Diary
Storm damage
The high winds of Sep 11th brought this branch down across the drive into the Rewanui homestead. Fortunately no other major damage has been discovered.
Trial results
The measuring of trees in the Exotic and indigenous trials have been completed for the year. As expected growth rates were slower than 2012 but most species survived the drought well. The exception is the Silver Beech showing some mortality. The results can be viewed by clicking on these links.
Kowhai creek track improved
The first section the trck along the Kowhai creek has been formed with a layer of crushed lime. Makes walking much easier
New track created
A new track on Rewanui has been created to establish a loop through the Eastern end of the property. The new track runs parallel to the road and goes from the eastern road entrance up on to the flats. Redwoods are planted along much of the route.
Dry conditions
In common with much of the North Island conditions are very dry at Rewanui but the indigenous trial trees are doing well. Silver beech are the only ones show stress at this stage.
Fire

Damage caused by a fire next to SH2
In early February a fire was deliberately lit on the edge of the Trimble forest opposite the Pioneer Museum. It was reported by a milk tanker driver at about midnight and was under control within an hour thanks the good effort of the fire service. Damage was confined to a small area of .13 ha. A good save by all those involved.
Field day
About fifty people attended a fielday to assess the growth of the various species in the exotics trial. Speakers talked about the attributes of Eucalypt, Cypress and Redwood species and a demonstration of pruning cyuprss was held.
Car park sign
We have erected a sign at the entrance to the Rewanui car park. The timber for the sign is windall Totara milled from the Trimble forest North of Masterton
Scion visit
We recently hosted representatives from Scion with the intention of forging closer links with the CRSI. Ecki Brockerhoff and Peter Clinton (Scion) shelter from the norwester while they discuss options with Mike Wyeth (Trustee) and Stu Orme.
Riparian planting
Our trail camera captued this shot of some of the Whareama School pupils during a planting session along the kowhai creek.