Lindis Pass Conservation Trust
Aim
The aim of the Lindis Pass Conservation Trust is to rid Lindis Pass Reserve of weeds, so that the snow tussock (Chionochloa rigida) can be enjoyed in its full glory.
Our work
Logo
The group plans a number of working days during the summer months.
The principle weed is sweet briar, and the control method is to cut the stems of the briar plants, dragging the prickly stems clear before dabbing Vigilant on all of the stumps.
Cut stems are piled together to provide a frame for the native Muehlenbeckia scrambler to climb over, providing good habitat for insects and skinks.
The effect of the briar clearance is now visible from the road, with the reserve a weed-free area in contrast to the surrounding briar-infested land. This also means that the programme and monitoring will have to continue indefinitely, as briar is readily spread by birds and will be re-distributed into the reserve each year.
Other weed species which will receive attention are lupins, thistles, St Johns wort and the odd broom bush.
During these work-days we also make time to explore our 'patch', by walking to several of the surrounding high points of the reserve.
Transit New Zealand has supported the project, not only by its legal obligation of spraying the briar along the edges of the highway which bisects the reserve, but also by creating a barrier to prevent vehicles from driving off the highway and onto the remnant of the original coach road. This has prevented further degradation of the historic road area. The plan is to plant snow tussocks propagated from locally collected seed along its line, to replace the weedy, degraded stretch formed in the past by off-road vehicles.
History
The Lindis Pass Conservation Trust was formed after a ranger from Department of Conservation spoke to the Upper Clutha branch of the Forest & Bird Society about adopting the Lindis Pass Reserve.
Since then, Society members and non-members have joined in the work of improving this treasured gateway between Otago and Canterbury. The worth of the project is repeatedly confirmed, as travellers stop to ask what we are doing during our work-days, and then express their approval and appreciation of the improvements we are making to the reserve. An incorporated society is being formed, so that the group can apply for and receive funding from various agencies in order to continue the work.
The value of creating a community group to do this work is twofold. Not only does the group take pride in the reserve, to the extent of regularly collecting accumulated rubbish from the roadside and gaining a sense of satisfaction at the improved state of "our" reserve; but also in a small way we can support the Department of Conservation in its huge task of stewardship of New Zealand's natural landscape.
Join us
Contact DOC staff in the Twizel Te Manahuna Area Office for details on how to join the Lindis Pass Conseration Trust, or take part in one of their work days.