained yield indigenous silviculture in both regions. Although contracts run out in 1986 Buller forests are to be vandalised for another 36. years in search of sufficient podocarps to keep the mills going “temporarily.” In South Westland land uniquely suitable for small-scale management of rimu in perpetuity is to be logged out and converted to exotics over a similar time span, yet contracts expire in 1988. If these plantations are successful, and they may well not be, their timber will still have to compete on distant markets with material grown locally under more favourable site and climatic conditions. The economics look dreadful. Mr Elworthy says he will not

allow the forest service to become the "railways” of the wood world, committed to social forestry. To many, conservationists and foresters alike. West Coast policy seems just that. — Yours, etc., . ERIC BENNETT. June 3, 1982.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19820607.2.81.12

Bibliographic details

Press, 7 June 1982, Page 12

Word Count
163

Forest policy Press, 7 June 1982, Page 12

Forest policy Press, 7 June 1982, Page 12