Proposed forestry rules in Otago an overreaction

Proposed forestry rules in Otago an overreaction

Friday 12 Apr 2024

The New Zealand Farm Forestry Association has criticised the Otago Regional Council's proposed forestry regulations as an overreaction. The council's draft Land and Water Regional Plan suggests forestry setbacks of 20 to 50 metres from water bodies, compared to the 5 to 10 metres in the National Environmental Standard for Commercial Forestry. The association argues that these rules could lead to significant loss of forestry production land and potential deforestation penalties under the Emissions Trading Scheme.

The Association's President, Neil Cullen, labelled the rules as "quite draconian," highlighting that farmers stand to lose a significant amount of forestry production land. Cullen argued that there's no evidence of forestry causing issues to waterways in Otago, and that the regulations in the region shouldn't be tougher.

Cullen also expressed concern that over-regulating forestry could make it less appealing to farmers who are just considering it, potentially leading them to question its benefits. He also added that with little other activity in forestry blocks, it could be beneficial for water quality, with harvesting crews ensuring no sediment enters waterways.

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Source Stuff.co.nz

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