Green Light for Community Pest Control Project

Green Light for Community Pest Control Project

Waikato Regional Council recently announced a $40,000 grant from their Environmental Initiatives Fund for NZ Landcare Trust to help establish a new community catchment group focussed on predator control in a wetland reserve outside a pest-free bird sanctuary at Lake Rotopiko near Ohaupo.

The National Wetland Trust has been working to establish a national wetland education centre in the area and has already built a pest proof fence around a site covering approximately 10 hectares, thanks to substantial grants from the Waikato River Clean-up Trust, Waikato Catchment Ecological Enhancement Trust, Waikato Regional Council and others.

NZ Landcare Trust will use the funds to establish a community catchment care group to help control pests in a 30 hectare area of adjoining reserve land, and provide ongoing support for the work.

This work will contribute to a boost in wildlife values in a 30 hectare area of one of the best peat lake complexes in New Zealand, said the report to the Environmental Initiatives Fund committee.

NZ Landcare Trust Project Coordinator Nardene Berry said, "we have a great working relationship with the National Wetland Trust, where we have collaborated on a number of projects including WETMAK - the wetland monitoring and assessment kit. We are looking forward to working on the practical delivery of this exciting project."

Karen Denyer CEO National Wetland Trust added, "the project will build on the excellent work being carried out by the Waikato District Council, Waikato Regional Council, the Department of Conservation and the adjacent landowners, who have already built silt traps, fenced drains and planted buffers to maintain the quality of the Rotopiko complex, which by council assessment is one of the best in the region."

"Its a wholly collaborative approach in a significant headwater and leads down to other works in the catchment, providing the opportunity to create a showcase for the region just 15 mins from Hamilton." Karen concluded.

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Green Light for Community Pest Control Project