Marsden forestry harvest to begin

Crews have finished setting up for harvest operations on Glider Road in the Marsden Valley.

Council contractor Stand Forestry will start harvesting pine trees at the southern end of the Marsden forestry block in mid-November. The work will take about six months, with a break over summer (weather dependent).

When will the trucks be running?

Crews will arrive on site from 6am. The first truck leaves the site and heads down Marsden Valley at 7am.

Trucks will take logs to Port Nelson along this route:

• Marsden Valley Road

• Songer Street

• Main Road Stoke

• Annesbrook Drive

• Tāhunanui Drive

• Rocks Road (State Highway 6)

• Vickerman Street, Port Nelson.

Please take care on these roads and allow extra time for your trip.

How will we keep disruption low?

Every logging truck carries a GPS unit, so we can check its speed and route. Security staff and cameras watch the site around the clock.

Trucks will keep to the signed speed limits on Marsden Valley Road. They will drive at 30km/h down Marsden Valley and past Nelson Christian Academy.

Every logging company using the route must also:

• tie down chains so they do not rattle

• slow down on residential streets

• not use engine brakes

• stow or secure trailers on empty trucks

• not idle or wait on residential streets

• secure and cover loads, with no debris on the road

• take extra care near schools, driveways, parked cars, people walking and people on bikes.

What about the speed humps?

The speed humps on Marsden Valley Road are staying. These are essential to slow cars down near the school and homes.

Can I still use the tracks?

The harvest area is closed to everyone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This keeps people safe from falling trees and machinery. Glider Road is closed. Please do not go around the fencing, even on foot.

These stay open:

• Involution mountain bike track (up and back only, Widershins and Ridgeline closed)

• Scout track

• Pīwakawaka track

• Gecko Ridge access for paragliders.

Please follow all onsite signs.

Is there a break over summer?

Yes. There will be no harvesting and no logging trucks from 18 December to 15 January.

What happens to the land afterwards?

Crews will harvest one section of the block at a time. As soon as each section is done, it will be sprayed with a ryegrass seed mix. The grass grows fast and holds the soil in place.

New trees will be planted in autumn 2027, once the harvest is finished and the soil is cool and damp.

For maps and updates, visit shape.nelson.govt.nz/right-tree-right-place