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OLandcareGroup

Strategy DocumentJanuary 2014

TABLED AT

10 FEB 2014MEETING

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Omaui beach and adjacent regenerating bush reserve is a popular family

recreational destination, nestled into the Omaui headland on the south side of the New

River Estuary. Invercargill City Council has developed a walking track through the

regenerating bush to a viewing platform offering panoramic views over the estuary and

Sandy Point to Invercargill, and along Oreti beach towards Riverton and the Takitimu

mountains. Higher on the hill is DOC's Omaui Scenic Reserve, an original forest

remnant through which plans are being developed for further and more extensive walking

tracks. Unfortunately the bush areas and native birds have suffered predation from

introduced pests, including possums, stoats and rats.

A core group of Omaui residents has formed the Omaui Landcare Group with the

aim of improving the health and integrity of the forest and its native bird populations by

reducing the numbers of pests which browse on the vegetation and kill the birds and their

young. Since June 2013, as the first stage of its operation, the group has concentrated on

the Invercargill City Council Reserve and with technical assistance from Council and

Environment Southland staff, has established and maintained possum and stoat trapping

lines. After six months, more than 160 possums have been trapped, and group members

have observed renewed growth of the forest vegetation. Most possums now being trapped

appear to be migrating from the DOC reserve and privately owned land.

The Omaui Landcare Group is now preparing to move to the second stage of its

operation− to target pests within DOCs Omaui Scenic Reserve. DCC officer Cohn Bishop has

prepared a comprehensive operational plan which includes intensive trapping and toxin

distribution through bait stations, following a programme of perimeter trapping and

monitoring to reduce the possibility of reinfestation. The Omaui Landcare Group can provide

volunteer labour for the ongoing trapping and monitoring programme but will need to

secure outside contracting for the initial intensive trapping and toxin distribution phases of

the programme. Prior to launching the programme, the Landcare group will need to

consult all interested and relevant parties.

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Contact: John CollinsMobile No: 0226351224Email: omauilandcaregroupgniapI.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ExecutiveSummary....................................................................................................................2

TableOf Contents.......................................................................................................................3

OmauiThe Place ......................................................................................................................... 5

Values Of Omaui Reserves ......................................................................................................7

Biodiversity.............................................................................................................................8

Threats...................................................................................................................................8

OmauiThe People ....................................................................................................................10

AimsOf Omaui Landcare Group ...............................................................................................11

TheProject ...............................................................................................................................12

Stage One: Trapping Of The Omaui ICC Reserve ....................................................................12

ResultsOf Stage One.........................................................................................................13

Monitoring.......................................................................................................................14

Stage Two Predator Control Of DOC Scenic Reserve ...........................................................14

About1080.......................................................................................................................15

RiskManagement.............................................................................................................16

Stage Three Trapping Of The Coastline...............................................................................17

FurtherStages.......................................................................................................................17

TheWay Forward − Resourcing ................................................................................................ 18

VolunteerLabour..................................................................................................................18

Funding.................................................................................................................................19

TechnicalAssistance .............................................................................................................19

Conclusion................................................................................................................................19

Appendix A: Current Trap Layout Map 1 ..................................................................................21

Appendix B Current Trap Layout Map 2....................................................................................22

Appendix C Proposed Toxin Bait Station Network....................................................................23

Appendix D Proposed Trapping Network .................................................................................24

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Appendix E Testimonial Environment Southland ...................................................................... 25

Appendix F Testimonial Department Of Conservation .............................................................26

Appendix G Testimonial Invercargill City Council .....................................................................28

Acknowledgements..................................................................................................................29

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OMAUI THE PLACE

I O m a u iis a small coastal settlement situated at the end of a gravel road, 8 km from

Greenhills on the Bluff highway. Omaui village nestles back into Omaui hill and faces north,

1 overlooking Omaui Beach, Oreti Beach and the New River Estuary. It is sheltered from the

south and the west by the bush clad body and the flanks of the hill. There are about thirty

dwellings in the village, some of which are permanently occupied and others which are

Iholiday or weekend homes.

Stretching out in front of the settlement is a wide expanse of sandy beach and also a

Ismall fresh water lagoon. This marine and lagoon environment provides sustenance for

marine birds such as gulls, oyster catchers, white faced herons and shags. Spoonbills and

Iparadise ducks occasionally visit the lagoon. The beach has become a destination for family

groups seeking a safe beach environment and at low tide; surf fishermen often try their luck.

IIIIIII O m a u i has a long history of human settlement; beginning in about the 1400's, when it

became a Maori settlement, providing sufficient resources to support a thriving community.

I E u r o p e a n sealers, whalers and traders arrived in the early 1800's. Later, more permanent

settlers used the area for shipping, flax milling, timber extraction, farming and a health campI w h i c h is now operated by the YMCA as a school camp

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The native bush area surrounding Omaui includes a 14 hectare Invercargill City Council

Reserve and a 220 hectare DOC Scenic Reserve.

The Omaui Scenic Reserve was created in 1963 by DOC and is a good example of a

forest type now rare in the Invercargill region. It provides a pleasing contrast to surrounding

farmlands, a backdrop to Omaui Beach and holiday houses and opportunities for

recreational activities such as walking and orienteering.

There are currently no developed tracks within the DOC Scenic Reserve; however a

community group, known as the Omaui Tracks Trust is currently in the process of developing

a walking track. There are also a series of marked routes used for orienteering and nature

studies by school groups based at the YMCA education camp.

Sandwiched between the scenic reserve and the settlement is the 14 hectare ICC

Omaui Reserve. Until a few decades ago this was farm land. The reserve now consists of

regenerating native bush including manuka, lancewood, broadleaf and pittosporum, with

some pest species such as gorse, blackberry, convolvulus and Chilean flame creeper present.

There is a public walking track within this reserve. This begins at the end of

Mokomoko road and forms a loop with a viewing platform at the top offering spectacular

views over land, sea and distant mountains. The settlement faces a constantly changing

shoreline. Until 2011 this was a rocky shore, often used by school groups studying small

fish in the rocky pools. Huge quantities of sand have since arrived and formed a wide

sandy beach.

Both reserves support significant native bird life with species such as tui, bellbird, grey

warbler, brown creeper, tomtit and fantail being present. Kereru are seasonal visitors as are

winter flocks of silver eye.

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The Three Sisters dune system and associated forest area is located to the south of

the scenic reserve, the two areas are separated by a 200m wide strip of farmland.

Brian Rance describes this dune system as one of the South land/Murihiku District's

most significant; it is rich in biodiversity and hosts salt tolerant plants such as the nationally

vulnerable Libertia peregrinans and the nationally endangered Gunnera hamiltonii.

Omaui Island lies 300m offshore to the east of Omaui and provides important habitat

and breeding sites for bird species such as Sooty Shearwater, Stewart Island Shag, Spotted

Shag and Royal Spoonbill.

Omaui sounds like a paradise for native flora and fauna and their human appreciators.

It certainly is, but there are serious threats.

VALUES OF OMAUI RESERVES

Omaui Scenic Reserve is one of the few remaining areas of lowland forest in the

Invercargill Region. It still supports a significant diversity of native bird life.

With the cooperation of surrounding land owners it will become possible to create an

environment where native flora and fauna can flourish. Their beauty and diversity will be

there for residents and visitors to enjoy and regain knowledge of an environment that is

disappearing elsewhere.

The Omaui Walking Track Trust is well advanced with plans to build a public track into

the heart of the scenic reserve. This will give walkers the opportunity to view kidney ferns,

the only ones in low land Southland, substantial Rata and possibly the country's largest

Manuka trees.

Naturalist Lloyd Esler has said that this piece of bush is particularly pristine and free of

invasive weed species.

There will be better educational opportunities for children attending the YMCA camp

as native flora and fauna flourishes. We see this as a good way to promote conservation and

healthy biodiversity to young enquiring minds. They are the caretakers of the future.

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In short, we are trying to create an environment that our collective children,

grandchildren and beyond will be proud to enjoy and take care of to preserve a small piece

of Southland as it once was.

B 10 DIVERSITY

Omaui Scenic Reserve is an excellent example of forest which was logged in the

distant past but regeneration is prolific throughout. Vegetation communities include:

• Westerly Seaward Aspect: Kamahi forest with rata and some podocarp. An

under story of Dicksonia tree fern, coprosma and young broadleaved trees

with dense manuka at the forest edge. Groundcover is mainly Blechnum

Capense and some crown fern.

• Ridge Crest Open forest of old tall manuka, kamahi and rata. Prolific shrub layer

of coprosma and five finger;

• Easterly Aspect The more sheltered aspect has kamahi forest, some rata, rimu

and miro five finger, fuchsia and other broadleaved species are common.

There is much supplejack and an understory of coprosma and regenerating

broadleaved tree species. Ground cover is Rumohra and other ferns.

Blechnum capense in more open areas;

• Native birds present in the reserve are fantail, brown creeper, grey warbler, tui,

bellbird, kereru, tomtit, shining cuckoo and silvereye. Occasional visitors

include kingfishers and parakeets. Fernbird are present within the

neighbouring Three Sisters area.

THREATS

Animal pest species present in the reserve include stoats, ferrets, weasels (collectively

known as mustelids), rats, mice, hedgehogs, cats, possums and occasionally deer. These

predators are having a significant negative impact on remaining native bird species.

Feral goats have been eradicated from the reserve and surrounding farmland within

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the last five years.

Feral and domestic cats are present in the area. Unwanted domestic cats are dumped

in this area on isolated roads close to the bush and not far from town. Hedgehogs are major

predators of lizards, invertebrates and ground nesting birds.

Weed species present include gorse and broom on the boundaries of the

reserve and are managed by DOC staff on a three yearly rotation basis. Chilean flame

creeper and Darwin's Barberry can also be found in the area.

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OMAUI THE PEOPLE

Omaui Landcare Group (OLG) was formed early in 2013 by a small group of residents

as a response to the threats to their paradise and began discussions with the biosecurity arm

of Environment Southland. This resulted in some door knocking around the village and

several well attended community meetings, supported by Environment Southland

employees and an Invercargill City Councillor. There was much enthusiasm and many ideas

but little practical experience.

An offer was received from the Bluff Hill Motupohue Environment Trust (BHMET),

inviting the Omaui Group to come under their wing. As an already established

environmental group, it was agreed that the Omaui Landcare Group would be an

autonomous branch of BHMET, with BHMET providing funds and fund−raising and OLG

electing a member to serve as a BHMET Trustee. BHMET has been able to offer the Omaui

Landcare Group the benefits of their significant experience.

Contacts were made with ICC and DOC to compliment the existing relationship with

Environment Southland and permission was obtained from these governing bodies to trap

pests in the reserves.

A number of Possum Masta traps were supplied by both Environment Southland and

BHMET. We have had donations of equipment and bait, and specifically acknowledge The

Remarkables Sweet shop for donating Liquorice Allsorts which are used for possum bait..

On the Saturday morning of Queen's Birthday weekend 2013, a collection of about 30

locals and visitors from as far away as Arrowtown cut four tracks and installed 32 possum

traps in the ICC reserve.

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is run as a relatively informal committee made up of six members. Other

members of the community regularly make valuable contributions walking trap lines,I k e e p i n g

statistics, administering the petty cash and salting hare meat etc. Anybody is

welcome to participate, some of our current trackwalkers travel from Invercargill to help

out.

' The group are all amateurs, though enthusiastic and learning quickly. For this reason

OLG continues to maintain close relationships with DOC, ES and ICC. From these

Iorganisations we take professional guidance. They consistently offer support, resources and

technical expertise, which ensure the robustness of our projects and speeds our learning

process; forming an extremely valuable community knowledge base.

I AIMS OF OMAUI LANDCARE GROUP

I T h eaims and goals of OLG are as follows:

I . To provide a safe and sustainable environment for native flora and fauna to flourish in

the Omaui Reserve and Scenic Reserve;

I . The possible reintroduction of some native bird species that have disappeared from

this area. For example the reintroduction and successful establishment of a viable

I b r e e d i n g population of South Island robin which is a DOC benchmark for successful

pest control;

• To involve as many people as possible from Omaui and the wider community who

wish to contribute;

I • To be transparent and open and to share information and knowledge with other

similar groups and other interested parties;

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. To ensure pest animal populations are contained within acceptable limits by the use if

tracking tunnels as prescribed by Environment Southland.

. To see the Rata trees flowering in abundance;

To provide enjoyment and satisfaction for all people involved

. To achieve these aims with minimal disturbance to the environment we are

attempting to enhance;

THE PROJECT

The Omaui Landcare Group has adopted the following strategy to meet its aims.

To date, the group has made significant progress on stage one and is now proposing to

proceed to stage two. The subsequent stages will be implemented following good progress

with stage two.

STAGE ONE: TRAPPING OF THE OMAUI ICC RESERVE

As already mentioned, stage one began on the Saturday of Queen's Birthday weekend

2013. This involved the cutting of four tracks and the placing and setting of 32 possum

masta traps on trap lines that were spaced approximately 100 metres apart. In early July a

further 5 traps were placed in a block of privately owned land that stretches from the

eastern end of Whalers Crescent to the YMCA camp. This line was later extended into the

Guiding Star reserve, Urupa reserve and along the paper road leading eastward out of the

village consisting of 11 traps.

In September we began trialling a limited number of Good Nature gas operated,

automatic possum and mustelid/rat traps supplied by Environment Southland. We are also

experimenting with conventional rat traps in containers that exclude birds. A map of the

current trap layout is included in Appendix A.

A major problem that has been experienced has been rats pillaging possum baits on all

sites. Therefore, it has become clear that rats are a significant problem within the reserves.

All rats that have been caught or seen whole have been identified as ship rats and because

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they are able to climb trees, the threat they present to nesting birds, their eggs and chicks is

of great concern.

With the exception of the privately owned block, all trap lines are available for any

volunteer to service. There is no ownership of, or individual responsibility for any one line.

We have a list of trap lines on a whiteboard located within a group member's carport and

volunteers write their names and the date in a trap line column as they leave. This avoids

lines being serviced twice in one day and also allows statistics of volunteer input to be kept.

This arrangement allows all volunteers to become familiar with each trap line as they wish.

Stage one has been our basic apprenticeship and OLG collectively and as individuals

have gained an enormous amount of knowledge of this environment, its inhabitants and its

pests. We have learned to operate traps safely, effectively and humanely.

Individual members have gained personal satisfaction, enjoyment and better physical

fitness from participation at various levels.

OLG sees stage one as being very successful in all ways. We now feel confident and

intellectually equipped to move into stage two, far larger more challenging and potentially

more rewarding than stage one.

RESULTS OF STAGE ONE

. Local people have observed improvement in new plant growth in the Omaui ICC

reserve;

• The results of the December five minute bird counts which are carried out by Lloyd

Esler, were encouraging, with an increase in the total average birds counted and the

number of bird species was at 17 which is as high as it has ever been recorded.

Support from the local community and volunteers has maintained momentum.;

• As of 30 November 13, 174 possums, and 2 stoats have been trapped

• 450 volunteer hours have been donated as at 30 November 2013;• A number of rats have been captured in a variety of traps;• Almost no possums remain within the perimeter of the ICC block. We continue to

catch them on the fringes as they try to enter the block.

• Almost no possums have been trapped within the Omaui village recently. Exceptwhen resident's roses are shooting. Unfortunately one large possum seems to havegot through for this event.

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MONITORING

With the help of Environment Southland, two group members have learnt to install

and monitor tracking tunnels and have established two tracking tunnel lines; one in the ICC

reserve which has not been monitored before and another within the DOC scenic reserve.

These tunnels add to a monitoring network of four tracking tunnel lines within the DOC

reserve that have been monitored by Environment Southland since 2006. This is a very

important tool in assessing whether the population of pests has increased or decreased in

the area and therefore guides the need to trap or poison.

In summary this six months of trapping has been highly successful, due to good input,

both physical and intellectual from volunteers. However, there is no reason to reduce

efforts as pests can very quickly reinvade areas if the work stops. This is a danger point for

groups of this type. Potentially members may lose interest because the job appears to be

done when in fact it has only begun.

STAGE TWO PREDATOR CONTROL OF DOC SCENIC RESERVE

Stage two involves predator control of the DOC Scenic Reserve and the ICC Reserve.

Because these two blocks are physically connected, it is proposed that they be treated as a

single unit for pest control purposes.

The aims of stage two are to continue to reduce pest numbers to enable native birds

and forest trees to flourish with minimal disturbance to the bush i.e. avoiding continuous

addition of multiple tracks/trap lines. Additionally, it is important to minimise

inconvenience and risk to residents, visitors and their pets.

After extensive discussions with DOC and ES a plan to achieve stage two has been

assembled. Pivotal to this plan is the document titled "Omaui Scenic Reserve Operational

Plan for Possum, Mustelid and Rat Control 2013−2018 "written by Robyn Roberts and Cohn

Bishop (2013) of DOC.

. OLG propose to adopt the strategies recommended in the operational plan to

comprehensively manage possum, mustelid and rat populations with toxins

and trapping and to monitor success using tracking stations. Specifically, we

propose to encircle the perimeter of the entire DOC and ICC blockswith:−14

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.Possum Masta possum traps set at 50 metre intervals;

DOC200 mustelid traps set at 100 metre intervals;

Covered rat traps set at 50 metre intervals beside possum traps.

We are presently experimenting with rat traps and will continue to do

this until we find the best possible method for this block of bush. This

will protect the boundaries of the block from rapid reinfestation with

predators.

• Mustelid traps set at 200 metre intervals on the public walking track when it is

completed.

We propose to grid the interior of the block with Philproof bait stations spaced at 50 metre

intervals on lines 100 metres apart. These bait stations would be installed and serviced by

experienced contractors. These bait stations can be used for 1080, cholecalciferol and

diphacinone poisons.

Our proposal is to prefeed in late winter to enable possums and particularly rats to get

used to feeding from bait stations, an easy tasty and reliable source of food. In early spring

the prefeed is to be removed and replaced with 1080. This would kill rats and possums

directly and mustelids by secondary poisoning from eating rat and possum carcasses.

This would be followed up with predator population monitoring. Results of this

monitoring would tell us if and when we need to use other toxins as a maintenance poison

for rats. This would be dispensed from the same bait stations.

OLG would prefer not to use any poison. The expectation of using the above plan is

that initial bait station poisoning in conjunction with heavy perimeter trapping to slow

reinfestation from adjoining land will minimise the need to use poison. However, this is an

unknown and we will be relying heavily on tracking tunnel population monitoring to indicate

when control poisoning is needed.

ABOUT 1080

The OLG were, as individuals, not pro 1080 use. We have all done research on this

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report on 1080 from the Commissioner for the Environment and studied the websites both

poison, watched the DVD "Poisoning Paradise", 1080: Good News for Conservation, read the

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pro and anti1080.

We have come to the conclusion that 1080 was sometimes used badly in its early days

and this has resulted in highly negative public sentiment to this toxin. 1080 is the only poison

that kills all three major predators that we are targeting.

1080 dispensed in bait stations is safely contained and is unavailable to other

creatures. 1080 does not damage the environment. It breaks down quickly and leaves no

toxic residue in the water or soil.

It is not metabolised by fish, crustaceans or insects. 1080 is not passed to humans by

fish or plant foods.

RISK MANAGEMENT

No form of poison is without some risk. With sensible informed use these can be

minimised enormously. The only risk with using 1080 in bait stations in this area, that we

foresee, is to pet dogs eating poisoned carcasses and getting secondary poisoning.

To minimise this risk, particularly to resident's pet dogs we propose using a buffer

zone behind Whalers Crescent, in the ICC Reserve. This should be large enough to prevent

poisoned pests roaming close to the village. Additionally our perimeter cordon would make

it difficult for pests to stray outside of the controlled area. Due to the success of our possum

trapping in the ICC reserve, we would be able to use only rat poison in the bait stations

within the buffer zone.

Signage and advertising of toxin use is legally required as is notification to various

bodies. Obviously local and visiting dogs would need to be kept on a leash when using

walking tracks or walking in the bush. OLG will provide at least adequate warning signs for

dog owners and walking track users.

OLG will place a possum carcass in a cage in the bush. It will be monitored for rate of

decomposition until the carcass is in a safe state i.e. skin and bone only.

OLG are a community group who value community support and participation and we

don't want anybody's pet to get secondary poisoning.

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STAGE THREE TRAPPING OF THE COASTLINE

I S t a g ethree involves placing DOC 200 traps in a wider circle along the northern,

southern and western coasts of Omaui Hill as indicated in Map 3 in the DOC operational PlanI a l o n g

the edge of the Mokomoko estuary and overland to complete the circle. This would

provide a protective buffer zone against mustelid reinfestation of stage two and protectI p e n g u i n

nests on the coast. OLG have photographic evidence of Hoiho on the south coast of

Omaui.

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Hoiho photographed on the Omaui coast

Stage three cannot be implemented until stage two is operating smoothly. Limited

Iresources and manpower make the 'one step at a time' approach necessary and keep the

project achievable.

P L a r g e parts of stage three involve gaining permission to enter private property. OLG

already have permission to trap on the Maori land blocks to the south of Omaui ScenicI R e s e r v e . OLG intend to use a successful stage two to gain credibility with, and cooperation,

from other local landowners.

IFURTHER STAGES

II . Addressing issues such as possum and rat infestation on private land

surrounding Omaui Scenic Reserve will become important in future, if this

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project is to have lasting and permanent impact.

. There is an invasive plant problem in the ICC Reserve and around the village to

be dealt with at some time in the future.

The possibility of a planting programme of endemic trees that feed native birds,

particularly kereru, exists.

• Erecting a permanent garage to store equipment and manage the project from

would make life easier for volunteers and planners alike.

• Planting native shrubs and herbs in designated gardens for use in

rongoa/traditional medicines would be helpful and educational for the wider

community.

• A Pa harakeke, that is a garden of named flax types with particular traditional

uses, would help keep old knowledge and weaving techniques alive.

• Omaui Island lies 300 metres off shore. It is a significant nesting site for sea

birds, including the self introduced royal spoonbill. The presence of pests is

unknown to OLG but is worth further investigation at some point. This island

is administered by DOC.

THE WAY FORWARD − RESOURCING

THE OMAUI LANDCARE GROUP RECOGNISES THAT FOR THIS PROJECT TO BESUCCESSFUL IT NEEDS TO BE ADEQUATELY RESOURCED. THE PROJECT WILL BE

RESOURCED USING THE FOLLOWING STRATEGIES:

VOLUNTEER LABOUR

The Omaui community, from which the Omaui Landcare Group draws the majority of itsmembers, is proud of its village and the surrounding natural environment, and of the gainsthat have been made to date in stage 1 of the trapping project. The group recognises thatthe need for volunteers will increase as it moves initially to stage 2, and then to stage 3 ofthe project. Recruiting of new volunteers principally from within the Omaui community and

among surrounding landowners and residents will be necessary, and we will also seek togenerate interest amongst the wider Invercargill community. The group understands that

success will generate interest and enthusiasm for the project, and will record and publiciseits successes in terms of reduced predator numbers and increased bird populations, andimprove bush growth.

OLG can provide volunteer labour for the ongoing trapping and monitoring programme butgiven the small number of volunteers it will be necessary for OLG to secure outside

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contracting for some phases of the overall programme. These phases will be completed on aI s t e p by step basis to ensure quality control.

I FUNDING

I F u n d i n g will be secured through letters of request to area and other businesses, applicationsto funding agencies and fund−raising events. BHMET will execute the letters of request and

Iapplications for funding and oversee fund−raising events that will involve both BHMET andOLG volunteers. BHMET will provide a monthly petty cash for incidental expenditures.BHMET will also seek long−term funding partners for OLG's programme.

II T E C H N I C A L ASSISTANCE

• ES and DOC resources and experienceAs a group of volunteers, the Omaui Landcare Group acknowledges the professional

I guidance of pest control officers from DOC and ES. The Operational Plan has beendeveloped by DOC, and the OLG intends to continue the close liaison alreadyestablished with these organisations.

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CONCLUSION

The Omaui Landcare Group aims to improve the health and integrity of the Omaui forest

areas by reducing the number of pests which browse on the vegetation and kill birds andtheir young.

ISince June 2013, the group has established and maintained traps in the Invercargill City

I Council Omaui Reserve for possums, stoats and rats, and now wishes to extend its activitiesinto the DOC Scenic Reserve.

THE GROUP IS SEEKING FUNDING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO ADVANCE ITSAIMS, AND INTENDS TO ENLARGE ITS GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS TO SERVICE TRAP

I L I N E S AND MONITORING STATIONS TO ENSURE THE ONGOING SUCCESS OF ITSACTIVITIES

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APPENDIX A: CURRENT TRAP LAYOUT MAP 1

Omaui Current Possum Trapping Map 1Leqerici N

i i I

Kgometers

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APPENDIX B CURRENT TRAP LAYOUT MAP 2

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APPENDIX C PROPOSED TOXIN BAIT STATION NETWORK

Omaui ProposedToxin Bait Station Network

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23

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artrnent of Conservation

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APPENDIX D PROPOSED TRAPPING NETWORK

Omaui Proposed Trapping Network

Legendo TacgTums

mavtio

• 3yMUSted& * a y Musteid PosurRPrmDw• .

− . biftkway muwm

• MtEId P a s = Rat

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APPENDIX E TESTIMONIAL ENVIRONMENT SOUTHLAND

20Janiiarv 2014

To: The Omani Landcare Group

environmentSOUTH LAND

Te T44'

L e t t e r o f s u p p o r t for the Ornaul Landeare Group

Dear Six/Madam

This letter is to confirm my support and endorsement of the excellent work that hasbeen undertaken by the Omani Landcare Group (OLG) within the ICC reserve, Omani,Invercargill. I have been involve with the group since its inception in early 2013 and haveprovided advice and technical support for the pest animal work that has been conductedin this area.

In conjunction with the OLG, Environment Southland has been conducting a trial todetermine the most appropriate methods and types of traps for possum, rodent andmustelid control in the Omani area. During this time I have found the OLG to be a verydedicated and knowledgeable group who are committed to the preservation andenhancement of the native flora and fauna in their area. It has been a pleasure to workalongside of the OLG and I fulls− support their management goals for the ongoing pestanimal control at Omani.

Yours sincerely.

Derek RichardsBiosecurity OfficerEnvironment Southland

APPENDIX F TESTIMONIAL DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

Testimonial for Omaui Landcare Goup

PlMe4gt .n t ' n € e n d o c 4 P 1 9 hours agol 4.

Ia ore

1 t S U M A OMMft 1ANDCARE GR*W

The Deparmnsent have been providirig techntcal advice and as tanca n retard to pestanimal control to the (Smaui tandcare Grow for over a year as part of the Omaui ScerucReserve restoration project that they have nitrated.

Staff have found the group to be well organised and dedicated to the pioecL flserapproach 1$ pio sional and well thought out. The group is I*rgePy made up of localresidents who have a passion for the environment and their local area in particular Theyare appreciative of the significance of the Omaul Scenic Reserve and its potent al ifpredators are reduced to low ier.*is within t. The group h*5 a good ur ertandi ig of thetorwrctrnenrt required and the permanent nature of the work they are taking on heDepartment of Oonseivaton is committed to providing continued support to this group.

tegars

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Caution − This message and accompanying data may contain information that Isconfidential or subect to leçat privilege it you are riot the intended recipient youare notified that any use dissemination distribution or copying of this message ordata is pohibated If you received this email in error, please notify us immediatelyand erase all copes of the message and attachments We apologise for theinconvenience Tfiarsk you

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APPENDIX G TESTIMONIAL INVERCARGILL CITY COUNCIL

Invercargill

31 January 2014

Omaui Landcare GroupCf− Malcolm LoanInvercargill City CouncilPrivate Bag 90104INVERCARGILL 9840

A1052597NC/1613/14

De,zr Malculnt

OMAUI LANDCARE GROUP

The Invercargill City Council Parks Division supports the Omaui Landcare Groups aims andobjectives which are in conformity with the Management Plan for the Invercargill City CouncilOmaui Reserve.

The Parks Division requires an annual update on any pest work carried out on the Reserveand regular communication with the group on their activities and agreement on any variationsto the agreed plan.

Y rs. ithfully

Robin Pa anPARKS ANAGER

e

ParksQueens Park Office 216 Queens Drive • Private Bag 90104 Invercargill 9 8 4 0 • New Zealand DX No. YA90023

TEL 03219 9070 • FAX 03 217 5358 • EMAIL p a r k s @ i c c g o v t n z • WEB wwwJcc.qovt.ru

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Omaui Landcare Group would like to acknowledge and thank the following people fortheir valuable contributions to this document:

− Roberts, R. & Bishop, C. (2013). Omaui Scenic Reserve Operational Plan for

Possum, Mustelid and Rat Control 2013 − 2018 [Department of Conservation

document #11966621. Invercargill, New Zealand: Department of Conservation.

− Esler, Lloyd (2013). Omaui and the New River Estuary.

− Environment Southland, Department of Conservation, Invercargill City Council

and members of their staff.

− Libby Furr from Bluff Hill Motupohoue Environmental Trust.

− Naomi Ishii & Ethan Tuffley − photography.

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