Battling foreign invaders in Puketi and Omahuta forests
Date: 19 February 2008
The Department of Conservation weeds team, from Bay of Islands are battling foreign invaders along rivers in Puketi and Omahuta forests this month. Mexican Daisy, Wandering Jew, Pampas, Buddleia, Japanese Cedar and Himalayan Honeysuckle are threatening the forests unique streamside ecosystems.
DOC ranger Toby Kling finds pampas
grass growing along the river bank
"These weeds mainly smother the ground so native seedlings are unable to germinate." Says programme manager Threats, Sara Kusanic. The Puketi/Omahuta river system is home to several plant species, which are only found in the upper North Island e.g. hebe acutifolia and Koru- Colansoa physalloides.
This work is done annually over the summer as much of it involves standing knee to neck deep in the river while removing weeds. Hand pulling or cutting and painting are the preferred methods as it is not practical to carry spray equipment into the more remote areas. The weeds then need to be carried out for disposal.
To find out more about what's going on in the forest come along to the Puketi Omahuta Open Day on Saturday 15th March, starting 10am at the Puketi Forest Headquarters. As well as sharing the vision for the future of the forest there will be stalls, a trapping display, possum shy, games for children, treasure hunt, hangi and barbecue and the opportunity to walk through the Puketi Forest Trust traplines with members of the Trust.
To get to Puketi Headquarters from SH1 take Waiare or Wehirua Rds and follow the signposts to Puketi Recreation Area. From SH10 take Pungaere or Waiare Rds and follow the signs. The Headquarters are approximately 14kms from Waipapa, 20kms from Okaihau and 20kms from Kaeo. Piki Te Aroha Marae, Puketi Forest Trust and the Department of Conservation hope to see you there.
For further information contact