Impact KPI-2: Extract value from forests and dispersed forest holdings

IO1 – Maximise the value and profitability of commercial forests and their ecosystem services


Impact KPI-2: Extract value from forests and dispersed forest holdings

By 2019, tools developed by Scion and its partners will be used by New Zealand forest growers and harvesting companies to reduce harvesting costs, improve safety of tree extraction and improve supply chain logistics, leading to growth in regional tree planting.

Leading indicator
Progress
Prototypes of new harvesting and supply chain tools have been demonstrated by 2016 that have the potential to save the forestry industry at least $50 million per annum over 2010 costs.

The current PGP-funded FFR Harvesting programme will be complete by end of 2016 having achieved:

  • A 6 to 25 per cent increase in efficiency in logging operations using grapples. This equates to 150 fewer breaker outs exposed to hazards associated with manual breaking out.
  • A 1 to 20 per cent increase in efficiency of mechanical felling operations on steep country, meaning 60 fewer fallers will be exposed to falling hazards.
  • The first fully teleoperated steep slope feller buncher, which will lower steep slope tree felling risks.
  • A new remote controlled twin winch tailhold carriage that will reduce rope shifting time.
  • A new quick coupling device, ideal for small steep country forest owners.
  • Development of a prototype remote controlled mechanical felling wedge that will improve safety by allowing the faller to exit the high hazard zone.

Remote sensing technologies are being used by forest growers to obtain quantitative information on the performance of their forests and which is being used to inform management practices.Timberlands acquired LiDAR for Kaingaroa Forest and is currently using this information to update inventory. This LiDAR information will also be used by Timberlands in a review of silvicultural practices. Blakely Pacific acquired LiDAR data for its Douglas-fir forests in southern Canterbury and Otago. Height maps generated from this LiDAR were used to optimise the timing of final thinning.
Supported at least one iwi owned forest and land holding cluster to realise at least a 20 per cent increase in returns from their land over 2014 values by 2016.
The Sustainable Farming Fund Waikura Valley Land Restoration project (on the East Coast) was initiated with the Whangaparaoa 2L Trust. This project addresses the critical environmental risks associated with large scale, active gully erosion, and will actively involve Waikura Valley landowners, comprising iwi and non-iwi, in the development of their own land management plan through research, trials, vegetation planting and assessment.