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NEWS SNIPPETS |
The following news snippets were also published in the Wellington Botanical Society Newsletter
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Past News |
2003The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillGraduate Program in Plant BiologyAre you considering graduate school in plant biology? If so you are encouraged to apply to The Plant Sciences Program in the Department of Biology at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The program is a graduate-level training curriculum that unites the diverse fields of plant biology and synergistic disciplines such as structural biology, biochemistry, genetics, bioinformatics, computer sciences, statistics and ethics. The Department of Biology has a strong group of molecular plant biologists. Several faculty work in the area of Plant Molecular Genetics and Development, creating a diverse research and training environment. Areas of particular concentration among the molecular and cellular biologists include plant-pathogen interactions (Dangl, Grant, Matthysse), signal transduction (Jones, Kieber, Reed), genome dynamics (Copenhaver) and development (Liljigren). The Department also has strength in whole system plant biology and plant evolution. Dr. Gensel utilizes Devonian fossils to understand the overall patterns of evolutionary change, while Dr. Vision uses sequenced genomes. Both Dr. White and Peet are interested in the composition and dynamics of ecosystems. Detailed descriptions of faculty research interests can be found at: http://www.bio.unc.edu/PlantBiology/plantbiologyfaculty.htm. In addition interactions with plant biologists from Duke, NC State, and companies like Syngenta, Paradigm Genetics, Bayer, and BASF make the wider Research Triangle area an especially stimulating environment. To apply for the Plant Science Program please follow the instructions for the Department of Biology application process found at: http://www.bio.unc.edu/graduate/MCDB/admissions.htm. |
FOR SALEWould you like to build up your library of our "flagship" publication? We have following back issues available. No23 - Sept 1950; N 30 - Dec 1958; No32 - Dec 1961; No33 - Feb 1966; No34 - Nov 1967; No36 - Dec 1969; No37 - Nov 1971; No38 - Sept 1974; No39 - Oct1976; No40 - Aug 1978; No41 - Sept 1981; No42 - Sept 1985; No43- Apr 1967: No44 - Nov 1988; No46 - Dec 1994; No48 - Sept 2002 Order now -$3 per copy or $14 for 5 copies. WBS, Box 10412 WN, ph/fax 04 475 7025, email kevin.clark@clear.net.nz |
Dec 2002 News |
QE II National Trust New Open Space Covenants - updateThe QEII National Trust has been busy lately and has registered the following Open Space Covenants in the Wellington Region: We now protect a total of 4570 ha with 128 Open Space Covenants in the Wellington region. The National Trust are grateful for the support of Wellington Regional Council, Kapiti Coast District Council and Wellington City Council this year. A number of covenant prospects are arising as a result of the Porirua City Council’s Sites of Ecological Significance project which is now in the landowner consultation phase. If you know of any landowners whose land has important open space or ecological values, and who might be interested in having discussions with the Trust, please contact us. Tim Park, QEII National Trust, PO Box 3341, Wellington, E-mail: tpark@qe2.org.nz, www.nationaltrust.org.nz, 04 472 6626 (office), 027 218 2552 (mobile). |
Book Review : The Wollemi PineI strongly recommend this book, published in 2000. Woodford is an accomplished and popular environmental reporter who, as well as close contact with botanists and ecologists, took steps to brush up on his botanical knowledge before writing this absorbing, well-illustrated descriptive text. That a new genus, Wollemi, and a tree of this stature closely related to Agathis (kauri pines) and Araucaria (all now in the Araucaracaeae family) was “rediscovered” only 8 years ago in two small relict populations in an area a little bigger than a large backyard only 100 km from Sydney is truly amazing. It can be fairly compared to the dawn redwood genus (Metasequoia) in China about 50 years ago, now grown in many botanic gardens. Like the dawn redwood, its fossilised ancestry was held in the rocks and mysterious pollen remains. Wollemi, now a National Park, is part of the rain forest around the Blue Mountains, which are part of Australia’s Great Dividing Range. The number of fire immune canyons in Wollemi is around 500, some up to 400 m deep; of these, around 100 are thought never to have been visited by a white person. It was at the bottom of one of these that Wollemi nobilis was “rediscovered” in 1994. These canyons represent a microclimate rain forest almost completely foreign to the usual Australia of gum trees, boronias and banksias. But this is only a fraction of the fascinating reading; equally engrossing is how this new genus came to be classified as such, with its weird “bubbly” bark and being described by someone as “looking like a fern on steroids”. REF: http://www.wollemipine.com/ Dave Holey |
A New Population of Carmichaelia muritaiSome Wellington BotSoccers will remember the 1980s trip when we first set eyes on “that new Chordospartium”, now Carmichaelia muritai, in a dry, Clifford Bay gulch. Its noticeably-different, upright branching habit was what immediately claimed Tony Druce’s attention as we walked along the clifftop searching for it. This Marlborough endemic was thought to be restricted to c. 20 plants at Clifford Bay, carefully monitored by DOC, but Cathy Jones reports that a new population has been found at the south end of Cloudy Bay. South Marlborough DOC workers grubbing Nassella tussock at White Bluffs reported about 50 plants including juveniles. Perhaps the nationally critically endangered conservation status of C. muritai will be able to be revised as a result. Barbara Mitcalfe |
Karori Tunnel eastern portal : native plantingMany locals have commented on this planting of ti kouka and coastal flax which went ahead as planned, in October. Plentiful rain in spring has helped settle the plants into the steep site above the tunnel. They are closely spaced so as to better suppress weed growth. The next installment will be planted next spring, including, we hope, some kowhai. Barbara Mitcalfe |
That unwelcome Aussie immigrant, boobiallaIn response to my article on boobialla in the last BotSoc newsletter, Frank Rogers, a keen BotSoccer holidaying in Gisborne was disappointed to find boobialla planted all around the James Cook memorial. He complained by letter to the local DOC office who have promised to put things right. Well done! Barbara Mitcalfe |
What are NZ’s top 10 native plants?The Isaac Centre for Nature Conservation (based at Lincoln University) is inviting people to contribute to the first of an annual countrywide survey to seek personal selections for the top 10 favourite New Zealand native plants. These could include a selection of trees, shrubs or wildflowers. You are invited to select up to 10 of your most favourite native plants and send your list to the address below, in order of preference and including either common names or scientific names. You may also like to comment on your personal selection and say why they are your favourites or why they should be in the top 10 list. There are some prizes to give away. After the closing date, the first three entries drawn from the nominations will be awarded prizes. Entries close on 4 January 2003. The results and the winners of the prize draw will be made known in the March issue of the New Zealand Gardener. The prize draws are vouchers for New Zealand Native Plants: Please post or e-mail your suggestions (with name and contact details) to: ‘The top ten New Zealand native plants’, c/o The Isaac Centre for Nature Conservation, P.O. Box 84, Lincoln University, Canterbury. E-mail: Spelleri@lincoln.ac.nz
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Sept 2002 News |
2002 Conservation AwardsWe congratulate the winners of this year’s awards, in particular: We also congratulate those awarded certificates of merit, including: The awards were presented by the then Minister of Conservation, Sandra Lee, in the Legislative Chamber, Parliament, on 7 August 2002. Source: DOC news release |
Forest & Bird magazine - August 2002The August 2002 issue contains the following articles of particular interest to readers in the southern North Island: Forest & Bird is published quarterly by the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, Box 631, WN, ph 04 357 7374 fax 04 385 7373, e-mail office@wn.forest-bird.org.nz |
QE II National Trust Open Space Covenants - updateThe Trust has recently registered the following Open Space Covenants in the Wellington Region: As at 14 August 2002, these contribute to a total of 4494 ha protected by 122 covenants in the Wellington Region, and 1633 covenants protecting 55910 ha nationwide. A further 17950 ha have been approved for protection, and are progressing towards registration. If you know of any landowners whose land has important open space or ecological values, and who might be interested in having discussions with the Trust, please contact us. Tim Park, QEII National Trust, PO Box 3341, Wellington, tpark@qe2nattrst.org.nz, Ph 04 472 6626; Mobile 027 218 2552 |
An Australian immigrant: the Boobialla StoryBoobialla is the correct, common name for an Australian shrub Myoporum insulare, sometimes called Tasmanian ngaio or Australian ngaio. It looks very like our NZ ngaio Myoporum laetum and regrettably it is often propagated, sold and planted by mistake, as ngaio, which it isn't. It is particularly prevalent on the Kapiti Coast where great numbers have been planted in some Council amenity plantings (e.g. Pukerua Bay beach) and even in some restoration projects. For a precise description of boobialla and a drawing of its flower compared with ngaio, see pages 845 and 846 of Flora of New Zealand, Volume IV. See also page 958 of Flora of New Zealand, Volume I for the description of Myoporum laetum. As the descriptions reveal, to the naked eye, the morphological differences between the two species are subtle. Unfortunately too, in nature, the differences between the flowers are not nearly so marked as the Flora IV drawing indicates, and the flowering seasons of each are very nearly identical. So how does one distinguish between these two species? Probably the best field character is the dark, brown-black, sticky leaf buds of our NZ ngaio, compared with the almost universally green, sticky leaf buds of boobialla. NZ ngaio leaves tend to have more obvious oil glands than boobialla, but this is not universal. After a while one also gets to notice subtle differences in the bark and the shape and stature of the plants. Boobialla does not attain the height and spread of NZ ngaio, it remains a shrub. That's all I can offer I'm afraid. Good luck with the sleuthing, and please prevail on your local plant shop and / or nursery and / or Council to ensure they plant NZ ngaio, Myoporum laetum not boobialla, because hybridisation is already happening around Wellington. (Pers. comm. Helen Braithwaite). Barbara Mitcalfe |
News from the Pest Plants Section, Wellington Regional CouncilAfter months of delays, the objections which have been delaying the new Regional Pest Management Strategy (RPMS) have been withdrawn, and the Strategy will take effect in a few weeks. It will mean a few changes to the Pest Plant Programme in Wellington. One new species is banana passionfruit (Passiflora tripartita varieties, P. tarminiana, P. mixta) which will be classed as a Suppression Pest. This means that occupiers will be responsible for controlling any banana passionfruit infestation occurring on their property. Banana passionfruit is a popular vine with attractive pink flowers and three-lobed, soft, downy leaves. The yellow fruits are favoured by gardeners, but unfortunately are attractive to birds as well, which assist in spreading the seed. It is an aggressive climber with the ability to overtop and smother trees, and is thought to be a significant threat to the Wellington Region. The Regional Council will undertake a publicity campaign to raise awareness about this species and to advise occupiers of their obligations. Enforcement will not begin until July 2003. Another species now appearing in the RPMS is sweet pea shrub (Polygala myrtifolia). This perennial shrub can grow 2 m high, and has sweet pea like flowers. It can drastically alter the ecology of coastal areas, as well as invading forest margins and preventing regeneration of native seedlings. Sweet pea shrub can be distinguished from the permitted sterile variety (Polygala myrtifolia var. grandifolia) by its less vivid flowers. The outer petals of P. myrtifolia are pale green as opposed to bright crimson. Also the leaves of P. myrtifolia are oval and leathery, not long and narrow. Under the new RPMS the Regional Council will take responsibility for controlling all sweet pea shrub in the region. We are currently collating all known sites in preparation for the new Strategy. If you would like further information on either of these species, please contact the Pest Plants section of the Regional Council. Rachael Bell, Pest Plants, Biosecurity, Wellington Regional Council, Upper Hutt office 04 526 5325, Masterton office 06 378 2484 |
Native plants for streamsides in Wellington ConservancyThis fact sheet will be a useful guide for anyone planning to restore a stream or wetland. Sixty-six species are listed: 25 trees/shrubs, 5 ferns, 3 grasses, 24 sedges, 5 rushes and 4 herbaceous plants recommended for a wide variety of riparian sites. Some are treated as pioneer species, others as suitable for later planting. All are characteristically riparian and naturally-occurring in the Wellington region. If our Wellington streamsides were restored to healthy functioning as ecological corridors, this would increase the region’s indigenous biodiversity and amenity, while filtering out pollution, providing habitat for aquatic wildlife and reducing flood peaks. The fact sheet is available free, from the Wellington Conservancy, DOC, Phone 472 5821, Fax 499 0077, Box 5086, Wellington. |
New protected areas• a 2.27 ha wetland with saltmarsh ribbonwood on the south side of Pauatahanui Stream has been added to Pauatahanui Reserve David Bishop, Wellington Conservancy, Department of Conservation, Ph 04 472 5821; Fax 04 499 0077 |
May 2002 News |
Lichen or not?One of the two BotSoc prizes at the 2001 NIWA Schools Science Fair was won by three pupils from Form 2, St Mark’s Church School, Wellington – Kate Bromley, Lauren Bailey and Joanne Bailey. Their project was called “Lichen or Not?” They wanted to find out how many of their selection of 25 trees growing within 100 m of a main road in each of Mount Victoria, Kilbirnie, Newtown, Vogeltown, Thorndon, Kelburn, Karori, Johnsonville, Miramar and Island Bay, support lichen. Their hypothesis was that Mount Victoria and Thorndon would have the most because there are many trees in those suburbs, and trees produce clean air through photosynthesis. Therefore lichens will like Mount Victoria and Thorndon. They also thought that Newtown and Karori would have the least lichens because there are fewer trees in these suburbs and the traffic volumes are higher on the main roads there. Their method was to visit each of the ten suburbs and find 25 trees within 100 m of a main road. They then examined the trees carefully for the presence of lichen. They recorded the results and displayed them on their project. Conclusion Their conclusion was that the suburb with the most lichen was Newtown, and they thought that it would have the least. This disproved their hypothesis. “The Government could use this information to know what areas are cleaner and what areas need to be worked on to make them cleaner. We also think that people buying a new house could use our information to find out what areas are cleaner, and if they would like to buy a house there,” they said. |
QE II National Trust Open Space Covenants - updateThe Trust has recently registered the following Open Space Covenants in the Wellington Region: The Trust is working toward protecting a further 370 ha of private land on 38 properties in the region. The Trust is grateful for the support of WRC, and KCDC, and look forward to working with funding available from WCC this year. If you are aware of any ecologically important area, please contact us. At 2 March 2002, there were 1569 registered Open Space Covenants totalling 56257 ha nationwide. A further 308 covenants, covering 16360 ha, have been approved by the Board and are moving towards registration. Tim Park QE II National Trust, PO Box 3341, Wellington. Email: tpark@qe2nattrust.org.nz, Ph: 04 472 6626; fax: 04 472 5578 |
Karori Tunnel eastern portal planting - A Community initiativeA Kelburn businessman, Darryl Dreaver, owner / manager of Kelburn Butchery, has a keen eye for places that could do with some environmental TLC. Over a kilo of venison bangers one day last year, he and I discussed the unkempt, weedy state of the eastern approach to Karori Tunnel. Now over 100 years old, the tunnel is part of Wellington’s built heritage. We decided that it would be worthwhile investigating whether Wellington City Council would consider landscaping it with native species. Our letter to WCC was successful – they produced a draft landscape plan, a list of proposed species, an on-site meeting, and eventually an agreement that when money was available, the project would go ahead, provided it had community support. The site is very steep in places but there is a level area as well which would be suitable for closely-planted Phormium cookianum as ground cover, and groups of Sophora microphylla and Cordyline australis. The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary just around the corner and local gardens would benefit from the bird food provided by these species. It is hoped that planting will start this winter. Council Parks and Gardens staff will use the occasion as a training exercise, since parts of the site are tricky of access. The work will be spread over a number of years, as funds become available. Subsequently, community help with maintenance will be needed, so any of you BotSoccers who live locally might like to give a hand on the easier slopes. Kelburn Progressive Association will also be approached. Barbara Mitcalfe |
Pigeon Bush Reserve openedOn 9 March, this 332 ha addition to the NZ Native Forests Restoration Trust's Rimutaka Restoration Reserve was officially opened by Hon. Margaret Shields, Chair, Wellington Regional Council and about 80 NZNFRT supporters. The site of the ceremony was “Whare Gully”, near where Prince Stream runs from the reserve under the Wellington / Wairarapa Railway Line, on its way to Lake Wairarapa. After the ceremony, about 50 people, including several BotSoccers, walked up the valley to inspect the forest and see a large specimen of the uncommon lacebark, Hoheria sp. “Tararua type”. For information on the reserve and the Trust, contact trustee Ben (Alex) Thorpe, 43b London Rd, Korokoro, Lower Hutt, ph 04 589 1887. The NZNFRT welcomes donations for the purchase of reserves: NZNFRT, Box 80007, Green Bay, AK 1007. |
New protected areas• A 0.4047 ha addition to Pauatahanui Wildlife Management Reserve has been gifted to DOC by Forest & Bird. Adrian Griffiths, DOC, Wellington |
December 2001 News |
QEII National Trust NewsThe Trust has recently registered the following Open Space Covenants to protect private land: The Trust has been working to enhance relationships with Wellington Regional Council and Kapiti Coast District Council, to increase covenanting activities in the region and in Kapiti. Tim Park, Queen Elizabeth II National Trust, PO Box 3341, Wellington. Ph 04 472 6626; fax 04 472 5578; e-mail: qe2@qe2nattrust.org.nz; website: www.nationaltrust.org.nz |
Nature Heritage Fund newsThe Nature Heritage Fund has recently purchased 54 ha of silver beech/red beech-kamahi forest, with a small area of subalpine leatherwood at the relatively low level of 912 m, in the headwaters of the Waitatapia Catchment, Otaki Gorge. The forest will be added to Tararua Forest Park. John Morton Nature Heritage Fund PO Box 10 420, Wellington Ph 04 471 0726; fax 04 471 3018 |
DOC Wellington Conservancy newsThe Department of Conservation has recently acquired the following properties: Adrian Griffiths Wellington Conservancy Department of Conservation PO Box 5086, Wellington ph 04 472 5821; fax 04 499 0077 |
Conservation emergenciesThe Department of Conservation has a national 0800 freephone service for conservation emergencies. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Ring 0800 DOCHOTLine (0800 36 24 68). Callers are linked to the department’s duty officers in the nearest conservancy, either directly, or through a national answering service. The number is for EMERGENCIES only, to report: Source: Forest & Bird No. 303, November 2001 |
DEC 2001:1. Rimutaka Restoration Reserve - another opening! 9 March. In 1994, NZ Native Forests Restoration Trust purchased 800ha of regenerating forest east of SH2, on the Featherston side of Rimutaka Summit. An adjoining 350ha block has now been purchased, thanks to the success of the Trust's 20th Anniversary Celebration Appeal. This addition will be celebrated, and the Trust's supporters in the Wellington region thanked for their donations. Contact Alec (Ben) Thorpe on 04 589 1887, or e-mail: kva.bent@xtra.co.nz |
October 2001 News |
QE II National Trust – New Open Space CovenantsRecently the Trust has registered the following covenants : |
Recording impacts of record droughtThe great drought of Summer 2000-2001 continued into autumn and winter making it one of the driest periods on record. In many places, plants, native and introduced, wild and cultivated, have died or been damaged. It was one of those extreme events, with ecological effects that are likely to persist long after the rains return. Often the evidence is noted but seldom recorded. I'd like to remedy this by asking you to send any observations you have made, to a central repository. In the interim, until such a repository is established, I am willing to act in this capacity. I will archive and make available any notes and observations that you wish to place on record. Please do this either by e-mail (wardlep@landcare.cri.nz) or by writing to me at Landcare Research, Box 69, Lincoln. Peter Wardle |
Queen Elizabeth Park Remnant Bush Revegetation PlanWellington Botanical Society recently visited the remnant bush near MacKay's Crossing, Queen Elizabeth Park. Additions were made to Colin Ogle's plant list. An introduced sedge, Carex ovalis, was found and eradicated. A revegetation plan for this area is being prepared to be implemented in stages. It will include:
Consultation with the groups and individuals involved will be an integral part of the process. Their input will help us to set realistic and achievable revegetation goals. Other important issues such as fire, tracks, wind damage and protection, and domestic stock and pets will also be considered. Information collected as part of this project will be utilised for future revegetation work in other parts of the Park and for other similar sites. For further information contact Nola Urquhart, Ranger, Queen Elizabeth Park, ph 04 292 8625. Nola Urquhart, Ranger |
April 2001 News |
Pencarrow Regional ParkWellington Regional Council (WRC) has made a serious commitment to progress the East Harbour Regional Park. A workshop on 14 March for interested groups and individuals sought opinions. There was strong agreement that the northern area should be included in the park which would then run from roughly Lowry Bay to Baring Head. Beech and mixed broadleaf forest, stream valleys, open pasture and two lakes give a variety of landscapes. It was agreed that WRC should be the lead agency to co-ordinate development in the whole park where land belongs to Hutt City Council, WRC, DOC and to private property owners. Improved access to the southern area was seen as important but without detracting from the sense of remoteness which is its great appeal. A draft management plan will be submitted for public consultation. There was almost unanimous agreement that the regional park should be named Pencarrow. WRC is prepared to spend significant monies, including the employment of a full-time manager, to realise the long-held dream of a Pencarrow Regional Park. Stan Butcher |
Plants of conservation concern in WellingtonThe rare and endangered scarlet mistletoe (Peraxilla colensoi) has been found for the first time near Plateau Stream, above Otaki Forks, in the western Tararua Range. We have no records of the species ever having been recorded in this area before. The discovery was made by Samantha Hughes and identified by David Havell (UCOL) who has been assisting the Department with plant conservation work for a number of years. The dwarf or leafless mistletoe Korthalsella salicornioides has been discovered at several new locations in the Wairarapa, including Green Tops on manuka (Oterei River, Eastern Wairarapa), and several locations on kanuka at Morrison’s Bush (Greytown). The mistletoe was also found in Porirua by Otago botanist John Barkla. He found it growing on kanuka at Ivey Bay beside Puahatahanui Inlet. The single and only known plant of Pimelea tomentosa found first during a Wellington Botanical Society trip to Craigie Lea (Eastern Wairarapa) could not be found during a survey in February, and is believed to have died. Three seedlings from last year’s seed collection are being grown by staff at Otari Wilton’s Bush. Department of Conservation staff, and volunteers Trevor Thompson and Chris Hopkins, found at least 16 new plants of the red-flowered mistletoe (Peraxilla tetrapetala) in the eastern Tararua Range at Blue Range, Holdsworth Lookout, Gentle Annie, Waiohine Valley and Carrington Creek. A new population of matagouri has been found as a ‘farm weed’ at Tora, in the Eastern Wairarapa. An estimated 2,800 plants in 32 clumps were found of this regionally rare plant, increasing the known Wairarapa population tenfold. The farmer said the species does not appear to spread and only covers small parts (approx. 1.5 ha) of his farm. Most plants are less than 1 m tall, the largest being in a pine forest. All plants were found in 100 ha close to the Tora coast. Any new discoveries or finds of rare or interesting plant species in the Wellington region may be reported to staff at your nearest Department of Conservation office: Aalbert Rebergen, Tony Silbery, Garry Foster (Masterton), Dick Gill (Waikanae) and John Sawyer (Wellington Conservancy Office). |
The Koiata Botanical TrustThe Koiata Botanical Trust was established in 1988 with the purpose of making the NZ public more aware of the New Zealand vegetation and flora. The aim was to provide financial support for a botanist to undertake research and to play a role in increasing public understanding of, and interest in, botany. Since the Trust was set up, it has supported Hugh Wilson’s botanical research, and it continues to do so today. In particular, the Trust supported Hugh while he wrote Small-leaved Shrubs of New Zealand, and is now funding him while he writes about the botany of Banks Peninsula. Once this is completed, Hugh is planning a guide to NZ grasses and grass-like plants; a project the Trust is keen to support as well. The Trust depends entirely on interest money from investments made from donations. Current interest rates have made it difficult for the Trust to fully support Hugh’s work, and impossible for the Trust to support any other researchers. If you are interested in supporting the Trust, and thus enabling Hugh to continue to produce the popular botany books for which he is now widely appreciated in the botanical community, please look at the enclosed flier. Even small donations are helpful! Colin Webb, Trustee |
New Zealand Ferns and Allied Plants by Patrick Brownsey and John Smith-DodsworthThis vital reference has been completely updated and revised, with new and renamed species. It is the only book that covers all ferns and allied plants, both native and introduced, which exist in NZ. Patrick is Curator of Botany at Te Papa / Museum of NZ, and NZ’s leading authority on ferns, having published more than 50 scientific papers. John began photographing native plants in the late 1960s and since then has developed an interest in ferns. The publishers of this magnificent text are offering BotSoccers a $10 discount on the retail price. To take advantage of this generous offer, please use the order form on the enclosed flier. |
NZ Native Forest Restoration TrustThe Trust will soon make its final payment for the 330ha block in the Rimutaka Range which it has bought from the owners of Pigeon Bush Station for addition to the neighbouring Rimutaka Restoration Reserve. The resulting 1100ha bush-clad property fits neatly between Tararua and Rimutaka Forest Parks, just south of Featherston, and markedly widens the corridor of protected land in that area. Plans are to work closely with the Department of Conservation so that common objectives can be developed. Public access is welcomed. Another small area of similar terrain on the Featherston boundary of the land was recently placed on the market. Though interested, the Trust was unable to make an offer. Recent purchases and commitments in the north have priority. The Trust is very aware of the considerable support that BotSoc has already given to its activities locally and in other places, but asks that its name be kept in mind when financial matters are being discussed. AR (Ben) Thorpe, Wellington Trustee. Ph 589 1887. |
QEII National Trust: Open Space Covenants and a Licence to OccupyThe Trust has registered the following covenants recently: In addition, Tranz Rail Ltd has issued the Trust with a licence to occupy 4km of the Pukerua Bay – Paekakariki escarpment on the Kapiti Coast north of Wellington. This allows the Trust to do beautification and environmental protection work on the site. The land is held by NZ Railways Corporation without any certificate of title, so it was not possible to have a registered open space covenant over it. The 85.5ha site has high landscape values, and the coastal forest remnants are of considerable ecological importance. They include kohekohe, mahoe, karaka, koromiko-taranga, nikau, wharangi, titoki and porokaiwhiri. The Trust is fortunate that an independent group, Nga Uruora – Kapiti Project Inc, led by Fergus Wheeler, is committed to day-to-day involvement and responsibility for on-site works. For more information contact: Philip Lissaman, QEII National Trust. |
Wellington Regional Council Pest Management StrategyWellington Regional Council (WRC) is reviewing its Pest Management Strategies that have been in effect since 1996. A proposed draft Pest Management Strategy has been produced. This will be put out for consultation with key stakeholders before calling for public submissions. The document outlines how WRC will manage pest plants and animals for the next 20 years. Significant changes to the proposed Strategy from the previous Strategies are: After consultation with key stakeholders, the draft Strategy will be amended. The proposed Strategy will then be notified and put out for public submission. After the submission process is completed, the Strategy will be put to the Council for approval and implemented in June 2001. Rosie Doole, Biosecurity Officer (Special Projects), WRC. |
Snakefeather – a new education campaign for Asparagus scandens.“A rose by any other name is still a rose” but that’s not the case with climbing asparagus. Regional Council officers are hoping that the public will start to identify climbing asparagus plants as Snakefeather, an alien pest in their own gardens that needs to be destroyed while it is small. Since possums have been controlled in the northern suburbs of Wellington City, South African Snakefeather has been noticed spreading across private land above Trelissick Park, also in Wadestown next to the Town Belt, and near Khandallah Park. It looks fragile and pretty, so people leave this menace until it is 2m high and strangling small trees. By then birds have helped themselves to the small orange berries and spread the pest even further. Snakefeather is an understorey plant that will never be shaded out by healthy forest canopy. It forms a solid green fog that occupies all the space from ground level up to it’s three metre height limit. Snakefeather is easy to kill when it is small. Just dig out the crown where the shoots come from (be careful not to pull them off first). You don’t have to get all of the root tubers – just the top crown where the shoots bud. At this stage we don’t think the plant regrows from any other pieces. There is no legal obligation to clear Snakefeather. The plant can be easily observed on road reserve opposite 16a Calcutta St, Khandallah. In February 432 berries were counted on a 1m length of vine from this site. Rosie Doole, Biosecurity Officer (Special Projects), WRC Ph 025 741 989 |
Protecting indigenous ecosystemsThe Department of Conservation has recently protected the following sites by means of Conservation Covenants: The above covenants are on private land. Permission to visit them must be sought from the owners, whose contact details are held at the relevant Area Office. In addition, the Department has acquired: and has protected as Private Protected Land: Adrian Griffiths, Community Relations Officer, Department of Conservation, Ph 472 5821. |
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Last Updated 12th June 2004