Point 3 – Pine Harvesting

Extreme care must be taken during imminent and future pine harvesting in the north and northwest catchment of the Whangateau, and to encourage future reversion to native vegetation.

Silt entering the southern end of the Whangateau Harbour after rain on the 29th January, 2010 - Ian Macdonald

Reasons: Historically the northern and north-western part of the harbour is the only area which has suffered from considerable sediment input. Following original felling of native forest largely for spars and boat building, and subsequent farming, quarrying and landfill operations, quantities of sediment entered the harbour from the Omaha River, Birdsall Creek and Ashton Creek, as well as into Tramcar Bay. Two to three metres of silt have choked the harbour in this area and the harbour is just beginning to stabilise after that input. Further sedimentation is likely from pine harvesting operations and without extreme care the clear water and high quality of the harbour environment will be lost.

Logging kauri in Birdsall Creek - Greenwood collection