The new rules cover eight core activities associated with plantation forestry such as harvesting, earthworks and river crossings as well as associated activities such as dust, noise and slash traps.
A feature of these rules that will be new to foresters is that for some permitted forestry activities they now need to let council know where and when they are carrying out this activity.
Conditions that manage potential effects on the environment need to be complied with.
Where it isn't possible to manage these effects or comply with the conditions – for example, the site is at high risk of erosion and needs greater controls – the activity requires resource consent.
For more information on these rules and how to give council notice of your permitted activity check out www.boprc.govt.nz/forestry.