Forestry In Focus: Land Transition Study
Top of the South Wood Council (TOTSWC) is leading five forestry innovation projects funded by Te Hoiere Project. In Focus is the second in our series to examine these projects in depth, this time with the Land Transition Study, which seeks to provide forestry owners guidance on transitioning to alternative land uses.
What is the study’s aim?
This project is focused on identifying forestry landowners who may be interested in transitioning parts of their land to alternative uses. The project aims to better understand where such transitions could lead to improved environmental and economic outcomes within the catchment. It also seeks to create an industry-led roadmap that supports landowners through the process — including access to funding, technical advice, and other resources. Ultimately, the project aims to ensure that those considering land use change are equipped with the practical knowledge needed to make informed decisions, while also delivering demonstrable environmental benefits for the wider Te Hoiere catchment.
Who is involved?
TOTSWC, Te Hoiere Project, Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service, and forestry owners in the community. Additional support is provided by Forever Forests and Forbes Ecology Ltd.
How long is the study for?
The scoping project that identifies potential alternatives to forestry runs for a period of 17 months from February 2024 through July 2025. Following this period, communications, engagement and outreach will enable TOTSWC to discuss the findings and next steps with interested landowners in the catchment.
Why now?
The forestry industry has an important role to play in New Zealand’s journey from fossil fuel dependence to a biological-based economy. Like all industries, there are ongoing environmental improvements to progress – and some forest owners are interested in investigating other forms of land use or different types of forest models. This scoping project aims to offer those forest owners who have been thinking of alternative, or more nuanced, land uses an opportunity to evaluate viable alternatives and learn what resources and support are available to assist with this process.
As policy regulations and market-based incentives are constantly changing, forestry plantations are a decades-long commitment to see a return on investment for their owners. This project aims to do some of the legwork for forestry owners, large and small, who may be thinking about alternatives now and into the future or after their next harvest rotation.
What happens next?
TOTSWC will work with Te Hoiere Project to reach interested members of the forestry community who are keen on investigating transition opportunities for their properties.
TOTSWC’s Executive Officer, Angela Mackenzie, says:
“The forest industry is a valued and valuable part of Te Hoiere catchment and the wider Marlborough region — particularly in the context of climate change and the need for carbon mitigation. However, not all forest landowners may wish to retain parts, or all, of their land in plantation forestry indefinitely. In some isolated cases, it may not be economically viable to do so. Developing and understanding transition frameworks will equip landowners with the tools and resources needed to more fully consider future land use options in Te Hoiere — while also contributing to climate resilience and stronger community outcomes.”
More information
Check out the main project page for forestry's five innovation projects
