Felling stage complete at Half Mile
Update Monday 10 July 2023: Due to unforeseen circumstances the Half Mile Recreation Reserve will not reopen to the public until Tuesday 11 July 2023.
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The wilding conifer felling at the Half Mile Recreation Reserve near Alexandra has been completed, and the reserve will reopen to the public on Monday (10 July 2023).
The felling, which was Stage 1 of the reserve’s restoration, took a little longer than anticipated because of the extra care taken to protect the lizard and gecko habitat within the site, Central Otago District Council Parks and Reserves Manager Gordon Bailey said.
“Their protection was paramount; this also came loud and clear from members of the community too. To ensure this happened, we made sure the trees were felled with minimal impact on any lizard habitat. Council engaged a qualified herpetologist to be onsite throughout the felling period working under approved protocols from DOC to guide the felling of trees within this sensitive area.”
With the wilding conifers now gone it was anticipated that the number of lizards would slowly increase over time as a habitat more sustainable for lizards developed, he said.
“Following advice from the herpetologist, there are a few trees that will need to be left lying on site as they would significantly impact the surrounding lizard habitat. These trees will be made safe. The majority of the large slash has been chipped and again based on advice from the herpetologist the smaller slash will be left on site, rather than raking it up, to naturally decompose to protect the surrounding lizard habitat.”
There are large piles of chips from the slash. Some will be used on site as a mulch for the native revegetation plantings, and the Council is considering options for any remaining chip.
With the reserve opening up to public again, users are asked to be careful while visiting. During the week of 10 July, a contractor will be on site chipping any remaining slash. Users should note that there will be uneven surfaces, and to please stick to the main tracks.
With the reserve having had wilding conifers growing on it for many decades, it is anticipated that conifer seedlings will continue to germinate for up to five years. Council will continue to manage the removal of these seedlings and other pest plants species to ensure they do not re-establish.
The Council would continue to work with interested community groups on restoring this reserve, with replanting to begin in 2024, CODC Group Manager – Community Experience David Scoones said.
“We’d like to thank the community for its interest in, and passion for this reserve and its future, and we look forward to working with you towards its restoration to create a community space that will encourage wider use of this reserve.”
Vincent Community Board chair Cr Tamah Alley, had been following stage one of the restoration closely.
“I want to thank the contractors who have been working on this site over the past few weeks. It is clear they have taken extra care of our beautiful landscape and wildlife habitats, and we appreciate their efforts. Having seen the first phase of the project come to completion, I am really looking forward to being part of restoring this site for generations to come.”
For updates and information go to Let’s Talk: https://lets-talk.codc.govt.nz/half-mile-restoration
