Douglas-fir from an industry viewpoint.

An update on Douglas-fir from an industry viewpoint, and the challenges with wildings that is severely limiting where the species can be grown with certainty

Presenter: Phil Delamare, Ernslaw One

South Island Regional Manager for Ernslaw One and responsible for management of 12,000ha of Douglas-fir, much of which was established in the 1990s. Previously Chair of the Douglas-fir Research Cooperative, and inaugural member of the Douglas-fir Association which was established in 2004 to fight new regulations on treatment as a result of the leaky homes crisis. Currently the FOA rep on the Central Otago Wilding Group. Ernslaw established a Douglas-fir seed orchard in the 1990s when demand for seed internally and externally was very high. Since the NES-PF, and now the NES-CF, demand for seed has plummeted due to the limited areas the species can be planted without risk of wilding spread. The future for the species lies in gene editing a sterile tree in areas at risk of wilding spread, and for existing stands we are looking at using a recently developed cone abortion spray for stand edges and take-off sites.

Where to next for the National Wilding Conifer Program?

In 2014 a cross-sector group developed the New Zealand Wilding Conifer Management Strategy 2015-2030 to manage wilding conifers and provide a framework for the national programme. Since the development of this strategy significant government funding has been allocated to the delivery of the national program across the country. With national funding reducing the focus now moves to transitioning wilding conifer management back to landholders, so what does this mean for communities and stakeholders still effected by wilding conifer infestations?

Most regulations regarding wilding conifers are captured through regional pest management plans (RPMPs) however a compliance approach has been rarely applied by councils while the national funding has been active. However, this may change with a focus shift towards transition.

Presenter: Zac Robinson, Zolve Environmental (www.zolveenvironmental.com)

Zac is the Managing Director of Zolve Environmental. Prior to this he worked as the National Health, Safety and Environmental Manager for Port Blakely Forestry, including representing the FOA Environmental Committee on the National Wilding Conifer Stakeholders Group. For the past two years Zolve Environmental have project managed the Wilding Conifer Program in the canterbury region on behalf of Environment Canterbury, including strategic and tactical support within the program. Currently Zolve in partnership with Environment Canterbury and MPI are undertaking the first transition pilot project for the national program in the Godley Management Unit.  

Can biotech help prevent new wildings?.

The biotechnology regulations established in New Zealand during the late 1990s are widely considered outdated and not fit-for-purpose. While many other nations have modernised their regulatory frameworks reflecting new knowledge and technological advancements, New Zealand has lagged behind, resulting in barriers to both research and deployment. However, planned regulatory changes aim to align New Zealand with our global partners, enabling the adoption of beneficial technologies that offer potential solutions to challenges faced by our planted forests.

The development of sterile Douglas-fir is a beneficial trait that could be produced using a biotech. Sterile trees would allow planting Douglas-fir without the concern of generating new wildings, currently a major obstacle to new plantings. Work Scion has carried out to produce sterile trees using gene editing technology (CRISPR) to modify essential reproductive genes will be described. How the forthcoming regulatory changes might allow testing of these trees, a step currently impeded by existing regulations, will be discussed.

Presenter: Glenn Thorlby, Scion Research

Glenn is a tree biotechnologist at Scion where he has worked for 15 years. Prior to this he worked as Scientist and group leader in UK Universities.  At Scion he manages projects that aim to develop biotech tools to benefit forestry. Current projects include sterility, disease resistance and tree development. He also has an interest in the regulation of biotechnology in New Zealand. He has contributed to government, the FSC and Royal Society reviews of genetic technologies and was responsible for the preparation and submission of the EPA field trial application that allows Scion to carry out field trials with GMO trees.

Date: Tuesday, 28th May 2024

Time: 7:30pm - 8:30pm NZST

Ticket Cost: $NZD (paid by credit card)

$10 NZIF Members

$10 Australian Forestry Members (please quote membership number in 'note to administrator')

$30 Non Members

Free: NZIF Student members only

Ticket Sales close: 3:00pm, 28th May 2024

All those registered and paid will receive a link to the recording within 5 working days after the event.