West Coast forests

Press, 12 September 1986, Page 16

West Coast forests

Sir, — It is surely extraordinnary that the working party seeks to scatter public response between three options (September 6), two of which are incompatible with its brief from the Cabinet Policy Committee, instead of forcusing thoughts on the politically possible. The brief requires it to make recommendations regarding a viable indigenous sawmilling industry, appropriate reserves and the feasibility of a small-scale, subtainable beech scheme, taking into account environmental, econo1

mic and social Implications. One option, by demanding an indigenous overcut of 1.4 M cubic metres, destroys any ;chance of a long-term viable podocarp industry and ignores also environmental considerations. Another option unduly stresses nature conservation. The working party titled both its report; and discussion paper “Integrating Conservation and Development,” and sub-titled the third option “Balance Between Conservation and Employment.” It “is (around this option that a compromise will have to be found and to which comment to be constructive should be addressed. — Yours, ERIC BENNETT. Wellington, September 10, 1986.