08 June 2009
"Reform of New Zealand's fresh water management is needed to address deteriorating water quality and poor incentives for water allocation and storage," Mr Smith said.
Forestry News
UK forestry biofuel trials begin
10 June 2009
The UK Forestry Commission has started a series of trials looking at the potential for fast-growing tree species that could be used as energy crops. Focussing on short rotation forestry, the first of the trials -- involving eucalypts -- is getting underway at a farm in South Lincolnshire.
Forest owners concerned about high interest rates
11 June 2009
Unacceptably high bank interest rates are putting the owners of small to medium-sized forests under increasing financial pressure.
World log prices at 5-year low
15 June 2009
The slumping world economy has reduced sawlog prices in Europe and North America to the lowest levels in five years, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly. Demand for sawlogs has fallen worldwide and the Global Conifer Sawlog Price in the 1Q/2009 was down 26 percent from a year ago.
Deforestation reporting deadlines to be delayed
18 June 2009
The Government today introduced a bill into the House amending technical aspects of the timing of the emissions trading scheme relating to forestry.
Modified ETS best, but assumes more trees
18 June 2009
A joint report by economic consultants NZIER and Infometrics concludes that a modified emissions trading scheme is the best way forward for New Zealand on climate change policy.
Green Bills target illegal log imports & unsustainable biofuels
19 June 2009
Green Party Member's Bills to give New Zealand better biofuels and encourage sustainable forestry will go before the House, after the pair were drawn from the Member's ballot today.
Asher and Bergin NZIF Foresters of the Year
22 June 2009
The New Zealand Institute of Forestry Inc (NZIF) Forester of the Year Award for 2009 was presented jointly to George Asher of Turangi and Dr David Bergin of Rotorua at the Institute’s annual conference in Nelson earlier this month.
Australia recognises environmental value of plantations
25 June 2009
A3P, the Australian plantation products and paper industry lobby group, has welcomed a statement by Tony Burke, the Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry which reconfirms the government’s commitment to ensuring the conservation and sustainable management of Australia’s forests and supporting the industry and jobs into the future.