Agenda of Forestry Advisory Group

N-logotype-black-wide Forestry Advisory Group

30 June 2020

Page No.

1. Apologies

Nil

2. Confirmation of Order of Business

3. Interests

3.1 Updates to the Interests Register

3.2 Identify any conflicts of interest in the agenda

4. Nelson Mountain Bike Club - Removal of Trees in the Maitai Valley

Ben Pointer, on behalf of the Nelson Mountain Bike Club, will speak about the removal of trees in the Maitai Valley.

5. Confirmation of Minutes

5.1 27 November 2019 6 - 9

Document number M6575

Recommendation

That the Forestry Advisory Group

1. Confirms the minutes of the meeting of the Forestry Advisory Group, held on 27 November 2019, as a true and correct record.

5.2 Extraordinary Meeting - 5 May 2020 10 - 14

Document number M9833

Recommendation

That the Forestry Advisory Group

1. Confirms the minutes of the extraordinary meeting of the Forestry Advisory Group, held on 5 May 2020, as a true and correct record.

6. Chairperson's Report

7. Nelson Mountain Bike Club - Removal of Trees in the Maitai Valley

Ben Pointer, on behalf of the Nelson Mountain Bike Club, will speak about the removal of trees in the Maitai Valley.

8. Request for removal of trees in Maitai block 15 - 21

Document number R17033

Recommendation

That the Forestry Advisory Group

1. Receives the report Request for removal of trees in Maitai block (R17033); and

2. Approves the removal of approximately 300 trees from within the Maitai forestry block 4.11 to allow the proposed mountain bike trail (P1 - 629 Climb) to be developed subject to:

- The Nelson Mountain Bike Club funding all costs to remove the trees and future maintenance costs of the track; and

- A signed Memorandum of Understanding between Council and the Nelson Mountain Bike Club before any work commences; and

- A revised route to be agreed by PF Olsen and Land Vision that reduces the number of switchbacks to minimise the impact of the nett stocked area.

9. Forestry Update - Number 12 22 - 34

Document number R17026

Recommendation

That the Forestry Advisory Group

1. Receives the report Forestry Update - Number 12 (R17026) and its Attachments (A2397884, A2391269, A2389996 and A2400908; and

2. Agrees the following revised condition with respect to logging trucks passing Central School:

- No truck movements between 8-9am and 3-4pm during the school term and that speeds past the school be no greater than 30kph; and

3. Notes that consultation on the Forestry Stewardship Council Accreditation Management Plan has commenced.

Forestry Advisory Group Minutes - 27 November 2019

Minutes of a meeting of the Forestry Advisory Group

Held in Rūma Waimārama, Floor 2A, Civic House, 110 Trafalgar Street, Nelson

On Wednesday 27 November 2019, commencing at 3.01p.m.

Present: Mr J Murray (Chairperson), Mayor R Reese, Councillor R Sanson, Mr A Louverdis and Mr P Gorman

In Attendance: PF Olsen representative (G Brown) and Governance Adviser (J Brandt)

Apology: Nil

The Chairperson welcomed Councillor Sanson to the Forestry Advisory Group as a new member for the triennium 2019-2022.

1. Apologies

There were no apologies.

2. Confirmation of Order of Business

There was no change to the order of business.

3. Interests

Her Worship Mayor R Reese declared an interest in regards to a forestry block close to her property.

4. Forestry Update - Number 10

Document number R11486, agenda pages 5 - 21 refer.

Group Manager Infrastructure, Alec Louverdis, noted apologies from Land Vision’s L Grant and PF Olsen’s S Nuske who were unable to attend the meeting, and presented his report.

Fire Risk

Mr Louverdis gave a summary of a meeting held with Civil Defence, FENZ Rural Fire Office for Nelson/Tasman, Ngati Koata and Nelson City Council Parks and Reserves officers to discuss fire risk in Council forestry and reserves blocks leading up to summer. He tabled notes from the meeting (A2307301) and advised that PF Olsen had also been in attendance.

It was agreed that there was a need to have consistency in protocols regarding access to areas where forestry land, parks and reserve land overlapped. It was requested that the protocols be reviewed with input from PF Olsen and the Group’s independent forestry adviser and that the protocols would come to the Group for approval. The officer recommendations were amended accordingly.

Harvesting Plans - Brook

Harvesting plans were discussed and it was noted that the harvesting dates proposed for the Ngati Koata Brook blocks were 1 May to mid June 2020 and July to September 2020 for the Nelson City Council owned Brook blocks. The officer recommendations were amended to include these dates.

Discussion was had about liaison with concessionaires in regards to the closure of tracks during the proposed harvest. It was requested that a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) meeting be held with concessionaires about the approved Nelson harvesting dates and that the views be brought back to the Group, and opportunity given to hear any concerns concessionaires may have, as well as give consideration to health and safety risk management. It was suggested that Parks and Reserves also be in attendance at the next meeting.

The Group thanked PF Olsen for their part in the management of the Nelson City Council owned forests.

Havesting Plans – Maitai

It was noted that the Maitai Harvest was delayed due to the requirement for a bridge to be installed. The Group requested additional information for the next meeting.

Request from Private Landowner

The request for compensation from a private Brook Street landowner was discussed and the Group was supportive of the proposal prepared by PF Olsen and that the owner be advised that her request was not approved.

Logging Routes

Discussion took place regarding proposed routes for logging trucks during the Brook Harvest. It was noted that reference to an existing agreement with the community from 2003 had been made. The officer recommendation was changed to reflect existing arrangements and officers were asked to clarify the 2003 agreement.

Forestry Stewardship Council Accreditation (FSC)

Progress with Forestry Stewardship Council Accreditation for Nelson City Council was discussed and the Group requested that the necessary steps be taken to get the application under way for accreditation, and not wait as previously agreed.

The Group acknowledged that it was potentially the last meeting for one of its members, Mr Louverdis. Thanks were expressed to the Group Manager Infrastructure for his significant contribution to the Forestry Advisory Group, noting the substantial improvements to the management of Council forestry since the Group’s inception.

Resolved FAG/2019/014
	*That the Forestry Advisory Group* 1. *Receives* *the report (R11486) and its attachments (A2300487, A2299972 and A2300520); and* 2. *Agrees* with respect to the privately owned Brook Block adjacent to Council’s owned block (22/06) to be harvested, that the proposal from the landowner for PF Olsen to undertake the harvesting of that block is not financially beneficial to Council and that the landowner be advised accordingly; and 3. *Notes* *that PF Olsen logging trucks for Brook harvesting will operate in conjunction with what has been agreed with the community at this point in time; and* 4. *Notes* *the revised planned harvesting of the Tantragee block to mid-2020; and* 5. *Notes* *the harvesting dates, following consultation with stakeholders and concessionaires, for the Brook blocks owned by Ngati Koata will be between 1 May to mid June 2020; and* 6. *Agrees* *that the harvesting dates, following consultation with stakeholders and concessionaires, for the Nelson City Council owned Brook blocks will be July to September 2020; and* 7. *Requests* *that the outcome of a PCBU meeting be brought back to a future Forestry Advisory Group meeting to consider any concerns concessionaires* *may have regarding exemptions for closures during harvesting, and to consider relevant matters relating to health and safety risk management; and* 8. *Agrees* *to the change in recommendation to the Brook/York Landfill block fire risk assessment from a new fire break to a regular mowing regime; and* 9. *Notes* *that the native seedlings ordered to replant the Brook blocks that were to be harvested (and converted to alternate use) between October-December 2019, will be used elsewhere.*
Her Worship the Mayor/Sanson Carried
Attachments 1 A2307301 Fire Risk Meeting - Summary notes

There being no further business the meeting ended at 5.21p.m.

Confirmed as a correct record of proceedings:

Chairperson Date

Forestry Advisory Group Minutes - 5 May 2020

Minutes of an extraordinary meeting of the Forestry Advisory Group

Held via Audio- Visual (Zoom)

On Tuesday 5 May 2020, commencing at 1.04p.m.

Present: Mr J Murray (Chairperson), Her Worship the Mayor R Reese, Councillor R Sanson, Mr A Louverdis (Group Manager Infrastructure) and Mr P Gorman (Independent Forestry Expert)

In Attendance: Councillor T Skinner, Sam Nuske (PF Olsen), Lachie Grant (Landvision), Team Leader Governance (R Byrne), Governance Support (K McLean) and Governance Adviser (E Stephenson)

Apologies : Nil

1. Apologies

There were no apologies.

2. Confirmation of Order of Business

There was no change to the order of business.

3. Interests

There were no updates to the Interests Register, and no interests with items on the agenda were declared.

4. Chairperson's Report

The Chairperson gave a brief verbal report.

5. Gravity - Gravity's case for exemptions

Alistair Matthew, from Gravity, presented Gravity’s case for exemptions. A PowerPoint presentation (A2379920) was provided.

Mr Matthew spoke regarding options to keep some mountain biking areas open during high fire risk and logging activity periods. He suggested Codgers Mountain Bike Park could become a safer biking hub and answered questions regarding staged logging phases and domestic tourism figures and advocated for a collaborative approach to track closures.

Attachments

1 A2379920 - PowerPoint Presentation

5. Helibike - to talk about Helibike's case for exemptions

Steve Newport, Helibike, presented Helibike’s case for exemptions and offered support for Mr Matthew’s proposal. He said that he felt that it was a sensible and logical solution to keep as much access to Codgers Mountain Bike Park as possible. He noted his concerns for other local track users and said that he would be happy to be part of a working group.

6. Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust - to talk about the Trust's case for exemptions

Gillian Wratt, Chair of Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust, presented the Trust’s case for exemptions. A PowerPoint presentation (A2379917) was provided.

Ms Wratt gave background about the Trust and its work and advocated for managed cycling groups to have some access to Maungatapu Track and the Coppermine Trail. In response to a question of whether she had any experience of other organisations working with local bodies to manage this, she offered to follow up with the national organisation.

Attachments

1 A2379917 - PowerPoint Presentation

6. Forestry Update - Number 11

Document number R13660, agenda pages 6 - 162 refer.

Group Manager, Infrastructure, Alec Louverdis, presented the report. He tabled additional information that had been circulated to members (A2380562, A2380566, A2380569 and A2380570), discussion took place and questions were answered regarding each section of the report. During discussion the following amendments to the recommendations were agreed:

· Fire risk, noting that Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) was the lead agency regarding closures of forestry and granting of exemptions and the Sports and Recreation Committee was responsible for parks and reserves. Following discussion, clause 5 of the recommendation was amended to remove reference to parks or reserves, which were the responsibility of the Sports and Recreation Committee, and to state that no exemptions would be granted unless an exemption was issued by FENZ. It was noted that concessionaires should liaise with FENZ regarding exemptions.

· Fire Risk Procedures. It was noted that these had already been presented to the Sports and Recreation Committee and that it was more appropriate that the Forestry Advisory Group note them, rather than approve them and clause 8 of the recommendation was amended accordingly.

The meeting was adjourned from 3.00p.m. until 3.14p.m.

· Harvesting - following further discussion regarding the health and safety of track users, the impact on other logging schedules, the impact on tourism and major events and the economic recovery of both the logging harvesters and concessionaires it was agreed in clause 2 of the recommendation that the harvesting of the Brook blocks would take place between the period of July to September 2021.

· Logging routes – discussion took place on existing and proposed changes to conditions, mitigation and management, and the importance of safety for school children. Following discussion, the conditions in clause 6 of the recommendation were amended to remove the avoidance of logging traffic along the defined route from mid-December to mid-January, which was considered too restrictive, and to agree to truck movements at speeds not greater than 30kph between 8-9a.m. and 3-4p.m. during the school term, in principle, subject to engagement with Council’s transport safety officer and schools being undertaken. Councillor Sanson noted her concerns and objection regarding the truck movements between 8-9a.m. and 3-4p.m. during the school term.

Discussion took place on the Marsden Block and questions were answered about the review, the Emissions Trading Scheme, the Block’s prior use and transition to carbon farming. The economic value to Council was estimated to be in excess of $750,000 by replanting in pine.

Councillor Sanson requested that her vote against bullet point 6 of clause 6, regarding truck movements during the school term be recorded.

It was clarified that the matter of truck movements past schools during between 8-9a.m. and 3-4p.m. during the school term would be brought back to the Group for further consideration.

Resolved FAG/2020/015
	*That the Forestry Advisory Group* 1. Receives the report (R13660) and its Attachments (A2240085, A2355548, A2375160, A2355539, A2355460, A2375777 and A2376174); and 2. Agrees on a harvesting date, taking all factors into account, for the Nelson City Council owned Brook blocks to be July to September 2021; and 3. Notes that the harvesting of the Tantragee Block will follow the harvesting of the Brook Blocks; and 4. Agrees that no exemptions will be granted to any concessionaires that operate in any Nelson City Council forestry blocks when harvesting of any forestry blocks is underway; and 5. Agrees that no exemptions will be granted to any concessionaires that operate in any Nelson City Council forestry blocks following any directive from Fire Emergency New Zealand to close any Nelson City Council owned forestry blocks unless an exemption is issued by Fire Emergency New Zealand; and 6. Agrees that the logging route protocol approved by Council in March 2002 be upheld, namely that the Nile/Collingwood/ Halifax/Haven route be the approved route for all harvesting from the Maitai and Brook, with the following revised conditions: - The maximum speed limit through the city of 40kph; and - Loads of short logs to have belly chains; and - Requiring transport operators to restrain securing chains on empty trucks to reduce or avoid clanking; and - Log truck drivers are to use radios to communicate their position to avoid having two log trucks on narrower sections of road; and - Limit log trucks operation through the city between 10pm and 6am; and - Truck movements are agreed in principle along the defined route between 8-9am and 3-4pm during the school term, but at no speed greater than 30kph, subject to engagement with Council’s transport safety officer and schools being undertaken; and 7. Instructs officers to write to all logging operators requesting compliance with the conditions in recommendation 6 of Report R13660; and 8. Notes the Fire Risk Procedures (Attachment A2240085 of Report R13660); and 9. Approves the Draft Forestry Stewardship Council Accreditation Management Plan (Attachment A2355542 of Report R13660), subject to any amendments approved by the Chair of the Forestry Advisory Group; and 10. Approves that consultation on the Forestry Stewardship Council Accreditation Management Plan can commence as per Report R13660; and 11. Agrees that the small area to be harvested by Tasman Pine Forests on Council land be replanted with natives once harvested; and 12. Agrees that the Marsden block (42.06) be replanted in Pinus Radiata and not converted to alternate use once harvested; and 13. Notes the location and costs of the bridges required across the Maitai and Roding Rivers that will allow harvesting to commence in 2020/21.
Murray/Sanson Carried
Councillor Sanson voted against bullet point 6 of clause 6 of the motion.
Attachments 1 A2380562 - Forest Management Plan - Appendix Four and Five 2 A2380566 - SNA Orphanage Creek Assessment 3 A23850569 - SNA 186 Report 2008 4 A2380570 - SNA 188 Report 2008

There being no further business the meeting ended at 5.14p.m.

Confirmed as a correct record of proceedings:

Chairperson Date

Item 8: Request for removal of trees in Maitai block

Forestry Advisory Group

30 June 2020

REPORT R17033

Request for removal of trees in Maitai block

1. Purpose of Report

1.1 To consider a request from the Nelson Mountain Bike Club (NMTBC) to remove approximately 300 newly planted trees in order to construct a mountain bike trail in a commercial forestry block in the Maitai Valley.

2. Recommendation

That the Forestry Advisory Group

1. Receives the report Request for removal of trees in Maitai block (R17033); and

2. Approves the removal of approximately 300 trees from within the Maitai forestry block 4.11 to allow the proposed mountain bike trail (P1 - 629 Climb) to be developed subject to:

- The Nelson Mountain Bike Club funding all costs to remove the trees and future maintenance costs of the track; and

- A signed Memorandum of Understanding between Council and the Nelson Mountain Bike Club before any work commences; and

- A revised route to be agreed by PF Olsen and Land Vision that reduces the number of switchbacks to minimise the impact of the nett stocked area.

3. Background

3.1 In 2016 Council adopted the Out and About – On Tracks Strategy (Strategy), which sought to resolve a range of front country recreation issues and establish an implementation plan of proposed trails.

3.2 One of the proposed trails, P1 (629 Climb), is within a Council forestry area in the Maitai Valley and requires the removal of around 300 newly planted trees in order to be constructed.

4. Discussion

Mountain biking in Nelson

4.1 Nelson’s larger ‘front-country’ reserves (Conservation and Landscape Reserves) are well used for recreation, including mountain biking, and some areas of these reserves have commercial forestry stands.

4.2 Out and About – On Tracks 2016 is Council’s agreed strategy for future trail development, and its implementation plan includes shared trails as well as walking-only and cycling-only trails. The proposed P1 trail is included in this strategy, which was developed and approved prior to the establishment of the Forestry Advisory Group.

4.3 Whilst this Group did not have any input into or make any decisions relating to the Strategy, this matter is now in front of the Group as this matter lies within a forestry block and within the Group’s oversight.

4.4 In 2017 Council engaged BERL to undertake research into the economic benefits of mountain biking for the region. This study concluded that $8.5 million of new and retained spending occurred annually as a result of the mountain bike trails in Nelson City, and that spending will in the first instance generate $4.5 million in GDP and provide employment for 79 FTEs. Once multiplier effects are taken into account, the activity was considered to generate a total of $14.5 million in expenditure, $7.5 million in GDP and total additional employment of 106 FTE’s. The study anticipated that in 10 years’ time, direct expenditure would measure $21.7 million, with $11.3 million of direct GDP being generated in the City and the employment of 202 FTE’s. Once multiplier effects are taken into account, the total annual economic impact in 10 years’ time was expected to be $19.1 million in GDP and the total employment of 270 FTEs.

4.5 Following the completion of the BERL report in February 2018, Council provided considerable financial support in the Long Term Plan 2018-28 for mountain biking. The resolution states that this funding was to be provided “as a grant to the Nelson Mountain Bike Club for trail development and preparations to allow hosting of the Enduro World Series in Nelson in 2021”. An amount of $540,000 was included for trail development and $230,000 to support the bid to host the Enduro World Series, an international event that has since been confirmed. A funding contract is in place with $44,000 allocated to the construction of P1.

4.6 The NMTBC has prepared resource consents for proposed trails, the latest of which was a global consent for a number of trails, granted in 2019. A condition of the latest consent requires all trails to be included in the Strategy, and have a construction plan agreed with the Council. In addition, the Strategy requires all new trails to have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreed with Council that includes a range of parameters from construction and maintenance responsibility, route definition and grade.

Proposed trail P1

4.7 The majority of the proposed trails in the Strategy are higher grade downhill trails and do not require significant cuts or vegetation removal. This is generally not the case for climbing trails which require more vegetation clearance and benching to enable a climbable grade.

4.8 P1 is one such climbing trail, and is located within NCC forestry Maitai block 4.11, near to the Maitai Dam (see Figures 1 and 2). P1 is included in the Strategy as a shared use trail, but given its remote locality it is not expected to attract many walkers.

4.9 Resource consent was granted for Proposed Trail P1 in September 2018. Its construction requires the removal of around 300 commercial radiata pine trees.

4.10 Prior to construction, an MoU will be agreed between the NMTBC and the Council. The MoU will included provisions that places the responsibility for construction and maintenance of P1 with the NMTBC, including any post-harvest reinstatement work required.

4.11 This matter has been discussed with Council’s advisers PF Olsen and Landvision who are not opposed to the trail in the commercial forestry block. However, they are of the opinion that reducing the number of switchbacks will reduce Council’s overall economic loss and minimise the impact of the nett stocked area.

4.12 Officers support the removal of the trees subject to approval of the route by PF Olsen and Land Vision to minimise the impact of the nett stocked area.

Trees requiring removal

4.13 The subject trees were planted in 2018, which PF Olsen advises are “Age 3” trees with a present value of $2.75 each (including the cost of the tree, spraying and labour to plant the tree) - $825 total for 300 trees. In terms of future opportunity cost, i.e. at the end of the ‘investment term’, the trees would be worth $120 per tree at age 28 ($36,000 in year 2046).

4.14 The proposed trail is in the vicinity of other existing trails which already require closure during harvest operations, which is accepted by the NMTBC. The 629 trail area is popular, but is not on the scale of the Codgers area in terms of public interest.

4.15 The NMTBC do not envisage any other trails in the foreseeable future with commercial forestry blocks requiring trees to be removed. The Strategy will be reviewed during 2020 which will confirm all future trails to be constructed and any proposed trails that run through any commercial forestry will be brought back to the Group for consideration.

Map2

Figure 1 Map showing location of proposed trail

Close up

Figure 2 Close up map showing proposed route

5. Options

Option 1: Allow removal of approximately 300 trees subject to conditions
Advantages	· NMTBC can proceed with development of proposed climbing trail P1 · Trees are still very young, meaning less value · Trail has been approved by Council and part of a Strategy process · Has support from the Principal Parks and Facilities Asset Planner
Risks and Disadvantages	· Precedent setting, although NMTBC have stated that no further trees would require removal for other trail development
Option 2: Do not allow removal of approximately 300 trees
Advantages	· Opportunity for income in 2048 generated from the 300 trees, including subsequent rotations
Risks and Disadvantages	· Contrary to agreed strategic direction for trail building

6. Conclusion

6.1 A request from the NMTBC has been received to remove approximately 300 newly planted trees in order to construct a mountain bike trail in a commercial forestry block in the Maitai Valley.

6.2 The proposed trail (P1) is in accordance with the Council’s adopted strategic planning for trail development, has been granted resource consent and the trees are at a young age meaning removal is easy.

6.3 Officers support the removal of the trees on the proviso that the route be refined (and agreed to by PF Olsen and Land Vison) to included less switchbacks to minimise the loss of future income to Council. By having less switchbacks, the nett stocked area will be greater.

7. Next Steps

7.1 If approved, officers will work with the NMTBC to agree a route that includes less switchbacks subject to the approval of PF Olsen and Land Vision.

Author: Paul Harrington, Team Leader Parks and Facilities Assets

Attachments

Nil

Important considerations for decision making

1. Fit with Purpose of Local Government

The removal of the trees impacts on the return on a Council investment, but the recreation opportunity provides an element of wellbeing through physical activity.

2. Consistency with Community Outcomes and Council Policy

Our communities have access to a range of social, educational and recreational facilities and activities – The trail will provide a recreational opportunity.

Our region is supported by an innovative and sustainable economy - Forestry provides a financial return to Council.

3. Risk

The proposed trail alignment has been assessed and there is a very low risk of any significant variance to what’s been proposed.

4. Financial impact

The immediate financial impact is a loss on the recent planting investment and future opportunity cost.

5. Degree of significance and level of engagement

This matter is of low significance as the trees are young and constitute a small portion of the forest assets. No consultation has therefore been undertaken.

6. Climate Impact

The removal of 300 trees will create a deficit in sequestration, more so in future once the trees have matured, but the impact is considered to be very small relative to the wider forestry estate.

7. Inclusion of Māori in the decision making process

No engagement with Māori has been undertaken in preparing this report.

8. Delegations

The Forestry Advisory Group has the following delegations to consider the removal of trees:

Areas of Responsibility:

· All matters relating to the commercial forestry operational portfolio including environmental issues

Delegations:

Powers to Recommend to Governance and Finance Committee

· Any actions relating to the oversight of all matters relating to the commercial forestry portfolio, falling outside the powers to decide, including:

o Any other matters relating to continuing commercial forestry operations.

Item 9: Forestry Update - Number 12

Forestry Advisory Group

30 June 2020

REPORT R17026

Forestry Update - Number 12

1. Purpose of Report

1.1 To provide an update to the Forestry Advisory Group (Group) on forestry activities undertaken since Council adopted the Forestry Review recommendations in September 2016, and since the May 2020 update.

2. Recommendation

That the Forestry Advisory Group

1. Receives the report Forestry Update - Number 12 (R17026) and its Attachments (A2397884, A2391269, A2389996 and A2400908; and

2. Agrees the following revised condition with respect to logging trucks passing Central School:

- No truck movements between 8-9am and 3-4pm during the school term and that speeds past the school be no greater than 30kph; and

3. Notes that consultation on the Forestry Stewardship Council Accreditation Management Plan has commenced.

3. Tantragee Block harvesting

3.1 The Group resolved on 5 May 2020 that the harvesting of the Tantragee Block will follow the harvesting of the Brook Blocks.

4. Tasman Pine Forests and Waahi Taakaro harvesting

4.1 Tasman Pine Forests has still not confirmed a date for harvesting their block adjacent to the Waahi Taakaro Golf Club (which will include the small area planted by them on Council land). When work starts, it is expected to take one month and PF Olsen will be monitoring the work to ensure that the trees on Council owned land are harvested to the required standards. As agreed at the May 2020 meeting, the small area will be replanted with natives.

5. Health and Safety

5.1 There are no Health and Safety issues nor Safe Work Observations (SWO’s) to report since 5 May 2020.

6. Finance

6.1 The next quarterly report will coincide with the Annual Report, which will be presented to the next meeting.

6.2 An updated summary of Council budgets is appended as Attachment 2.

7. Harvesting

Bridges

7.1 As advised to the May 2020 Group meeting, the Maitai harvesting has been deferred to 2020/21. PF Olsen are proceeding with resource consents on both bridges.

	Maitai	Roding
Design	Multi span	Single span
Estimated cost (ex GST)	$340,000 (20% contingency)	$350,000 (20% contingency)
Proposed start date	July 2020	September 2020

Logging routes from the Maitai and Brook blocks

7.2 The Group resolved on 5 May 2020 as follows:

Agrees that the logging route protocol approved by Council in March 2002 be upheld, namely that the Nile/Collingwood/ Halifax/Haven route be the approved route for all harvesting from the Maitai and Brook, with the following revised conditions:

- The maximum speed limit through the city of 40kph; and

- Loads of short logs to have belly chains; and

- Requiring transport operators to restrain securing chains on empty trucks to reduce or avoid clanking; and

- Log truck drivers are to use radios to communicate their position to avoid having two log trucks on narrower sections of road; and

- Limit log trucks operation through the city between 10pm and 6am; and

- Truck movements are agreed in principle along the defined route between 8-9am and 3-4pm during the school term, but at no speed greater than 30kph, subject to engagement with Council’s transport safety officer and schools being undertaken; and

7.3 In the matter of the truck movement past schools, officers have sought the opinion of the Transport Safety Officer and that assessment is appended as Attachment 3.

7.4 Council has also received a letter from the Nelson Central School Board of Trustees Chair noting their objection to having logging trucks pass their school. Refer to Attachment 4.

7.5 Officers and PF Olsen accept that the issue of logging trucks passing schools is of real concern to parents and wish to be part of the solution rather than adding to that angst. Accordingly it is offered that logging trucks not pass Central School between the hours of 8-9am and 3-4pm during the school term and that speeds be no greater than 30 km/h past the school.

Alternate Uses

7.6 Council agreed to retire approximately 140Ha of forestry and consider alternate uses and this Group has approved the Alternate Use Plan. Refer to Attachment 5 for an update. Lachie Grant (Landvision) will be in attendance to update the Group further.

Future harvesting

7.7 Future harvesting in the Maitai and Brook is expected to commence during winter 2021.

8. Forestry Stewardship Council Accreditation (FSC)

8.1 The Group resolved on 5 May 2020 as follows:

“Approves that consultation on the Forestry Stewardship Council Accreditation Management Plan can commence as per Report R13660”.

8.2 Consultation commenced on 8 June 2020 and closes on 3 July 2020. This included writing to neighbours and stakeholders, an item in Our Nelson and a page on the Council’s Shape Nelson consultation website. Feedback will be provided to a future Group meeting, with the Management Plan amended as appropriate before certification is sought.

8.3 Officers and PF Olsen staff presented the draft Forest Management Plan to a Te Ohu Taiao hui on 13 May 2020. Iwi signalled that they would forward any interest directly to officers should they wish to be involved.

Author: Paul Harrington, Team Leader Parks and Facilities Assets

Attachments

Attachment 1: A2397884 - Forestry Accounts ⇩

Attachment 2: A2391269 - Memo from NCC Business Unit Manager Transport on log truck route past schools - May 2020 ⇩

Attachment 3: A2389996 - Letter to Mayor and Councillors from Nelson Central School re logging truck movements 21May2020 ⇩

Attachment 4: A2400908 - Alternative species update June 2020 ⇩

Important considerations for decision making

1. Fit with Purpose of Local Government

The regular updates support the effective and efficient management of Council’s productive forests and through best practices and sustainability contributes to Local Government well-beings of social, economic, environmental and cultural.

2. Consistency with Community Outcomes and Council Policy

The Group aligns with the following outcome: “Our Council provides leadership and is supported by an innovative and sustainable economy”.

3. Risk

The Group has been set up to specifically have an oversight on all things relating to forestry to reduce the risk to Council.

4. Financial impact

The Group has been set up to monitor forestry activity and to manage income and expenses accordingly. All expenditure recommended in this report is in line with this oversight.

5. Degree of significance and level of engagement

This report addresses the matter of logging trucks past Central School and have received feedback from the school and suggested an alternative proposal.

6. Climate Impact

Commercial pine forestry and harvesting is a sustainable practice. Where pine forests are earmarked for alternate use they will be planted in natives contributing positively to climate change mitigation.

7. Inclusion of Māori in the decision making process

Maori have not been consulted in the preparation of this report.

8. Delegations

The Group’s Terms of Reference powers to decide include:

“a. Forestry and harvesting management plans (including replanting) as prepared by the Forestry contractor and endorsed by the independent forestry external expert;

b. Engagement of consultants required to undertake all works necessary to guide recommendations to the Commercial Subcommittee and Council.”

Areas of Responsibility:

Powers to Decide:

Powers to Recommend to Governance and Finance Committee: