Timberlands' Beech Scheme Not Sustainable - Proof

Timberlands' Beech Logging Scheme Not Sustainable - Proof

Timberlands' so-called "sustainable" beech logging management plans have crumbled under independent scientific scrutiny. A Landcare report released today shows major flaws in Timberlands' claims to "sustainable logging".

The crown research institute today published a scientific model which describes the effect that taking logs from beech forests will have on the overall composition of the forests over time.

"The Landcare report shows that under Timberlands' beech logging model, the forests will be severely depleted of older trees in only a few years," said NFA spokesperson Dean Baigent-Mercer. "The report discredits Timberlands' claims to sustainability."

Landcare's beech logging model, designed by Dr Murray Efford from Christchurch, is available free on its website and Landcare's chief executive Andy Pearce has said the CRI published it to enable public debate on the issue. Native Forest Action welcomes this move and urges the government to pay attention.

"There has been immense public interest in the issue, but the government has not heeded concerns that Timberlands' model is unsustainable," said Dean Baigent-Mercer.

"The public has only had Timberlands' word on the soundness of its plans, which is obviously biased. It is good to see Landcare publishing its scientific information in a publicly accessible forum.

"Last December the government approved Timberlands' beech management plans in principle, without any scrutiny into the scientific accuracy of its plans, let alone any acknowledgement of the 10,000 members of the public who put in submissions opposing the scheme.

"And now the government is attempting to railroad through amendments to the Forests Amendment Act to lock in the export of beech woodchips, and the trashing of other Timberlands forests, before they get voted out in the election.

"Native Forest Action wants the government to pay attention to Landcare's report and to put a stop to Timberlands' unsustainable beech logging scheme," said Mr Baigent-Mercer.

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