Opportunities for skilled forestry workers
STEVE JOHNSON FORESTRY SERVICES HAS BEEN IN THE business of training forestry silviculture skills for many years. Currently his team is training students under the Pathways course covered in the May 2020 edition of NZ Logger.
He believes the Ngā Kākano Whakahau reforestation project, if successful, would require the expertise of skilled workers in the future.
Steve says silviculture workers are trained in pre-planting ground preparation. Sites need to be free for access and planting of seedlings or seeds on steep slopes. This could mean brush cutting using slashers or chainsaws with emphasis on Health & Safety, part of the training schedule.
Much of the Maha Whenua QEII is covered in exotic brush wood and wilding conifer spread.
These workers are trained to tackle steep slopes to get seedlings into the ground, requiring strict Health & Safety supervision.
Seed pre-emergence still needs tending, keeping weeds down through grubbing or spraying to give emerging plants a break. Post emergence of seedlings still needs care, so as not to be overtaken by surrounding scrub.
Steve has found some trainees have a desire to work with native trees, which can require much the same attention as exotics. Included in the current Pathways course for final year high school students, one trainee has opted to train into native tree cultivation.
He was advised the Department of Conservation would be an ideal occupation after graduation. Also future work with the QEII Trust may be in the offing.
Steve is enthusiastic that if the Maha Whenua project works out he would be willing to include native tree management as part of one of his courses. He says he would seek advice from the University.
NZL