Forest harvasting in the Marlborough Sounds - Flying in the face of a storm

Authors: C. Phillips, C. Pruden, R. Coker
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1996, Issue N.Z.J.For. 41(1) 1996, pp 27-31, May 1996
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: A rainstorm in November 1994 caused widespread damage within the Marlborough Sounds. Rainfall was highly variable and intensities were not particularly high. Return periods calculated from 24 hour and 15 min. intensities for the storm at Rahotia Forest were about five years.

A weir within the recently harvested paired catchment study at Rahotia Forest was damaged beyond repair by a landslide triggered at the most intensive part of the storm.

Apart from a few landslides emanating from gully head wall depressions on steep slopes, the cutover and access roads were not greatly affected by the storm.

Careful harvest planning and matching equipment to the environmental setting were largely responsible for the minimal damage observed at Rahotia. Planning and adaptability will be the key words of the future for forestry in the Marlborough Sounds.

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