Mt Grey plantings

Press, 5 July 1985, Page 16

Mt Grey plantings

Sir,—lt has been brought to my attention that the New Zealand Forest Service intends to further plant the slopes of Mt Grey, which can be seen by many people, and is c a spectacular addition to the local

scenery. Any further planting of this slope will, in my opinion, detract from the natural beauty and ruggedness of the mountain. Regimented rows of radiatas are not suited to such a prominent landmark visible from Christchurch. My family and I have been able to enjoy the pleasures of discovering the alpine plants while walking at Mt Grey. Because of its unique height so close to where many live, it provides a very important educational facility. Competing exotic trees would cause the loss of this flora. The native silver and mountain beech, present in the gullies, will also be drastically affected by the competition of the faster-growing and more dominant species of pine.— Yours, etc., D. SMITH. Rangiora, June 23, 1985.

[The Conservator of Forests, Mr J. W. Levy, replies: “Mr Smith’s information is correct that some extra planting is to be carried out, but the project is of limited extent. The objective is to correct what appears as a very artificial and unnatural boundary of 1974-planted stands in Ashley Forest, which are prominently visible on State Highway 1 near Amberley for example. The continuity of the existing forest cover is to be maintained. Landscape design principles are to be followed to ensure that there is no further visual disharmony, and that remnant patches of beech forest will not be threatened. Several species are to be used, including Douglas fir and radiata, Corsican, and muricata pines. The project is of 80 hectares in area, and tree planting 'will filter out about 200 metres below the summit of Mt Grey. If Mr Smith contacts the Ashley Forest office, I am sure that staff would be pleased to explain the project to him.”]