Forest slip concerns

The Otago Regional Council is concerned logging in three prominent forests above Queenstown could create the risk of slips threatening residential areas.

Under the new Queenstown Lakes District Council proposed designations, more than 164ha at Ben Lomond Forest, more than 413ha at Queenstown Hill Forest and more than 70ha at Coronet Forest would be used primarily for planting, tending, managing and harvesting trees.

ORC director of policy and resource planning Fraser McRae opposed the new designation in a submission to council last week.

Neutral and opposed submissions were also received from the Arrowtown Village Association, the Department of Conservation, Kiwi Birdlife Park, the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) and Wakatipu High School.

Mr McRae understood QLDC would log Ben Lomond and Queenstown Hill forest by "small harvest" 3ha rotational clearing but he said the plan did not take natural hazards into account and needed to "address long-term management of slope stability".

"ORC's records show that the ... forests are subject to natural hazards, particularly alluvial fans and slope instability, and these hazards occur above residential areas," the submission states.

"Natural hazard issues will arise whether or not deforestation occurs. However, the process of harvesting will exacerbate natural hazards and risks."

QLDC district forester Briana Pringle said the council was legally bound to address slip management issues under the New Zealand environmental code of practice for plantation forestry.

"We know there are slip areas on Ben Lomond. With Douglas fir and some species of conifer, once the trees are harvested the roots don't break down for five to 10 years and ... by the time we replant there won't be an issue.

"The reason why were applying for this designation is so that we can actively manage the forests using best management practices," Ms Pringle said.

A provisional hearing date has been set for early March.

 

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