Council’s forestry approach Debate

Economic Benefits - Revenue

Option 2

Residents supporting Option 2 recognize the potential for generating income through various means as the council transitions away from commercial pine forestry. They suggest that income could be derived from maintaining some commercial forestry in high amenity areas, obtaining carbon credits, and exploring sustainable finance mechanisms and alternative income streams. Additionally, there is a belief that mixed-species commercial forestry on suitable slopes could provide ongoing revenue while enhancing environmental and recreational benefits.

Table of comments:

Point No	Comment
282.3	option 2 for high amenity areas, there is scope for commerical forestry to help generate income
882.3	For the past two years I have been a director of a 320ha family-owned forestry block in Otago.  In that role I have learned a lot about plantation forests. I support the council’s change away from plantation forests.  I support more planting of natives and permanent species.  Hopefully the Nelson City Council can register in the ETS and get some economic benefit from carbon credits.  This could be used to offset cost of managing such areas.
899.1	Through an extensive process over the past 15 months, the Kotahitanga mō te Taiao Alliance agreed upon a Strategy Implementation Pathway Plan.  A 2 page summary document is attached to this submission.  Key issues were identified through that process that impact upon the natural environment, including our lands, waterways and surrounding seas.  Sedimentation featured very highly as one of the most significant aggravating factors, one that not only impacted our land ecosystems, but is also driving the loss of and potential for restoration of abundant shellfish communities in the Bay.  Another issue that arose was the need to transition to improved permanent forest cover for a multiplicity of reasons, including reducing the loss of soil, improved carbon sequestration, improved riparian and coastal margins, improved biodiversity, floodplain and corridor connectivity.  The Right Tree, Right Place taskforce gave a thorough and concerted consideration of the issues, inviting a significant number of community members (with expertise and/or other knowledges) to contribute to the process.  The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is currently working on a programme to improve opportunities for transitioning away from pine plantation forestry where there are obvious benefits from doing so.  As TNC has an MOU with the KMTT Alliance (of which NCC is a signatory), there is an opportunity for us to work collaboratively to help identify opportunities, e.g. exploring alternative income streams; and other potential sustainable finance mechanisms.  We are currently engaging with Council staff in discussions on how to carry this forward.  TNC Global has provided funding to KMTT for a Reforestation Accelerator Initiative with similar values to the work of the Right Tree, Right Place taskforce/NCC outputs.  We are working on a number of initiatives to help accelerate reforestation, including developing mapping tools, and looking at both financial and non-financial incentives.  We are working closely with international teams to consider business models and ways of working to reduce costs.  We look forward to working collaboratively where opportunities allow to progress this thoughtful initiative of Council.
1016.3	Perhaps the council could get carbon credits for the new and existing forests.
1197.2	consideration should also be made for mixed species closed canopy commercial forestry (on suitable slopes) providing income, amenity and habitat.
1295.3	This allows for use all the time without restrictions during forestry operations and allows for the development of long term tracks for recreation and improves the environmental impact seen by forestry. Credits can still be gained from native forest.