Council’s forestry approach Debate

Environmental Benefits - Sustainability

Option 2

Residents overwhelmingly support Option 2 due to its significant long-term environmental and sustainability benefits. They believe that transitioning from commercial forestry to a continuous canopy of mixed species will enhance biodiversity, reduce erosion and sedimentation, and improve carbon sequestration, which are crucial for combating climate change and protecting local ecosystems. Many comments highlight the importance of this approach for future generations, emphasizing that the ecological and recreational improvements justify the potential increased costs and economic impacts.

Table of comments:

Point No	Comment
15.2	A perprtual canopy forest will be valuable protection against erosion due to flooding, slowing the water run-off.Clear felling forest on steep country causes a large part of the erosion we see in the estuary.I support the vison to move from a Clear-felling op, to a perpetual Canopy forest.
25.3	This decision sets the example for LGNZ to commit to long term planning based on sound reasoning and economic assessment. Although it might take the first 20 years to show any tangible benefit, they will become obvious for the 20-100 years, so well done. Council assets like the Sanctuary appreciate the decision made to possibly forfeit marginal returns in the short term in exchange for major biodiversity benefits that will flow from the medium and long term
38.3	Follow the recommendations of the Right Tree Right Place task force!
87.3	pine plantations are not environmentally friendly and in the long term sequester much less carbon than native forestry.
109.1	I strongly support this transition. While ratepayer input will be required in the short/medium term, it seems clear to me that there will be immeasurable long-term benefits for the city residents and recreational groups, plus it will lead to a much healthier Maitai River and Tasman Bay. Looking through a wider environmental lense I have no doubt that it is the right path to take.
127.1	I would like to see the Council move to a forestry transition model as recommended by the
138.2	I would like to see the Council move to a forestry transition model as recommended by the taskforce. Maintaining a continuous canopy of forests is essential to build more resilient land management systems that have native bush at the heart of them. Transitioning to thriving, biodiverse continuous canopy forests would (eventually) enhance the conservation and recreation value of our forested areas for future generations. This is key to ensuring robust forests of the future that are better placed to help us cope with a changing climate and future catastrophic weather events. They also just look, sound and feel so much healthier than mono-forested areas
144.1	So many positives in this initiative. Clean water, climate change resilience, supporting the brook sanctuary, thriving forests-tourism....pine is dead to us in 2024.
160.3	Climate events are increasing and the cause of significant rain and flooding in the Nelson Tasman regions. Evidence of increased sedimentation in the Waimea Estuary and rivers originating from cleared forest land has affected the quality of substrate and native habitat. Clear felling forests is a significant cause of the increased sedimentation.
180.3	A no-brainer
184.3	I support the recommendations from the RTRP Taskforce and applaud Council for adopting them, so it's good to see this being followed through in the Long Term Plan.
190.3	This just has to be done. There is no doubt that on the steep slopes where most of NCC forestry is, the damage done by repeated clear felling of pine is simply not acceptable. Coupled with the favoured mechanised harvest approach (which dramatically worsens surface damage) soil stripping and the impact on the whenua and by close extension, the Tasman Bay moana just can't be tolerated any longer.Having hands on experience with Silvan Forest retiring their pine and replanting with a (non-harvestable) native/exotic mix, and also TDC's similar approach with Kingsland Forest, NCC following suit and doing the same should now be a given. If this costs NCC then so be it - this is the price of doing the right thing, and probably the price of making poor decisions to be involved in this space in the first place. Without a Forest Manager on staff to handle this properly, NCC hasn't done itself any favours at all. Consider Silvan and Kingsland as the template for how this can be done.There are suitable and appropriate places for harvestable pine plantations - Nelson's steep slopes coupled with their close proximity to waterways and Tasman Bay are not it.
232.1	Enough is enough, the clear cut pine platation days are over.
270.3	it is time to move on from forestey. Environmental impacts are too great for no economic benefit
273.2	Little to no financial gain (when factoring damage caused as a consequences of forestry) for major environmental damage.
289.3	Native cover is best for flood protection, fire protection and cabon sinc.
304.3	Quite apart from the known environmental impact, my understanding is this is not a profit maker for the Council/community.  I so appreciate the efforts of Rachel Sanson when she was being persecuted for having a different opinion from the then Mayor & Council.  What a huge breakthrough that a pause was finally put on just barrelling ahead and leaving the decision for another 30yrs.
309.1	This is the only way to help future safe Nelson and the Nelson community from adverse weather events and it is also a better, more financially viable (given status quo is not returning any profit/rate relief to ratepayers) and more environmentally responsible land use for the Nelson owned forestry estate. We are a community full of people the value recreation and the more opportunities we can provide the better. It will provide Nelson with more environmental resilience over time and will actually provide meaningful value to the Nelson community and wider environment.Well done to the taskforce and councillors for taking this on and accepting the taskforce recommendations.
323.3	This is critical for biodiversity, to reduce hazards - slips, flooding, fire risk, wear and tear on infrastructure and will capture carbon in the long term.Any continuing forestry operations should have permanent plantings on all edges. Jobs will be created for weed control and caring for the forests. The fazing out plantings should include hardwood trees such as Eucalyptus saligna and sweet chestnut, Castanea sativa for durable timber production. A plan for the timing is important, to be sure it occurs.
353.3	Would like to see more native trees planted and less exotic ,ie, pine.  This will also mean that long term the land will be less prone to slips and also support the native bird life.  However, would then like to see NCC build more tracks for walking and MTB.  I have recently moved from Wellington and missing the amazing Town Belt that goes round the city with tracks joining it all up from South coast to Northern suburbs.  By NCC taking over all teh forestry and creating its own 'town belt' you have the opportunity to greatly increase the recreational facilities making Nelson an even better place to live.
408.3	costings never account for the negative harm caused by forestry. I had huge costs and inconvenience from the August storm and not a word from the forestry companies. An offer of help or timber would have been appreciated. There should be continuous forest cover to stabilize the soil and to lock in the carbon.
496.3	I would prefer for the council for the move to exit commercial forestry. I support a shift to mixed species forestry, including natives and high value hardwoods. Any cost considerations should include downstream effects of harvesting sediment and flooding.
500.3	I strongly support this option and an exit by Council from commercial forestry. Returning the land to its natural forest state with increased access for recreation would benefit the city environmentally and for social well being.
520.1	I support council's initiative to exit commercial forestry.Specifically, it's really important that we shift away from commercial forestry and instead plan for a continuous canopy of mixed species, including natives and high value hardwoods.Although there are additional costs involved with this approach, there are important benefits for the environment.In particular, it's important that the downstream effects of harvesting sediment and flooding are taken into consideration.
542.1	Kia ora, Considering the current state of the environment and degradation trends we need to take action before it is too late.  For this reason option 2 is best for our future.  Not changing over to mixed canopy is shortsighted and result in further erosion/flooding issues.  I believe any consideration of costs needs to include the downstream effects of harvesting sediment and flooding.Nga mihi,Thalassa
551.2	We have got to start thinking to longer tern sustainability
557.3	Best for long term future and should replace economic gain of forests with gain from tourism, mountainbiking and general population health & happiness!
677.2	To change the Council owned forestry to mixed, native forest would be wonderful for the environment and in time a beautiful view from the city.
683.1	I support Council being examples of good environmental stewardship and exiting forestry that relies on clear felling harvest. It also leads to recreational gains and more beauty and diversity in our local environment
695.3	I strongly support the planting of a variety of native and exotic trees to replace the pine forests. This will help stabilize our hillsides and reduce forestry slash which can have devastating effects on private/ public land and also our waterways. Forestry slash ends up on our beaches. It is important that our community works toward reducing our carbon emissions and these permanent forests would absorb and store carbon. They also provide recreational opportunities.
733.3	The "Right Tree Right Place" Project, which provides an opportunity to
749.3	green is good for Nelson
785.3	Commercial forestry creates monocultures and pine tree farms not native, biodiverse forests. Wildlife and the environment will benefit from adding more native and mixed species. In addition, silt will be reduces and our waters will be cleaner and land more resilient to flooding, storms, and climate change which is continually getting worse. If you chose to exit out of forestry, this can have monumental impacts for future generations that will be so grateful in the long-term.
785.3	Commercial forestry creates monocultures and pine tree farms not native, biodiverse forests. Wildlife and the environment will benefit from adding more native and mixed species. In addition, silt will be reduces and our waters will be cleaner and land more resilient to flooding, storms, and climate change which is continually getting worse. If you chose to exit out of forestry, this can have monumental impacts for future generations that will be so grateful in the long-term.
786.3	Forestry is a dying market and we should be planting native trees.
807.3	Commercial forestry on our Nelson hills is ridiculous and an enormous strain on our environment. 1: Monteray pines and Douglas fir forests are vectors for environmental weeds like pampas and old man's beard. These invade natural places like the Maitai and degrade the habitat. Additionally the pine species themselves become weeds.2: siltation, slips and nutrient run off degrades our freshwater ecosystems, landscapes and ocean ecosystems. Silt has major effects on bivalves, seaweeds and biodiverse habitats on the coast. Revegetating pine forests with native vegetation will also allow native coastal ecosystems to recover. Native fish species will also benefit.3: Native forest will be better for carbon sequestration, biodiversity and aesthetics. Forestry does not sequester carbon as well as forever native forests. Biodiversity can be enhanced by creating habitat for endangered birds, plants, lizards and snails that are unique to nelson. The belt of forestry is an eye sore, with horrific scars left by erosion and open felled sections.4: forestry poses a fire risk to biodiverse areas as well as being a danger to people.I ask that you consider the populations of brown creepers that live in forestry sections around marsden valley that may become extirpated by felling. Explore ways to mitigate this damage. I do not wish that this land be reused for housing or farming or other developments, but to be revegetated with native plants and maintained to avoid them becoming weedy or overrun with browsing pests.
809.3	Sooner this happens the better
847.3	forestry damages our environment
851.3	I am very glad that Council has done a review of the whole of forestry.  Although it is more expensive yes it makes sense to consider not just the $600 ha of pine but to consider all forests as a whole in terms of management of pests etc. I'm personally not quite sure how the mixed canopy would compare ecologically to a fully indigenous canopy, but I defer to the taskforce experts and support their recommendations.  It is for the greater long term good environmentally etc to move away from just continuous pine forestry so I am in support. Good job.
864.3	We support the exit of commercial forestry and the development of a climate friendly regional economy in parallel to manage the impact on job losses.Cyclone Gabrielle has demonstrated the horrific environmental impact of commercial forestry in the event of a weather event. Moving our community towards climate resilience should be considered a high priority, and commercial forestry hold us back from this.
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.
885.3	Create more native bush and support biodiversity to fight climate change.
898.2	As a participant in the Right Tree, Right Place workshops - it is absolutely crucial that Council takes this opportunity to shift away from the current approach which is aggravating soil and erosion loss, creates an unsightly backdrop to the city when harvesting is underway, and does not stack up as a wise investment.  The alternative provides multiple co-benefits, and the opportunity to show leadership, improve biodiversity and climate resilience, and to create a more pleasant backdrop to the wider Nelson City environs.
904.3	I agree with stopping planting pines and move to planting native trees which absorb more carbon and hold onto the soil better than pines.
909.3	The downstream impacts of commercial forestry in the catchments behind our wee city were clear to me as one of many who sought to try and clean up the water and the beaches after the August 2022 rainfall event. The increased sedimentation in our rivers and estuaries from clear-felling practices cause further issues. I also have concerns around what happens when exotic pinus radiata plantations become uneconomic to harvest due to the price of carbon. These monoculture biodiversity 'deserts' are not what we want on the fringes of our city in the future. The proposed continuous canopy mixed species forestry provides a fantastic opportunity to bring a recreational focus to the councils forested areas.
932.3	I wholeheartedly support the transition from commercial forestry to replanting the 600 hectares of council-owned land with a continuous canopy of mixed native species. This decision would have a profound impact on our region's biodiversity, conservation efforts, and recreational appeal, while also sending a powerful message about our commitment to environmental stewardship.The benefits of mixed native forests for biodiversity and conservation are well-documented. Research has shown that these forests support a significantly higher variety of native flora and fauna compared to commercial monoculture plantations. By providing a diverse range of habitats and food sources, mixed native forests create a haven for endangered species and contribute to the overall health of our ecosystems. Moreover, these forests play a vital role in regulating water cycles, preventing soil erosion, and sequestering carbon, thereby helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.In addition to the ecological benefits, transitioning to mixed native forests would greatly enhance Nelson's appeal as a destination for outdoor recreation and eco-tourism. The natural beauty of these forests, with their diverse canopy and understory, would attract both locals and visitors seeking to immerse themselves in nature. Additionally, it's important to note that the impact of this decision extends far beyond the 600 hectares directly managed by the council. By taking this step, the council would send a resounding message about the value we place on biodiversity and our commitment to preserving our natural heritage. This leadership would inspire private landowners, businesses, and the wider community to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that amplifies the positive impact on our environment. As more stakeholders prioritize the restoration of native habitats, we can create a network of thriving, interconnected ecosystems that support a rich tapestry of life.Further, securing long-term recreational access to forestry tracks and trails is crucial for our community, visitors, and events. Mountain biking alone has the potential to generate $48.8M in direct spend for Nelson Tasman, but current access limitations result in a significant loss of $18.5M. Beyond the immediate economic benefits, ensuring access to these natural assets provides immeasurable value to our residents' quality of life and attracts visitors seeking unique outdoor experiences. The proposed long-term agreement between the Council and Ngāti Koata for access to the Maitai Valley is a vital step towards unlocking the full potential of our region's recreational offerings.
933.3	The current approach doesn't make either financial or environmental sense.
934.3	Saves the disruption on the environment.
956.1	Retirement of Forestry
963.3	A very good long term option
987.3	We concur with the findings of the Right Tree Right Place Task Force that all current NCC commercial forests should be transitioned into continuous-canopy forest systems, mostly of mixed species, that best meet community values and address climate risks.  We support the exit of commercial forestry and the development of a climate friendly regional economy in parallel to manage the impact on job losses. Cyclone Gabrielle has demonstrated the horrific environmental impact of commercial forestry in the event of a weather event. Moving our community towards climate resilience should be considered a high priority, and commercial forestry holds us back from this.
1002.3	Exiting commercial forestry in our sensitive river catchments is long overdue.  Many thanks to Cr Sanson for her hard mahi on this.  Shame its taken so long to get to this point, but better late than never.
1009.3	I would prefer us to exit it as quickly as possible. Allowing our native bush to regenerate would help lessen disruption due to the climate crisis, and would provide some defence against the extreme weather events we can expect from our refusal to stop burning fossil fuels.
1045.1	Firstly, a big thank you to Council for the decision to undertake a review of its 600ha of plantation forestry holdings. Secondly, congratulations to the Right Tree Right Place Taskforce for the thorough and comprehensive review of the council’s forestry holdings. The information, assessments, observations and preferences contained in the various reports and the well-foundered, evidence-based and wide-ranging recommendations should provide a strong strategic basis for Council to proceed with a staged approach to implementing the taskforce’s recommendations. If the recommendations are adopted and implemented over time with extensive community involvement they should result in profound positive benefits on the management of the City’s eastern hinterland and restoration of indigneous biodiversity values and provide increased recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. This in turn should not only provide personal health and social benefits but also considerable long term financial benefits to the wider community and future generations. Council’s options for forestryIn terms of the two options proposed, I strongly support Option 2 – Council’s proposal to change the current approach through exiting commercial forestry over time and to grow a continuous canopy of mixed species and manage the Council land as one area. Related priorities and considerationsTo enable option 2 to proceed it is crucial to quickly prepare a next steps strategy and to allocate adequate funding in the LTP to address the recommendations in the report requiring immediate action (14 & 15), the transition planning and high priority areas for action (16-19). The need to urgently address current issues with invasive pest animals and plants mentioned in several places in the report and is the focus of recommendation 5, will also need to have adequate funding in all years of the LTP. Otherwise, the current biodiversity degradation will continue to increase and become an even more difficult challenge to get on top of. While supporting the concept of mixed forests and having introduced canopy trees in appropriate areas that maybe harvested at some stage in the future, the location of such areas and the species used need to be carefully considered. I note that the report indicates that the most likely locations for consideration of some continued planting of timber species  is some of the more accessible lower slopes in the Roding, which from my knowledge of the eastern hills I concur with. Such considerations include the impacts of providing ground access to such sites, impacts on waterways and establishment of adequate riparian margins, as well as ensuring that they do not contribute to additional wilding pines or other introduced species becoming future pest plants. I suggest that the ‘independent community entity’ included in recommendation 4 have in addition to tangata whenua also have a wide range of perspectives from the community including those with biodiversity expertise, and perhaps also involvement in the Nelson Biodiversity Forum. I also feel that recommendation 6 could be strengthened through the addition of “and biodiversity” after “climate” and in front of the last word “risks” so that it reads …. “and address climate and biodiversity risks”. As I mention in two paragraphs below it is widely accepted that we have a NZ and global biodiversity crisis (as well as a climate crisis). Other relevant considerationsWhile the report provides some background on previous discussions and reports on the development and impacts of forestry there have been significant changes in community attitudes and values as well as in council over the last 40 years or so that I believe are important for council and those who will be dealing with the implementation of the report to bear in mind. There has been increasing acknowledgement that NZ, and the rest of the world, is facing a biodiversity crisis with the loss of indigenous habitats particularly in lowland areas and the degradation of remaining areas through the spread of introduced browsing animals and the reduction in and loss of our special indigenous fauna. The conservation movement has largely moved from saving areas under threats of destruction to restoration of the biodiversity values over a wide range of habitats.  These concerns and the desire to restore degraded areas was a major driver in the establishment of the Nelson Biodiversity Forum and the resulting Biodiversity Strategies developed jointly by Council, the Department of Conservation and other government agencies along with a wide of concerned community organisations and companies. Many existing organisations, such as Forest and Bird and Friends of the Maitai, took the lead in various restoration projects. It was also the key driver for the establishment of the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust and the creation of a predator-free sanctuary in Council’s former water management reserve in the upper Brook Valley. Many trapping groups have been working hard in areas around the sanctuary and in the corridor down the Brook Valley to reduce the numbers of animal pests, such as stoats, possums, weasels and rats, that were killing large numbers of birds. The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary and other conservation projects have shown that there is an “army of conservation volunteers” in our community who are very willing to regularly give their time and energy to enhancing the biodiversity values of our natural areas, including in riparian margins and the often quite rugged eastern hills. Such groups of volunteers have been co-ordinated and assisted by Council over many years now, including in projects under the umbrella of the Council’s Nelson Nature programme. The results from these efforts are now showing up not only when people visit the sanctuary and areas where pest trapping is occurring and supplementary planting is being undertaken, but also in residential areas adjoining the eastern hills with increased sightings of native bird species.     There is no reason why this voluntary army cannot be encouraged and increased to assist with the replanting of areas cleared of exotic forestry in the areas that are to be transitioned to native species. Many retirees are keen to contribute to such projects and many active walkers, runners and mountain bikers are also keen to give back to improve the areas they enjoy visiting and to expanding such areas. It may be useful for those planning the transition from exotic to native species to review the work that the Nelson Biodiversity Forum has undertaken, including the large-scale mapping of potential biodiversity corridors designed to link upland areas with lowland and coastal areas, to see how such retired forestry areas can be incorporated into and enhance such biodiversity corridors. It is pleasing to see that the taskforce report acknowledges that much of the forestry blocks in the Maitai, Marsden and Brook catchments are within the Nelson Nature Halo project around the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary. And in addition that the report contains observations and preferences that they be phased over to indigenous vegetation and provide increased habitat enhancement for birdlife from the sanctuary and additional opportunities for increased recreational activities close to urban areas. This fits very nicely with the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary vision of a biodiversity corridor down the Brook Valley and of improving the habitat outside of the predator-proof fence to enable wildlife that fly over or are relocated outside the fence to have a greater chance of successfully repopulating the adjacent areas of native forests. As a former member of the Forestry Committee during my second term as a councillor, I advocated for a wider range of plantation species, including macrocarpa and hardwood species, to provide a range of timbers that could provide a resource for local furniture and cabinet makers and other possible users of alternative species. However, the prevailing view at the time was that Council needed to focus on increasing the area of Council’s “commercial” exotic forestry plantations to a so-called “sustainable” area of 800ha and continue planting Pinus radiata (as that was what everybody else was planting). This situation was not entirely surprising as the chair of the committee then was the recently retired former NZ Forest Service Conservator of Forests for the Nelson Marlborough area. One of the consequences of this desire to increase the area in plantation forestry was the establishment of some areas of pine plantations in small isolated pockets (particularly in the Maitai catchment) with seemingly no consideration of how the trees would be harvested 25-30 years later and the potential adverse impacts from providing access tracks and the logging techniques on water and soil values. Pines were also planted upstream of Council’s Maitai water supply dam and intakes contrary to its own water supply catchment management practice and the generally accepted best practice throughout the country. So it is very pleasing to read in the taskforce report that such plantings are likely to be transitioned to natives and environmentally damaging practices of clear felling of quite large areas will cease. In 2009, as Chair of Council’s Environment Committee I reworked a discussion paper following encouragement from Mayor Marshall on revegetating the city’s hill backdrop and valleys and establishing corridors which built on a paper initially prepared six years earlier. It seemed to help with the Council purchase of additional land on the Grampians, Brook Valley and the ridge in between the Brook and Maitai valleys that contained the former Dun Mountain railway line that is now part of the popular Coppermine Trail – one of the 23 Great Rides of New Zealand. It was however rather disappointing to see that after the pines were harvested that it was mostly replanted in another crop of pines. The paper is included below for anyone who is interested in reading it. 28 April 2009 The Chairperson and CouncillorsEnvironment Committee VEGETATING THE CITY HILL BACKDROP AND VALLEYS AND ESTABLISHING CORRIDORS Reason for the PaperTo suggest the preparation of a strategy for the re-vegetation of the city’s backdrop hills and valleys and the establishment of multi-purpose corridors. BackgroundOver the past decade or so, Council has been actively re-vegetating some of the hills that form the backdrop to the central city with native and other appropriate species. Areas on the Grampians, Centre of NZ and the Malvern Hills have been particularly targeted. Various individuals and community groups have assisted with this work. A network of tracks which have been popular with walkers, runners and mountain bikers has been established as part of the provision of recreational facilities available to residents and visitors. The western slopes of the Malvern Hills were purchased by Council with the express purpose of securing the backdrop to the CBD and Wood in public ownership. The planting of native species has been happening progressively. A well-used track has been provided, linking the Centre of NZ with Walter’s Bluff. Council now owns the majority of the Grampians, including a valuable native forest remnant on the southern slopes and has been replacing the pine and eucalyptus species with more appropriate ornamental exotic species and natives. The public reaction to the choice of exotic ornamentals indicated that there is considerable support for re-vegetating our hills with native species.  In the Marsden Valley, a combined programme with Council, schools and the community has been controlling old man’s beard and other weed pests and planting additional native trees in the reserve areas. Additional tracks are planned to cater for walkers, runners and mountain bikers, including providing further access to the Bryant Range. Over the past 30 years, Council has been actively acquiring land in the Maitai Valley and establishing a variety of recreational facilities, including the Maitai Walkway and Waahi Taakaro golf course. The Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust has been established and is working on implementing its vision for a fenced pest-free sanctuary in the forested headwaters of the Brook catchment where lost species, such as kiwi, saddleback and tuatara, will be able to be re-introduced. It is anticipated that the sanctuary will be a nursery for wildlife that will spread into the adjoining forested areas such as the Maitai Valley, Marsden Valley, Mount Richmond Forest Park and down the Brook Valley corridor into the central city. In August 2003, the Council and the Department of Conservation jointly published the booklet Living Heritage: Growing Native Plants in Nelson which describes eight different lowland ecosystems in the Nelson City area and provides advice on planting and lists of native species appropriate for each ecosystem. This publication is an excellent resource for residents, community groups and others interested in restoring the native vegetation that is unique to Nelson. In May 2007, Council adopted the Nelson Biodiversity Strategy after a collaborative preparation effort by a Council-led inter-agency working group involving more than 20 community organisation over the preceding 2 years, including wider public consultation. The strategy contains 8 principles for biodiversity management, a vision, goals, objectives, methods and priority actions, including the preparation of Biodiversity Action Plans to cover flats, freshwater, coast, sea and hills. The Biodiversity Forum at its most recent meeting on 30 March 2009 adopted 3 action plans for the terrestrial, freshwater and coastal marine environments. It is now a widely accepted principle in biodiversity and conservation reserve management that connected areas are better than unconnected areas and that larger reserves are better than smaller reserves and as a consequence the benefits of connecting reserve areas via wildlife corridors are now widely appreciated. Such corridors are general vegetated to at least some extent to enable the movement of wildlife, particularly birds, in relatively safety and with food sources along the way to help sustain them in journeys between larger areas of suitable habitat. In urban and peri-urban situations such corridors can be for multiple purposes eg they can contain tracks and other facilities for recreational users. In valleys, such corridors can also incorporate esplanade/riparian reserves/strips alongside rivers and streams. The Nelson Biodiversity Strategy included several references to this concept such as Priority Action 16. Connect large and small remnants of native vegetation where appropriate with corridors of replanting, focusing these along the course of streams and rivers and across the city. The VisionTo develop a strategy or policy that has a goals of vegetating with appropriate native and other species, the city backdrop and adjacent valleys and establishes multi-purpose corridors that help to achieve the biodiversity strategy and bring nature back into the urban areas.Preparation of a Re-vegetation and Corridor StrategySuch a strategy could build on what Council has been doing over recent years and provide a more integrated, considered and strategic approach then the present rather ad hoc approach. It could identify backdrop hills and valleys that could be re-vegetated with native and appropriate exotic species. It could also identify possible corridors to link areas of native vegetation. These could be mapped onto large scale aerial photographs. The strategy could in addition to covering land currently owned by Council also include other public lands, land protected by covenants and land that has significant conservation value or potential strategic and/or conservation value that Council or other public agencies may wish to acquire and/or protect. Priorities could be established to help determine Council work programmes, guide community planting projects and reserve acquisition. Council could involve other interested parties including the Biodiversity Forum and provide opportunities for public input. Such a strategy may provide reserve network information that could eventually be incorporated in the Nelson Resource Management Plan, perhaps via structure plans, and into other Council documents such as reserve management plans. BenefitsThese could include:Biodiversity – assisting with implementation of the Nelson Biodiversity Strategy -  enhanced natural values through additional areas of native vegetation and network of wildlife corridors;Community involvement and pride – huge potential to involve the community and to tap into the enthusiasm for planting native trees and shrubs and predator control projects – participants deriving personal satisfaction and community pride from their involvement and the work achieved;Recreation and healthy lifestyle – additional recreational opportunities;Nelson naturally brand – another clean & green element - enhanced backdrop to city and corridor network – a point of difference with other communities;Tourism – additional attractions and facilities for visitors;Employment and training – opportunities for pest control, plant propagation, planting, track development etc;Reduced fire risk – buffer between inflammable vegetation and city;Buffer between people and pollen from pines;Increased certainty with respect to long term planning goals;Substantial contribution to Council’s vision and community outcomes; andPossible opportunities for obtaining carbon credits for re-vegetated and enhanced areas. Recommendation That the Environment Committee consider this paper and, if supportive, set up a joint councillor and staff working group to prepare a draft re-vegetation and corridor strategy.  Derek Shaw
1075.3	I commend the Council for taking such a thorough and considerate approach to this issue. Common sense has prevailed and the changing direction will be looked upon fabourably in the future.
1085.3	I enthusiastically support the Council's approach. It is forward looking and helps meet our climate goals. A diverse native forest is less likely to catch fire. It is less susceptible to disease. It is a smart investment of my tax money.  I am not an expert on forestry. I appreciate and recognise the research carried on to produce the Right Tree, RIght Place task force.
1093.3	Lets show other regions that forestry is not the only option.  All forestry developments should have a corridor of at least 0.5km mixed species on their boundaries, negating the disruption to roading, traffic as well as reduce the issue of slash causing flooding and slips.
1105.1	Refer to attachment  for TET Annual Report 2023
1108.3	Commercial forestry is unsustainable, unsightly, incredibly damaging to our precious soil layer and every time an area is clear-felled a lot of soil is lost. It ends up in Tasman bay affecting the whole marine ecology of the bay and destroying the first step of the food chain and hence all steps of the food chain.  We should end pine forestry in the catchment area of Tasman Bay at least. Forestry slash and irresponsible forestry practices have also caused signficant damage to landscapes and houses from flooding in the past, and this needs to stop immediately to prevent further catastrophic events.
1157.3	Forestry is too damaging to the environment. Look at the Maitai, it is a life source for our city and has three wonderful swimming holes in summer that we all enjoy. The run-off, silt, erosion and slash continues to damage it.
1212.3	Absolutely necessary given climate change, flood potential, and declining soil productivity for commercial mono-culture.  The costs to do this over time are well under the benefits to people and the environment over a longer period of time.
1246.3	I strongly support ending Council's involvement in commercial forestry and wherever possible reverting all Council owned exotic forests to native forests. This would strongly benefit the environment and biodiversity in the Nelson region with associated amenity and economic benefits. It would also serve as a model for other local private exotic forest owners and could inspire them to revert more of their land to native plantings. The topography and geology of much of the forestry land near Nelson, combined with the clear-felling harvest practices, has resulted in unacceptable land erosion and sediment discharge to our rivers and to Tasman Bay. NCC should lead the way to reducing these negative environmental impacts by exiting its involvement with commercial forestry.
1258.3	Great plan
1267.3	I strongly support the council's change of direction.
1272.3	I agree with the findings of the Right Tree Right Place Task Force that all current NCC commercial forests should be transitioned into continuous-canopy forest systems, mostly of mixed species, that best meet community values and address climate risks.
1350.1	This would be hugely more effective in supporting the environment and biodiversity, reduce silt run off into waterways, and provide better stability for the land.
1425.6	with regards to 4. Forestry exit:
1438.3	Leave commercial forestry in the private sector. Mixed species on council land provide a better canopy, more resilience and more attractive to look at.
1474.13	We support Council in Option 2, with caveats.