By Wenita Logging and Planning Manager Jarrod Ireland
Following the October wind storm, Wenita suffered considerable windthrow damage across multiple forest areas. The storm also created unsafe working conditions and cut off access to operational areas.
Multiple harvesting crews were deployed to mechanically clear hazardous trees from the primary access routes. This work made it safe to enter the affected forests and allowed formal damage assessments to commence.
Current estimates indicate approximately 250 hectares of windthrow requiring salvage. Because many of the affected stands were close to maturity, about 400 hectares in total will now need to be harvested. The most impacted forests include Akatore, Berwick and Crayburn (part of Kakapo Estate). Wenita’s primary objective is to recover as much value as possible before the trees/logs deteriorate.
Salvage harvesting has commenced in these key areas:
Akatore: Roxburgh 1, Roxburgh 2, and Griffin 2 crews operational
Berwick: Stewart Logging and Griffin 1 crews operational
Crayburn: Still searching for an outside harvesting crew
Coordinating earthworks to support the salvage will be challenging at times, with multiple crews operating in close proximity. However, existing roading infrastructure and long-term planning has accelerated crew deployments.
Photo: Extensive windthrow showing the force of the October storm.