Further weed control for Lake Wanaka

13 May 2005

Further control of the lakeweed Lagarosiphon in Lake Wanaka, including application of a herbicide and suction dredging, is scheduled to take place beginning on Monday 16 May.

The weed control work follows up the December programme carried out on behalf of the Lake Wanaka Lagarosiphon Managers' Committee, says Committee spokesperson Paul Jackson.

"The Committee has decided to do further weed control including the application of a herbicide in Bishops Bay, Paddock Bay and Parkins Bay. There are small colonies of weed re-growing in these areas. Eradication of lakeweed is not possible at the moment so we're moving to proactively control it."

The application of the herbicide in Lake Wanaka is dependent on weather and lake conditions. If application is not possible on Monday 16 May, it will take place on subsequent days. Application will not take place on weekends or public holidays.

The Managers' Committee has publicised the Lake Wanaka weed control work in public notices in the Otago Daily Times and Southland Times (Monday 9 May) and the Wanaka Sun (Wednesday 11 May). Radio advertisements on Radio Wanaka begin tomorrow and will continue daily until weed control is completed. On the day of application, signs will be erected at major public access points near areas being treated with herbicide.

The Lake Wanaka Management Group comprises: the Lake Wanaka Guardians, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), Otago Regional Council (ORC), the Department of Conservation and Land Information New Zealand (LINZ).

For further comment please contact Paul Jackson, 04 460 0158, Lake Wanaka Lagarosiphon Managers' Committee.