Planting natives on erodible hillsides
The largest remedial projectinnewzealand to plant trees is now moving on to farms to help prevent hillsides eroding further. By Steve Mcmillan.
Aotearoa’s largest harbour restoration project, the Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) programme, is now partnering with landowners to reduce erosion by planting natives on hillsides. During the first 18 months of operation, KMR co-funding has largely focused on fencing and planting projects near waterways, with the project expanding to further help the environment.
KMR Pou Tātaki Justine Daw says an increasing focus throughout winter and spring has been tackling erosion by planting natives on erodible hillsides, which complements ongoing work to protect waterways through fencing and planting.
“Steep land with bare dirt or signs of active movement and erosion is being prioritised for treatment – particularly if water flowing over this land will drain directly into a waterway or the Kaipara Moana itself,” Daw says.
This could include land affected by this year’s floods, storms and Cyclone Gabrielle.
“On flatter land, the minimum KMR project size for planting is 0.25ha, and in the hill country, we are seeking projects involving larger than 1ha of highly erodible land.”
However, the first deadline for co-funding of native planting or regeneration projects is looming on November 13 and Daw is encouraging landowners to lodge their interest with urgency.
“The team at KMR wants to hear from landowners wanting to establish or regenerate native plants on erodible hill slopes or along waterways,” she says.
“We also want landowners to make expressions of interest by November 13 if they are interested in planting exotic trees on eroding hillsides, such as eucalyptus or redwoods.
“Those who want to plant poplars on eroding hillsides are also invited to express interest before March 31, 2024 to
Steep land with bare dirt or signs of active movement and erosion is being prioritised for treament.
plant in winter 2024. This is part of our ongoing support for landowners across the catchment, including those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and other adverse weather events.
“It is important to us that landowners throughout the Kaipara Moana catchment understand the sediment-reduction options that KMR can co-fund and can access the support they need to reduce erosion, in a way that fits their aspirations.
‘‘This may require a farm system perspective, forestry best practice, or simply having easy access to funding.”■