The recent flooding events in the North Island of New Zealand have drawn into focus the discarding of forestry wood waste. In many regions, the wood is simply left behind, to be later washed down into rivers and then on to damaging stopbanks, bridges and roads. Flooding results which destroys livelihoods and homes.
This practise of simply leaving wood behind is not universal. In the Nelson region, wood slash is often ground up and used. See the below photo of one such grinding operation. The hillsides are left clear for replanting. Click on image to enlarge:
