The Upper Tukituki has for many years been battling with self-propagating invasive willows growing in its channels and creating shingle ‘islands’. As the willows age, the extraction costs and the potential implications for those downstream increase significantly.
“The intrusion of willow trees and the formation of shingle islands has diverted the river’s path, causing erosion and disrupting vital habitats”, Bibby says.
The showcase project will focus on nine hectares of invasive willows growing in the channel on a short stretch of the Upper Tukituki River. The issues are similar to those in the Waipawa River and the Ongaonga stream and learnings will be shared across other catchments.
In September, Tukituki Land Care awarded grants to 12 Tukituki sub-catchment groups to fund projects with demonstration value. The grants offer an opportunity to trial something new while gaining valuable knowledge that can be shared and replicated across the region. As part of the Upper Tukituki project, Paul Stuitje has been contracted to project manage this work.
What: Upper Tukituki Catchment community site visit
When: Sunday, October 29 from 3pm to 5pm
Where: 928 Blackburn Road – 4-wheel drive access only. A shuttle will be available between 2.30pm and 3pm from the Bibby Family Church.
This event is on-farm so sturdy footwear is required
For further information, please contact Paul Stuitje on 0276273437
