Close to 200 forestry and environmental managers, along with local Council’s from across New Zealand – and further afield – met up as part of the first Environmental Forestry event run for the forestry industry. The timing was spot on as evidenced by the turnout.

A number of outstanding case studies, both from larger corporate forest owners and smaller woodlot operations, were able to be shared on guidelines and innovative operating practices that have been developed and adopted to minimise the environmental impact from forest establishment, roading and wood harvesting operations.

A common theme throughout the event though was the real need for the industry to improve and coordinate its messaging to the wider community on the advancements being made by forest owners and contractors to ensure that the environment – onsite and downstream - is being protected. An environmental focus was essential for the industry’s future and integral to its social license to operate.

The event highlighted a range of case studies across the forest production cycle from harvest planning to post-harvest audits and impact assessments. The goal now will be to build on these best practices to improve the industry as a whole.

We have just scratched the surface and look forward to expanding on this event in the future. There is no doubt that the audience mix added a lot of value to this event - we had regional council staff, management and environmental staff from small to large forest companies, industry contractors, regulatory and policy staff from local councils, Ministry for Primary Industries, NZ Forest Service and the Ministry for the Environment.

If you are interested in presenting at our next event, email John Stulen at john.stulen@fiea.org.nz.