Native Vegetation Reserve Inspection Report
Client:
Wenita Forest Products
Liaison Officer:
James McEwan
Date:
30th July 2013
Site:
Nugget Stream Forest
Compartments:
Not specified
Size:
28 Hectares
Criteria:
3 (High)
Comments:
The site runs alongside both sides of the West Branch of the Tokomairiro
River with the majority running steeply westwards up the hill to below the production pine of the
property. The site is a mixture of secondary kanuka regrowth and strong regenerating broadleaf
forest. The site makes up a larger steep gully and cliff area of similar native vegetation not owned by
Wenita Forest products. There were no observed larger podocarp species forming part of the
canopy, but it is possible that some smaller emergent species such as totara are present within the
site. The site is a typical lowland forest assemblage found in this part of Otago that has been
disturbed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century’s by fire and agricultural clearance.
However the regeneration of native vegetation has been rapid and overall the site looks in good
condition with strong landscape and biological connectivity to the wider area. Its position alongside
a major tributary to a wider river catchment provides important water quality services in regards to
water quality and aquatic biodiversity.
Weed Species:
Fallow deer were observed in the edge of the production forest along with
pig sign, and neighbouring cattle had access to the area due to an open fence and gateway. No
possum sign or browse was observed, but deer browsing of broadleaf was observed on the bush
fringes. Several mature pines were observed within the block and the edges of the site showed clear
signs of Himalayan Honeysuckle, Gorse and Broom.
Conclusions:
Overall the site was in good condition and provided wider habitat options
for biodiversity and water quality in the local and regional landscape.
Recommendations:
1. Ensuring edge damage of pinus felling is limited to ensure the integrity of the forest fringes.
2. The removal of seed bearing pine from the bush when pine felling is undertaken.
3. Protecting the bush fringes from invasive weed species once felling is completed and resowing is undertaken as part of that activity.
4. Issuing regular hunting permits to keep browsing animal numbers down.
Figure 1 Western View of Nugget Stream Forest