"It’s devastating really. Tuatapere pride ourselves on our native areas, any green areas of the beauty in our community and the lovely spaces that we’ve got," she said.
"It’s a real act of vandalism. It’s quite shocking. I haven’t known of any other type of vandalism like that locally before."
The trees, planted by the board to provide an income for community projects, were due to be harvested in the next few years.
Even though about half of the 270 trees had multiple holes drilled into the trunks where poison had been poured in, all the trees would now have to be removed immediately, she said.
Someone had been very determined as some trees had more than two drill holes. She expected the person responsible had been back to the site more than once.
"Now that a lot of them are dying, whether there is much revenue, it is questionable because when they have been poisoned like that, they will only know ... [when] they start to mill them what worth they are.
"The value will not be as great as when they are healthy, mature trees."
ForestX forestry consultant Graham West said a 1ha block of mature pine trees could net about $30,000.
But there were also many factors which determined harvest values. Early harvest or damage could significantly decrease the value.
Trees damaged by poison were still salvageable, but it was important not to delay the harvesting because the core of the tree could be affected by a black stain which made them less valuable.
Mrs Horrell said the board was unaware of the damage until it became evident some were dying.
She could not understand why the trees had been targeted.
"Where they are situated, you don’t see that they could be a real bother to anyone."
She could not understand why someone who felt so strongly about it could not talk to the community board about it first.
A Southland District Council spokesman said the matter had been referred to the police, who would decide if the culprit would be prosecuted.
Discussions were being held with a local contractor, who would provide information about the best way forward.
By Toni McDonald
