2 MAY 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE USE

Trees Healing River Catchments

NZFFA Trees on Farms Workshop

24 May 2012

Carterton Events Centre, Holloway Street, Carterton

2012

A workshop aimed at helping Wairarapa landowners take advantage of the many benefits of planting trees as a farm management tool will be held in Carterton on 24 May. Organisers say the workshop will be a valuable opportunity to discuss tree planting opportunities and experiences with other farmers who have successfully integrated trees into their farming operations as well as regional council staff and farm forestry experts.

Specifically designed for local needs, the Wairarapa workshop will not only look at the role of trees in agribusiness but also focus on using trees to restore water quality through wetlands management, riparian planting and erosion control.

Starting at 9am at the Carterton Events Centre, Holloway Street, Carterton, the morning sessions will include presentations on:

• Local water quality issues

• Recipes for successful planting along rivers and streams

• Farm economics overview – how trees contribute

• Video clips of local farm foresters Andy Pottinger and Peter Gawith

• Species options—opportunities for natives, speciality timbers and pine

• Panel discussion on tree planting options

After the lunch break the workshop will continue out in the field.

First stop will be the Fensham Reserve, with discussion on how natives fit into farms, and how wetlands improve water quality. From there the workshop will move to the Pitney farm to look at the role of trees in restoring water quality, with particular reference to gravel extraction, and the effect of planting on stream life. The final stop of the day will be at the Lynx farm, looking at threats to riparian planting, and finishing up at around 3.30pm.

Other topics that will be covered during the day include:

• Trees in the farm business: How integrated land use strategies spread risk - and cash flow – and deliver both short-term and inter-generational benefits
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• Trees as a land management strategy: Wise land use and “fit for purpose” planting – not only erosion control, riparian management and water quality, but also weed control, managing trouble spots, and protecting valuable soils
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• Trees for animal welfare: Trees for shelter and fodder
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• Biodiversity: Saving native bush remnants– it’s easy
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• Trees and the ETS: Improving forestry cash flow and planting to offset on-farm emissions
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The Trees on Farms workshops are part of a three year programme being run throughout New Zealand with support from the Sustainable Farming Fund. This workshop is free and all participants will receive complimentary copies of presentations and a DVD of farm videos and workshop proceedings. However, please register by 21 May for catering purposes and to ensure you get your copy of the handouts. A packed lunch will be provided for a $10 donation to the Mangatarere Restoration Society.

Other upcoming Trees on Farms workshops include Otaki (26 May), Taranaki (Inglewood, 6 June), Bay of Plenty (20 June) and Waikato (Putararu, 27 June). For more information about these workshops contact the project manager, Ian Nicholas, phone 07 348 5923, email i.nicholas@clear.net.nz.

Programme

Trees on Farms Workshop:

Trees Healing River Catchments

24 May 2012

Carterton Events Centre, Holloway Street, Carterton

9am - 9.30 - coffee / tea / mingle

9.30am— 12.35pm presentations at the Events Centre:

9.25am Local water quality issues

9.40am Recipes for successful planting along rivers and streams

9.55am Farm economics overview

10.25am Morning tea

10.40am Video clips of local farm foresters Andy Pottinger and Peter Gawith

11am Species options: - opportunities for natives

11.15am - opportunities for specialty timbers

11.45am - opportunities for pine

11.55am Panel discussion on tree planting options

12.30pm Lunch

1.15pm Fensham Reserve

2pm Pitney farm

2.45pm Lynx Farm

3.30pm Finish

Ends

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