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Stevenson’s Peninsula – Lake Wanaka – inaugural control project for Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group

Date: 14th January 2025

The Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group (UCWTG) are a community-led, not-for-profit organisation with the goal of protecting the outstanding natural landscapes and indigenous biodiversity of the Upper Clutha region from the threat of key wilding tree species by reducing their spread and removing seed sources.

They have just completed their first major wilding pine control operation on Stevenson’s Peninsula, Lake Wānaka, removing 1,700 wilding pines over 2,000 hectares. It took 409 hours to do it!

Left uncontrolled, this iconic peninsula would ultimately be cloaked in an exotic pine forest which would displace the native kānuka, grey shrubland and snow tussock grasslands.

The work was funded from grants provided to the group by QLDC and ORC, and a contribution from Mount Burke Station landowner Tim Burdon. Tim’s involvement in removing these wilding pines on his property and helping protect this outstanding natural landscape on the doorstep of Wānaka, is a great example of landowners stepping up to tackle this invasive pest plant – thank you Tim!

The work was completed by Central Wilding Tree Control and Landcare Services and Aspiring Helicopters with the help of Wanaka Water Taxis for boat access. Ground crews used chainsaws to fell the coning trees in sometimes very challenging terrain. Where wilding pines were sparse, ground crews were dropped in and out by helicopter.

How did the wildings get there?

The wilding pines on Stevensons Peninsula have spread from seeds from inappropriately located pine plantations or from existing wildings – and being blown many kilometres by wind, spreading seed onto the surrounding farmland, and high country. While historical pine plantings were done with the best of intentions, they are now spreading and grow like weeds in our windy, dry local climate. Wilding pines (also known as wilding conifers) are introduced conifer trees which have self-seeded and are growing where they are not wanted — they are the wrong tree in the wrong place. If left uncontrolled, seedlings can quickly grow into dense forests that out-compete native plants and animals, reduce water yield, limit productive land use, and severely alter natural landscapes. Wilding pines also increase the risk of wildfires and harbour diseases.

The UCWTG has funding for the next three years for wilding control on farms throughout the Upper Clutha area. If you want to get in touch or volunteer http://www.uppercluthawildingtreegroup.co.nz


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