It is a popular recreation area and one of the most prominent backdrops to Oamaru, and the Waitaki District Council decided to take the step yesterday after a consultant's report on the state of the forest, which was planted in 1975.
It was due to be harvested in 2015, but will now be felled, at the same time taking advantage of buoyant prices for timber.
Cr Kevin Malcolm said if something was not done quickly, the council would ''not get a recovery, except for firewood''.
Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton said the cape was closed to the public because of damage, but Cr Malcolm said people were still going there.
How and with what the area will be replanted and landscaped will be part of a reserve management plan which the council will start preparing in February. That plan will be open to public consultation.
Any cost of redevelopment and maintenance will be included in annual plans, also open to public comment.
The cape is popular for walking, jogging, mountain biking and exercising dogs, and has been closed to the public since wind damage in June made it too dangerous to use.
The most recent gales severely hit the plantation again, and contractors working to clear earlier damage had to flee flying debris. Material is lying on the ground and hanging in trees, trees are leaning against others and roots have been destabilised.
If someone was injured from debris or falling trees it could pose a legal risk for the council, even if the ''Keep out'' signs had been ignored.
