2. Encouragement of permanent, wide riparian strips by waterways (150m suggested). These can be planted in manuka and flaxes as nurse crops for natives. We were told a significant amount of the manuka on the Coast needs replacing to produce good flowers for bees, so this makes economic sense. The Government needs to change ETS rules to encourage wider riparian strips.
3. No radiata plantings on very steep eroding slopes.
4. Carbon manufacturing — utilising breakthrough technology, the continuous manufacture of biochar/charcoal/ activated carbon is, according to Sheldon, highly economic and creates skilled rural jobs. He said the plant was exothermic and would manufacture electricity from the surplus heat.
Forestry makes the headlines in The Gisborne Herald almost daily. We have read of the “demise of two forestry contractor businesses” and “Shredder ready to tackle slash”. With regard to the latter, Sheldon expressed concern about what we would do with massive quantities of wood chips, as they do not break down quickly.
I would like to know that in looking to our future regarding land use, forestry and any associated initiatives, Sheldon will be consulted.
N. Miller
