A Maruia farmer is threatening to burn off 80ha of native bush on his property and turn it into pasture in a bid to raise its value and save his farm. Aaran Bruce and his father, 89-year-old Jim Bruce, who cleared most of the land, starting in 1944. The trees in the background are regenerating beech forest; the original trees were felled 30 years ago for beech chip. Photo: LDR / Lois Williams The land is likely to be classed as a significant natural area (SNA) under new biodiversity rules, in regional and district plans. Aaran Bruce and his wife live on a 220ha block their family has owned since the 1940s on West Bank Road, about 15km from Springs Junction.