New Zealand: Invasive Monterey Pines wilding themselves across the landscape

They are prolific in many areas and spreading fast over vast tracts of
land. But they could have various uses – if properly managed. The
question has been, what could be the most practical solution for
controlling the spread of wilding trees, particularly pine and fir
species. Over the past 60-70 years, wilding trees have spread across
several thousand hectares of the MacKenzie basin and Lakes district
areas of Otago.

Click link for full text/increase funding for writer/producer of these
words: http://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/opinion/41107/benefits-seen-managing-not-clearing-wilding-trees

Runholders would prefer to clear their areas for pastoral uses,
particularly with potential irrigation in the offing, and dairying
being the tempting new change of land use. Former University of Otago
lecturer on land-use strategies Chris Perley is also scathing about
efforts by environmental lobby groups and the Department of
Conservation for complete clearance of all exotic trees.

Having been involved with wilding tree management over the past 10 years, I find it hard to put a figure on costs of control and clearance of mixed
age, mixed species of wilding pine and fir. But I am confident these
plants can be managed as a resource for a variety of benefits – hill
country stability; prevention of pollution of waterways; and
commercial, visual, and amenity values. And let’s not forget carbon sequestration. Some of the costs for control, clearance, or change of land use can be mitigated through potential income from the sale of commercial-grade logs and roundwood, particularly from within the more established stands.

Click link for full text/increase funding for writer/producer of these
words: http://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/opinion/41107/benefits-seen-managing-not-clearing-wilding-trees

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