Schools earn $32,187 each from forests

The harvesting of a forestry block in West Otago has given two schools and the community a financial boost.

Blue Mountain College and Tapanui School each received $32,187.

Blue Mountain College board chairman Bill McCall said the college had used the forestry block for "gateway" courses in the past, focusing on thinning trees and other forestry industry skills.

"The block was a great investment for the community," he said.

A joint agreement was created in 1977 between the Tapanui Borough Council, Blue Mountain College board of trustees and Tapanui School board of trustees.

This was transferred to the Clutha District Council in 1992, the agreement now between the district council and the two schools.

Two blocks at the Tapanui waterworks reserve - of 4.5ha and 3.5ha - were planted with a mixture of Douglas fir and pinus radiata trees.

Under the agreement, the council would receive 50% of the money from the harvesting of the 4.5ha block, and each school 25%.

The West Otago Community Board recommended the council hold the $56,996 in a reserve account for the proposed West Otago Health Centre, to be handed over when the council's contribution of $1 million is called upon. The council has yet to approve the recommendation.

Council received $81,151 from the second block, covering 3.5ha, and it would be used to repay the costs incurred by the section.

It planned to replant the two blocks with pinus radiata and, under the emissions trading scheme, it could claim about 4800 credits worth an estimated $8000.

At its meeting earlier this month, the council voted not to create another joint partnership with the schools. Clutha District Council chief executive Charles Hakkaart told the board the alternative option was for the council to lease the land to the schools. A letter would be sent to the schools.