Pest control for expanded reserve areas

INVERCARGILL

EMPHASIS on pest control mechanisms and the inclusion of several reserves were among key changes to a draft of the Invercargill City Council’s environmental reserves management plan due to be considered by the council’s performance, policy and partnership committee meeting today.

A report from the council’s interim parks and recreation manager Michele Frey stated the document was reviewed to ensure all reserves were up to date and appropriately managed for the next 10 years.

She said a preconsultation was conducted with iwi and key stakeholders — including the Department of Conservation and Environment Southland — as they have ‘‘a strong interest regarding the management of environmental reserves’’.

She said among the key changes to the plan were the additions of Bluff Hill, Bluff Quarry Reserve, Greenpoint Domain, Recreation Reserve, Lake Hawkins Wetland Reserve, McMillan Road Reserve, Otatara Scenic Reserve, Stirling Point Reserve, Thomsons Bush and Tiwai Point Reserve into its scope.

A focus on working with local runanga and key groups when managing reserves and an emphasis on pest animal and plant control mechanisms were also highlighted in the document.

‘‘Ongoing removal of animal and plant pests and monitoring of regeneration will allow habitats to recover and populations of bird species to grow.

‘‘This will ensure the sustainability and viability of the reserves is maintained,’’ the draft says.

If approved, the plan will go for consultation until April 30.