Mt Allan Forest comprises a single block. The forest lies approximately 10 kilometres north of Mosgiel. Mt Allan has a gross area of 4,958 hectares, of which 4,420 hectares is stocked or awaiting replanting. The forest covers an area ranging from inland hills through to Otago uplands. Topography varies from steep to very steep. Mt Allan is freehold land owned by Wenita. Environmental Limitations The forest extends up from the Taieri River on the western boundary to an altitude of 715 metres above sea level (asl) at Mt Allan on the northeastern boundary. Climate is influenced by both the southwest and the northeast weather patterns, with rainfall averaging 1000 millimetres per annum. Mt Allan soil types are dominated by the Tuapeka series with volcanic soils of the Cargil series occurring around Boulder Hill. Soil drainage and fertility provide for excellent forest growth. Radiata pine site index ranges from 20 to 30 metres at age 20. The variation is a result of the altitudinal range of the forest. Rare Threatened and Endangered Species New Zealand Falcon has been recorded in Mt Allan. A Biodiversity Survey has been carried out to identify areas of significant indigenous habitat. These have been given protection under the Wenita Environmental Management System. Further surveys are being carried out to identify additional rare, threatened or endangered species and to monitor the known species. Protected Areas No areas of significant indigenous habitat have been identified in Mt Allan Forest. If significant areas such as nesting sites of the NZ Falcon are identified during more intensive surveys, these will be given protection. The remains of a musterers or miners hut were recently discovered during a harvest operation. The site was protected and the Historic Places Trust are researching details. Non-Forest Resources Dunedin City Council water pipelines cross the south corner of the forest as do high-tension powerlines. The Taieri Gorge Railway, a popular tourist facility passes through the south corner of the forest and then follows the western boundary of the forest, along the Taieri River. Recreational activities within Mt Allan are currently restricted due to the the health and safety risks associated with current harvesting activities. All access requires an Access Permit. Limited grazing is carried out in the south end of the forest. Planning Long term estate planning is carried out to ensure the forest is managed within an overall sustainable cut and to identify any potential environmental or social impacts at the landscape level. Management Plans are developed for rare, threatened and endangered species, protected areas and non-forest resources to ensure that these are identified and protected through the planning and management process. Medium-term plans identify the order in which stands are to be harvested. As Mt Allan Forest was planted over an eight year period from 1982, harvesting will be spread over a similar period. Harvesting commenced in 2008. Forest Management The predominant forest crop is Radiata pine which grows well on most sites. Other minor species include Douglas fir and Eucalypts. Approximately 90% of the areas planted in Radiata pine have undergone an intensive silvicultural regime including pruning and thinning. The remaining areas, including other species, have been thinned. Harvesting is carried out using a mix of Cable and Ground-based systems, depending on the topography. Harvest areas are clearfelled as whole stands to minimise losses from windthrow. Internal roads are upgraded prior to harvesting allowing sufficient time for them to consolidate before use. Following harvesting, areas are replanted within one year. Approximately 70% of the areas replanted in Radiata pine undergo an intensive silvicultural regime including pruning and thinning. The remaining areas, including other species, are thinned. All operations that can have a significant environmental impact are controlled by Best Management Practices. |
