Forests proposal for high country

Some farmers in the South Island high country want to plant forests to take advantage of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), politicians were told today.

Concerns over wilding pines and their environmental impact meant Land Information New Zealand was still looking at where and when planting could begin, general manager business support Brian Usherwood said.

"You wouldn't want the entire MacKenzie Country covered in pine."

Further work was being done but several leasees had indicated interest in growing forests, Mr Usherwood told Parliament's primary production select committee this morning.

The ETS had been "evolving over time" and though preliminary discussions had been held there was further work to do, he said.

Farmers in the high country have to ask for permission for forestry and local district plans also had clauses on forests.

District plans may stipulate where forests could be planted or what type of trees could be grown, Mr Usherwood said.

- NZPA