Sphagnum moss: issues associated with the sustainable development of a non-timber forest product in New Zealand

Authors: A.J. Tilling
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1994, Issue N.Z.J.For. 39(4) 1995, pp 30-34, Jan 1995
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: As conventional forestry has declined in New Zealand's indigenous rainforests, a multimillion-dollar activity, based on the harvesting and processing of a non-wood forest product, has boomed. In New Zealand, this non-wood forest product, sphagnum moss, usually grows in bogs at altitudes from 2000 metres down to sea level, but is found particularly on the West Coast of the South Island growing in swamps and cutover forest. The nature and history of this export-oriented industry, present issues and implications for its sustainable development, are discussed in this paper.

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