The Forest and Bird Society is demanding action after a council's attempt to clear a blocked creek put a significant wetland area at risk.
Black Creek, 3km south of Ross, was threatening farmland and bridges after a build-up of silt had blocked the stream. When debris brought by last week's stormfurther blocked the stream, West Coast Regional Council arranged for a channel to be cleared.
But the council found the channel had been dug next to sand dunes, diverting the creek out to sea and risking the wetland lagoon area which thrived on the stream.
Forest and Bird field officer Eugenie Sage said the mistake was a failure by the council to protect significant wetland areas on the Coast.
A freshwater lagoon had evolved and opening the stream up to the sea could "dramatically" change it. There was also a significant swamp upstream, she said.
The group is now calling for a full site inspection, and wants the council to ensure the digger takes action to restore the area.
