Assessing Timberlands' Sustainable Beech Management using Concepts of Ecosystem Health and Ecosystem Management

Authors: Chris Perley
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1998, Issue N.Z.J.For. 43(3) 1998, pp 3-7, Nov 1998
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

Abstract: On 22 September 1998 Timberland West Coast released the sustainable management plan for the Crown-owned beech forests of the West Coast for New Zealand-wide public consultation. The proposal has already come in for considerable criticism from people and groups ranging from politicians to environmentalists of various persuasions, almost all basing their opposition on some concerns relating to ecosystem health. Timberland's proposal has also gained some support. This article presents one particular analysis of assessment criteria, emphasising ecosystem health and the its attainment through concepts of ecosystem management, and subjects Timberland's proposal to that test.