Plantation pine forestry has its benefits, but we believe the biggest threat to the Maitai River is erosion from the thousands of hectares of pine forests that dominate the catchment. The large clear-felling of pine forests allows significant rain events to erode the steep hillsides with most of that soil ending up in the river (and subsequently Tasman Bay).
Our forestry group aims to work positively to encourage leadership from the Nelson City Council on the management of their own forests, and with local forest owners who are now making changes such as increased riparian planting.
For a comprehensive recent backgrounder on pine forestry in the Maitai click here
If you are interested in joining this group please click here for the volunteer form.