Volunteers help rid Tararua Forest Park of weeds
Date: 30 April 2008
Department of Conservation staff and nine volunteers braved the cold and driving rain over the weekend of 18-20 April to deal to the invasive weed Spanish heath in the Tauherenikau River Valley.
The beautiful valley in the southern Tararua Ranges is popular with trampers and hunters from around the Wellington region. Unfortunately the landscape has been marred by infestations of the heath and gorse. The DOC-led volunteer weed control programme aims to reduce the heath to very low or zero density, to prevent it spreading and damaging the biodiversity of the area.
DOC biodiversity ranger Jenny Whyte was impressed by the commitment and achievements of the volunteers in such unpleasant conditions. She is also adamant that with on-going support the heath can be eliminated from the valley.
Andrew Clifford and Lisa Johnston cut
Spanish heath in the Tararuas
"Spanish heath is an introduced garden plant, with the ability to outcompete native kanuka and associated species on the river flats in the valley. If left unchecked it could permanently alter the natural character and ecosystems of the valley, and spread into other river systems in the park."
She said good progress was made in the densest part of the infestation, but it is necessary to continue the programme.
"DOC's Wairarapa weed control programme has to cover a very large area.. Having the support of the public for projects like this means we can deal with environmental weeds in areas that might otherwise not be attended to. The valley is also infested with a large quantity of gorse but this so dense and widespread it will require professional treatment."
DOC plans to run another volunteer Spanish heath control weekend in the spring, and will advertise for volunteers through the DOC and New Zealand Trust for Conservation Volunteers websites and tramping club newsletters. ENDS