Cyclone Gabrielle - the Lake Taupo Forest experience

Authors: Geoff Thorp
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2023, Issue N.Z.J.For. 68(3) 2023 , pp Pages 3 - 7, Nov 2023
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Cyclone Gabrielle struck the northern and central parts of the North Island in February 2023, and caused 4,200 ha of windthrow in Lake Taupō Forest. This has led to a 2.2 million m³ salvage programme, requiring a ramping up of harvesting and trucking capacity. The poor state of the markets, coupled with cyclone-induced interruptions in other forests, has assisted in securing this extra resource. By August 2023 around 30% had been salvaged and it is on target to be completed by June 2024. So far there is limited sap-stain in the fallen wood, but this is expected to change as temperatures rise. The operations are producing a positive stumpage, but this too is expected to change as the wood deteriorates. In addition to the immediate salvage, the event will have long-felt influences on future forest management.

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