Stopping wilding 'alien invasion' meeting focus

Wilding conifers are rapidly spreading trees that choke out the native wildlife and countryside. Photo/ File

Stopping the ''alien invasion'' of Lake Benmore's islands is the focus of a public meeting being held in Omarama today.

Wilding conifers affect more than 1.8 million hectares of New Zealand and have been spreading at about 5% a year, which is equivalent to about 90,000ha.

Controlling their spread is a priority for agencies and communities, who have banded together to fight them through the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme.

Land Information New Zealand (Linz) group manager Crown property John Hook said the wilding conifers on the islands of Lake Benmore were increasing in number and density, and were starting to spread to the tussock land on either side of the lake.

''Left unchecked, they will rapidly take over, outcompeting native plants and animals, sucking up valuable water resources and blotting our iconic landscapes, so we need to act now.''

Linz is co-ordinating plans to remove wilding conifers and other exotic invasive pest species from the islands, as part of national efforts to control their spread and better protect the native species that live there, some of which are nationally threatened or vulnerable.

Mr Hook said the public meeting was a chance for experts to explain plans and methods for control, and for the public to ask questions and seek information.

Linz will also be consulting with local iwi and talking with the Department of Conservation and others to seek their views.

''Surveys of the islands of Lake Benmore show they are of high ecological value, and provide an important habitat for a number of native plants and animals, including the nationally critical Waitaki broom, as well as geckos, skinks and the at-risk eastern falcon.

''We also know the area is of significance to iwi and is a popular destination for fishing and other recreational activities, so we want to ensure it is protected and preserved into the future,'' Mr Hook said.

Proposals for wilding control on the islands include a mix of aerial spraying and operations involving people on the ground felling trees where required.

The focus is on using a combination of methods which most effectively deal with the wilding threat, while also protecting important native species and minimising any impact on the lake environment and on public use.

Longer term, Linz plans to restore control areas with native trees.