Sugar Loaf Wilding Conifer update
A major step in the control and eradication of wilding conifers in the Central Otago district has been reached with the completion of an operation at the Sugar Loaf Scenic Reserve near Cromwell last week.
The old shelter belt was a major seed source for the spread of the pest species over parts of the reserve. The Central Otago District Council also dealt with the wilding seedlings that had spread from the shelter belt at the Lowburn inlet end of the reserve. Additionally, there were a number of individual trees and several small groups of wildings also removed or poisoned throughout the reserve area.
Wilding conifers are identified as a weed pest under the Otago Regional Council Pest Plan. The Government has allocated $100 million over four years to control wilding conifers, and the Wilding Conifer Control Group has been allocated a share of this for control costs.
The group identified the Sugar Loaf Scenic Reserve as a priority site on which to control wilding conifer spread, and provided approximately $70,000 towards the project, with the Cromwell Community Board contributing $20,000.
The operation was carried out in an effort to protect this sparse arid natural landscape from further spread of wilding conifers. The reserve did not have any identified wildlife species.
At tomorrow’s Council meeting (6 July 2022), members will consider adopting a policy for controlling wilding conifers on Council owned or managed land.
See live link: https://www.codc.govt.nz/your-council/meetings
Agenda: http://centralotago.infocouncil.biz/
The following link was provided from a social media post and provides additional information on the effect of wilding conifers.
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/weeds/common-weeds/wilding-conifers/
