26 May 2008

Exotic forest harvesting begins

Pinus radiata and eucalyptus are being harvested by the Department of Conservation through the winter months at Kaipatangata Forest, west of Carterton, and at Te Kopi, Palliser Bay, respectively in the Wairarapa.

Planted by the Forest Service in the 1970s and 1980s, the exotic forest is managed by the DOC and once harvested the land will revert to native vegetation.

The logging of these combined areas of over 170 hectares provides an opportunity to develop some indigenous forest establishment in the Wairarapa area, DOC community relations programme manager Amanda Cosgrove said.

She says the harvesting could provide minor inconvenience to the public.

“Roads or access-ways that are affected by the harvesting will be closed to ensure public safety and our contractors will endeavour to keep this to a minimum. Trucks on the road close to schools are to limit their speed to 50km/h or below so there is no risk to children” Amanda says.

“This situation is a once in-a-life-time event and patience from the public during this time would be appreciated.”

PF Olsen Ltd manages exotic harvesting operations for DOC and is overseeing the professional contractors for both operations.

ENDS

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