Recent Meeting: 4 July 2024 – SEWG, Tapanui

It was the industry’s turn to host our mid-year meeting. Our day saw us out and about in the Ernslaw One estate not far from Tapanui, we got to understand the work they have been doing to measure and monitor stream ecology and water quality over a long period of time, sparking a discussion around the quality of the national models we have to work with. They also showed us a recently harvested site highlighting how practices have significantly changed from the previous rotation in order to protect our waterways and included a lunch stop (shout-out to the SWC for lunch! ) To see the Koura, thriving in the forest.

Our second stop took us to a new development forest where they discussed the afforestation planning work they had undertaken, giving consideration to ecological values and erosion prone areas to determine sustainable boundaries for planting. They also talked us through how they collected the data required to complete their wilding risk assessment, we were also updated on the current review of this assessment tool which seeks to create more transparency for our regulators on how scores have been determined, along with training and education for both foresters and our regulators. We finished the day by looking at the new roading investment in this forest, for the safe and reliable access for the planting and forest monitoring.

All in all, other great day full of engaged people eager to share and learn.