Contractors load pre-feed bait into helicopters at Cameron Flat near Makarora yesterday as part of the Department of Conservation 1080 pest control operation in the Makarora Valley.
Non-toxic cereal pellets were dropped yesterday; it will be at least another week until a start is made to dropping pellets laced with 1080 poison.
The operation will cover the Makarora Valley and its tributaries, the Fish, Blue, Young, Cameron, Wilkin and Siberia valleys.
Some concern has been raised about the possibility of pellets being dropped on trampers. Doc has recommended people do not enter the area.
