Non-timber forest products—$93M

Press, 7 August 1985, Page 20

Non-timber forest products —$93M

PA Wellington Native forests earned more than $93 million last year from products other than timber, said the Deputy Director-General of Forests, Mr Alan Familton. Wild animals and animal products earned $4B million. “This industry is significant in protecting forests from over-population by animals which damage the vegetation,” Mr Familton said. Other products generating revenue were minerals, honey, honeydew, whitebait, florists’ materials, and eels. “The sphagnum moss industry has flourished in Westland in recent years, and now makes an important contribution to the West Coast economy," he said. Sphagnum moss earned $4 million last year. All production from State forests was carefully monitored by the Forest Service

to ensure that main values of the forest were not damaged. “These are the scientific, scenic, recreational, and soil and water protection values of native forests," he said. Recreation was a significant part of modern forest management and extensive tracks and other public facilities were developed. Summer programmes were held in many forests, and 30 would be running next summer.