Clear as mud

Authors: Kit Richards
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2014, Issue N.Z.J.For. 59(1) 2014, pp 44-46, May 2014
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

---

Abstract: Erosion and sedimentation problems Many of our readers would have noticed a recent article in the New Zealand Herald titled ‘Scorched Earth’ in which the author, Sam Judd, sought to attribute many of the problems of erosion and sedimentation of New Zealand waterways to the practices of the forest industry and particularly clear cutting of Radiata pine. See link: www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article. cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11190177 The author also drew some erroneous conclusions when comparing water flows after rain in harvested plantation forests with those in native forests. While correctly noting that sedimentation is a leading cause of water pollution, the use of examples that bear no relationship to forestry or forestry practice undoubtedly had some heads scratching amongst land managers and forestry practitioners alike!

---