Dear Editor
I expect that may of the BFD’s readers will be aware of the Maunga authority’s move to fell the “exotic” trees from Mt Albert/Owairaka, but they may not be aware that there are plans to apply the same policy to all of the maunga under their control. No doubt, in due course, Auckland council will then apply it to all public reserves.
A petition has been started to protest at this act of vandalism. It may be of interest to others in your readership.
I think it is obvious that no reasonable person is opposed to planting native trees, although I have noticed that the ones the council has planted in Green Lane east generally wither and die very shortly after they are planted as street trees, but it is also utterly unnecessary to clear fell the existing trees. By doing so, the maunga authority will ensure that the natives which are planted will be deprived of the cover and protection they need to thrive.
The clear felling of the exotic trees in these areas will result in a major loss of the amenity value of the maunga, and loss of habitat for native wildlife. As far as I can find out, there is no clear statement of the reason behind this policy, and it appears that it is based on an ideological objection to vegetation of a non-native origin.
M. Lubbock
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