Kenya Forest Explains Why Karura’s Exotic Trees Are Harvested
According to the Kenya Forest Service, exotic trees are now being harvested across 6.3 hectares of Karura Forest.
The Service stated that it is harvesting exotic tree species for fuel wood and fencing posts. This, they claimed, is consistent with the felling strategy for fiscal year 2024/2025.
“Following social media posts on purported illegal logging in Karura and Thogoto forests, KFS wishes to clarify,” KFS said in a statement.
The Service stated that replanting with indigenous trees will begin during the long rainy season, which runs from March to May.
HARVESTING OF FOREST PLANTATIONS IN KARURA AND THOGOTO FORESTS
— Kenya Forest Service (@KeForestService) January 28, 2025
Following social media posts on purported illegal logging in Karura and Thogoto forests, KFS wishes to clarify as follows:@MigunaMiguna @FGaitho237 @Environment_Ke @CCF_Kenya
According to KFS, the management plan for Karura Forest seeks to turn alien plantations into natural forests for conservation objectives.
KFS stated that the management plan is a public document that may be seen by anybody.
“Banners announcing the harvesting of these forest plantations have been placed at the entrance to Karura Forest and in other strategic points within the forest informing the public about the harvesting operations happening in Karura Forest—clear evidence of a transparent process,” the statement on X reads.
KFS stated that the similar procedure was used in Thogoto Forest, Kiambu County.
At Thogoto Forest, 109.50 hectares of mature and over-mature forest plantations are being harvested.
They stated that once completed, depending on the age of the planting, some plantations will be left to coppice and managed in accordance with forest technical orders.
Nonetheless, others will be replanted under the plantation establishment and livelihood improvement scheme (PELIS).
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Thogoto Forest Station follows a plantation management plan that oversees the establishment, silvicultural operations, and harvesting.
KFS stated that the management plan is a public document and can be accessed.
The Service stated that Forest Plantations are purposely constructed to provide timber for the local market, as opposed to indigenous forests and conserved for ecological integrity.
According to KFS, forest plantation harvesting is now taking place in several counties around the country.
Kenya Forest Explains Why Karura’s Exotic Trees Are Harvested
