Conservation Week

Press, 2 September 1983, Page 12

Conservation Week

Sir,—The Nelson conservator doth protest too much, methinks. His “misleading nonsense” accusation comes strangely from the old euphemism factory that contrived such gems as “gum enrichment," “kauri rehabilitation,” and “selective logging.” The Oparara issue is akin to quarrying Waitomo. The valley surpasses acknowledged tourist attractions in concentrated nature spectaculars. Forestry is converting it to pine beyond a costly . 18km logging road, the Waterloo of two companies. The service chose not to buy 445 hectares of ex-milling company’s fertile farmland to establish a bargain pine estate on Karamea’s doorstep. Although officially allowed, forest entry is proscribed by logging. Week-day access only between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. is “no thoroughfare” in my book. The Oparara sawmill should become an historical relic. Its lumber recovery rate is 47 per cent. Further to Mr Black’s justification in “significant employment”; about eight months ago the local loggers abandoned the job and replacements had to be recruited — from Canterbury — Yours, etc., T. M. C. HAY. August 30, 1983.