South Bay Forest Harvest
South Bay Forest was intended to be harvested with works commencing mid July 2024.
Due to an archeological assessment the proposed time for harvest was delayed.
The harvest will now take place in November 2024.
Site preparation works towards harvesting of Council’s South Bay pine forest will commence on Tuesday 5th November, with the main felling of trees starting on Monday 11th November.
(Please see news update links at the bottom of this page).
The South Bay radiata pine forest was originally planted in 1978 (with some areas replanted in 1993) and was always intended for harvest . A large part of the 12.6 hectares under forestry is a recreational reserve which is well used by the community.
Initial Council discussions with regard to harvesting the area were held back in 2006. Although a restoration plan was developed for the area, the harvesting did not proceed at that time. In August 2020 Council resolved again to harvest the trees whilst they remain viable for sale and before they become a health and safety risk to the public in the future. Work did not proceed at that time due to a number of reasons including impacts of the global pandemic Covid 19.
It is now intended that the area will be harvested in late winter, early spring 2024 ahead of the summer season for 2024. The work will be carried out by Tasman Forest Management. Work is expected to commence in the second week of July starting with entrance and road upgrades followed by tree removal starting the first week of August.
It is estimated harvest will be completed in the middle of October 2024 with a two-to-three-week post harvest tidy up of the area where Tasman Forest Management plan to prioritize having the public walkway opened up first while they continue with shredding work in the harvested area. There is no intention for ground remediation and no land moving or levelling will occur at the site, and we understand the importance of keeping the walking trails in place longer term.
Future of the area
Council acknowledges that the area is used significantly by the community as a place of recreation. A reserve management plan process is underway for the future of the area with a strong focus on community engagement. There will be two main opportunities for people to input into the process as the draft management plan develops. Council is currently seeking initial ideas for the future of the area from the community until 4pm on July 8th, 2024.
People can learn more about the Reserve Management Plan process and share their ideas by visiting the following KDC website page:
https://www.kaikoura.govt.nz/council/public-notice...
The community are encouraged to share their ideas and wishes for the future of the area through the engagement process. There will be drop-in sessions where members of the community can ask questions and share their ideas with members of Council. (Drop in dates coming).
Following the initial ideas gathering stage a draft reserve management plan will be produced. There will be a further opportunity for the community to provide feedback on the draft plan through a formal consultation process. It is anticipated that the reserve management plan will be completed by June 2025.
It is important to note that Council has applied for an exemption from carbon credit liabilities for the area. If unsuccessful, Council will need to consider replanting the site within four years with a species (either native or non-native) and density that meets the requirements for forested land under the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Financial provision for replanting has been made in Year 4 of the Long Term Plan if it is required.
This is an exciting opportunity for our community to help create a special reserve for future generations with some great ideas already coming through.
