Operational Monitoring

For all  operations we have a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Best Management Practices (BMP). Operations with the potential to have a significant environmental impact are closely monitored for performance against SOP and BMP, with any non-compliance remedied as soon as it is identified. In addition to this, a cross-section of operations are audited for their compliance with the BMP. The results of these audits are used to monitor the environmental performance of our operations and identify areas for improvement.

Such audits are known as "internal audits". In the 12 months from July 2008 - June 2009 a total of 14 internal audits were completed on a range of operations. Some of these internal audits have resulted in improvements to our planning and operations, particularly in the harvest planning area. The number of audits completed was down on previous years, as we aim to undertake at least 20 audits a year, or more if conditions require.

Flora and Fauna

To provide a benchmark for future monitoring of environmental performance, a habitat assessment has been undertaken of all non-forest areas. These are areas that do not have a forest crop on them. All areas defined as being a significant natural habitat have been identified. These areas have a detailed management plan written for them, as do all other specially protected areas. We have now completed all our baseline surveys of significant indigenous species and habitat, and more detailed surveys are being undertaken (see Indigenous Species Survey below).

Ornithological Survey

A full ornithological survey of our forests was completed in 2001. 32 species of birds were identified in our forests, of these 12 were introduced. The NZ Falcon (Karearea) and the Fernbird have been identified as having a conservation priority. NZ Falcon nesting sites and Fernbird habitat are being identified and given protection. Such sites are monitored on a regular basis. Falcon behaviour is monitoring yearly and where possible nest sites are located and protected.

Ornithological surveys were to be undertaken every 5 years, however the second survey was delayed and then started in 2008, but not completed due to budget constraints. The survey has now been re-started by members of the Ornithological Society and results are due at the end of March 2010.

Filmmaker, Sandy Crichton, spent 3 years in Wenita's forests creating a comprehensive documentary about the life of the NZ Falcon. The film features some completely new falcon behaviour and the bird's relationship with forest activities. The film, Karearea, has so far won 23 awards and been selected for a number of film festivals worldwide. Visit www.karearea.com for further information.

Indigenous Species Survey

Indigenous habitat surveys carried out by Wenita have identified hundreds of hectares of significant native bush and wetlands worthy of protection on its estate. To date, over 1,400 hectares of reserve areas have had detailed species surveys completed and management plans written. Areas identified as reserves are subsequently monitored at least every 5 years. If you are keen to participate in the management of reserves please contact us by e-mailing forestry@dn.wenita.co.nz or by letter to Wenita Forest Products Limited, PO Box 341, Mosgiel.

Community

The impact of Wenita's operations on the community will be monitored by a number of different methods. Significant stakeholders have been identified and are approached for comment and input. Other interested stakeholders are invited to provide feedback by e-mailing forestry@dn.wenita.co.nz or by letter to Wenita Forest Products Limited, PO Box 341, Mosgiel.

Public Use

Public use of Wenita's forests has increased dramatically over recent years. In the year 1st July 2008 - 30th June 2009, approximately 1500 Access Permits were issued. Analysis of permits has shown that motorsport is the most popular activity in the forests, followed by hunting and firewood gathering. Other recreational activities such as tramping and mountain biking continue to be extremely popular. Many major events have been held in the forest during this period, including the Rally of Otago motorsport event, Coastal Classic mountain bike event, and the Lake to Sea trail ride. A total of 2352 people also used the Berwick Camp over this period.

Waterways and Soils

Wenita has identified waterways and soils as two areas where its operations can have significant impact on the environment. While forestry can have a beneficial impact on soils and waterways, it is the adverse effects that we want to minimise. Wenita is involved in both individual and industry-wide research projects that are investigating the effects of forestry operations on water and soil. We are currently establishing benchmark levels so that we can measure the effects of our operations, which will help us to reduce any adverse effects in the future. Following extensive investigation of suitable methods, Wenita has adopted the NIWA, Stream Health Monitoring and Assessment Kit (SHMAK) for monitoring streams and the LIRO Survey Method for Assessing Site Disturbance, as its two main methods for monitoring the impacts of operations.

Stream Health Monitoring:

• SHMAK:
  Stream health monitoring using the SHMAK method has been undertaken in ten major forest catchment streams within Wenita's forest estate. Monitoring started in 2001 and was undertaken annually. A recent review of our monitoring recommended SHMAK monitoring be undertaken twice-yearly to capture winter and summer results. The results from these surveys show that our streams are in a healthy condition, forest wide, with some individual fluctuations in quality.
  
• Narrowdales Project:
  SHMAK monitoring as described above is designed to be a snapshot in time of stream health and it is unlikely to tell us more about the short term impact of operations. Recognising this, a more detailed project in the Narrowdales catchment has been implemented. A survey programme of the aquatic ecology has been established to assess both the short term effect and monitor the subsequent recovery of the waterway. Aspects of fish populations, invertebrate species and numbers, substrate, water quality, and riparian zones are to be assessed.

The project is to be completed in 4 stages:
Stage 1: a pre-logging survey to establish existing population characteristics (COMPLETED).
Stage 2: a post-logging survey to establish levels of impacts (COMPLETED).
Stage 3: a late summer 2006 survey to monitor recovery (COMPLETED).
Stage 4: a late summer 2010 survey to assess similarity with pre-logging status.

Site Disturbance Assessment:

Using the LIRO procedure for assessing site disturbance, assessments have been carried out on a number of logging operations. All harvesting contractors are assessed at least every 6 months. They are compared against each other and against their previous results. Harvesting techniques (ground vs hauler) are also compared. Results to date are pleasing and show that most soil disturbance (76%) falls into the shallow or light soil disturbance class.