First-hand look at forestry operation

Field trip: Gisborne District Council candidates for the local body elections visited Pamoa Forest in a field trip organised by Eastland Wood Council. Pictures supplied

Eastland Wood Council organised a forestry field trip last Friday for Gisborne District Council election candidates and some guests.

The event was led by Shaun Truelock of Juken New Zealand Ltd (JNL) and Chris Hurring Logging Ltd.

“Forestry industry colleagues assisted with the transport of guests and together we visited Pamoa Forest in Waingake, which is managed by JNL and harvested by Chris Hurring Logging Ltd,” EWC chief executive Philip Hope said.

“Pamoa Forest is a 1200-hectare pine plantation that is being harvested for the first time. The harvest operation is steep-slope swing yarder logging.

“Guests got to see first hand an active logging operation, including a tethered felling machine in action and the loading of logging trucks.

“They also visited the active skid site to see the rehabilitation of the site and best practice to secure logging slash.

“We were fortunate the rain clouds didn’t open up until near the very end of the field trip.

“Forestry crews work hard and their long days begin early. This field trip also demonstrated how forestry crews work in remote locations, all the while exposed to climate extremes,” Mr Hope said.

“Eastland Wood Council members are dedicated to improved health and safety outcomes, including wellbeing through strong leadership.”