Weed win protects endangered birds

14 August 2002

A Canterbury landcare group's success in winning a conservation award is helping to protect endangered native riverbed birds.

The Rangitata Gorge Landcare Group (RGLG) won a Canterbury Conservation Board award on Friday for its five-year programme to rid Upper Rangitata River of broom weed.

Endangered native birds such as the wrybill breed on the stones in the river. Clearing the river of weed allows the birds to breed and protects them from predators who use the weed for cover.

RGLG chair Rosemary Acland says the award is a tribute to the co-operative work of all those involved, including Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) who provided half the funding for the work.

"Early on in the project we realised that a co-ordinated approach was needed from all landowners in the area if we were to control the weed. I would like to thank LINZ, the Department of Conservation, Ashburton and Timaru District Councils, Environment Canterbury and local landowners. Their efforts have helped to protect endangered birds and preserved a stunningly beautiful landscape."

LINZ Manager Crown Property, Paul Jackson says the department was pleased to be involved in the project.

"The results of this project are an example of what can happen when local people, central and local government take a team approach. The weed spraying programme has delivered real benefits for conservationists, anglers, walkers and others."

Significant progress has now been made with the RGLG's five-year plan to control the weed from the Upper Rangitata River. The initial work is due to be complete by May 2003.

For further information please contact:

Rosemary Acland
Chairperson
Upper Rangitata Landcare Group
PH: (03) 696 3857
EMAIL: johnro.mountpeel@xtra.co.nz

Paul Jackson
Manager, Crown Property
Land Information New Zealand
Private Box 5501
WELLINGTON
PH: 04 460 0158
FAX: 04 460 0590
EMAIL: pjackson@linz.govt.nz

 

LINZ media liaison:

Michael Mead
Senior Communications Adviser
Land Information New Zealand
Private Box 5501
WELLINGTON
PH: (04) 498 3516
FAX: (04) 472 1864
EMAIL: mmead@linz.govt.nz