Growth
The benefits of plantation forests
6 September 2007
Plantation forests can have a number of environmental benefits. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, protect against wind action, ensure stream water quality, and absorb excess rainfall.
Since 1995, the Timberlands Kaingaroa Forest Streamside Management policy has provided a framework of streamside setbacks dependent on slope and geography. Distances of 5 – 25 metres are setback after harvesting. This policy is supported by the results of several studies in Kaingaroa Forest that show the positive effects of well managed plantations on stream water quality.
Forests stabilise soil, and also maintain biological diversity when managed in a sustainable manner. Plantation forests may not be as diverse as native forests, but they foster a lot more life and diversity than alternative land uses.
Plantation forests also provide sport and recreation facilities. For example, the mountain bike tracks in Whakarewarewa Forest are world class and considered to be New Zealand’s best. In conjunction with the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club, Timberlands Limited manage the track network to ensure that the resource retains its value.