Evaluation of Regeneration Potential Project Report

Large-scale (100's ha) forest restoration is an essential part of restoring forest cover in the New Zealand lowlands. Yet restoring forest cover at landscape scales is challenging due to the variability in regeneration potential and the variable distribution of weed cover. Knowledge regarding where will regenerate naturally (vs. where will need to be planted) and the spatial distribution of weed cover allows for the detailed planning and budgeting for restorative actions. This research was commissioned by Ngāti Whare and produced maps (quantitative restoration prescriptions) of naturally regenerating indigenous seedling densities and weed cover as a function of physiography and distance to native forest. Predictions were based on Boosted Regression Modelling from 101 10 x 10 m vegetation plots in exotic plantation clearfell sites embedded amongst the awe-inspiring and primeval Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park (Whirinaki Forest), central North Island, New Zealand. 

This work presents a new scientific method for the prescription and upscaling to large-scale forest restoration. The research was co-funded by the Lotteries Grant Environment and Heritage Fund and Te Pua o Whirinaki Regeneration Trust.

Read the report:

Evaluation-of-Regeneration-Potential-Project-Whirinaki-Forbes-Ecology-Final-Feb18.pdf