Forestry harvesting in Marsden Valley brought forward

Commercial pine forestry harvesting in the Marsden Valley area has been brought forward to recover trees blown over in a recent storm. At the same time, work will be undertaken to repair slips on the access road, which is restricting access for recreational users.

To ensure the public’s safety while the harvest and work to repair slips takes place, Nelson City Council will be closing the Barnicoat Walkway, Piwakawaka Track, and Glider Road from mid-October 2021. Council will update the public when exact timings for track closures are known. Physical signs will be in place at entrance points to clearly signal closed tracks. 

“At the same time that crews will be up in this area harvesting trees, Council contractors will be able to work on repairing the slips,” says Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis. 

“The Marsden block of trees was scheduled to be harvested next year, but the decision has been made by the Forestry Subcommittee to bring the harvesting of this block forward, as the fallen trees will pose significant health and safety issues if left, and the value of the 2Ha of windblown trees will also be lost if the trees are left to rot.”  

Council appreciates that these operations will require some recreation users to alter their plans and thanks the community for their patience while this work takes place.

Maps of the closures and up-to-date information can be found at shape.nelson.govt.nz/harvesting-our-forests.