Government's Blinkered View A Threat to Forests

Wednesday 26th Jan 2000

Gerry Eckhoff Media Release -- Environment - ACT

The tragic decision by Government to stop the balanced approach by Timberlands West Coast to forest management defies belief in light of recently released Government briefing papers from DOC, according to ACT Conservation Spokesman, Gerry Eckhoff.

"Briefing papers from the Department of Conservation highlight the need for an integrated approach to saving the forests from silent destruction by pests such as stoats, rats, possums, cats and deer.

“It is clear all low altitude native forests are under major threat - not just from pests but from the Government's blinkered view of forest management.

"DOC will always be fighting a loosing battle for money unless the preservation lobby can accept the reality that the real enemy is not the chainsaw but the burgeoning population of predators.

"Our fragile economy cannot stand the 'double whammy" of financing a loosing the battle against predators while locking up resources that would help pay for the fight to conserve our heritage.

"Under the current Labour/Alliance Government New Zealand's bio-diversity is to be hoist by the Government's petard.

“It's a sad irony that those who claim to care the most for our native forests are its worst enemies when in power," said Gerry Eckhoff.

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