Official journal of the New Zealand Farm Association November 2010 Main feature on Poplars and willows

More articles on the West Coast

Trees in the working landscape • Forestry rights and the ETS Insuring carbon in your • Hardwood in effluent schemes Southern ladybird gets a second chance China sets the log prices -Mizer®

‘world’s number 1 ’ Over 40,000 Machines Sold Wood-Mizer sawmills: ✓ Use the latest in thin kerf technology. ✓ Produce more timber from fewer trees. ✓ Are adaptable to all sawing situations. ✓ Are flexible in operation. ✓ Have low operaing costs. ✓ New or used. 7 sawmill models and 28 engine options. Personal to Professional sawmills with output from 2 to 100 cubic metres per day. Recover your own timber or mill for others. Contact: Paul Marshall (B.For.Sc., M.Sc., M.N.Z.I.F.) Director Wood-Mizer NZ Ltd. Phone: 03 688 2032 • Fax: 03 688 7676 Mobile: 021 331 838 EMail: [email protected] www.woodmizer.com Vol 31 No 4 November 2010 ISSN 0111-2694 CONTENTS

Poplar and willow feature Use of poplars and willows for erosion control...... 3 Poplar and willow as supplementary fodder sources...... 6 Wood properties and use of poplar and willow...... 8 Willow in the Taupo region...... 10

West Coast feature High value alternative to pine...... 11 New land clearing and preparation for dairying...... 13 West Coast maps...... 14 Recognising site quality for forest productivity...... 16

Erosion control General 3 Trees in the working landscape – A no fuss approach gets results...... 22 Forestry rights and the ETS...... 25 Insuring carbon in your trees...... 27 Learning from Australia’s fires...... 29 Getting redwood right for New Zealand...... 30 A day in the life of Forestwood – A forest industry conference...... 31 Hardwood in effluent schemes...... 33 Improving safety for farm ...... 36 Southern ladybird gets a second chance...... 37 China sets the log prices...... 39 Young farm of 2009 field day...... 41 West Coast productivity 18 Regulars From the President...... 2 Health and safety...... 36 From the Patron...... 38 Market report...... 39 Branch secretaries...... 44 Membership...... 45

Trees in the working landscape 20

The opinions expressed in Grower are not necessarily the opinion of, or endorsed by, NZFFA, editorial staff or the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information, but neither NZFFA nor the publisher accept liability for any consequences arising from reliance on the information published. If readers have any doubts about acting on any articles they should seek confirming, professional advice. President’s comment From the President Official Journal of the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association President Spring from hell John Dermer It started with a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch then turned into a lamb Phone: 06 328 9740 killing storm which has decimated our national lamb crop and caused widespread Email: [email protected] land-slipping. On some areas near where I live, farmers are comparing this weather to the 2004 floods, and lamb losses could be as high as 10 per cent of our national National Head Office flock. That is about two million lambs, worth approximately $160 million to the Open – Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday farmers who have been affected, and considerably more to New Zealand’s GDP. At 4th Floor, 85 The Terrace home we escaped with many trees falling on fences, which has more to do with my PO Box 1122 siting choices than the weather. Radiata is not a great species for wet sites in strong Wellington winds. Phone: 04 472 0432 The Christchurch earthquake has certainly taught us something. One is that Fax: 04 473 6904 timber houses stand up far better than steel and concrete. The other is that old Email: [email protected] swamps are not great places for housing developments − I had never heard of Website: www.nzffa.org.nz liquefaction before. My commiserations go out to all members who have been adversely affected by Editor these events, but like a boxer, you have to roll with the punches in this life. Julian Bateson Bateson Publishing Limited PO Box 2002 National Environmental Standards Wellington This is an attempt, with the Forest Owners Association as the driving force, Phone: 04 385 9705 to streamline the way regional and local authorities interpret the Resource Fax: 04 385 9704 Management Act as it applies to forestry. Many members have been Mobile: 021 670 672 involved in this process and the result is an excellent submission compiled by Denis Email: [email protected] Hocking. Thank you very much to all who were involved, especially to Denis. The result is by no means certain, but we are hopeful useful changes will be made. Assistant Editor Vivienne McLean Emissions Trading Scheme Phone: 07 866 5776 There is good news here. One of three potential risks to carbon trading has been Email: [email protected] removed. Prime Minister John Key, and Ministers Nick Smith and David Carter, have publicly committed to the ETS after 2012. The other two risks, carbon price Advertising Management and exchange rate, are still there, but I always saw the political risk as the hardest to Bateson Publishing Limited manage. This gives an added incentive for owners of pre 1990 to register with Delivery address: MAF for their allocation units. Level 1 62-66 Vivien Street Wellington Grant Scheme Phone: 09 406 2218 There is still $2.5m in the public pool run by MAF, and the same in the private pool Fax: 09 406 2219 run by regional councils. Tenders close on 30 April 2011 for the 2012 planting year, Email: and this will be the end of that scheme. [email protected] The average tender for the public pool, which closed on 30 April this year, was $1,874 per hectare for the high sequestration rate trees such as radiata and eucalypts, Design and Layout and $675 per hectare for the low pool, such as natives. Olga Gerondis Bateson Publishing Limited Award nominations These are trickling in but I know there are many members with outstanding plantings who have still to be recognised. I judged some myself. Just because they did not win the frst time is no reason not to nominate them again. Subscriptions: $45 annually for New Zealand, $NZ50 for Australia, $NZ55 for the rest of the world, including postage. I hope the rest of the spring is a lot better than the beginning.

Subscription enquiries and changes of address John Dermer should be sent to NZ Farm Forestry Association, PO Box 1122, Wellington. Phone 04 472 0432 NZ Tree Grower is published in February, May, August and November. Poplar and willow feature

Poplar and willow feature

In this issue of Tree Grower is a short feature on willows and poplars. They are good for erosion control, and as Garth Eyles says in his article, they are not the ideal tree for this purpose, but as close as you can get. As a food source for livestock in times of drought, both poplar and willow have been shown to be of significant value. We should also not forget the wood whether for timber and veneer, carbon farming, or as a biopolymer.

Use of poplars and willows for erosion control Garth Eyles

If I had to choose the ideal tree for erosion control on a hill country sheep or beef unit it would need to − • Grow in the presence of the grazing animal • Not significantly reduce pasture growth • Reduce the risk of soil erosion • Provide fodder • Provide shelter and shade • Produce timber • Sequester carbon.

The ideal tree does not exist, but it almost does in the form shipments have gone to China.Poplars could also be the ideal of poplars and, to a lesser extent, willows. In many countries, tree for hill country carbon farming, but more about this later. poplars are a major source of timber but in New Zealand the use of poplars has been restricted to erosion control Erosion control purposes. Partly this has been because poplars and willows were bred by Ministry of Works for erosion control use while Poplars and willows were introduced for erosion control in the Forest Service concentrated on radiata pine for timber. pastoral hill country because they were the only trees that Professionally, there was little mixing of the two objectives. could be grown from poles and therefore could be planted Only the erosion control aspects of poplars and willows have in pasture without retiring the whole paddock. Researchers so far been accepted by many farmers. However, their use as in the 1960s developed effective tree protectors allowing drought fodder has been a saviour for many farmers, as has continued access for sheep and light cattle. Poplar and been indicated by previous articles in this magazine. willow breeding programmes have concentrated on possum There is a small but growing market for poplar timber. resistance, rust resistance and specifc site requirements, as the For instance, in Hawke’s Bay it is exported to Indonesia and trees were expected to grow in very marginal environments.

New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 3 Poplar and willow feature

The result has been a range of clones which will grow in a range of environments. Before deciding on what type of poplar or willow to plant it is advisable to consult with your local land management advisor. These are one of the few free advisory services remaining, so make use of them. This consultation is important as different clones can be site specifc and many sites are very marginal. It is a waste planting a catchment only to have most trees die because of a spring drought or possum damage. Select the correct material for each site and where possible plant a mix of clones.

Planting material The vast majority of poplars and willows are planted as poles. Poplars planted to control slip erosion, at Tamamu in Quality poles grow well, poor quality poles are more likely central Hawke’s Bay to struggle. Therefore wherever possible buy poles from a nursery where quality control can be assured. For example slopes over about 15 degrees can slip, but check for old slip in Hawke’s Bay it was found that poles which had been scars as these will give an indication as to where slipping is exposed to any rust in the nursery did not establish or grow likely. Remember, previously cultivated slopes can mask past well in the feld. A comprehensive spraying programme in the erosion. nursery has now minimised this risk. Plant on the upper parts of slopes above the slip scars Before buying, check that the pole − as well as the mid slope slip sites as, over a period of time, • Has not been exposed to rust or other disease slips tend to move up the slope. Frequently planting is • Is harvested within two years concentrated on the slip debris sites on the lower slopes, but • Is three metres long and 50 to 75 mm in diameter at the this is generally a waste of time as these sites will not slip butt end and a minimum of 25 mm at the upper end again. However, on mudstones this deposition material may • Is straight because crooked poles cannot be rammed flow in the future and so needs to be space planted. By careful • Is well hydrated and weighs fve to six kilos site selection as few as 15 poles per hectare may be suffcient • Has no damage to the bark. on slip prone hill country. On delivery, poles must be stored in clean running water or a damp shady site before planting. Do not let them dry out Earth flow erosion and do not leave too long in the water – one to two weeks is Earth flows occur mainly on mudstones and shattered the maximum. Rooted cuttings establish well in harder sites argillites, although they can also occur on schist country. but these sites need to have been retired from grazing. Usually Fault zones are often recognised from earth flows where they rooted cuttings can only be obtained from commercial would normally not be expected. Earth flows generally start nurseries. moving late in the winter, after the whole profle has been thoroughly wetted. They generally do not move during high Planting intensity rainstorms unless the subsoil is already saturated. In southern Hawke’s Bay, earth flows did not move for a decade Planting technique is critical for survival. There are two in the 1990s but started again after a number of consecutive techniques, ramming and digging. With both techniques it is wet summers and winters. essential to − Earth flows come in two general types, shallow ones • Plant the pole at least 600 to 700 mm deep which are less than one to two metres, and deep ones which • Compact the soil around the pole and keep it compacted can be 70 metres or more in depth. They are caused by throughout the year the material under the turf mat becoming liquid or losing • Plant in moist sites strength when saturated and flowing down-slope under the • Ensure the protector stays in place – staple Netlon sleeves turf. With shallow movements the flow is constrained to top and bottom between the turf mat and the unweathered rock. Control • Not damage the bark as this will let disease get established. depends on the size and depth of the earth flow, the During the frst year check the poles a number of times to underlying rock type, the rate of movement and the degree of make sure they remain tight, as loose poles break new roots gullying or undercutting of the base. and allow the pole to dry out. If planting in clay soils it is Only experience can identify whether the movement is essential to check regularly, as these soils shrink and swell so repairable so that grazing can continue, or whether it needs much. to be retired and close planted. For those earth flows that are repairable, a combination of re-contouring, de-watering and Planting to prevent erosion planting of willows or poplars is needed. Slip erosion Preferably remove all dams, as these can lubricate flows, Where slips are likely to occur, plant poles at a regular 15 and ensure run-off can move freely and not bank in hollows metre by 15 metre spacing across the slope. On most sites or behind banks. Once this is done, space plant willows or

4 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 Poplar and willow feature

apart. The willow roots form mats under the waterway and on the side walls reducing the risk of further degradation and protecting the banks. These are often planted in conjunction with small debris dams to raise the bed level. This in turn, lowers the slope angle of the side slopes which can then be stabilised by spaced plantings. Large and deep gullies, such as those in the East Cape area, need retiring with close planting in willows on the most eroded areas and radiata pine on the remainder of the slopes and surrounding catchment areas. These will take many decades to control.

Tunnel gully erosion Tunnel gully erosion occurs when subsurface flows are Re-contoured, deep, earth flow north of Gisborne concentrated, removing soil particles as the water moves down planted with willows the slope. This process creates tunnels which can collapse poplars at regular 15 by 15 metre spacing across the slope. forming tunnel gullies. Although not generally considered a Planting on the contour will allow for easier pasture and stock problem by farmers, many lambs and even sheep losses occur. management and future pasture renewal. Willows are effective By planting poles in the holes or along the hollows, the on earth flows as they have fbrous roots but they need more tunnels gradually fll up. management than poplars to control splitting and branch breaking. Earth flow movement can be accentuated by concentrated water cutting through the broken soil, forming gullies. These over-steepen the flow increasing the rate of movement. This incipient gullying needs to be stopped by pair and block planting of willows. In addition earth flow movements can be made worse by undercutting of the earth flow by bank erosion or tracking. Where this occurs, the base needs to be retired and block planted in willows at about one metre spacing. Surprisingly this does slow up and even halt movement.

Gully erosion Gully erosion occurs where concentrated water flows scour the soil down to bedrock, usually during high intensity storms. In soft or shattered rock environments the rock material continues to be scoured. This lowers the base level, causing side wall collapse and enlargement of the whole gully Northland poplars, planted to control tunnel gulley erosion, recently system. harvested and the timber exported The most common gullies occur when water scours out a valley bottom. These can be controlled by pair planting Frequently, erosion types occur in association with each willows along the valley bottom at about 10 to 15 metres other, such as, earth flow and gully erosion. In these cases take advice from your local land management advisor and work together to plant poplars and willows in the most critical spots. These plantings will often halt the erosion.

Post planting management Like any trees, poplars and willows need managing to make sure they do not create problems as they mature. One of the perceived diffculties with poplars and willows is what to do as they get older. Unlike radiata pine, which is generally harvested before it becomes over-mature, poplars and willows are generally not harvested. However they should be pollarded to make sure they remain healthy and useful trees. The modern two-tier farmer needs to be an expert with a chainsaw.

The combination of small debris dams and willowWatching planting in stabilisesawe Continued on page 9 a valley bottom

New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 5 Poplar and willow feature

Poplar and willow as supplementary fodder sources Grant Douglas and Ian McIvor

The foliage of poplar and willow trees has been used by farmers for many years to feed livestock during drought at various places throughout New Zealand. The fodder has been supplied by natural leaf fall from trees which is referred to as pennies from heaven by at least one prominent tree enthusiast. In addition, fodder is made available by pollarding trees used to conserve soil on pastoral hill country or of trees grown in blocks grown specifically for fodder. Special purpose browse blocks are also an option where the animals browse the trees in situ.

effective soil conservation with no obvious erosion near these trees, and supply stock shade until the next pruning. A mature willow tree with about fve years of regrowth can feed up to 30 cows for a day. When supplemented with hay, one large tree can feed about 60 cows. In a recent study in Hawke’s Bay, regrowth from a willow tree pollarded by complete canopy removal fve years earlier, produced 29.3 kg of dry matter, with 30 per cent edible foliage. Branch debris left around trees after pollarding can be a nuisance, providing a protective habitat for weeds to germinate and potentially hindering mustering of livestock. Poplar and willow limbs tend to degrade very slowly, especially the heartwood. Some animals have been reported as becoming trapped in non-decayed pruning debris. If the tree is on a reasonably accessible site, the debris can be collected and used as frewood. Willow and poplar make perfectly acceptable frewood, if not left too long on the ground, and will burn as well as any other timber in an effcient wood burner. Cattle will strip leaves and bark from willows and poplars and eat stems up to 10 mm in diameter. Sheep tend to consume leaves and thinner stems up to fve millimetres in diameter but do not generally strip much of the bark.

When to harvest poplars The decision to harvest poplars needs to be made reasonably early in the season, before the trees start shedding their leaves in response to the drier conditions. In general, farmers in regions prone to summer drought harvest poplars frst, using Pollarding trees willows later. Willows and poplars can tolerate regular defoliation and Some farmers have created a dedicated fodder block on quickly regenerate to grow future supplementary fodder. flat or gently sloping land with a good water supply. This Several pollarded willows that have been harvested every two ensures that the fodder retains high nutritive value during or three years on farms since the early 1980s are still growing drought, can be harvested easily and quickly, and the debris as vigorously today as they were 20 years ago. Farmers have is more easily removed afterwards. This is a specialist use of noticed that the pollarded trees recover enough to provide these tree species beyond soil conservation.

6 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 Poplar and willow feature

Willow fodder browse block

Browse blocks If the browse block is managed well, it may persist for 10 High density browse-block plantings range from 2,000 to to 15 years and possibly longer. This depends on the soil type, 10,000 stems per hectare, more in some regions, and are the tree clone planted, the management it receives, weather browsed directly by livestock. There is no cut-and-drop, or patterns and prevalence of pests and diseases. cut-and-carry of the material. The blocks are generally sited on unproductive, wet and rush-infested areas of a property, Nutrition value and are fenced. The feed quality of intact leaves of poplar and willow in Wet areas are usually catchments for surrounding hills and summer and autumn is usually similar to that of pasture the accumulated nutrients should be suffcient to fertilise the during the same period, particularly during drought, and they browse block. Being wet, they will probably also contain are rich in trace elements such as zinc. Green leaves of poplar resident clover and lotus, legumes that tend to thrive under and willow have a higher nutritive value than edible forage, browse block management and supply high quality feed along arbitrarily comprising leaves and stems up to fve millimetres with the tree fodder. Blocks may also be grown on highly in diameter, but livestock will always consume some stem. productive alluvial flats prone to flooding. Once a block is The organic matter digestibility of poplar and willow edible established the soil becomes drier and the pasture understorey forage is similar to or greater than that of normal summer improves and may become legume-rich. pastures at between 55 and 65 per cent. It is greater than the Willow is preferred for browse blocks because it has more organic matter digestibility of pastures subject to drought. The thin stems than poplar. This results in trees carrying more crude protein content of poplar and willow forage during leaf material and fner laterals − the browse fodder. Stock summer and autumn is often 15 to 18 per cent, which is within generally keeps the shoot height to a manageable level, the range for summer pasture. The digestibility of edible tree reducing the need to trim shoots mechanically. forage declines during the growing season, mainly because of maturing of the thin stems from spring to autumn. Managing the blocks The concentration of readily fermentable carbohydrate Blocks are established by planting cuttings 40 to 50 cm in is greater in poplar at 19 per cent and willow at 16 per cent length and 15 to 30 mm in diameter during late winter. It is than in pasture during summer drought, which is about 10 possible to browse them lightly in the following autumn with to 12 per cent. The concentration of fbre in poplar at 37 per sheep or cattle to reduce vertical tree growth and control cent and willow 38 per cent is lower than the 45 per cent the pasture understorey growth. In late autumn the tree shoots should be tidied by cutting them with a scrub-saw to 60 per cent in pasture. These differences in composition or similar equipment to leave stumps 15 to 30 cm above the make poplar and willow effective supplementary feeds to ground. Using cattle to lower the tree growth level may be balance the carbohydrate and fbre concentrations in the an alternative option. summer pasture. In the winter after planting, sheep grazing should be A signifcant difference between the chemical composition continued through to early spring to control the pasture of poplar and willow edible forage and summer pasture is the growth. It may then be practical to lightly graze the presence of secondary chemicals, mainly condensed tannins established block once or twice when the new season’s shoots and phenolic glycosides. The concentration of total secondary have developed to a reasonable size. Early spring grass growth chemicals in the tree forages is fve to 10 times greater than should be reduced as much as possible to minimise the risk of in pasture. The benefts for livestock of these chemicals in too much dead pasture matter later in the season. poplar and willow edible forage remain to be determined. During the third year onwards, it is recommended to Most of this article is extracted from Growing Poplar and operate the same system. This is to browse with cattle or Willow Trees on Farms is a booklet compiled and prepared by sheep in autumn, then give sheep access in the winter and the National Poplar and Willow Users Group from. early spring, and perhaps once or twice during spring. The aim is to maximise the beneft of the browse system for Grant Douglas is a scientist at AgResearch and Ian McIvor a supplying feed in summer or autumn drought. scientist Plant and Food Research.

New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 7 Poplar and willow feature

Wood properties and use of poplar and willow Ian McIvor

The processing and use of both poplars and willows for different products are strongly influenced by their wood properties − anatomical, physical and chemical. That is why use cannot be discussed without considering specific wood properties. In addition, the overall quality of the wood has an effect on various uses. Quality can be affected by the presence, size and frequency of growth-related defects, such as knots, spiral grain and tension wood, and by discoloured heartwood, decay or log size. These are inherent to the raw material. Finally, there are other important aspects which also play a role. These include competition from other species and other materials, quantity and price of the raw material, energy costs, technology trends and distance from markets.

Globally, about 91 per cent of the current poplar resources of poplar . The largest area of natural willow forest grow in natural forests and woodlands, six per cent is found is in the Russian Federation. in plantations and three per cent in agro-forestry production Knowledge and experience in the use of poplars and systems. The largest proportion of natural poplar stands occurs willows are tilted heavily in favour of poplars because global in Canada, the Russian Federation and the United States. poplar resources are far greater than willow resources. But China accounts for about 73 percent of the world’s total area in general, that experience can be applied to willows as

The face and end grain of poplar. Populus nigra on the left, P. maximowiczii on the right.

The face and end grain of willow Salix sachalinensis on the left and S. cardiophylla on the right

8 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 Poplar and willow feature well because the wood of the two is quite similar. However, Tension wood willows are rarely available as large size trees in suffcient The formation of tension wood in poplars is induced by volume in natural forests or plantations. So the industrial use gravity with tension wood most probably at the tree base. of willows remains relatively minor, except in South America. Tension wood appears mainly on the upper face of leaning The anatomical features of the wood of poplars and stems and branches, although sometimes it can also form in willows are very similar, making their positive identifcation upright stems due to internal stresses caused by sustained and separation quite challenging. The anatomy and general winds, or uneven crown. wood characteristics of all poplar species including hybrids Tension wood contains more cellulose and less lignin than and cultivars are the same. normal wood. The increased longitudinal shrinkage in tension The grain is generally straight but there are differences wood leads to warping in timber. On timber and veneer, between species in the texture, density, strength, wood quality tension wood causes a woolly surface seen in milling, which traits, and sometimes the colour. Therefore information about presents problems in drying, sanding and fnishing. wood density and strength properties is essential for decisions concerning wood use. Product options Wood density and quality Product options for the conversion and use of poplars and willows are numerous. They range from timber to veneer, The wood density of poplar and willow is similar to that of and composites as wood-based products, as well as softwoods. This comparison is mainly based on their potential pulp and paper as fbre-based products. In addition, chemicals for structural applications. Poplar and willow wood show and energy may also be produced from poplars and willows. high strength values in relation to their limited density. The The wood can be used in many construction applications, moisture content of standing trees for poplars and willows is as well as for containers and furniture. In addition, several new usually quite high. technologies and new alternative uses for poplar wood are Wood quality strongly influences both product quality and rapidly emerging globally, especially in the value. Determining wood quality depends on the end purpose composites sector, in chemical extracts and in bio-energy. for the wood. Researchers generally agree that density, fbre One of the major advantages of growing poplars and willows length and microfbril angle are under partial genetic control, for various products is their rapid growth rate, enabling their with the inheritance of density appearing to be most strongly production in relatively short rotations. controlled.

Use of poplars and willows for erosion control - continued on from 5

Every few years each tree needs to be inspected for broken Carbon farming or diseased branches which should be removed, with the Poplars provide the opportunity for farmers to farm carbon lower branches pruned to reduce shading around the trunk. and meat farm on the same site while reducing the erosion This encourages stock to move around the tree for shade risk. This could be a major advantage to hill country farmers rather than sitting under it. This work can be done in the as they can continue grazing, have a supply of drought fodder, summer dry periods, providing supplementary fodder. and grow carbon. The requirement for carbon farming is to have a 30 per cent tree canopy cover. If a slope is space planted in poplar, after 12 years each tree could be expected to have a canopy with a fve metre radius canopy, giving a canopy area of just under 80 square metres. This means that to achieve 30 per cent ground cover, no more than 40 trees would be needed for each hectare, a spacing of about 19 metres. Because the trees would be used for drought fodder, a 60 per cent ground cover would be advisable to allow for the losses when pollarding. This would require around 80 trees per hectare. Careful tree selection could provide a proftable combination of pastoral production, carbon farming and drought fodder. If you are interested in learning more about soil erosion and its control, MAF Policy and regional councils are sponsoring a series of one day workshops around the North Island. Upcoming workshops are in Masterton on 23 November and Gisborne on 2 December

Willows regularly harvested with the nest in the centre of the trunk Call your local regional council for the location and the providing a safe position from which to cut the branches free registration.

New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 9 Poplar and willow feature

Willow biomass in the Taupo region Ian Nicholas, Kevin Snowdon and Ian McIvor

shown in the table. Within the 53 plots in the trial there were eight plots producing over 15 tonnes per hectare and four of these produced over 20 tonnes.

Productivity Biomass was also measured in the demonstration trial which has had more regular rainfall than the site north of Taupo. This site was coppiced in 2007 and biomass data was collected from plots of Salix viminalis and S. schwerinii in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Biomass productivity from demonstration plantings after S. viminalis Range S. schwerinii Range Oven dry Oven dry Oven dry Oven dry tonnes per tonnes per tonnes per tonnes per Western Bay willow species demonstration planting hectare hectare hectare hectare a year after coppicing Year 1 7.8 7.2 to 8.6 11.1 8.6 to 12.5 The growth of shrub willows have been investigated for Year 2 11.1 8.6 to 13.0 13.0 10.7 to 15.5 bioenergy and as a biopolymer resource in the Taupo area since 2004. Background information and some results have Year 3 17.0 15.5 to 18.4 18.1 12.7 to 23.6 been presented in previous Tree Grower articles in November The productivity of the demonstration planting is 2007 and February 2009. considerably higher than the trial plantings north of Taupo, Two of the project plantations were also assessed for although there is considerable variation between the plots. biomass production. A demonstration planting west of Lake This is possibly from the better rainfall in this area, despite Taupo was established in 2004, and another a larger scale there being less than normal rainfall for two of the years the trial north of Taupo established in 2005. The large scale coppice has been growing. trial evaluated species, cutting length and the effects of site preparation. This trial was assessed after three years, but growth had been affected by lack of rainfall during the critical growing periods. No signifcant differences were found in treatments within the sub-trials. The productivity was 10.2 oven dry tonnes per hectare for the eight treatments in the trial after three years. The amount varied from 8.15 to 12.19 oven dry tonnes per hectare, but there was considerable variation within each treatment as

Biomass productivity from trial plantings at three years A large three-year-old S. schwerinii coppice stem being taken for weighing Treatment Mean Range The good productivity may also be a result of the older Oven dry tonnes per Oven dry tonnes per hectare hectare root systems generating the coppice. However the root age is what would be expected from a typical second rotation Salix schwerinii 12.19 6.3 to 24.3 managed stand. Salix purpurea 9.25 2.8 to 22.8 The results from these biomass studies indicate that short Salix viminalis 8.87 1.9 to 22.3 rotation willow plantations can be quite productive. The most 20 cm cutting 8.15 4.8 to 22.8 productive species has been S. schwerinii, but it also has shown 25 cm cutting 10.51 3.3 to 20.2 the most variation between plots. The S. viminalis has also 33 cm cutting 11.76 2.6 to 24.3 performed well and has been a consistent performer across both sites. The results of these plantations gives confdence Cultivated 10.88 2.2 to 24.3 that willow could provide a planting option for generating Not cultivated 9.34 1.9 to 22.3 bioenergy or biopolymer resources.

10 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 West Coast feature

The West Coast a forest region rich in natural resources

With its low population and vast area the West Coast remains a near natural land, still steeped in extensive forests as well as other natural highland and wetland vegetation associations. New farming settlers have followed in the wake of Maori greenstone gatherers, early European explorers, gold and coal miners, and timber cutters and sawmillers, occupying some of the more fertile valleys. However, this is a high rainfall area with a mild climate that will always be optimal forest growing land. This series of articles complements our May 2010 feature on the West Coast, which describes the work and properties of some of our local members. From the air, native or exotic forests dominate a landscape broken only here and there with green farms snaking up the river valleys, or occupying the main river flats. It is a unique environment to be treasured and a resource to be carefully and sustainably managed.

High value alternatives to pine Matt Lysaght

When in 1993 Linda and I, along with partners Rob and Trish Roney, decided to establish a forestry block, it was planned to provide a substantial supplement to our respective retirement incomes. However, it may be that the land, rather than the trees, is the main income generator.

We bought a 35 hectare ex- that produced timber which was not so reliant for durability mining block at Camerons, on chemical treatment. We were very conscious of the approximately 15 km south of environmental demands that forestry and its products could Greymouth planning a mixed impose. Carbon credits and global warming were not such species forest. Our frst call hot topics in 1993. was to Timberlands, the now defunct government owned Planting cypress forestry company, where we Mike pointed out the success of Lawson cypress plantings made contact with Mike made by the old Forest Service in the Mahinapua Forest Craw, a senior forest manager south of Hokitika many years before and so we decided to for Timberlands. Mike’s plant 4,500 of those on four hectares of V-bladed ground. We knowledge, expertise and advice wanted to try macrocarpa, but were advised against it due to were invaluable as we began the high incidence of canker. Another cypress, lusitanica, was our frst plantings of radiata in suggested as being more resistant and we settled on 6,500 of 1994, and his support and well- those on seven hectares in 1994, again on V-bladed ground. considered advice remains our In planting these two cypress species we were aiming to The growth rate achieved in most valuable tool. grow high grade, high value trees that would overcome the some of the larger Lawson Approximately 16 hectares, high transport costs and provide a good return on investment. cypress after 16 years half of our total plantings, were We were also wanting to grow trees that were naturally radiata pine. These were planted durable, had multiple end uses, and yet were still within our in 1994 and 1995, but we were keen to establish other species timeframes of 30 to 40 year rotations.

New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 11 West Coast feature

Heavy branching and deformity is obvious above the pruned height The experimental, mixed-species block with differing pruned heights in the 16-year-old lusitanica block and heavy blackberry growth Successful at sixteen fauna at harvesting time in the future. The plantings were of 2,300 trees in total – 30 per cent These two species have been very successful to date. Despite Lawson cypress, 24 per cent lusitanica, 12 per cent western some advice to the contrary, we pruned the Lawson cypress red cedar, 11 per cent blackwood, nine per cent Douglas fr, to between four and fve metres and now have some excellent nine per cent japonica, and fve per cent coastal redwood. The stems with a diameter at breast height of 20 to 25 cm with mix was decided on what we knew would grow well on the some over 30 cm. However, as with the lusitanica, there West Coast, what we hoped would grow well and what has is heavy branching and a greater incidence. The possible subsequently struggled to do anything. consequence is that there may be little value in the logs above fve metres. It is obvious that the soil is a signifcant determinant of their growth rates, with the trees on the Too early rockier, lighter soils having a smaller diameter at breast height Is it working? It is too early to decide. The management than those on the heavier soils. of fertilising, pruning and thinning has been a battle as all The lusitanica look impressive. Form pruning began trees have been treated under one regime. Pruning has been with secateurs in year two and so we now have an excellent a challenge as the different species have different timing coverage of good straight trees and with diameter a little requirements and treatment methods to be applied. greater on average than the Lawson cypress. They are pruned As a result it would have required a far more intensive on average to between 4.5 and 5 metres, but the heavy management approach to ensure the best form and growth multiple branching above this is obvious and frequent. While was obtained from each species than has been possible. we are impressed with the growth and form of the trees, does Diffculties of access due to excessive re-growth of blackberry, the market give them a value which agrees with our opinion? flooding and inundation by water-borne gravel, slumping and A noticeable feature of the different species is that in blocking of drains have all had an effect. It will be some time recent years the pines have been hit hard with windthrow, and take more investigation to reveal what trees have survived particularly as a result of strong easterly winds. The Lawsons and in what proportions. and lusitanica have not had any obvious toppling at all. Given We believe the concept is very worthwhile and in an area the signifcance of this problem to commercial forestry on the with fewer site challenges could very well work successfully. West Coast, should future investment confne itself to high Experience will determine the right combination of trees and value trees such as these? the right proportions.

Forestry mix Why bother? Our fnal plantings undertaken in the winter of 1996 over Is the effort and expense of this type of forestry worthwhile? three hectares was a rather interesting mix of seven different A recent nearby forest block sale of 20-year-old pines is to a species. This block was in an area which was fairly wet dairy farmer who intends to remove the trees to waste and underfoot with high scrub and re-growth bush. A large convert to pasture. digger soon opened up the main drain, added a couple of Given the slowly encroaching dairy herds coming up others and began digger mounding. the valley, do we stop any further input to the trees and wait The aim was to establish a long-term, sustainably managed, till they make us an offer? Is there any indication that the high value timber forest that would avoid clearfelling at species we planted for a more durable and sustainable forestry harvest and not require disruption to the water channels future are providing the returns necessary to attract future again. We also wanted to avoid destroying signifcant canopy investment let alone maintain the present forests? Or are cover at any one time and to have a minimal effect on native clovers and carbon credits the only foreseeable alternatives?

12 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 West Coast feature

New land clearing and preparation for dairying Michael Orchard

Dairying is now the major industry on the West Coast, with an independent co-operative dairy company Westland Milk Products based in Hokitika. It is a multi-million dollar core industry of the West Coast with a turnover averaging over $400 million a year during the last four years. There are 380 individual farm suppliers, and dairy farm land occupies two per cent of the 2.8 million hectare land area of the West Coast. On the farms there are 140,000 cows, to give an average herd size of 360 cows per farm, the predominant breed being Jersey, followed by Hereford.

High demand for dairy With our high rainfall and mild climate, where generally grass grows most of the year and suffcient supplements for over-wintering can be made on site, it is not unexpected that there is a high demand for dairying quality land. However big investments are required in its development including draining, shaping and fertilising the land, as well as building modern shed facilities. This puts pressure on the landowners to get as quick a return on investments as possible. This includes new land clearing and development, both of former exotic and indigenous forest. Each year a number of new suppliers are encouraged to join and convert their land from sheep, beef or deer, with an occasional greenfeld development from previously unfarmed shrub or forest land.

Forestry land conversion We are seeing a number of exotic forestry block conversions as part of this process, both after of mature forest is completed, or where young stands are tipped over and cleared without material recovery. This also happens in some regenerating indigenous stand clearing, although recovery of

Fertile dairying country near Te Kinga, Lake Brunner, previously small beech or rimu logs for private or commercial frewood carrying tall kahikatea forest production is often the normal practice. I will not venture an opinion on whether this is a desirable Westland Milk Products speciality focus is high quality practice or not, except to say that it would seem to be the nutritional products, together with milk powders, milk fat and economic natural order of things, to see land being put to milk protein. In the 2009 year it produced 44,000 tonnes of best use at the time. I have seen a number of young stand milk powders, 22,000 tonnes of butter, and 7,000 tonnes of conversions recently of 15-year-old trees. I can only assume protein. Over 340 employees are involved in processing and that the timeline assumptions of annual dairy cash flow for milk products, mostly based in Hokitika, and the next 15 years is more attractive than a less certain forestry the company owns a fleet of 20 milk tankers with trailers, product payout when the trees reach the age of 30. It is time seen daily on the roads from Karamea to Franz Josef. for the economists to do some studies again.

New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 13 West Coast feature

More effort needed Mature stand conversion case study However, what is important is for the NZFFA is to make The site owned by Anne Bradley, of a local farming family, increased efforts to encourage dairy and other farmers was on old gold dredge tailings near her home farm in the to plant and manage more exotic and indigenous tree Arahura Valley near Hokitika, close to some of our own plantations, as well as natural biodiversity sites, on non- forestry sites. Great mounds of shingle tailings from these dairying land. In addition, to help these farmers meet the giant machines lined all the major rivers of the West Coast, strict environmental conditions that are increasingly being the top soil having been lost for ever by the poor practices applied to effluent run-off and streamside management, of the past. Surprisingly these bare rocky sites were good for farm shelter and erosion control, we have a lot to offer in forestry, especially growing radiata pine, and the Forest Service helping with species selection, landscape design and new and private owners made extensive plantings. bioengineering initiatives. In other words, we are experienced At maturity, about age 30, despite only partial pruning, at growing trees. a good spot price was obtained by the experienced logging There are lessons to be learned from the past in this company, to give a reasonable return to Anne. Our local respect. It was not that long ago that livestock and farm branch took a close interest in the operation over several feld prices were so low that dry stock farmers, especially in the trips. Following harvesting the owner decided to convert it Canterbury high country, were under fnancial stress. Some to farmland, and we were privileged to see a land clearing then discovered old stands, particularly of Douglas fr on their and shaping operation of major proportions, using several properties, some even the result of past wilding regeneration. earthmoving machines over a number of days. At the height of the wood price boom they were worth We should remember that in terms of land use, that this the extra equivalent of between a quarter and a third of the has been a very dynamic site. In the space of less than 100 total property value itself, and renewable and economically years, at different times in its history it has been virgin forest, sustainable. There has therefore been a steady increase in supported a sawmilling industry, been mined for valuable planting on these sites by entrepreneurs and owners ever gold, grown a mature exotic forest crop, and now it has been since. shaped and grassed for high value dairy farming.

West Coast forest maps Michael Orchard

Forestry is a practical land based science, and tools to help in its management are essential. Aerial forest photographs or maps are one of the most important of these, as shown in the two examples. The frst is an online geographical base map published by the Greymouth District Council, to help in the region’s planning and management. The second, shown on the next page, is a special purpose infra-red map produced by Timberlands West Coast to help land use planning. Landowners should fully research what is available for their project from the beginning. Google Earth maps vary in quality but can be a good start, or you can have your own taken by local resource management specialists for your site. Regular flying and aerial photography for many purposes has been an important management tool for all the big forestry owners. We on the West Coast have been extremely fortunate because of the large amount of Crown land here and aerial photography of this almost always overlaps with our privately managed land and forest areas.

Bushby family forests This 2005 Grey District Mapinfo aerial photograph is an example of resource mapping tools. It shows in detail the forest patterns of V-blading and hill planting, unstocked areas, native bush, wetland, sphagnum moss enclosures, tracks, streams and roads. Bushby family forestry block and nature forest

14 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 West Coast feature

This photograph is published here as a tribute to the hard be a great new mapping tool. work and effort that Jim Bushby and his family have put into First it showed all the wet in blue and dryer in red developing private plantation forestry on the West Coast, and portions of our forestry and surrounding farmland – very to thank him for his cornerstone work in supporting others useful for planting planning. Then it indicated the reason and our branch. why we had had to dig a large new drainage ditch to plant This property at Kotuku, in the Grey Valley towards Lake the northern forest half. There was a big snaking occasional Brunner is one of their main forest properties. It comprises waterway, seemingly feeding into the kahikatea forest, which 200 hectares of freehold land, in which 170 hectares has been was from swamp land to the east and was not detectable on planted in GF 17 radiata pine in 1993. The trees have been the ground. A straight line separating red from blue near the thinned and pruned for log grades between 4.5 and 6 metres. bottom of the picture indicates the gravel base formation of Management of surrounding land shows, the encroaching an old logging tram route to Malfroy’s Sawmill where the dairy farmland or undeveloped scrubland. Broader views, sleepers are still in place. enlargements or area calculations can now be done at the Secondly on the same photograph, infra-red shows up flick of a computer mouse. The Grey District Council likes very clearly the difference between the tall regenerating to encourage its ratepayers and landowners to make the kahikatea forest in blue, and the rimu and hardwood forest as maximum use possible of this Mapinfo series, as it does for its red and white along the more well drained riverbank of Fox own statutory management work. Creek. In normal photographs this could not be detected nor even could the river course be determined with certainty Special purpose infra-red under the dense forest canopy. Individual trees show up and This 1997 Timberlands West Coast map was flown by Aerial if you look carefully you can detect two giant kahikatea trees Surveys Ltd. It was part of a West Coast in the north near the prominent river bend. series, this one being part of the Waimea Forest run, near Hokitika. Initially sent as a base map for another purpose − Old photographs and new Timberlands then would co-ordinate and undertake all the In the late 1980s the government invested $300,000 to have dothistroma spraying for private forest owners – it seemed to the entire portion of the West Coast, south of the Cook River near Fox Glacier, photographed in high quality aerial colour positive flm. This was mountains-to-the-sea resource mapping, and many black and white copies were made for use by feld crews for forest mapping and recording data. For your land you may be able to fnd older black and white stereoscopic paired photographs, which were the most common type taken. Although the land cover may change, the shape of the land surface does not, and the ability to see it in a three-dimensional format using a simple viewing tool is extremely useful. Recently taken for their own management purposes, the new Crown Forestry series of images may be available for some areas of private landholdings. In my own forests, patches of windblow from recent storms were of concern because they catch the eye. However, looking at the new colour aerial photograph revealed the forests to be almost completely intact, only around two per cent damaged along one side of a Orchard property at Fox Creek track.

New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 15 West Coast feature

Recognising site quality for forest productivity Michael Orchard

If we were a big organisation looking to buy the optimal piece of land for forestry production, we might go to the fertile pumice lands of the Bay of Plenty or ash country of Taranaki. There we could laugh in the face of the fertiliser salesman, as we could in Poverty Bay, although occasional tropical cyclones and erodable soil slipping from under the tree roots would be a danger. Similarly we could go to Canterbury, covered in fertile loess over a shingle base, or similarly along any major river in New Zealand with recent alluvial silt deposits. However, we might first need the big soil-ripping tynes, or to ensure our stop banks were in order, and we would have to worry a bit about fire, drought and little furry pests.

Important points the high rainfall has meant some of these soils have become compacted and impoverished, often with iron pans forming. For any land use, including forestry, there are many important criteria to consider. These include − • Availability of skills and labour Good for forestry • Knowledge of establishment techniques and management For successful exotic forestry, just as for farming, these • Potential species for the site impediments have to be overcome. For native species the trees • Availability of good roading materials and machinery just keep on growing, with a little help from 1080 and similar • Ease of logging products to keep possums at bay. It is well known on the West • Future processing plant availability Coast that if you keep fre out of a native block which may • Distance to the mill and markets have been heavily harvested, then it will naturally regenerate • Regulations of the local territorial authorities. to its original forestry type. There will always be potential competition from other Even if the economics of harvesting has meant a probable land uses, depending on the state of the economy at the time. reduction in planting of pine by the government, then such Some regions are just natural forestry areas. These include hill country areas are eminently suitable for carbon farming. the West Coast and Northland, as well as just about anywhere On more of the front country, they will be managed for high that there is good rainfall. Native forests have been growing quality timber production as long as they are wind-frm long there successfully for at least 10,000 years, mostly without rotation species such as Douglas fr, redwood and cypress. disease and pestilence, and will continue to do so. However, They could be mixed in with deciduous hardwoods and

Site index region. Site indices for radiata pine may be broadly classified as A forestry technical measurement of site productivity is the ranging from poor at 22 metres, through to good at 35 metres. site index. The site index of a stand of trees is defined as the The productivity of a stand can be increased by cultivation mean top height or the mean diameter of the 100 largest and fertiliser, but may be decreased by the passage of heavy trees per hectare, at a given reference age. This is 20 years for machinery. radiata pine and 40 years for . Other reference point In earlier times both the Forest Service, and private companies systems could be developed internally for West Coast conditions would have had site index rankings for all their forests often by and tree ages. applying averaged data to soil map typing, and would have used The site index is an easily measured estimate of productivity these for internal tree management planning, and new land but relationships may vary between species and from region to purchase decisions.

16 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 West Coast feature native timber species, then managed on continuous cover initially notice the tall and dense regenerating kahikatea forestry principles. forest forming the northern boundary when looking at the Many of these opportunities will be on private farms as potential pine block area. While we were V blading we could that is where the only real land banks remain. These will be hardly see the top of the bulldozer over the short scrub, which on the periphery of their core farm areas such as wet sites, appeared to be working in a deep brown soupy mess. terrace sides, back hill blocks, shelterbelts, or even along Occasionally it would get caught on an old podocarp streams in conjunction with native under storey species. These stump and eventually we had to stop half way, because of the zones will be most under pressure for planting to meet clean wetness, to dig an additional main drain and return to fnish stream accords. Many farms on the West Coast have sizable the job the following year. However once we saw the dense areas of regenerating or semi-mature indigenous forest that tall regenerating trees in the kahikatea forest block we knew could be integrated into this process. this had to be a good site for growing more trees. The following examples have been designated good and lower quality sites for the purpose of comparing biological Some good radiata productivity within the West Coast. It is important to note This has certainly turned out to be the case, and the radiata that with its deeper soils and wetter peat areas the good pine in the photograph below is 14 years old and will quality site will be the most expensive for road construction become a wall of wood on its own. It looks dense because it and harvesting, as they may require hauler use with gravel to is unthinned, although pruned and standing at over 600 stems be trucked in. The low quality site, where rotation length will per hectare. It is too diffcult to thin now because of potential probably have to be longer on an old rocky glacial moraine, windthrow and cost, so we hope there is a good pole market will be cheaper and easier to log by ground based machine. around at time of harvest. The kahikatea mature pole stand is probably standing at between 1,000 and 2000 stems per Good quality site hectare and there are some reasonable sized diameters on the This seven hectare Arahura site near Fox Creek was a bigger trees. deep peat flax swamp. It was originally failed wet farmland Radiata pine growing on these sites following drainage, V blading reverting to gorse, sphagnum and weed species. We did not and fertiliser application

Flax swamp and manuka wetland

Kahikatea stand nearby for comparison

Typical soil profile of gleyed organic soils

New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 17 West Coast feature

iron pan or impeded grey clay base soils were very shallow and nutrient depleted.

Lower site index As a result the trees we planted were much shorter at 14 years than on the good quality site. Canopy spread was less, so when fertiliser was applied it was partly taken up by the gorse and shrubland between the trees. In the longer term it will still be released to the trees as the gorse and understorey vegetation dies and rots away. I estimate that the site index for radiata pine at this lower quality site to be under 25. But although productivity is lower and growth slower in comparison to the frst deep peat soil type, access on the rolling pakihi and moraine hills is very good. There is plenty of rock for road building, and harvesting would be cheaper as it is all accessible to wheeled or tracked ground hauling machinery. With lower fertility, it is standard to have wider spaced Redwood blocks growing between the radiata pine and kahikatea main forested areas trees, to allow more root spread for each to take up their essential nutrients, so this site has been thinned to about 350 I estimate that the site index for radiata pine at this site to be over 30 and will carefully measure it at age 20 years. Between the main exotic and native blocks there are two drains and an access road. Along this, partly for amenity purposes, I thought it needed some longer rotation exotic coniferous trees to be compatible with the stature of the native forest edge. As a result some 13-year-old Chinese fr and coast redwoods can be seen as part of the species mix.

Good for native trees Ecological site productivity is also related, and should be encouraged on all farm forestry properties. Native birds regularly use both sites, and there is a variety of fsh, insects, spiders, fungi and special plants in among the exotics. The natives have a rich forest understorey. In autumn the kahikatea trees annually produce large quantities of berries, and the forest becomes a cacophony of sound and pigeons soaring. In spring tui closely barrel through the pine forest in twos and threes, at such speeds you really need a hard hat, and the bellbirds enjoy the flax and eucalypt combinations. In the younger exotic forest, fernbirds, moreporks and Pakihi vegetation before development brown creepers have been seen, in addition to all the more common weka, fantails, tomtits, silvereyes and grey warblers, with pukeko in farmland next door. One day I may block off one of the drains in the upper reaches to recreate a wetland pond.

Lower site quality Farther up the road on our other 20 hectare joint venture site on the better drained hill soils, the gorse and scrub was over fve metres high in places. The area was completely inaccessible until we carefully followed behind the blade of the frst tentative bulldozer passes, and the lie of the land and eventual planting pattern could be determined. The mixed podocarp forest on the hilltop had deep well-drained black forest soil, which extended out to the tall regenerating manuka stands under which many other young native plants were beginning to appear. But outside this area Soil profile on pakihi country, showing depleted soils and naturally poorly drained pakihi areas on impeded drainage layers and rock base

18 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 West Coast feature stems per hectare. Trees can be expected to be shorter and stouter at harvest, and growing in the rocky side slopes may be slightly more wind frm.

Better in eucalypts? Nearby one wetland area was so deep in organic peaty material that the soil looked more fertile and discussion was held as to what more interesting production species might be tried there. Most species are generally more specifc in their site requirements than the ubiquitous radiata pine. So Eucalyptus nitens was chosen for the flat and E.fastigata for the hill slope, both being reasonably frost hardy, along with some attractive amenity eucalypts around the perimeter. Spacing for eucalypts needed to be much wider as the purpose is to grow large diameter trees that have reduced growth stress for milling. The intended use is for veneer or sawlog and pruning, especially of big branches, should be undertaken. Therefore the stands have been thinned to below 200 stems per hectare so that large crowns can develop to produce big trunks. The site is still poor so we have skinny trees, compared with the large volume eucalypt trees that we can grow on fertile lowland sites. On the environmental side, eucalypts are favoured trees for native birds with tui and bellbirds often looking for insects under loose bark or feeding off nectar from the flowers. E. fastigata is particularly impressive, with great numbers of yellow flowers in season, attracting many insects, and feeding frenzies of fantails and other insectivorous birds. A large deep infertile swamp with different vegetation occupies the bottom Eucalyptus nitens in modified infertile pakihi terrace soils of the basin on which all of the above trees grow around the side slopes. Fertiliser application and spraying All trees on the West Coast need regular periodic nutrient defciency testing and fertiliser application of many essential elements, particularly phosphate, calcium, magnesium and boron. Even fast growing previously healthy stands can simply stop when nutrients run out. You begin to see thin canopy leaf density and dead branches on the lower stems just above pruned height, even though canopy closure has not occurred. Often signs of yellowing or deformation of stems are clues in pines. This discolouring should not be confused with dothistroma or other fungus diseases which should be surveyed for regularly and treated. Luckily we have very few introduced leaf browsing eucalypt pests on the West Coast. Although our native pinhole borer will attack trees under stress, eucalypts often kill them, so the timber is usually not degraded. Eucalypts under stress generally have red colouring of the leaves as nutrients are re- mobilised to be sent back up to the to growing tip, and often Eucalyptus fastigata on slightly better hill slope ground conditions require extra slow release nitrogen fertiliser in addition to with some radiata pine on the left those other basic nutrients listed above.

Annual conference in the Wairarapa This conference is based in Masterton from Sunday 10 April to Thursday 14 April. The registration form is in this issue of the Tree Grower, with more information on page 20. Book now and confirm your hotel accommodation.

New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 19 Conference 2011

Land – trees – community 55th Annual Conference in Masterton 10 to 14 April 2011 Stuart Orme

I have recently returned from a six week look-around in the walk up the hill on a benched track through the forest in Germany, Austria, Italy and Denmark. I was constantly search of the kokako amongst the myriads of other critters. reminded that in other parts of the world our conference DOC have never provided this opportunity for a group theme of ‘Land Trees Community’ has been a celebrated before. and accepted way of life for centuries. We look forward to seeing how the values that those three words encapsulate can Iconic stations become a wider reality in New Zealand, as trees and forestry Castlepoint on the coast and Pirinoa Station in the south experience a renaissance due to improved harvest income and of the valley have invited us on to their properties and are the ETS. looking forward to hosting us. These are both magnifcent It is with some growing excitement and expectation that properties with a long farming history, well understood by we extend an invitation to join us in the Wairarapa in April our hosts. They have a successful approach to farming and the next year for the 55th NZFFA Annual Conference. use of trees that they will share on the days we visit.

Book early Community initiatives The venue and conference base for the main meetings will be Rewanui Forest Park is managed by an elected board which in the Copthorne Hotel in Masterton. has used forest revenues from their initial land holding to If you are planning to stay at the hotel we suggest that buy a second property. Here, existing native vegetation and you book early. In addition if you are intending to take the grassland have been retired, with 20 species of indigenous train from Wellington, which is a handy option for those trees and 12 exotic species planted in various trials. flying in from the South Island or parts further north, let With the help of a Sustainable Farming Fund grant it the Copthorne Hotel know. They will pick you up form the is all being monitored in a programme valued in excess of station and refund your train ticket. $300,000. Much of the information gathered is to be released The town of Masterton has several other options for to the conference for the frst time when we visit and take accommodation and some of these are given in the enclosed the opportunity to walk through the property. registration forms. Early booking is recommended. It will Wairio is another community initiative, shared between secure a bed in a town that can fll up quite quickly as Ducks Unlimited, Greater Wellington Regional Council, local summer and autumn festivals occur from time to time. schools and local interest groups. Now into its fourth year, it is showing real progress and DOC are excited about the re- Getting there emergence of rare species among the developing vegetation. Getting to Masterton is easy. There is a daily flight from Other community initiatives will be visited throughout the Auckland on Air New Zealand arriving in the evening and week flying out in the morning. That is the only direct link by air but it keeps our skies quiet, apart from multiple war bird Wine tasting planes that emerge from the local air museum. Due to popular request a wine tasting has been organised at For those flying into Wellington there are trains that come one of our evening meals. In addition to this, some iconic straight from Wellington to Masterton. Car pooling to the vineyards have offered to sponsor our event with access to Wairarapa could be a good option. Masterton is approximately wines which would otherwise be off the average conference an hour from Palmerston North and around 90 minutes from budget. Wellington. Book now The programme and why book early There is a registration form in this issue of the Tree Grower Pukaha Mt Bruce with all the programme details and options, including the On Wednesday will be the dawn chorus breakfast at the Mt optional days on the Monday and Friday. We look forward to Bruce Bird Reserve. We will all be there for breakfast, but seeing you there next April and sharing the conference with only the frst 100 who tick the 5.30 am box get to go on you.

20 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 NZFFA

Farm and Forest Carbon Adding value to NZFFA membership Patrick Milne

The NZFFA and its Executive are continually looking to trade was carried out elsewhere, the typical commission of add to and enhance the value of being a member. Recent fve percent would apply, a total of $500, so this is a saving of initiatives have included information on the web site and $375 a year. in Tree Grower articles on the farm forestry model, the Using the same fgures for 50 hectares of radiata, the gross continuing upgrade of the web site and progress towards income from carbon units at $20 a unit would be $25,000. developing a group certifcation scheme. The cost to a member would be $188, which is equal to The latest initiative is to provide a way to pull together the normal ‘over 40 hectare’ membership fee. This is also and market carbon for members involved in the ETS and signifcantly less than the alternative fve percent fee of maximise returns to them. This initiative is known as Farm $1,250. and Forest Carbon and this article is to introduce and explain Under the current membership structure, $188 would it to members. A detailed explanation will be provided later. be the maximum cost for annual membership of Farm and Forest Carbon. There would be no upper limit to the number No commissions of NZUs or tonnes of carbon that can be traded in any The NZFFA has entered into an exclusive relationship calendar year by a member of the NZFFA. with CF Partners, a London based advisory and investments frm which specialises in environmental and global carbon Security and certainty products. Together we have formed Farm and Forest Carbon. The actual transaction or sale of units and payment CF Partners is one of the most active traders of carbon credits to members will be handled by Deutsche Bank as an internationally and has one of the largest teams of carbon independent third party using an escrow account. An specialists. They have over 200 trading accounts in carbon escrow account is an arrangement where an independent emissions approved in spot market trading. CF Partners is trusted third party, in this case Deutsche Bank, receives and currently working on carbon transactions with a notional disburses money or assets for two or more transacting groups value of approximate €1.2 billion. or individuals The involvement of Deutsche Bank in the So what is in Farm and Forest Carbon for members of process will provide both security and certainty to members the NZFFA? By aggregating the relatively small quantities of and also ensure that everyone is paid. carbon units or NZUs owned by small forest growers, Farm There is still a considerable amount of work to be done, and Forest Carbon will allow members to take part in larger- but the plan is to have the necessary structures in place and scale, global transactions, but with no commission charged on be ready to go by the beginning of 2011. The NZFFA the sale of carbon credits. web site is being modifed to handle enquiries and provide Obviously there will be costs associated with running information on membership and participation. the scheme. The NZFFA cannot provide Farm and Forest Carbon free of charge, so there will be an administration fee. Confidence to plant The current suggestion is that this fee will be the set at the The ETS is now well established in New Zealand. Recent same level as your normal annual membership, payable in each statements by the government confrm that it is an important calendar year that credits are sold. part of underpinning Brand New Zealand and will not be going away in the near future. Significant savings for NZFFA members The second part of the above statement is important as it How would this work? One example is where a member removes a major risk to carbon trading and at the same time has 30 hectares of forest of which 20 hectares is radiata and provides landowners with the confdence to plant trees with eligible for the ETS. This member would be paying an annual a view to taking part in the ETS. The development of Farm NZFFA membership fee of $125 a year. and Forest Carbon will ensure that NZFFA members who are The radiata would be producing 25 tonnes carbon per involved in the ETS will have a good market for their NZUs. hectare per year which is a total of 500 tonnes a year. At It will also provide an incentive for would-be participants $20 a tonne, the gross income from the carbon units will be who are not currently members to join the NZFFA so they $10,000 a year. If this carbon was traded through Farm and can beneft, which can only be good for the future of farm Forest Carbon, the cost of the trade would be $125. If the forestry.

New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 21 Farm Forestry Model

Trees in the working landscape A no-fuss approach gets results Vivienne McLean

The Farm Forestry Model is all about how trees and farming operations can work hand- in-hand to enhance overall productivity and sustainability. It is important to remember, however, that this does not need to be complicated. It does not take a lot of fuss or drama to make trees part of your working landscape. But the benefits gained from adding another revenue stream to your cash flow and enhancing animal welfare can be significant.

Climate Most of the ridges run north-south. The prevailing north- westerly wind does most damage and the southerly brings rain. The property rises from 300 metres above sea level up to 360 metres at the back of the farm and the view out over the Taieri looks straight into the teeth of the southerly. Howeverm with a lot of shelter in the gullies wind is not a major issue. Annual rainfall averages 750 mm and temperatures get up to 25°C degrees in summer and around 12°C degrees in winter. There are about with about 10 days of frost a year and three or four snow days where the snow usually thaws by the afternoon. Summer dries seem to be more prevalent in recent years although the farm has avoided the worst of recent droughts that affected south and north Otago. They are lucky with a lot of manuka – where there is a lot of manuka it is higher rainfall.

Chris Sime of Outram, Otago, is a good example of a farmer Trees on the farm who takes a pragmatic approach to the farm forestry mix. He Forestry and sawmilling run in the family’s blood. Chris’s grew up on the 685 hectare property that he and his wife grandfather was a sawmiller at Tapanui. His father is quite Jo farm, and was happy to return after completing a farm skilled at cutting trees down as he started planting trees management degree at Lincoln University in 1989. in 1955 and has continued since then. Trees on the Sime Chris says the land was originally covered in manuka property are planted for proft, to get a return from unused or scrub before his grandfather and father developed the farm low production areas on the farm, and for shelter. in 1955. An investor with spare cash, who did not know The interest Chris has in planting trees was triggered at anything about farming, asked his grandfather to look the a young age. His father has always been a member of the place over. They saw the potential and bought 3,000 acres for NZFFA, and Chris recalls going on a feld trip with his a pound an acre, and Chris’s father set about developing the parents to Jolyn and Enny Manning’s property in Alexandra. property. In 1984 1,300 acres were subdivided off leaving the He was in the third form and took along a friend from school. 1,700 acre property. His parents thought he was probably not taking much interest, Today the farm predominantly runs sheep, with 2,800 but coming home in the car he asked, if he planted some trees Perendale ewes and a small beef herd of 12 cows. Chris on the place, could he have them for himself. His father said describes the soils as not too bad, with a clay base and about he could but he would not guarantee anything if the farm got ffteen centimetres of topsoil on the lower parts of the sold. When Chris left school in 1986 the frst thing he did was property with a schist rock base further up. plant a block of trees.

22 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 Farm Forestry Model

Planting is no intention to plant more Douglas fr or other species. The neighbours have planted Douglas fr at high altitudes but also Overall since 1955 there have been around 22 plantings, plant radiata around the same level as the Simes. Although mainly in radiata pine with just one block of Douglas fr. The Douglas fr is popular with sawmillers Chris reckons the total number of hectares with trees is not known precisely. slower growth rate means he probably would not see a return. ‘You just plant an area and know that 2,200 trees went in, or there are 1,300 in that block down there.’ In the earlier days Chris would just scrub cut and prepare Harvesting the site manually, then burn it and plant it out themselves. The frst trees were harvested in the early 1990s, with Chris Now they get a digger in to root rake it. They plant 1,300 and his father a small block behind the woolshed and stems a hectare and thin down to a fnal stocking of 350 to doing all the work themselves. The prices were not too bad 400 a hectare. and it was all K grade. They plant trees in the gullies where they would not get Now contractors do the job. Harvesting, all ground based, much production from grazing. Fighting gorse is a constant is carried out during a dry period to avoid the need for battle in this area, but rather than pouring money and roading. Chris uses local forestry consultant Dave Pearson to chemicals into keeping it down, Chris says it makes more gauge the state of the market, sell the logs and organise crews. sense to put the digger in, root rake it and plant it out. He Chris admits some of the earlier blocks probably had not says getting an extra fence on the edge of the paddocks can been tended as well as they might have been, but they were be good for the stock, with more edges for break fencing. still worth it. For example, a block harvested last autumn ‘You can spend a lot of money spraying gorse but it just had not been well managed. However the small 24-year-old keeps coming back. You might as well put trees on it because trees had good tight rings and went to the local market as they will suppress the gorse and then you get something out posts, poles and smaller logs, rather than export. Having a of it in the end. Once the canopy flls in the gorse disappears, post market close by on the Taieri, as well as Young Brothers although it does come back when you harvest if you do not sawmill and treatment plant in Mosgiel, is a major advantage. replant.’ Financial returns A block each year Chris works on a return of about $100 a tree as a rough rule His main aim is to get 30 blocks of trees so that theoretically, of thumb. He acknowledges others consider the fgures of he will have one block a year to harvest. They therefore try to plant every year, usually in August. The planting decision around $30,000 to $60,000 a hectare, which is around $70 to often depends on whether it has been a dry summer. If that is $150 a tree, but reckons that getting any more than $100 a the case they simply hold over planting until the next season, tree for a six metre pruned butt is a bonus. rather than risk a poor take or ending up with poor stock at He assumes the tree is ready to harvest if you give a tree a the end of a planting season. hug and you cannot touch your fngers. Down south they can However in 1994 they had a lot of trees left over so had grow good fat logs – but with knots due to the big branches. to fnd different places to put them. In addition to the main They are not going to get rich from the trees, but it is planting they ended up planting fve other little bits rather not a bad income. Some blocks are just one or two hectares than let them go to waste. but for every 400 trees in one of these blocks, at $100 a tree Radiata grows well on the property and at this stage there means $40,000. As a rule of thumb they can harvest when

New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 23 Farm Forestry Model

the trees are 27 to 28 years old and if they drop down a block Shade, shelter and fodder of trees every year that is quite a nice addition to the farm Apart from the obvious shelter belts, there is not a lot planting income. purely for shade or shelter for the stock. But Chris notes that So does he replant? The answer is a defnite yes, and Chris the trick is to do it cunningly. It is another facet of his no-fuss considers that he would be a fool not to. The second crop is approach. faster because the soil has the right mycorrhizae along with all When he puts in his trees they are protected by temporary the goodies from the roots of the trees in the soil. fencing, which is taken out when the trees are established. With just over 360 hectares as effective grazing out of It is not long before the sheep are going in under the shade, the total 685, Chris says that leaves around 320 hectares particularly during the summer dry period. Mustering is not with potential for forestry. He is interested in calculating a problem Chris just uses two dogs, and says the Perendales at what point would enable the farm to be are a pretty cooperative lot. With the likelihood of more dry carbon neutral, and looking at government incentives for tree summers he is now looking into poplars as fodder feed during planting droughts.

24 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 ETS

Forestry rights and the ETS Stuart Orme

The advent of the ‘forestry right’ some three decades ago has allowed land owners, along with someone without an interest in the land, to invest and own forests together in a handy and usually economic legal mechanism. From time to time, variations have been made on a forestry right by those involved. These variations would be to modify the terms, usually to reflect an alteration in how the final revenues would be worked out, because of a change in the initial investment intentions or other circumstances. With the arrival of the Emission Trading Scheme, forest right holders should be aware of how they are affected. This is for both pre 1990 Forest Allocation Plan (FAP) and for areas planted on eligible post 1989 forest land

Pre 1990 forest land Post 1989 forest land The land owner, known as the grantor in the forestry right, For land forested after 1989, anyone with their name on the has the responsibilities and obligations now associated with land title can make an ETS application to register a block the pre 1990 forest land. They can apply for an exemption to of land into the ETS. Anyone with their name on the land allow change of land use in the future, if they own less than title can open an NZEUR account to receive credits which 50 hectares of pre 1990 forest land, or claim the compensation accrue from that land. When making the application anyone credits available for that land. with a registered interest in the land, for example with their Summary of key Forest Allocation Plan dates name on the title, is required to sign an interested parties form which is submitted as part of the process. Criteria Important dates Interested parties may be a person or entity with a Entity to get the pre 1990 Land owner on 20 July 2010 registered lease, access arrangement or forestry right that allocation of compensation enables them to use the land, or be the owner of the land. credits This is a process which is partly to make sure that anyone Land ownership to gain 60 NZUs Land purchased on 31 October who has a registered interest is aware of what is happening 2002 or before and to allow them to ‘make a call’ if they will be affected by An exemption can be applied for an ETS application. if the owner on the 1 September 1 September 2007 The above fve comments in summary say that the land 2007 owned less than 50 hectares of pre 1990 forest owner, the tree owner or a mixture of both can apply for the credits. Therefore it is possible for those involved in a forestry Exemption to deforest land Closes 30 September 2011 right to apply for the credits together and enjoy the benefts Allocation of credits for pre Closes 30 November 2011 and obligations that the ETS makes available. 1990 forest Example for forestry after 1989 There are multiple exclusions that may allow land owners In 1994 two parties created a forestry right to reflect a 40/60 with a change of ownership title after November 2002 to still split on future tree revenues. This was based on the grantor gain the 60 units per hectare. providing the land and the grantee supplying the cash to plant Those with shares in the forest but not the land, known as and tend the trees. The termination of the forestry right is in the grantees in a forestry right, have no input or obligation July 2024, which is 30 years from planting. unless they are actual land owners of the land beneath the With the emergence of the ETS, forest now growing trees. This has raised issues around the landowner now having on land which was planted after 1989 can attract an annual to replant forest which at frst they may not have intended to. allocation of carbon credits that can be traded on the open It is introducing a potential cost to partners or shareholders market. The above participants could now look at applying who expected to not be involved the forest once it was a variation to the existing forestry rights that allows both harvested but then fnd they have replanting and potential parties to take advantage of this eventuality in an informed management obligations to fulfll. way.

New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 25 ETS

Carbon profile

Species Year planted Area in hectares Forest Right expires Radiata pine 1994 50.0 Prune and thin completed 2024

The current carbon profle for the forest is outlined in the split will occur. For example, assume that the 50 hectares of table below. The profle assumes that the forest will be grown forest has a net revenue of $20,000 a hectare in 2024. through to 2024 on a 30 year rotation and sequest 28,050 If we divide the potential harvest revenue of $1,000,000 New Zealand Units over this period. Of these, 9,100 are by the 28,050 credits to be re-purchased at forest harvest, we available this commitment period from 2008 to 2012. The have potential buy back revenue available of up to $35.65 per numbers are determined from the MAF credit. If the grantor has 40 per cent of the carbon allocated, sequestration tables for the lower North Island region, but the this comes to 11,220 carbon units valued at $20 a unit. This concepts are transferrable across the country. is a total of $224,400 over the 2008 to 2024 period, but there would be $400,000 of potential harvest revenue to buy back the credits at harvest. Year Carbon units on the At a price of $20 a unit 50 hectares What if the grantor has more land available for planting that would be better in trees than its current use? Then, 2008 1,700 $34,000 assuming it is still in the lower North Island or Hawkes Bay 2009 1,800 $36,000 region, they would need to plant approximately 35 hectares of 2010 1,850 $37,000 land to generate the credits required to surrender by 2024. 2011 1,900 $38,000 Put simply, it is very easy for those involved in a forestry 2012 1,850 $37,000 right to apply for and receive their credits. However, there 2013 1,850 $37,000 may be a number of unrelated individual or groups involved. Therefore time and thought needs to go into the variations 2014 1,850 $37,000 involving a forestry right to make sure everyone is aware of 2015 1,750 $35,000 the obligations that will arise and that they can honour them. 2016 1,750 $35,000 2017 1,650 $33,000 For further information can be obtained by contacting the writer 2018 1,550 $31,000 on [email protected] or [email protected] or at www.woodnet.co.nz 2019 1,550 $31,000 2020 1,450 $29,000 2021 1,400 $28,000 2022 1,400 $28,000 2023 1,400 $28,000 2024 1,350 $27,000 Total 28,050 $561,000 Providing forest consulting services for pre 1990 forest land owners At an assumed market price of $20 for each carbon unit there is potentially, in the period 2008 to 2024, a total of We can help you with 28,050 carbon units, which at $20 a unit comes to $561,000. • Confirming applicant eligibility For 2008 to 2012, the frst commitment period, there would • Opening the required NZEUR account be 9,100 units which at $20 a unit comes to $182,000. • Provision of required Certification of Title and If this is all registered in time, in other words by 30 March legal descriptions 2011, there would be enough credits to amount to $107,000 • Mapping and shape file creation which would be allocated in March and April 2011. • Determining claim amount • Support with NZEUR account management Potential harvest revenue from $1,000,000 • Channel to market advice 50 hectares at $20,000 a hectare Potential credits available between 28,050 carbon units Important dates 2008 and 2024 Entity to get the pre 1990 Land owner on 20 July 2010 Less credits not required to be surrendered Zero carbon credits Allocation of Compensation Credits Land ownership to gain 60 NZU 31 October 2002 or before Nil credits to be surrendered 28,050 carbon units Land ownership to gain 39 NZU 1 November 2002 to 19 July 2010 Exemption to deforest land Closes 30 September 2011 Allocation of credits for Different split of revenue Closes 30 November 2011 pre 1990 forest If the allocation of carbon is different from the logging revenue split, and if you are looking to buy back credits with Supporting the NZFFA conference in Masterton harvest revenues, a disproportionate revenue and obligation 10 – 14 April 2011

26 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 ETS

Insuring carbon in your trees Geoff Manks

It is reasonable to ask how you can insure something which without help, you cannot see, hear or feel. Following the introduction of the ETS, forest owners who trade their carbon credits now face this issue − the asset and liability values of the carbon within their forests.

New Zealand has a long history of growing trees and protection or insurance for carbon trading activity. This subject exporting timber. The systems, processes and precedents seems to be causing some uncertainty with forest owners in involved in this industry are well understood by most of New Zealand so an explanation may help. those involved, but it is only natural that the introduction of something new to this sector may take a while to swallow and What is being insured? then digest. If we look at the tree, we frst need to reconsider all that we As with anything introduced, there is the predictable bell have learned in the past 30 years and ignore the gate value of curve graph of those who adapt early versus those who never the timber as the means of setting the insured value. We are will. This applies to forest owners facing the dilemma of insuring a carbon forest, and as such, need to assess the asset entering the ETS and what to do with carbon credits. value of the carbon in the tree now, and in the future. With a degree of certainty we can determine the actual value of a carbon tree or forest at any given time based on current and forward prices of carbon. Therefore with a market for carbon we can quantify the insurable value of the carbon in a tree. The tree grown for timber is no different from one being grown for sequestering carbon. Two main areas of distinction between these forests is the value attaching to them and how an insurance claim needs to be settled. To highlight the differences between the two the following explanation may help provide some clarity. Until a tree is cut down, it will have an estimated value at harvest of $x. If the tree is lost before that harvest date as the result of an unforeseen event such as fre or earthquake, the If the above reflects the uncertainty facing forest owners, forest owner claims for the future lost earnings that would given the potential fnancial benefts achievable perhaps it may have been produced if the tree survived until harvest. This be more of a lopsided curve towards the right. Possibly one of amount will be reduced by the value of the salvaged timber the stumbling blocks in the way of a rush to become part of along with re-establishment costs to replant the affected area. the ETS is the uncertainly around obtaining appropriate risk Traditional insurer models are quite clear for determining the Carbon Credit Forestry Insurance

Uncertain when it comes to insuring your forest for If you want to know more about reducing your carbon your carbon activity? credit risk, talk to us. We will work in your best interests NZ CA to achieve a competitive and robust insurance ETS or PFSI, New Zealand Carbon Insurance can help. We are R programme that best suits you. B

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New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 27 ETS

What risks can you get covered? Having worked through the process to arrive at an insured value for our carbon forest, we then need to know what risks we can get insurance against. Naturally if tree A is situated across the road from tree B, and they are of the same species and age, there really is very little difference in risk to the insurance company. The types of risks available to forest owners can vary depending on where the forest is but may A – Timber forest B – Carbon forest often include the choice of the following − • Fire from any cause other than excluded events such as forests value and the increase in the insured value per hectare war as the tree gets closer to harvest. • Malicious damage Tree B is in a carbon forest, and if a loss occurs then the • Impact from a land vehicle or aircraft owner has an immediate surrender liability to the government • Windstorm for all credits issued over the affected forest area. The • Volcanic eruption measurement of this liability forms one part of establishing • Earthquake the insurable value. A number of credits would have been • Hail deemed to be released back into the atmosphere and therefore In this example, because there is no signifcant risk the forest owner must surrender an equivalent number back difference between tree A and B, the factors which to the government. differentiate the premium which risks you want covered and As with tree A, we also need to add to this fgure the the insured value of the forest. re-establishment costs and loss of future earnings as a way of arriving at a fnal insurable value. Each forest owner will Claim time have a different view on what this may be worth, so the Now that the carbon forest is appropriately insured for the formula to arrive at these values is flexible. A fnal part of correct value and risks, the most important question of any the equation can sometimes include the supply of credits to insurance contract is how it will respond in a claim. Most supplement any shortfall under an off-take agreement with traditional forest policies will settle the loss on the agreed an emitter. value per hectare, less salvage and less deduction if the tree is in poor condition which would affect the yield at maturity. For a carbon forest, because of the legislative implications on forest owners, such uncertainty is not acceptable. The value settled needs to be pre-agreed and understood so it is suffcient to meet the surrender obligations the owner will face, along with re-establishment costs and loss of future earnings. An appropriately structured carbon insurance contract will respond in this way and can be one of the single most important aspects to the forest owners’ insurance policy. The local and international insurance markets are slowly responding to the needs of carbon forestry. Insurance solutions are available now to replace traditional timber insurance policies. These policies deal with the unique aspects associated with carbon credits, namely the valuation and settlement basis of carbon forests. Forest owners who trade their carbon credits only need to maintain one insurance policy over their stand of trees, and do not need a policy for the timber and one for the carbon. As highlighted above, the carbon and timber insurance policies are effectively the same, but with several important technical changes made to reflect the unique implications carbon forests attract. Currently there are a limited number of insurers of carbon forests. Over time, the insurance market will respond more actively as the carbon credit sector develops, thereby creating more choice for forest owners when selecting their insurance carrier.

Geoff Manks is the managing Director of NZ Carbon Insurance, a company specialising in insuring carbon forests

28 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 Learning from Australia’s fires Stuart Anderson

When summer turns up its heat once again, we are often reminded of the bushfires that created such tragedy in Australia in February 2009. Although fires on that scale are unlikely to happen in New Zealand, a number of valuable lessons arose from Black Saturday that are relevant to anyone living in rural or semi-rural areas – particularly those who grow trees on their property.

Prepare, act, survive Fire authorities in Australia widely promoted the slogan − prepare, stay and defend, or leave early. This has now changed to − prepare, act, survive. While most people living in Victoria are aware of this advice, an in-depth study of actual behaviour showed that some key aspects of this message were not really getting through. Many deaths occurred because people left their escape too late, and many homes were lost because properties had not been adequately prepared to withstand fre. For those who like living near trees, it is particularly important to manage the vegetation around your home to ensure the property can be adequately defended. Some of the houses that we saw in Victoria were located so close to forest that they would have been diffcult to protect at the best of times. When faced with the intense fres that occurred in February, these properties were doomed from the start.

Be prepared Being prepared for fre also involves having an adequate water supply and a reliable method of using it. It means being realistic and ensuring you are physically ft, and Following the bushfres in Victoria, the Bushfre Cooperative mentally tough enough to face a fre. This can be a terrifying Research Centre (CRC) assembled a group of fre researchers experience, with the fre, smoke and ash causing poor to provide an independent analysis of the factors surrounding visibility, darkness, breathing diffculties and in many cases these series of fres. Rural fre researchers from Scion were there being a roar from the fre and burning vegetation. among those conducting the investigation. It was sobering to note that even in the State of Victoria, The size and ferocity of the fres was well beyond what which experiences possibly some of the highest fre danger most of us will ever experience. However, climate modelling levels in the world, many people were not suffciently research suggests that extreme fre conditions are likely to prepared for what happened to them. As more and more become more prevalent in New Zealand, particularly in people in New Zealand make their home on the urban fringe, eastern areas of the country already prone to drought. we see an increasing number of properties facing similar risks, Every year we see enough wildfres in New Zealand to although on a smaller scale. know that even a relatively small fre is enough to put lives New Zealand is a country of abundant vegetation, and and properties at risk. The Australian fres served to highlight most of it burns well when it dries out enough. All it takes is a what anyone living in rural areas should think about – namely spell of moderate to hot weather, the right wind and a source the value of being prepared. The decisions faced by individual of ignition. These conditions do occur and they are tipped to members of the community were similar to those for any occur more often as the climate changes. rural fre that encroaches on people’s homes. Continued on page 32

New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 29 Research

Getting redwood right for New Zealand Wade Cornell

A call is going out to those interested in redwood development to see if New Zealand can find and grow the best redwoods on the planet. A new redwood trial is being organised incorporating clones selected in New Zealand from seed collected in 2002 by Professor Bill Libby and Wade Cornell. This trial with controls has the potential to indicate the first clones selected for adaptation to our conditions.

We have seen imported clones such as Kuser and Simpson Very variable timber brought here on the basis that they grew well in California. Redwood is enormously variable with densities that can We have since found that good growth in California be as low as balsa wood, or up to 400 kg per cubic metre. conditions does not necessarily equate to their growing Durability can be no better than untreated pine, or up to well here. Even clones selected must go into further trials, class 1 durability. Seedlings and untested, or only partially otherwise all that could be said is that they grew well on that tested, clones that have been planted will probably result in one site. We also need to ensure that we are not reacting to a poor quality resource that will do little for New Zealand’s the dead cow syndrome − a bigger tree because a cow died reputation for a high quality product. there a few years before planting. The only market that appears willing to take this type of Of special note will be the inclusion in the upcoming material is for coffns in Taiwan and Korea. The millions of trial of what could be called the ultimate seed collection poor quality variable redwoods already planted are likely to from the southern and inland portions of California’s natural swamp this relatively small low, value market and this is where redwood stands. The collection was partly funded by the most of the recently harvested resource has gone. US government over concerns about losing some of the It will take a dedicated effort for those who eventually northern natural forests due to climate change, and partly by grow good clones to try and capture high value markets using the NZIF. quality assurance programmes and certifcation of stands tested for all wood properties. The other hope for recently Seed collection planted redwood is to accumulate carbon credits. The viability Pascal Berrill of Humboldt State University, Professor Bill and longevity of the carbon credit scheme is unpredictable. Libby and myself, with a crew of climbers and ground crew, It should not be the only justifcation for planting redwoods spent a month on the survey and collection last year. Cones that do not also have good wood properties and a potential were collected from unrelated trees that were the biggest and high market value. best from those forests. Cores were taken to check wood Owners of recently planted stands but not trials may wish properties and determine growth rates. This collection will to consider whether they should spend more time, money, probably best match New Zealand’s conditions as these and continue to tie up land in a crop that is may not give redwoods have shown exceptional adaptation to the hottest, a viable return. The good news is that recent planting has driest areas with little or no fog cover. Temperatures can be demonstrated that redwoods grow well in many of the warm over 30oC with rainfall under 1000 mm. and wet districts of the country. The purpose of these new trials is for New Zealand to fnd clones that are best suited to our conditions. Then we The trials need to select clones that have excellent wood properties Now it is time to get back to basics and plant trials of what which will ensure high value timber. It is unfortunate that will eventually enable us to grow high quality high value large areas of redwoods, other than trials, have already been wood. Trial participants will need − planted. Redwood is potentially a very high value timber, but • 2,000 square metres that can be fenced off from stock only if the wood has excellent stability and durability with • Commitment to maintaining the trial appropriate consistent density. • Willingness to undertake occasional measurements. Some redwood nursery and sellers, while endorsing the Trial participants will have frst priority on availability of need for clones with tested wood properties, have not actually the clones that this trial generates. For further information performed those tests or provided results for all the required and to register to be part of the 2011 trials contact Wade wood properties. Ask questions and be cautious. Cornell [email protected]

30 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 A day in the life of Forestwood 2010 A forest industry conference Julian Bateson

This one day conference on 12 October in Wellington was hosted by the Wood Processors, Forest Owners and Forestry Industry Contractors Associations. It was also supported by the NZFFA who were closely involved in its organisation. The conference aim was to focus on the part to be played by forest industries in the future prosperity of New Zealand, and how to maximise value in the supply chain.

Around 300 people flled the lecture theatre at Te Papa – most sit in a conference with 300 people for a whole day. But of the top movers and shakers in New Zealand forestry. This Forestwood did quite well. There were over a dozen speakers, was a rare event, getting all these people under one roof. It was with a wide variety of information to impart, one speaker was doubly important that Prime Minister John Key, who opened our very own President John Dermer. So did we learn much the conference, and David Carter, Minister of Agriculture, who from the day and will farm foresters beneft? closed it, were able to see everyone together for the day. The Confdence in wood supply was one important government has been known to suggest more than once that message which was not just for the large forests owners and they do not see forestry speaking with one voice. contractors. With log prices still about half of what they In his opening address, John Key reckoned that forestry were in 1993 in real terms, adding value often seems to be will do well as we come out of the recession, particularly as the option, but it was suggested that is better to ship logs wood exports to China are already four to fve times the level proftably than to process them unproftably. they were a few years ago. His overall message was that the government was behind the forestry industry as it grows in China a growing market size and proftability. The increasing importance of China for exports of logs As usual he showed he was on the ball when answering should not be dismissed, and it was mentioned frequently questions about economics and politics. It is a pity he showed throughout the day. The GDP in China is growing at up a lack of knowledge when it came to trying to answer a to ten per cent a year and world commodity prices are question about sustainable harvesting of indigenous trees. increasing, even if only slightly. China is going to need a There is work to be done there yet. lot more wood for quite some time and New Zealand can fll most of the gap left by the reduction of supplies from The day of speakers Russia. When you are used to farm forestry conferences, which are The sad part is that most of the radiata going to China is mainly spent on a bus or out in a forest, it is quite hard to used for concrete forming, pallets and crates. We saw a few pictures of radiata logs arriving in China and the quality left a lot to be desired. Perhaps many of us in the audience thought pallets was the best use for such wood.

Forestry importance We learned that forestry stimulates the rest of the New Zealand economy quite signifcantly. For example if forestry doubles from its current 1.1 per cent to 2.2 per cent of GDP, then GDP overall increases by 6.6 per cent. How do we know? Apparently the equation

Ln(Qt) = ßo + Σ ßiLn (q i t) + u will prove this, as explained by the Infometrics speaker David Grimmond. I may have got the odd part of this equation wrong, but I am not totally convinced by the maths. John Key making his opening address

New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 31 Timber building award and hopefully good note was taken by all 300 listeners that the NZFFA members are an important part of the future of Fortunately the rest of the day was a bit easier on the brain forestry in New Zealand and we had an excellent presentation about an award winning three storey timber building in Nelson. All the strength in the beams and supports was laminated timber and none was Wood chip opportunity treated pine. Not only was it a successful project, it has great One of the benefts of such a conference is the chance possibilities for similar buildings in the future with wood as to talk to a range of people over coffee or a drink, those the main structural support. professionals only seen occasionally or being met for the frst Perhaps Christchurch will beneft in the rebuild. Bryce time. The conference gave us plenty of time for this, perhaps Heard of Lockwood had us convinced that all wood houses encouraged by the number of exhibitors’ stands which needed are the best in an earthquake. Apparently none of the a good crowd around them. Lockwood houses in the quake affected areas suffered any It was at one of these sessions that I had a discussion with damage, whereas neighbouring buildings did. Shaun Bowler of the Energy Effciency and Conservation Authority. He wants farm foresters to consider the Farm forestry opportunities of wood chips for heating, particularly for small groups to get together to supply the materials. It would be to provide the heating for perhaps a public swimming pool, or even a sewage treatment plant where the heat is used to help dry the material before disposal. There seem to be some promising opportunities and the NZFFA, in the form of Hamish Levack, will be following this up to fnd out what may be available as fnancial help. When asked about the volumes of wood chip which might be needed, Shaun said around 100 tonnes a year would be a workable amount. This is approximately two tonnes a week, which is less than a decent sized radiata, or half a dozen small ones. If a few farm foresters can get together to supply this amount and if the growers are relatively close to the customer it apparently makes good economic sense. Practical considerations need to be considered, such as running a As would be expected in such a conference, which covered big wood chipper and having some storage to make sure a most aspects of the forestry industry, farm forestry did not continuity of supply can be maintained. Keep watching Tree feature in a major way. However John Dermer gave a good Grower for more details on the potential available for wood account of the NZFFA in the short time slot he was given chips from farm foresters.

Learning from Australian fires – continued on from 29 Serious threat The challenge we have in New Zealand is to take this threat seriously, given that our fre risk is not perceived to be as serious as in Australia. Having witnessed frst-hand what can happen to communities caught in the midst of a wildfre, we would urge landowners to take a hard look at their own risks. Guidelines available from the National Rural Fire Authority or your local council are a good starting point for obtaining clear advice on how to prepare and defend your property from wildfre. Precautionary steps include clearing flammable vegetation from around buildings. Green lawn provides a much better safety zone than dense shrubbery or trees, for example. Take a look at your water supply and check how effective it might be if a fre is bearing down on you and mains power is out. It also pays to ensure that you have suffcient escape routes from your property if the fre takes hold. This kind of they will be more seriously heeded now that we have all seen emergency planning applies to anyone in a rural area or on just how damaging rural fres can be. the urban fringe – regardless of property size. These guidelines and messages are not new. Hopefully Stuart Anderson – formerly from Rural Fire Research leader, Scion

32 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 Hardwood in effluent schemes Ian Nicholas, Angus Gordon, Stephen Pearce and Marie Heaphy

The treatment of waste water is of increasing value to land managers, local councils and small communities in New Zealand. Trees have been used for waste water treatment at various sites by individual farmers and district council utility managers. The use of fast growing hardwoods provides an excellent opportunity for carbon sequestration and bioenergy production in addition to the removal of nutrients in effluent land treatment systems. The New Zealand Land Treatment Collective obtained support from MAF’s Sustainable Farming Fund for this project to review hardwoods in effluent schemes.

Almost any type of waste water Best results A total of 13 sites were investigated from Omaha, north of The highest productivity was achieved with Eucalyptus nitens Auckland, to Invercargill. These covered a wide variety of sites at the Invercargill site. This was followed by the two Waihi and a range of effluent type from domestic waste water to Beach plots of E. maidenii with the closest spacing providing sawdust leachate. The most common application method was spraying, although four systems used drip irrigation. At 11 of the sites, data was collected from the establishment of growth plots which were measured for growth and yield. Two of the sites were not suitable for growth plot establishment and so no data was collected from them. At the Whakarewarewa site, high mortality resulted in too little data for individual plot summaries.

E. nitens plantation age 13 years at Invercargill

Location of sites assessed Inside E. maidenii plantation at age 10 years, Waihi Beach

New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 33 Acacia melanoxylon. The A. melanoxylon at Puhoi and E. ovata at Blenheim showed very similar productivity. However, the coppice material at Blenheim would increase the site productivity from this species.

What the results mean Care is required in the interpretation of these productivity fgures in several respects. Firstly the three top sites are no longer getting effluent. More importantly the interaction of eucalypt species and site is critical to the long term performance of systems involving eucalypts. For example, while E. globulus plots have quite high productivity, the E. maidenii was the best performing of the three eucalypt species planted at Cooks Beach site. Here it was superior to E. globulus and E. ovata. The E. ovata, which was established in wetter areas with A. melanoxylon, has performed very poorly, but the A. melanoxylon is growing very well.

Eucalypt advantage The review of schemes has shown that the hardwoods, mostly eucalypts, are growing well on a range of sites. The advantage of eucalypts in effluent schemes is they can accumulate considerable biomass in a short period of time. Of the 13 sites evaluated the best example of a successful effluent scheme, with crop removal to remove nutrients off site, was the Whiritoa plantation. This is running very well with periodic removal of stem wood for frewood. It Eucalyptus botryoides, Omaha, age 21 years is the only scheme that is being managed according to the the higher volume. The Whiritoa site provided the fourth objectives where the coppicing ability of select eucalypts is ranked volume, only just superior to Whitianga with E. used to remove nutrients from the system. The Blenheim site globulus, and the mixed plots from the Omaha plantation is also achieving the same effect in a sporadic manner rather which has combinations of E. saligna, E. botryoides, and than in a managed system.

E. botryoides plantation coppice at Whiritoa, receiving effluent, established in 1989

34 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 Plantation growth data from sites assessed

Stocking in Mean Volume in Volume MAI in stems per diameter in Mean height cubic metres cubic metres per Location Species Age in years hectare cm in metres per hectare hectare per year Invercargill E. nitens 12 1450 23.0 24.9 544.1 43.5 Waihi Beach E. maidenii 9 2497 13.8 15.1 227.8 25.3 Waihi Beach E. maidenii 9 1012 19.2 15.2 174.7 19.4 Whiritoa E. botryoides (coppice) 3 3350 7.4 7.9 52.6 17.5 Whitianga E. globulus 11 2659 12.4 14.7 190.5 17.3 Omaha Mixed species 21 788 42.1 39.5 343.7 16.3 Puhoi A. melanoxylon 13 963 20.9 13.1 184.1 14.0 Blenheim E. ovata 12 792 18.7 16.0 166.4 13.9 Omaha E. botryoides 21 582 23.8 24.1 271.0 12.8 Omaha E. saligna 21 450 25.8 25.8 214.3 10.1 Sanson E. globulus 10 1575 12.9 11.3 69.2 9.7 Cooks Beach A. melanoxylon 10 875 17.1 10.0 84.2 8.5 Cooks Beach E. globulus 10 1184 11.3 12.1 60.5 6.1 Halcombe E. ovata 10 2525 10.5 9.8 53.0 5.4 Sanson E. camaldulensis 10 1725 12.3 6.9 41.0 4.2 Cooks Beach E. maidenii 10 467 14.0 12.9 38.9 3.9 Cooks Beach E. ovata 10 463 11.2 8.9 15.3 1.5 Omaha A. melanoxylon 21 200 18.1 12.5 40.4 1.9 Cooks Beach E. ovata 10 463 11.2 8.9 15.3 1.5 Blenheim E. ovata (coppice) ? 350 7.5

characteristics of hardwoods are not being used, then pine should also be considered for land treatment schemes.

Conclusion The eucalypt plantations which were evaluated varied in performance. Some were highly productive with an MAI oft 43.5 cubic metres per hectare per year, whereas others showed poor growth with only 1.5 cubic metres per hectare per year. Very few of the are being managed for nutrient removal. It appears that most are being used simply as land application sites without making use of the hardwood species for nutrient removal. The most productive species were E. nitens in Southland, E. botryoides at Whiritoa, E. maidenii and A. melanoxylon at Waihi Beach and Cooks Beach. The selection of species Recent harvesting in 13-year-old E. ovata, Blenheim for effluent schemes should take location and management system into account. The potential for bioenergy plantations The performance of E. ovata was extremely variable. In as a management system to remove nutrients is still an option. some previous effluent trials it had performed very well. It However, it is not one that has been recognised in most of the was performing well at Blenheim, but was very poor at Cooks locations evaluated. Beach where A. melanoxylon had superior growth and health. The best example of a site which is managing nutrient At Halcombe growth was adequate but not very impressive. inputs and removing material for bioenergy is the one at Other than E. nitens near Invercargill and E. botryoides at Whiritoa. Two crops have been removed since 1989, with Whiritoa, other species that performed well were E. maidenii most of the material used for frewood. Two sites, Halcombe and A. melanoxylon. and Sanson have potential to be used for frewood because of While this review has focussed on hardwoods, it was very their favourable topography. interesting to note that adjacent radiata pine plantings looked healthy and productive at several sites. There is considerable The support from the MAF Sustainable Farming Fund and the experience with pine in effluent systems. If the attributes Land Treatment Collective for this project are most appreciated, of fast early growth, high nutrient uptake, and coppicing along with significant support from other organisations

New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 35 Safety

Improving safety for farm foresters Julian Bateson

The risks in the business of forestry have been known for a long time and ACC has been targeting the industry for the past few years. As a result they have managed to significantly reduce the number of accidents to professional foresters. They expect that this downward trend in forestry accidents will continue, apart from one key area − farm foresters or owners of woodlots.

One serious accident each week Volunteers may be needed It is diffcult to separate out serious injuries that have Some members will have already been asked to come to happened to farm foresters compared with professional this full day workshop. By the time Tree Grower is published, foresters or farmers. However ACC have worked out some about two weeks before the workshop, we may have a full rule of thumb fgures. The accident rate for professional complement, but possibly not. If you think you can handle a foresters is just over 300 a year. The accident rate for what full day of being put through the mill, fguratively speaking, they judge to be farm foresters is approximately an additional helping Dr Bennett get a full picture of farm forestry, then 50 a year, or around one each week. This fgure could easily please contact myself at [email protected] or increase as farm foresters start the more dangerous tasks of Hamish Levack at [email protected] as you may be needed. harvesting small woodlots planted from the early 1990s on. Once the frst workshop information has been ACC can see the downward trend in the accident and analysed ACC will decide if they need one or more of injury rate for professional foresters, but not farm foresters. these workshops in another part of the country. Whatever Some clever people may have already worked out that if there the outcome, by the middle of 2011 they want to have a are about 2,000 members of the NZFFA, that 50 accidents a system for farm foresters up and running by the NZFFA to year is one in 40 and they know 40 members who have not signifcantly improve safety. been injured for quite some time. Are the fgures suspect? In fact there are around 15,000 farm foresters out there, Reductions in the ACC levy perhaps more, and the NZFFA only has about 15 per cent as We all know that the ACC levy has to be paid, it is the members, so the accident rate is closer to one in 300. equivalent of an insurance premium. The ACC system in New Zealand is admired around the world, in spite of the What next? fact that we always seem to fnd ways of complaining. One The next phase is good news but requires a bit of work. main problem of ACC is that individual small companies who ACC managed to reduce the professional forestry accident are very safe and have no accidents do not get a reduction rate by working closely with the industry and producing a in premiums in the way that a safe driver gets a reduction in series of cunning plans. These plans were based on knowledge motor insurance. gleaned from research they carried out using a small series of ACC intend to rectify this and are busy discussing the workshops involving professional foresters. options available, which they intend to have in place by the They want to do the same with farm foresters and are end of March 2011. Nothing is confrmed, but they currently prepared to fund this, so that eventually the farm forestry envisage three options. accident rate will plummet, ideally to zero. ACC worked out There would be the standard payment for those companies that that there is a strong correlation between good safety or individuals who have a ‘standard’ number of accidents over systems and good overall business management. Conversely a set period. There will be a higher payment for those who those who are careless about safety are usually bad at almost have signifcantly above average accidents. Finally, the good everything else. If ACC can facilitate good overall management news is that for those who have signifcantly fewer accidents, and forest practice it will also reduce the accident rate. the premium would be reduced. They need information which they will get from special Not only would fewer accidents mean less pain and workshops and the frst of these has already been planned misery, it would also mean less expenditure when those ACC for 30 November in Palmerston North. It will involve a levy envelopes arrive in the post. As mentioned earlier, this is maximum of 20 farm foresters from the southern part of all in the discussion phase and nothing is defnite, apart from the North Island. The workshop will be run by Dr Hillary the start date of 1 April 2011. It means the sooner we start on Bennett who ACC use as an expert in teasing out the being safer, the cheaper it may be, as well as fewer accidents. information required. Julian Bateson is the NZFFA health and safety representative

36 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 Research

Southern ladybird gets a second chance Toni Withers and Lisa Berndt

Efforts by NZFFA members and Scion to encourage the spread of biological control agent, Cleobora mellyi, could be good news, particularly for blackwood growers. A recent survey finds the helpful ladybird now widely established in New Zealand. The southern ladybird C. mellyi is a predatory beetle that feeds on eucalypt and acacia pests. This insect was introduced to New Zealand from Australia in the 1970s and 1980s in the hope it would help control the eucalyptus tortoise beetle, Paropsis charybdis. Unfortunately it only became established at one place in the Marlborough Sounds.

Scientists discovered that C. mellyi needed additional food sources to reproduce successfully, particularly in the form of sap-sucking psyllids. These species may not have been suffciently abundant in the 1980s for the released ladybirds to establish successfully. Only two psyllid species were present on eucalypts in New Cleobra adult beetle Zealand when C. mellyi was frst introduced and at certain times of the year these species are scarce, which could leave the ladybirds hungry. However, at least nine new psyllid species, as well as additional leaf beetle species, have established in New Zealand on eucalypts and acacias since the original release of C. mellyi. Therefore conditions were right to increase the distribution of this predator.

More pests The discovery in 1996 of a new tortoise beetle Dicranosterna semipunctata on blackwood caused renewed interest in C. mellyi, as it also feeds on the tortoise beetle which is now widespread in the upper North Island. In October 2005, Richard Davies-Colley and Dean Satchell re-collected C. mellyi from blackwoods and eucalypts in the Marlborough Sounds to try and relocate this predator to other areas. Map showing where C. mellyi is now established, and where it has Collections were also made by Southwood Export Ltd. for been released but not yet re-collected release in Southland. The collected beetles were reared in captivity. Then Success 1,350 eggs and over 5,000 adults were released at 19 sites in Last summer most of the sites were visited to check for the North Island from October to December 2006 and in establishment of C. mellyi. which were found at eight of the September 2007. 14 sites visited in the North Island, as well as at one of the two Southland sites. At some sites establishment occurred

New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 37 Research

Cleobora larva Harmonia larva

from releases of only 23 adult ladybirds. The southern ladybird The most common ladybirds encountered were steelblue is now established in Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, ladybird Halmus chalybeus, and large spotted ladybird Harmonia Waikato and Bay of Plenty, in addition to the Marlborough conformis. The latter species is easily confused with C. mellyi, as Sounds site. both larvae and the adults are similar. Although search effort was concentrated on blackwoods, Adult beetles are most easily distinguished as H. conformis eucalypts were also examined at most release sites. However have about 20 distinct black spots, while C. mellyi have a only one individual C. mellyi adult was found on eucalypts, central black line with black zigzags on each side. These two suggesting they may have a preference for blackwoods and species occur together in eucalypt plantations in Tasmania and their pests. Further research is required however to understand have been recorded there as effective predators of the eggs of what degree of effect C. mellyi can have on tortoise beetles the leaf beetle Chrysophtharta bimaculata. and psyllids on eucalypts and blackwood. More information and photographs of C. mellyi are available on the NZFFA website www.nzffa.org.nz. If Other ladybirds you would like to know which ladybirds are present During the surveys last summer, the presence of a number of on your trees email close-up digital photographs to the other ladybird species on blackwood was noted with interest, authors – [email protected],or lisa.berndt@ as they are also likely to be feeding on blackwood pests. scionresearch.com

Letters to the Editor Letters

The feasibility of forestry co-operatives. mean? Putting your cutting rights into a cooperative in return for shares I presume. Not a bad idea, but only if we get rid In ‘Letters’ of the August 2010 Tree Grower Gray Baldwin of the cost of bush anomaly. Few seem prepared to bother to makes the valid point that the high cost of product-storage understand this. obliges dairy farmers to co-operate. However he is wrong Those, like Gray, who deny the feasibility of forestry when he says that, unlike milk, trees can be stored for free co-operatives suffer from “Galapagos-isation”, a new word and so there is no imperative for forest owners to co-operate. that I recently read in reference to the Japanese economy. By hanging in beyond the rotation of maximum proftability Galapagosizers have a tendency not to think beyond what Gray will forego considerable income because his tree-growth they are familiar with and so avoid getting outside their rates will be diminishing and, being bigger for longer, his trees comfort zone. As another example of Galapagos-isation, I are more likely to be destroyed in the next wind-blow. Then, was told by Bruce Charles, the NZFS director of marketing, except for the unlikely event that he is harvest-ready at the in the late 1970s, that logs would never be exported out of right time, he will miss out on the next log-price-spike Wellington because the unions would never allow it. Within as well. Moreover by not being part of a harvesting and a decade he was proved wrong. marketing co-operative he will forgo thousands of dollars per hectare in scale economies. Hamish Levack Gray goes on to say that rather than talking to the IRD, Wellington the NZFFA should talk to the stock exchange. What does he

38 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 Market report

China sets the log prices Allan Laurie

A more dramatic than expected turn round in demand in and $4.00 off a cubic metre of timber. If we assume a fve China has seen wharf gate prices make some good gains in cent rolling increase since Christmas, in log export sales alone the last three months. Early settlements for the last quarter New Zealand forest growers are missing out on $6.37 million of the year suggest we will see continued price improvement a month in potential revenue. leading up to Christmas. Across the domestic scene reports are very mixed. Some A big effect on the wharf gate price is the shipping mills have reported a slow-down in demand for framing cost, which has been a bit like the Australian government timber out of Australia and some an increase, meaning I am and an ETS scheme − all over the place and fraught with getting a lot of mixed messages. The Australian New Zealand uncertainty and indecisiveness. How this will play out, dollar exchange rate must be helping and perhaps some mills shipping costs I mean, will depend largely on the China steel are being a bit coy. industry which ends up controlling price and demand. All eyes are on the Christchurch earthquake situation with many homes needing to be replaced. In Canterbury at least, Variation in prices most mills cutting framing timber have a quiet expectation of Our pricing table shows log export prices up between $5 an increase in demand, although most comment they expect and $14 a cubic metre since my last report. The variation the big North Island mills to flood the Canterbury market around the country once again depends entirely on shipping eliminating any potential upside. For the moment, most of timing and whether the wood has been sold into an October the Canterbury mills focussed on local sales are very quiet, or November sale. In the far north, competition for volume hopefully this is temporary. from up to 10 exporters operating out of Marsden Point, appears to be creating some margin. Export log market In November we are predicting A grade to be around Monthly export deliveries to all destinations have continued US$140 to $145 a cubic metre. This takes us back to at around 850,000 cubic metres a month, despite the the highs of March and April this year and even back to expectation that winter conditions would slow things more. previously recorded highs. Information fltering down to me Fortunately China has made an unexpected strong demand suggests this should be the peak in the medium term with recovery with log inventories moving back quickly toward a increases beyond this being unsustainable. more comfortable fve to six week level. With New Zealand supply trailing off a little, 20,000 to 30,000 cubic metres a US dollar exchange month, prices are under upward pressure. The quietly surging US dollar exchange rate continues to constrain wharf gate prices. As a matter of interest, at Rapid growth current price settlements a one cent movement upward in The key concern around the Chinese economy is the speed the exchange rate takes about $1.50 off a cubic metre of logs of growth, to which the government have been making some

Radiata pine log sales (NZ$ per tonne) NNI Change CNI Change SNI Change NSI Change CSI Change SSI Change P1 (P36-P38) 130 - 135 +5 133 - 137 - 125 - 130 - 130 - 142 - 125 - 130 - 125 - 130 -7 S30 100 - 105 +12 93 - 98 +3 90 - 95 - 92 - 100 - 90 - 96 - 85 - 90 - S20 81 - 84 +6 74 - 78 +6 78 - 81 - 84 - 88 - 72 - 77 - 60 - 65 - L30/A30 - - 85 - 90 - - - - - 64 - 69 - 65 - 70 - Postwood 70 - 75 - 72 - 77 - 65 - 75 - 65 - 80 - 80 - 95 - 70 - 75 - Chip 37 - 40 - 40 - 47 - 38 - 43 - 38 - 40 - 40 - 42 - 38 - 43 -

NZ$ per JAS KA 104 - 109 +14 105 - 110 +12 96 - 100 +10 97 - 100 +7 88 - 90 +5 92 - 94 +9 K 98 - 101 +14 99 - 102 +12 88 - 91 +10 90 - 93 +7 79 - 82 +6 85 - 87 +9 KI 90 - 94 +14 90 - 93 +7 82 - 85 +9 85 - 88 +9 71 - 73 +6 80 - 82 +9 Pulp 80 - 84 +14 77 - 80 +8 75 - 78 +8 73 - 75 +9 65 - 68 +7 72 - 74 +9

New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 39 Market report

Macrocarpa log sales Handy class vessels have been bucking the trend in the Pacifc Rim with pricing general flat to frm. All of this is Macrocarpa logs Landed at mill door Landed at mill door entirely due to New Zealand forest growers using about 40 per tonne per tonne per cent of the Pacifc Rim Handy class fleet, with 30 to 33 Nov – Jan sales South Island Change North Island Change shipments per month. This is keeping the demand high and the challenges greater for charterers to rein in increases. Pruned minimum 230 - 250 - - The Baltic Dry Index (BDI) is a measure of sea freight SED 40 cm costs generally centred on the key Capesize sector which has Pruned been in freefall. As an example, Capesize daily costs for an minimum 140 - 160 - - Australia China rotation vessel were in order of US$12,500 in SED 30 cm July a staggering 86 per cent down on May levels. Since then Small branch prices have been more stable but still holding at these lower Minimum 125 - 130 - - levels. World recession concerns are likely to keep things that SED 30 cm way for some time. Small branch 90 - 100 - 85 - 100 [ROB Handysize vessels have been bucking the trend but Minimum grade] probably for much longer. Expectations of new ship builds, SED 20 cm together with ship owners keeping vessels on the water for Large branch/ 80 - 90 - - longer, should see medium term softening in shipping costs. boxing/sleeper Firewood logs 60 - 70 - - Domestic log market In the North Island many of the domestic log grades are rather interesting policy adjustments. More recently this continuing to face pressure from export log prices with some has seen them reducing power supply to steel mills to slow respectable increases, particularly in larger framing S grade production. The New Zealand government and GST rises do logs. In the south, it is more business as usual with markets not look so bad after all. These decisions will ultimately affect resisting the pressure to respond. wood fbre consumption although recent reports suggest large Most mills appear to be getting the logs they require with construction projects are continuing unabated. some short term shortages during the winter months. This China consumption is continuing at around 450,000 cubic appears to be more the consequence of logging equipment metres a month, Korea 230,000 and India quietly growing disappearing in to a sea of mud than any price and demand at 95,000 cubic metres a month. A snapshot of the demand push and pull. profle for the last quarter of the year suggests New Zealand Pruned sawlogs have increased by $5 a tonne in the north optimal production levels at around 800,000 cubic metres a and decreased by $7 a tonne in the south. One is reported month. to be the consequence of demand for pruned logs at the port Unfortunately my spies around the country are indicating and the other the increasing US dollar exchange rate. It just production levels are on the increase as summer approaches. proves that demand decides the price and therefore we need a If we get back up to 900,000 a month there could be some lot more of it. blood, and price, letting early in 2011. Given continuing International softwood timber prices in KD industrial international economic jitters I do not see the size of our log grade have weakened between fve and 10 per cent over market increasing in the medium term. last quarter, with demand in Asia and the UAE coming off Russian log supply has a big effect on other suppliers, not the boil. This is not what we wanted to hear but this will the least being radiata logs. There have been recent increases probably be around until there is some real international in Russian log prices allowing the competing radiata to also economic recovery. increase. However the traditional gap between the two is Mind you, the latest round of money printing by the US narrowing and if Russia decides not to increase tariff and and the UK should see artifcial certainty, at least until Santa increase production it could get a little ugly for us. comes down the chimney. Clearly and unequivocally, and I make no apology for being boringly repetitive, the only way Shipping forward for climate and country is to get out there and plant Shipping cost settlements have been around the US$45 to $50 more trees, and quickly. per cubic metre mark. Much depends on the number of port Allan Laurie is the managing director of Laurie Forestry Ltd calls with this pricing reflecting a two port load and two port providing valuation, consulting, carbon trading, forest management discharge. and harvesting and marketing services.

40 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 Young farm forester of 2009 field day Marie Taylor

Dean Martin and his father Gerald hosted 27 farm foresters at Glenlands on one of the few dry days in late January. The field day celebrated Dean winning the Michael Hay Memorial Award for Young Farm Forester of the Year in 2009.

These trees have had a great deal of pruning to ensure they have a dominant leader. Harvest might be another 10 years away.

A text book woodlot The Martins have tried several different species of eucalypts, and Eucalpytus regnans has proved to be the fastest growing, with the best form and in the best site. At a major wetland Dean has planted a wide range of species specifcally for ducks. These include many different oaks, including willow oak, red oak, English oak, which are the fastest growing, Holm, pin and cork oaks. These produce acorns over several months until late May for bird food. Fruit trees such as fgs, plums, loquats, and feijoas are also planted in this area. Dean is passionate about trees, both native and exotic, as well Japanese snowbell trees, which drop nuts, are particularly as wetlands and duck shooting. He has retired many wetlands favoured by pheasants. Dean prunes most of his trees, but has and valley bottoms, planting thousands of trees, many of learned that oaks can only cope with a little bit of pruning at which he has grown himself. The feld day traversed these and a time otherwise they sulk. more, including a demonstration of making . Cedars made another impressive planting for shelter along Glenlands has many woodlots, including a six hectare the tops of deep, steep-sided gorges. These are now 10 years pine block planted in 1983 and ready for harvesting. A stand old, create excellent shelter for stock. of blackwoods, planted in a gully in 1983, is one of the most It was a textbook woodlot, and visitors were surprised impressive in Hawke’s Bay. But the Martins think the second that on such a tough, dry site none of the trees had died rotation of trees will be better than the frst, because resulting when small and required replacing. Because of their successful suckers have better form than the parent trees. growth on the farm, another kilometre of replacement roadside plantings of cedars is planned this winter. There are also three blocks of lusitanica on the farm, including an historic planting trial by Forest Research which also has macrocarpa, and almost everything in between.

Change after Cyclone Bola Dean’s father Gerald Martin explained that Cyclone Bola had changed the family’s farming practice. They now protect gullies and gorges by allowing natives to regenerate. Glenlands had 900 mm of rain, usually the entire year’s rainfall, in only 36 hours. It was like standing in a warm shower with the pressure turned to high. But not only did it come during a drought, the land went back into a drought right after. A whole face of land near to his house disappeared – along with his dog and the goats he was mustering at the Continued on page 42

New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 41 From the patron

Are the Australian greens the environmental mafia?

On the 20 August Dr Peter Volker, President of the Institute Australia, Tasmania, and south-western West Australia, are of Australian Foresters, issued a press release − Say no to the already in permanent conservation reserves. Victoria has only environmental Mafa. Dr Volker was responding to a call seven per cent of its forests available for harvesting. Although from the Australian greens for a ban on indigenous forest Tasmania can practise harvesting on 47 per cent of its forest, logging. The greens hold a position of enormous political 90 per cent of its old growth is already in National Parks. In power after the recent indecisive Australian elections. On frst West Australia the annual cut of karri, jarrah and marri is reading I thought that the label appeared extreme but after probably a third of what it was 10 years ago. Queensland consideration it does appear appropriate. has recently announced a complete closure of its native forest industry. Where will the wood come from? Australian forests are not under any threat by harvesting. Almost all forests are managed on sustainable yield principles The greens could not have thought through what their and have been for decades. The volume harvested is rarely demand will mean for either the Australian forests or the greater than the forest growth. Australian economy. According to recent annual statistics, Without management, which costs money, fre is a major Australian native hardwoods in 2008/9 contributed 7.8 concern. Where there is forest management, the fre risk million cubic metres, or 31 per cent of the nation’s wood is usually reduced by deliberate low intensity burning. If harvest. Wood imports annually cost Australia about $2 billion. the forest is left unmanaged there is an accumulation of Imports are mostly tropical south east Asian hardwoods. forest fuel, and wild fres can be catastrophic usually when Softwood imports from New Zealand are only just over 600 conditions are hot, dry and windy. million cubic metres. If there is a ban on indigenous harvesting where is Re-think demands Australia to get its hardwoods from? Or are the greens Without any income from harvesting it is diffcult to see suggesting Australia uses less wood and makes up any large amounts of federal or State money being diverted to shortfall in the wood supply with polluting and energy pay for forest management, especially fuel reduction. What consuming alternatives? The move to either a greater other expenditure options are the greens prepared to forgo to volume of hardwood imports or to wood substitutes manage the unharvested indigenous forest? is environmentally irresponsible. The viability of rural Some of the tactics of the environmentalists are unethical. communities would be reduced as loggers and wood users These include threats to local hardwood sawmillers and would be without a job. wood users, frightening the Japanese into not using Tasmanian woodchips and blockading lawful Not true forestry operations. The campaign by the greens implies that the indigenous forest Unless they want the label of environmental mafa the is under threat. This is a gross distortion. A large percentage Australian greens should seriously rethink their demand for a of the most productive forests, the wet forests of eastern ban on indigenous harvesting.

Young farm forester of 2009 - continued on from 41 time. Afterwards, he did not have one stock-proof paddock, Bola made them think about protecting the gorges by letting and nor did his neighbours. Gullies were flled with silt and them regenerate back into bush. dead sheep with their legs sticking out. They lost 200 hoggets where Dean’s wetlands are today. A Nominations for 2011 stream was dammed by a slip in the neighbouring estate, and it let go, with a wall of water trapping the sheltering hoggets. In 2010 no names put forward to be judged for the Michael There was plenty of other damage as well. The power was out Hay Award for Young Farm Foresters, and subsequently no for three days, vehicles would not start because their electrics winner. Can all branches look at their young farm foresters, and were too wet, and the roads were closed. if they are worthy of an award, get the application in promptly. Cyclone Bola changed their outlook and farming systems There will be no winners again if there are no names put completely. Although they had begun planting trees beforehand, forward to be judged.

42 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 Trade directory

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New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 43 Association Branch secretaries 2010 Far North Li Legler 93 Onekura Rd, RD2, Kerikeri Nelson Nancy Cowan 148 Tunakino Valley Rd, RD1, Rai Valley Phone: 09 407 4991 Phone: 03 571 6366 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Mid Northland Peter Coates RD4, Whangarei Marlborough Sandra Sewell Camerons Road, RD 1, Havelock Phone: 09 436 5774 Phone: 03 572 8081 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Lower North Julie Ryan 7A Preston Ave, Mt Albert, Auckland West Coast Michael Orchard The Tree Centre, Box 80, Hokitika Phone/Fax: 09 846 7917 Phone: 03 755 7310 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] South Auckland Dave Gravatt C/- 8 Albury Avenue, Epsom, Auckland North Canterbury Gary Fleming Mt Grey, RD2, Rangiora, Phone: 09 630 6933 Phone: 03 312 9274 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Waikato John Simmons PO Box 4221, Hamilton East Central Canterbury Derrick Rooney Hororata Road, Hororata Phone: 07 856 5710 Phone: 03 318 0763 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Waitomo Trevor Blackburn 24 Irvine Road, RD5, Otorohanga Ashburton Bernard Egan 329 Burnett St, Ashburton Phone: 07 873 0748 Phone/Fax: 03 308 5182 Coromandel Jim Davies 80 Colville Road, RD4, Coromandel Email: [email protected] Phone: 07 866 8696 South Canterbury Allan Laurie Laurie Forestry Ltd, 196 Maytown Rd, Bay of Plenty John Douglas PO Box 364, Whakatane 3158 RD8, Waimate 8791 Phone: 0800 368 267 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Taupo & Districts Herwi Scheltus 131 Tamamutu Street, Taupo North Otago Scott Johnston 109 Tokarahi-Tapui Rd, 13 C R D, Oamaru Phone/Fax: 07 378 8636 Ph: 03 432 4255 Email: [email protected] Mid Otago Chaz Forsyth 70 Evans St, Opoho, Dunedin Gisborne E Coast Jenny Reid 283 Lake Rd, RD2, Gisborne Phone: 03 473 8317 Phone: 06 929 1543 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] South Otago Graham Hunter Konini, 1 Rd, Lawrence Hawkes Bay Ross Haliburton Shereden Station, 1157 Taihape Rd, RD9, Phone/Fax: 03 485 9567 Hastings Email: [email protected] Phone: 06 874 3111 Southland Roger Washbourn 130 Grant Rd, RD9, Invercargill Email: [email protected] Phone: 03 231 0968 Taranaki Bill Davies Te Popo, RD24, Stratford Email: [email protected] Phone: 06 762 8619 Men of Trees Ernie Nicholson 297 Tweed St, Invercargill Email: [email protected] Phone: 03 216 9585 Middle Districts David Hammond ‘Kailoa’, 21 Tutaenui Road, Marton 4710 Email: [email protected] Phone 06 327 4119, Fax 06 327 5119 Southern High Cliff Tapper 16 Pioneer Court, Cromwell, C Otago Email: [email protected] Country Phone: 03 445 1044 Wairarapa Shane Atkinson 72D Woodside Rd, Greytown Email: [email protected] Phone: 06 304 8967 Fax: 06 372 7714 Email: [email protected] Wellington Eric Cairns 178 Mangaroa Valley Rd, RD1, Upper Hutt Phone: 04 526 7929 Email: [email protected]

NZFFA special interest groups AMIGO Group Chairperson: Ian Brown, 109 Dixon Road, Hamilton Phone/fax: 07 843 4389 Cypress Action Group Chairman: Dean Satchell, 33B Skudders Beach Rd, Kerikeri Mobile: 021 235 7554, Phone: 09 407 5525, Email: [email protected] Eucalypt Action Group President: Angus Gordon, 8076 State Highway 1, RD3, Taihape Phone: 06 388 1571, Email: [email protected] Indigenous Forest Section Chairman: Philip Smith, PO Box 437, Taupo Phone: 07 378 5450, Email: [email protected] Sequoia group Chairman: Russell Coker, PO Box 68 601, Auckland Phone: 09 309 9917, Email: [email protected]

44 New Zealand Tree Grower November 2010 Are you a member of the NZFFA?

The New Zealand Farm Forestry Association has been around for over 50 years. There are 29 active branches and around 2500 members. If you are reading this issue of the Tree Grower you are probably already a member, but could well just be a casual reader or subscriber. If you are a member, you could make a gift membership to a friend or relative. The cost of joining if you have less than 10 hectares of trees is only $78 a year.

Why join the NZFFA? Special interest groups Tree Grower If you want to know more about cypress, eucalypts, redwood, blackwood or indigenous trees, then you can May 2010 estry Association February 2010 Official journal of the New Official journal of the New Zealand Farm For ciation Zealand Farm Forestry Associat the New Zealand Farm Forestry Asso ion August 2009 Official journal of Main feature on the have the opportunity to join one or more of these groups. Conference fi eld days Special feature on Wairarapa Nick's Head Station West Coast Knapdale Eco Lodge Some have their own magazines, such as Indigena for the Te Koawa Station Hackfalls Arboretum Wensleydale indigenous group. Many are involved in field trials that you can join and help with. For example the eucalypt group

Farm forestry with a are trying to find the best places to grow ground-durable Wairarapa land use and cover difference Land, trees and community A passion for trees Castlepoint and trees Down on the farm or forest eucalypt poles to supply the vineyards. Woodlots in the Wairarapa Way down south at Whataroa

Feature on radiata Forestry in the hill country • exemptions Improving • Getting the most from radiata pine Feature on cypress G u l l i e s a n d s e d i m e n t o n t h e E a s t C o aRadiata s t silviculture in Chile • Mapping radiata productivity T r e e g r o w i n g i n A u s t r a l i a Annual conference Macrocarpa – the fatal flaw • Himalayan cypress and hybrids A Canadian’s view on cypress • A new plan for cypress

You will get four copies a year of the Tree Grower – the best source of information about growing trees in New Zealand.

Field days

This is held in a different region every year. The conference is mainly field days and gives attendees the chance to visit farm forestry properties, QEII Trust covenanted areas, logging sites or other places of interest. It is also an opportunity to attend the AGM, meet up with over 200 other members of the NZFFA and have a good time.

How to join Joining is very simple. Copy the form below, complete the details and send it to NZFFA, PO Box 1122, Wellington. You will get some free back issues of Tree Grower and all your membership privileges. Your branch will hold regular field days where you can see If you have less than 10 hectares of trees the membership what other farm foresters have grown, where they may cost is only $78 have made mistakes, and what trees grow well. This is an For 10 to 40 hectares the cost is $125 a year. opportunity to mix with other like-minded tree growers For over 40 hectares of trees the cost is $188 a year.

I would like to join the NZFFA q $78 a year q $125 a year q $188 a year I enclose a cheque payable to NZFFA q Please debit my credit card: q Visa q Mastercard Number: Expiry date: Name on card: Signature: Address: Postcode Keeping your crew safe should be your first priority

AFLET E LE AINS SPR ETY GUIDAN FORESTFORES on forestryT SAFSAFETY GUIDANCE LEAFLET 3 ANAND body; URII when AVOIDING INJURIESINJ when E IDD I -to-WASTST NI FOREST SAFETYalling GUIDANCE LEAFLET 4 safe methods of working AND THIN sulting in ACC c on PRUNING AND THINNING-to-WASTEst ears, re FOREST SAFETY GUIDANCE LEAFLETce 1 culture in lastlas 4 years, resulting in ACC claims totalling an . Over 40% of injury claims in forestryous injuries and in silviculture ine A thinning es ave been 471 seri allll silviculturesilvicultur Accident Reporting Scheme (ARS) reported There have been 471 serious, nearly injuries half ofin silvi and a fifth were during juries million. In 2002 ng pruning operationso ON THE SKID esSITEover $2 million. In 2002,minor) nearly w halfere ofduri a . TheThese include injuries (lost to timemany partsand of the injuries, but 255 days were reportedAVOIDING lost from work. INJURIES WHEN practical guidance injuries (lost time and minor)ports were were duri minor ons. Most ooff the rereports were minor injuries, - to individuals (pain, reduced performance, time AVOIDING STRAINS AND operationsSPRAINS ncial and personal costs PLANTING AND RELEASING These injuriesnjuries have financialfina and personal costs - Planting and release operations accountedG INJ ctors and anting N AFLET rk)The contractors hazards which and cause the industry.muscle Scheme reports and release and overope 30% TINGof reported lost day off work) contractorsstrains and ligament and the sprains industry. – reduce strain or sprain injuries and an aadditional 57 minor injuries were repo URIE 4 like back, neck, knee pain are: AND dditiona rations erations: of time Planting and release operations are physica S W In Pruning operations:opeTwisted and awkwardost postures in p runingng l 57 minor injuriesaccounte were reporte REL WH bac s were l of adequate hydration andan nutrition along with phy This Information Leaflet contains 2002, 135Bending5 day and stooping for periods os and release operations are phys L EN 27% spispinebabackpin or In 2002, 135 days wereer lost 5½ indays pruning per l d for 2020% of all silviculturalEEAEASEASI Accident ReportingN skid sites which will operations,erations, averaginga ovover 5½ days per lost logging are muscle strains and ligament sprains (LTIExtreme). bending of the back lost day% of all NG timeme injuryinjury (LTI).( ) werereer a ll ssilv back, knee, ankle, shoulder. urieUnexpecteds (LTI and jarring minor and jolting rted. s, in 22002.ilvicvicu A total of 182 days were lost, Halff the injuriesinju Heavy (LTI Slips,weightsand minor)tripsVibration and and thinghigh w ngfalls forces d nutrit d. n 20 ltural Accident Reportin eing ‘struck by’ some 00202. A to FOREST SAFETY GUIDANCE LEAFLET 5 resultesult ofof beingbe ‘struck by’ something,rammi likeEyeye or hhead injuries, ion alonicallylly demanding,d so workers are faced with challenges loppers, branches or includingncluding stings andan emandin In 2002,tal felling of 182 operations: days were lost, prunersruners or loppers, branches or ramicorns, ead injuinjuries, g with p nding bruising from falls ngg or ladder. becec the ies hysicysicalsical fatigue, sso wor and numerous hazards.AVOIDING FELLING INJURIES 8% shoulders 21% knees njuries occurred from fa calal Accounted for most logging injuriesg reported to the Logging Accident Reporting Scheme A third of ththehe iinjuries occurred becausepp ffatigue kers are faced with challenges tripp lls Arm & shshoulder ther slipped or and(in previousnumerous years hazards. most injuries occurred during skidwork) worker eithereit slipped or fromtrippedm (eg in injuriesinjuries,njuries including Resulted in 2 fatalities wwth) or fell (eg j ries oulder undergrowth)undergro or fell (egies fromin 20 a ladder). a dislocdislocated, incl includ r Accounted for a third of all lost time injuries (38 reported felling LTI) 11% ankles n hhalf the injur shouldershoulder. Hand, Resulted in 667 reported lost days Moreore thantha half the injuriesg shoinho 2002 wererains to ated diningng r limb, includin fingeringer & wrist Averaged over 17 days lost per LTI the upper limb, including shoulder st nger & . Han pruning injuriesinjuries,njuriesjur mostly wrisand,d, In many cases the loggers involved were skilled, experienced loggers, which raises concerns and sprasprainsiins from pruning over shoulder wrrist Most of the felling injuries were “struck by” events, including being hit by a spar or by sailers er and hha slippinglippingipp and,,m mmostlymosst height, andand fingerfing and hand lacerations landinganding on ostlostly and cones. Thereabout were maintaining also 77 skillsminor and felling hazard injuries awareness. in 2002, usually the result of a slip, trip ners. Upperpper torso,tors anda lyy usually fromfrrom pruners.pru including twotw outstretoutstretchedon or fall. Arm, handhan & Head/eye usually ncludin rso, n fingers including fractures,fracture oneo, hand etcheched ngers includingd & ‘struckstruck byby’ sticks or gttwo ed falls, stingss and truck usuallyusua serious fromwo alls,a s, s branches s, oneo overuseoveverusetings strains anand an ATV fro In Thinning-to-waste operations: ngs an ommommmm rom es accident 123 days were lost, averaging over 12 days strainsd Forestry Safety most jurie per LTI. he most c sprain in Over two thirds (67%) of injuries (minorruck These are the most commonly reported body areas for and LTI) were a result of being ‘st strain and sprain injuries (ACC figures, October 2002) by’ something, usually a branch, the Knee,ee a ankle & leleg injuries, largelyargelyrgely sprainskle & l and strainschainsaw or a tree. from slipssli and falls sprains g inj injuinj Large numbers (nearly half) of the injuries njurijur ps and fandnd s uririees,were lacerations, e.g. becauseLower oftorso,t chainsaw d stratra s, from slippingsls allslls raiinskickback or falling onto thetorso, saw. Spray andan manual releasing over andansli from ppingpp s in Injuries were spread betweenmanual ndhandling upperfrom and d manumanmanual lower limbs, the spineor overexertionoverandal head/eyeh ual Slipping overankle, debris, as well or asfalling cuts off and logs bruises. can cause andlingndling injuriesinjurie l rerelereleasi re The main hazardsries associatedmajor with injuries plantingthinning, like a serious& re examples back injury including or sprainedxertion back strains Guidance leaflets ng ♦ and sprains, and being hit by falling trees Twisted hazarpostureszards and bending/stooping for long periods ds and branches. ♦ Jarring andpospostur jolting aassocia of joints, & acceleration forces tureures ♦ RepetitiveRepetiti and movements j and & benmanualted with handling plantin d joljolt Ankle anand knee ♦ ti The main hazards associated with motor-manual felling operationsicultural are: Pruning, Rough & steepvvee mom terrain,ing of slash, j ding/stoopingheavy under fo injuries,njuriesjur all from h & movem ♦ Falling trees, spars, sailers gand & conesrele Plantingguidance injuries about d knee ♦ ChemicalsChemic Referoints, to& accelerationBest Practice forces Guidelines for Silv slipping ststeteep te ♦ents Hazards & manual associated ha with equipment suchlease as chainsaws, operations wedges are: ♦ Hazardsmical associated with equipmentTree Felling such and as sprayChainsaw p ase Use oper for detailed ies Training).injuries Hazaazardsals ♦rrain, s r long p ♦ Exposurethe riskrds ofds injury. to extremeTwisted weather posturescarrying conditions and bending/stoopingout these tasks for long (Forest periodsations ofIndustr time are: Expoxposu associat♦ Repetitive movementslash, he & manualndling handling eriods of time Over-reaching puts strainosursur on shoulders♦ as well as of time ♦ FatigueFatFatig duee to to ext dehydrationed with equipmentand physicaavy such unde a the back. This benttigue andgue twisted posture♦ Rough increases & steep terrain, slash, heavy undergrowth and uneven ground Working in extreme or changeable weatherrgrowth conditions due♦ to d reme weather con growth and uneven ground are ideal for health Fatigueehydration due to dehydration and p and physically demandingand work unev ditions s spray en groun hysicall packs,acks, planting boxes,d slashers llyy demanddemanding work and safety training ing work boxes, slashers for your crew or induction of new crew members.

Order your safety guidance leaflets now See www.acc.co.nz/injury-prevention/safer-industries or call 0800 THINKSAFE (0800 844 657)

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