Ashburton District Council has been involved in exotic forest management for over 100 years. Initially plantations were established to provide shelter and to promote soil conservation. This focus has changed over the years with the plantations now managed for timber production and to provide income for the Council.
Objectives:
- The Forestry Department aims to manage the Council’s plantation resource to provide the best possible financial return.
- Promote the environmental well-being of the District through effective forest management.
- Provide a professional forest management advisory service.
Riverbank View - Rakaia Gorge
History
The Ashburton District Council has been involved in forestry for over a century. Initially plantings were undertaken to provide shelter although with time the timber value of the plantations has become apparent. Over the years forestry has contributed to the Council’s income, along with providing a log supply to local saw millers and employment for locals.
Current Resource
Mid Canterbury’s climate; strong winds, dry summers and cold winters (snow), limit the species suitable for planting. Plains sites are generally most suited to Radiata pine with Douglas fir an option for those plantations closer to the foothills (higher rainfall). Other species administered by the council include Macrocarpa, Larch and Eucalypts. See graph below for the species distribution.
