The Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks submission acknowledges most animal populations are in a reasonably healthy state, but warns the general viewpoint is that maintaining or increasing the current harvesting levels would negatively impact some species.
A community submission states wildlife, old growth and biodiversity considerations are not addressed by scenarios that suggest increases to the annual harvest level. It cites a growing concern over soil hydrology within the region. Accelerated harvesting and the subsequent loss of moisture retention is a threat to domestic water supplies and wildlife and fisheries values.
One submission contends old-growth preservation concerns and the increased pressure on wildlife due to fragmentation of the area will be alleviated by the Protected Areas Strategy and the Land and Resource Management Planning process. Losses from these initiatives can be mitigated with intensive silvicultural practices and increased operability in difficult terrain and sensitive areas.
