Is New Zealand ready for steep country logging?

Authors: W. W. Carson
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1983, Issue N.Z.J.For. 28(1) 1983, pp 24-34, May 1983
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Over the next decade New Zealand expects to approach an annual timber harvest of 3.6 million cubic metres from its steep country plantations. Its steep country logging problems will rise dramatically as well.

In the late sixties the U.S. Forest Service faced an increase in difficulties with the logging of their steep country regions. Their problems arose partly from environmental concerns, partly from economic considerations. Because of these problems, they felt compelled to train over 500 logging specialists and institute better harvest planning into the management of their forests.

This paper discusses the U.S. Forest Service Logging Specialist training programme. Based upon comparisons of annual timber production, it suggests that New Zealand should consider its own programme. The comparisons show that New Zealand would need over one hundred trained logging specialists by 1993.

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