Westland forests

Press, 13 May 1987, Page 20

Westland forests

Sir,—Over 160 km separate Jackie Grant’s Dobson from the glaciers, and over 320 from Haast. She appears to know less about South Westland’s desires than many conservationists. Her presumption that everyone west of the Alps agrees that logging is the panacea is just that — presumptuous. Jackie mentions “the facts on conservation” that her electorate knows (May 8). Why won’t she give us some? How can forest birds live without forests? How can forest protection ruin farming and fishing? South Westland thrives now without any forestry. Why on earth is logging needed to save it? Does not tourism earn more than forestry on the Coast now? Why should sound ecology and economics be sacrificed for a handful of subsidised jobs in a northern mill? Jackie is right on only one point. The real issue is not this area’s reservation. It is about when we outgrow our old exploiting habits and see the richness and potential we can use and fenjoy without destruction. — Yours, etc., D. J. ROUND. ' May 9, 1987. Sir,—Jackie Grant (May 8) asks where I* get information from on tourism. Tourism gave a direct expenditure of some S96M, and is increasing; timber was S6IM last year; fishing was 57.5 M in 1983-84. No wonder local people speak in glowing terms about tourism. I was in South Westland recently. At Fox I counted 58 camper vans, mostly American folk. People f

spoke to said: “This paradise must never be destroyed; clean air, crystal-clear water, magnificent forests and scenery; it’s the heritage of the world.” Mr Simon. Upton is to be hpplauded for his gallant stand on the environment. Less, than 1 per cent of the population lives! on the Coast and Jackie Grant’s friends represent"••a fi^on. of this. lam afraid hdif tiy qf protest is 1 no more thairthe screech of a kea ■ in the native forests that belong j to all Now Zealanders. — Yours, May H, 1997. I: