Cyclone Gabrielle left considerable windthrow in forests. Here is information on how to manage the hazards presented by windthrow trees.
Windthrow and the cutting of wood under tension creates significant risks for workers. That is why the ACoP states that machine-assisted felling must be the first choice for salvaging windthrow trees, wherever possible. Consider retiring the land if mechanical harvesting isn’t possible.
Safetree is aware of one large forest owner who has decided that all windthrow areas must be felled mechanically, and no manual falling will be done. Where trees can’t be mechanically felled, the wind-affected areas will be retired.
Safetree acknowledges the leadership shown by this forest owner and its tangible commitment to protecting the wellbeing and safety of forestry workers. See more information in the resources below.
Hapeta Flight, from Flight Logging, talks about logging widespread winthrow caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Operator Danny Rakete from Lakeland Cable Logging talks about what its like to harvest windthrow trees for the first time.
Watch this video where Gordon Flight, from Flight Logging, talks about harvesting windthrow in the Central North Island.
Watch this video where Dan Hart, foreman at Lakeland Cable Harvesting talks about harvesting woodthrow in the Central North Island.
Information Rayonier Matariki prepared for its crews on harvesting storm damaged trees.
This video from the 2000s includes guidance on harvesting windthrow timber that is still relevant today. Captions have been added to show where practices have changed.
A Safety Alert from 2019 with information on how to manual risks of manually removing windthrow trees.
This video shows how a windthrow tree under tension can spring up with force when cut.
Joe Akari talks about his first experience of watching a windthrow tree explode when cut.
Alert with key information on how to safely deal with windthrow trees.