News
Update: December 2017
Harvesting
2017 has seen harvesting operations in the following forests:
· Beattie & Duthie Forests (Hamilton Burn)
· King & Shangrila Forests (Lillburn Valley, Western Southland)
· Overton Forest (Hokonui Hills, Central Southland)
· McLeod Forest (Waituna, Eastern Southland)
· Morris & Tinker Forests (Mimihau, Eastern Southland)
· Blair, Goldingham & Nicol Forest (Catlins, Eastern Southland)
Roads continue to be extended in Blair, Duthies, McPherson, Overton & Tinker Forests as harvesting progresses.
Establishment
A total of 10 hectares of cutover was re-planted and fertilised during the winter season across 5 different forests harvested during 2016/17 within Southland with a further 90 hectares of young stands released and 367 hectares of mixed ageclass E.nitens aerial fertilised.
SPFL is planning to re-establish a further 500 ha of cutover in 2018 with land preparation operations already underway.
Forest Health and Biodiversity
SPFL in conjunction with the Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) and Scion continue to fund and support work around introducing the potential biocontrol agent Eadya paropsidis, a parastic wasp for the control against the defoliating pest Paropsis charybdis or Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetle. Results to date have looked very promising with final testing against the potential of the wasp to attack non-targeted native and beneficial insects completed. The next step is to apply to the Environmental Protection Authority for the release into the New Zealand Environment. A brief summary of findings to date can be found here.
Nesting falcon pairs have been ever-present this year in the cutover & newly planted area. The falcons take refuge and build their nests in the windrows that SPFL creates prior to establishment. These provide a great habitat for this nationally endangered species.
Forest Access by Public
Over 200 people were granted access permits for SPFL forests this year. This included access for trail bike rides, surveying, hunting, bee keeping and other recreational activities.
PEFC Certification
In August 2017, Southwood Export Ltd (SWEL) was granted certification for its client companies under the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification or PEFC. As its name suggests the PEFC works on the basis of endorsing (or otherwise) locally derived standards for forest management. Over the last few years a small group has been working in conjunction with Standards NZ to adapt the Australian Forestry Standard for use in New Zealand. This was completed with the approval and adoption by Standards NZ of the Australian Forestry Standard (with modification), to become NZ AS 4708:2014. thus making SPFL forests duel certified with FSC certification. More information on PEFC and what it means can be found on the PEFC website
Update: December 2016
Harvesting
2016 has seen harvesting operations in the following forests:
· McConnell & Clark Forests (Clifden/Blackmount)
· McKenzie, King & Shangrila Forests (Lillburn Valley, Western Southland)
· Overton Forest (Hokonui Hills, Central Southland)
· Levett Forest (Ohai, Western Southland)
· Morris & Tinker Forests (Mimihau, Eastern Southland)
· Goldingham & Nicol Forest (Catlins, Eastern Southland)
Roads continue to be extended in McPherson, Overton, King, Goldingham & Morris Forests as harvesting progresses.
Establishment
A total of 88 hectares of cutover was re-planted and fertilised during the winter season across 5 different forests harvested during 2015/16 within Southland with a further 388 hectares of young stands released and 440 hectares of mixed ageclass E.nitens aerial fertilised.
SPFL continues to investigate diversifying the current regime to provide for other wood products. The results from a large scale trial that Scion (NZ crown research institute) in conjunction with SPFL carried out investigating useful traits with the current breeding population of E.nitens within New Zealand has resulted in SPFL establishing two new E.nitens seed orchards, one with improved solid wood traits and the other for improved pulpwood traits.
Forest Health and Biodiversity
SPFL in conjunction with the Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) and Scion continue to fund and support work around introducing the potential biocontrol agent Eadya paropsidis, a parastic wasp for the control against the defoliating pest Paropsis charybdis or Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetle. Results to date have looked very promising with final testing against the potential of the wasp to attack non-targeted native and beneficial insects almost complete. A brief summary of findings to date can be found here.
Nesting falcon pairs have been ever-present this year in the newly planted area. The falcons take refuge and build their nests in the windrows that SPFL creates prior to establishment. These provide a great habitat for this nationally endangered species.
Forest Access by Public
Over 150 people were granted access permits for SPFL forests this year. This included access for trail bike rides, surveying, hunting, bee keeping and other recreational activities.
Update: December 2014
Harvesting
2014 has seen harvesting operations in the following forests:
· Sim, Howden & Clark Forests (Clifden/Blackmount)
· McKenzie Forest (Lillburn Valley, Western Southland)
· Taylor Forest (West Dome, Northern Southland)
· Duthie Forest (Braxton, Northern Southland)
· Nicol Forest (Waikawa Valley, Eastern Southland)
Roading has begun in Goldingham, McConnell & Overton South forests in preparation for harvest next year whilst roads continue to be extended in Clark, Howden, McKenzie & Nicol Forests as harvesting progresses. SPFL is planning to slowly increase its harvesting of forests in Eastern Southland in 2015.
Establishment
SPFL completed its annual Forest Stewardship Council® forest management and chain of custody audit in November last year under the new “National Standard for Certification of Plantation Forest Management in NZ” and was reissued its Forest Stewardship Council® certification for a further 5 years. SPFLs next audit is due in May 2015.
A total of 245 hectares of cutover was re-planted and fertilised during the winter season across 5 different forests harvested during 2013 within Southland with a further 555 hectares of young stands released and 335 hectares of 2 year old E.nitens aerial fertilised. Over 300 hectares is currently being planned for re-planting in 2015.
SPFL is currently investigating diversifying the current regime to provide for other wood products. Scion (NZ crown research institute) in conjunction with SPFL have just undertaken a large scale trial investigating useful traits with the current breeding population of E.nitens within New Zealand in an effort to identify families that could be selected for future solid wood production. Over 1000 individual tree samples were taking for further analysis at the Scion laboratory in Rotorua.
Forest Health and Biodiversity
In 2012 SPFL contributed to a four-year SCION research project lead by Dr Toni Withers, to investigate a parasitoid for the control of Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetle (Paropsis charybdis), a beetle that can cause significant damage to Eucalyptus nitens. SPFL’s Forest Manager (SWEL) sent one member of staff to assist with this research in Tasmania for two weeks in December 2012. The project to date has shown some positive results with the parasitoid Eadya paropsidis found to readily attack and parasitise Paropsis charybdis larvae. The first live shipment of Eadya paropsidis from Tasmania into a containment facility at Scion has just occurred. Over the next two years, the research will centre on proving success in the laboratory by raising the parasitoids and ensuring they only attack the Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetle and no other beneficial insects within New Zealand before seeking approval from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for release of the parasite in New Zealand. More information can be found at FHNewsJan-Feb2015.pdf
SPFL has also been liaising with Dr Toni Withers of Scion on the trial of Sparta an alternative insecticide to Dominex for the more targeted control of Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetle (Paropsis charybdis). This chemical is designed to give control of early spring Paropsis larvae and if successful may replace, or lessen the use of the broad spectrum insecticide Dominex.
TBFree NZ contractors completed an aerial 1080 operation in the Hokonui Hills during May 2014 affecting both Overton & Andrews forests with a further follow up operation of ground laid 1080 during December in the Waikawa Valley (Nicol forest) following the success of the aerial drop in 2013. This is part of the Animal Health Board’s nationwide programme to eradicate TB by removing the main vector (possums) which will have biodiversity benefits for native animals present in SPFL’s forests. SPFL contractors also out possum control in the Lillburn Valley forests (Glynn, McPherson & Shangrila) as part of our pest management strategy during 2014 and recorded over 1000 possums killed/retrieved from these forests.
Nesting falcon pairs have been ever-present this year in the newly planted area. The falcons take refuge and build their nests in the windrows that SPFL creates prior to establishment. These provide a great habitat for this nationally endangered species.
Forest Access by Public
Over 150 people were granted access permits for SPFL forests this year. This included access for trail bike rides, surveying, hunting, bee keeping and other recreational activities.
Update: November 2013
Harvesting
2013 has seen harvesting operations in the following forests:
· Sim Forest (Clifden/Blackmount)
· McKenzie Forest (Lillburn Valley, Western Southland)
· Taylor Forest (Mossburn)
· Nicol Forest (Waikawa Valley, Eastern Southland)
Roading has commenced in Clark Forest in preparation for harvest next year and will soon begin in Goldingham Forest (Eastern Southland). SPFL is planning to increase its harvesting of forests in Eastern Southland in 2014.
Establishment
SPFL completed its annual FSC®/COC audit in January this year. This November will be the first full audit of all ten FSC® Principles under the new “National Standard for Certification of Plantation Forest Management in NZ”.
In February SWEL did a fine–level review of its reserves where RTE species potentially exist with well-known local botanist Lloyd Esler. The purpose of this review was to check the abundance and condition of native flora and fauna and determine whether there were issues that needed tending to. The reserves were found to be in good condition.
A total of 540 hectares of planting and fertilising operations were completed during the winter season in 14 different forests across Southland. Locations of these included Northern Southland, Tuatapere, Lillburn Valley, Otapiri Gorge and Eastern Southland.
SPFL is currently investigating diversifying the current regime to provide for other wood products.
Forest Health and Biodiversity
In 2012 SPFL contributed to a four-year SCION research project lead by Dr Toni Withers, to investigate a parasitoid for the control of Paropsis Charybdis, a beetle that can cause significant damage to Eucalyptus nitens. SPFL’s Forest Manager (SWEL) sent one member of staff to assist with this research in Tasmania for two weeks in December 2012. The project to date has shown some positive results; the parasitoid was found to readily attack and parasitise Paropsis charybdis larvae. Over the next two years, the research will centre on proving success in the laboratory raising of the parasitoids, and seeking approval from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for release of the parasite in New Zealand
SPFL has also been liaising with Dr Toni Withers of Scion on the trial of an alternative to control Paropsis charybdis. This chemical is designed to give control of early spring Paropsis larvae and if successful may replace, or lessen the use of the current chemical.
Tasmanian Blackwood’s and some Strawberry trees were planted in several forests to provide a habitat for the Cleobora ladybug, a natural parasite of Paropsis charybdis. This is a form of natural pest control which is encouraged by FSC® in place of pesticide use.
TBFree NZ released 1080 during mid-August to September in the Tahakopa Valley forests (Blair, Goldingham and Wylie). This is part of the Animal Health Board’s nationwide programme to eradicate TB by removing the main vector (possums) which will have biodiversity benefits for native animals present in SPFL’s forests.
Nesting falcon pairs have been ever-present this year in the newly planted area. The falcons take refuge and build their nests in the windrows that SPFL creates prior to establishment. These provide a great habitat for this nationally endangered species.
SPFL is going to contribute to the Waikawa River Restoration Project which is being run by Environment Southland and Landcare Trust (http://www.landcare.org.nz/Regional-Focus/Gore-Office/Waikawa-River-Restoration-Project). SPFL will do some active restoration through planting native species along the riparian strip that runs through its property. The river is rich in fish life and connects with the Waikawa Estuary which is a Wetland of National Importance to fisheries and local people.
Forest Access by Public
Over 130 people were granted access permits for SPFL forests this year. This included access for trail bike rides, surveying, hunting and other recreation .
Update: October 2012
SPFL are combining efforts with Southwood Export Limited, the Farm Forestry Association (FFA) and Scion for a SFF funded Paropsis parasitoids project to investigate the potential of Eadya paropsidis from Tasmania as a biocontrol agent for Paropsis charybdis in New Zealand. Paropsis charybdis is a parasite that defoliates eucalyptus throughout New Zealand and requires constant treatment through aerial insecticide application.
Harvesting
Harvesting was completed in Keen and Wallace this year and both forests are now fully replanted.
Harvesting and forwarding operations are underway in:
Establishment
Planting has been completed in:
Harvesting
2017 has seen harvesting operations in the following forests:
· Beattie & Duthie Forests (Hamilton Burn)
· King & Shangrila Forests (Lillburn Valley, Western Southland)
· Overton Forest (Hokonui Hills, Central Southland)
· McLeod Forest (Waituna, Eastern Southland)
· Morris & Tinker Forests (Mimihau, Eastern Southland)
· Blair, Goldingham & Nicol Forest (Catlins, Eastern Southland)
Roads continue to be extended in Blair, Duthies, McPherson, Overton & Tinker Forests as harvesting progresses.
Establishment
A total of 10 hectares of cutover was re-planted and fertilised during the winter season across 5 different forests harvested during 2016/17 within Southland with a further 90 hectares of young stands released and 367 hectares of mixed ageclass E.nitens aerial fertilised.
SPFL is planning to re-establish a further 500 ha of cutover in 2018 with land preparation operations already underway.
Forest Health and Biodiversity
SPFL in conjunction with the Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) and Scion continue to fund and support work around introducing the potential biocontrol agent Eadya paropsidis, a parastic wasp for the control against the defoliating pest Paropsis charybdis or Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetle. Results to date have looked very promising with final testing against the potential of the wasp to attack non-targeted native and beneficial insects completed. The next step is to apply to the Environmental Protection Authority for the release into the New Zealand Environment. A brief summary of findings to date can be found here.
Nesting falcon pairs have been ever-present this year in the cutover & newly planted area. The falcons take refuge and build their nests in the windrows that SPFL creates prior to establishment. These provide a great habitat for this nationally endangered species.
Forest Access by Public
Over 200 people were granted access permits for SPFL forests this year. This included access for trail bike rides, surveying, hunting, bee keeping and other recreational activities.
PEFC Certification
In August 2017, Southwood Export Ltd (SWEL) was granted certification for its client companies under the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification or PEFC. As its name suggests the PEFC works on the basis of endorsing (or otherwise) locally derived standards for forest management. Over the last few years a small group has been working in conjunction with Standards NZ to adapt the Australian Forestry Standard for use in New Zealand. This was completed with the approval and adoption by Standards NZ of the Australian Forestry Standard (with modification), to become NZ AS 4708:2014. thus making SPFL forests duel certified with FSC certification. More information on PEFC and what it means can be found on the PEFC website
Update: December 2016
Harvesting
2016 has seen harvesting operations in the following forests:
· McConnell & Clark Forests (Clifden/Blackmount)
· McKenzie, King & Shangrila Forests (Lillburn Valley, Western Southland)
· Overton Forest (Hokonui Hills, Central Southland)
· Levett Forest (Ohai, Western Southland)
· Morris & Tinker Forests (Mimihau, Eastern Southland)
· Goldingham & Nicol Forest (Catlins, Eastern Southland)
Roads continue to be extended in McPherson, Overton, King, Goldingham & Morris Forests as harvesting progresses.
Establishment
A total of 88 hectares of cutover was re-planted and fertilised during the winter season across 5 different forests harvested during 2015/16 within Southland with a further 388 hectares of young stands released and 440 hectares of mixed ageclass E.nitens aerial fertilised.
SPFL continues to investigate diversifying the current regime to provide for other wood products. The results from a large scale trial that Scion (NZ crown research institute) in conjunction with SPFL carried out investigating useful traits with the current breeding population of E.nitens within New Zealand has resulted in SPFL establishing two new E.nitens seed orchards, one with improved solid wood traits and the other for improved pulpwood traits.
Forest Health and Biodiversity
SPFL in conjunction with the Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) and Scion continue to fund and support work around introducing the potential biocontrol agent Eadya paropsidis, a parastic wasp for the control against the defoliating pest Paropsis charybdis or Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetle. Results to date have looked very promising with final testing against the potential of the wasp to attack non-targeted native and beneficial insects almost complete. A brief summary of findings to date can be found here.
Nesting falcon pairs have been ever-present this year in the newly planted area. The falcons take refuge and build their nests in the windrows that SPFL creates prior to establishment. These provide a great habitat for this nationally endangered species.
Forest Access by Public
Over 150 people were granted access permits for SPFL forests this year. This included access for trail bike rides, surveying, hunting, bee keeping and other recreational activities.
Update: December 2014
Harvesting
2014 has seen harvesting operations in the following forests:
· Sim, Howden & Clark Forests (Clifden/Blackmount)
· McKenzie Forest (Lillburn Valley, Western Southland)
· Taylor Forest (West Dome, Northern Southland)
· Duthie Forest (Braxton, Northern Southland)
· Nicol Forest (Waikawa Valley, Eastern Southland)
Roading has begun in Goldingham, McConnell & Overton South forests in preparation for harvest next year whilst roads continue to be extended in Clark, Howden, McKenzie & Nicol Forests as harvesting progresses. SPFL is planning to slowly increase its harvesting of forests in Eastern Southland in 2015.
Establishment
SPFL completed its annual Forest Stewardship Council® forest management and chain of custody audit in November last year under the new “National Standard for Certification of Plantation Forest Management in NZ” and was reissued its Forest Stewardship Council® certification for a further 5 years. SPFLs next audit is due in May 2015.
A total of 245 hectares of cutover was re-planted and fertilised during the winter season across 5 different forests harvested during 2013 within Southland with a further 555 hectares of young stands released and 335 hectares of 2 year old E.nitens aerial fertilised. Over 300 hectares is currently being planned for re-planting in 2015.
SPFL is currently investigating diversifying the current regime to provide for other wood products. Scion (NZ crown research institute) in conjunction with SPFL have just undertaken a large scale trial investigating useful traits with the current breeding population of E.nitens within New Zealand in an effort to identify families that could be selected for future solid wood production. Over 1000 individual tree samples were taking for further analysis at the Scion laboratory in Rotorua.
Forest Health and Biodiversity
In 2012 SPFL contributed to a four-year SCION research project lead by Dr Toni Withers, to investigate a parasitoid for the control of Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetle (Paropsis charybdis), a beetle that can cause significant damage to Eucalyptus nitens. SPFL’s Forest Manager (SWEL) sent one member of staff to assist with this research in Tasmania for two weeks in December 2012. The project to date has shown some positive results with the parasitoid Eadya paropsidis found to readily attack and parasitise Paropsis charybdis larvae. The first live shipment of Eadya paropsidis from Tasmania into a containment facility at Scion has just occurred. Over the next two years, the research will centre on proving success in the laboratory by raising the parasitoids and ensuring they only attack the Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetle and no other beneficial insects within New Zealand before seeking approval from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for release of the parasite in New Zealand. More information can be found at FHNewsJan-Feb2015.pdf
SPFL has also been liaising with Dr Toni Withers of Scion on the trial of Sparta an alternative insecticide to Dominex for the more targeted control of Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetle (Paropsis charybdis). This chemical is designed to give control of early spring Paropsis larvae and if successful may replace, or lessen the use of the broad spectrum insecticide Dominex.
TBFree NZ contractors completed an aerial 1080 operation in the Hokonui Hills during May 2014 affecting both Overton & Andrews forests with a further follow up operation of ground laid 1080 during December in the Waikawa Valley (Nicol forest) following the success of the aerial drop in 2013. This is part of the Animal Health Board’s nationwide programme to eradicate TB by removing the main vector (possums) which will have biodiversity benefits for native animals present in SPFL’s forests. SPFL contractors also out possum control in the Lillburn Valley forests (Glynn, McPherson & Shangrila) as part of our pest management strategy during 2014 and recorded over 1000 possums killed/retrieved from these forests.
Nesting falcon pairs have been ever-present this year in the newly planted area. The falcons take refuge and build their nests in the windrows that SPFL creates prior to establishment. These provide a great habitat for this nationally endangered species.
Forest Access by Public
Over 150 people were granted access permits for SPFL forests this year. This included access for trail bike rides, surveying, hunting, bee keeping and other recreational activities.
Update: November 2013
Harvesting
2013 has seen harvesting operations in the following forests:
· Sim Forest (Clifden/Blackmount)
· McKenzie Forest (Lillburn Valley, Western Southland)
· Taylor Forest (Mossburn)
· Nicol Forest (Waikawa Valley, Eastern Southland)
Roading has commenced in Clark Forest in preparation for harvest next year and will soon begin in Goldingham Forest (Eastern Southland). SPFL is planning to increase its harvesting of forests in Eastern Southland in 2014.
Establishment
SPFL completed its annual FSC®/COC audit in January this year. This November will be the first full audit of all ten FSC® Principles under the new “National Standard for Certification of Plantation Forest Management in NZ”.
In February SWEL did a fine–level review of its reserves where RTE species potentially exist with well-known local botanist Lloyd Esler. The purpose of this review was to check the abundance and condition of native flora and fauna and determine whether there were issues that needed tending to. The reserves were found to be in good condition.
A total of 540 hectares of planting and fertilising operations were completed during the winter season in 14 different forests across Southland. Locations of these included Northern Southland, Tuatapere, Lillburn Valley, Otapiri Gorge and Eastern Southland.
SPFL is currently investigating diversifying the current regime to provide for other wood products.
Forest Health and Biodiversity
In 2012 SPFL contributed to a four-year SCION research project lead by Dr Toni Withers, to investigate a parasitoid for the control of Paropsis Charybdis, a beetle that can cause significant damage to Eucalyptus nitens. SPFL’s Forest Manager (SWEL) sent one member of staff to assist with this research in Tasmania for two weeks in December 2012. The project to date has shown some positive results; the parasitoid was found to readily attack and parasitise Paropsis charybdis larvae. Over the next two years, the research will centre on proving success in the laboratory raising of the parasitoids, and seeking approval from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for release of the parasite in New Zealand
SPFL has also been liaising with Dr Toni Withers of Scion on the trial of an alternative to control Paropsis charybdis. This chemical is designed to give control of early spring Paropsis larvae and if successful may replace, or lessen the use of the current chemical.
Tasmanian Blackwood’s and some Strawberry trees were planted in several forests to provide a habitat for the Cleobora ladybug, a natural parasite of Paropsis charybdis. This is a form of natural pest control which is encouraged by FSC® in place of pesticide use.
TBFree NZ released 1080 during mid-August to September in the Tahakopa Valley forests (Blair, Goldingham and Wylie). This is part of the Animal Health Board’s nationwide programme to eradicate TB by removing the main vector (possums) which will have biodiversity benefits for native animals present in SPFL’s forests.
Nesting falcon pairs have been ever-present this year in the newly planted area. The falcons take refuge and build their nests in the windrows that SPFL creates prior to establishment. These provide a great habitat for this nationally endangered species.
SPFL is going to contribute to the Waikawa River Restoration Project which is being run by Environment Southland and Landcare Trust (http://www.landcare.org.nz/Regional-Focus/Gore-Office/Waikawa-River-Restoration-Project). SPFL will do some active restoration through planting native species along the riparian strip that runs through its property. The river is rich in fish life and connects with the Waikawa Estuary which is a Wetland of National Importance to fisheries and local people.
Forest Access by Public
Over 130 people were granted access permits for SPFL forests this year. This included access for trail bike rides, surveying, hunting and other recreation .
Update: October 2012
SPFL are combining efforts with Southwood Export Limited, the Farm Forestry Association (FFA) and Scion for a SFF funded Paropsis parasitoids project to investigate the potential of Eadya paropsidis from Tasmania as a biocontrol agent for Paropsis charybdis in New Zealand. Paropsis charybdis is a parasite that defoliates eucalyptus throughout New Zealand and requires constant treatment through aerial insecticide application.
Harvesting
Harvesting was completed in Keen and Wallace this year and both forests are now fully replanted.
Harvesting and forwarding operations are underway in:
- Sim Forest
- Howden Forest
- Nicol Forest
- McKenzie Forest
- Shangrila Forest
- McPherson Forest
Establishment
Planting has been completed in:
- Howden Forest
- Keen Forest
- Cotton Forest
- Shangrila Forest