Heather survived, not grouse

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 304, 12 September 1989, Page 6

Heather survived, not grouse

Heather was introduced to the northwestern section of Tongariro National Park in the 1920's.

The purpose was to provide ground cover for grouse which in turn would provide sport for gentlemen shooters. The grouse did not survive but the heather did. It was spread extensively over much of the tussock and open land of the park up to an altitude pf about 1500m. . It is now common in the Mangaturuturu Valley above Horopito.

In recent years what appeared to be a large, isolated patch appeared in the upper valley near the footbridge to the Horopito track. It was this patch that decided Wanganui Tramping Club members Colin Watson and Steven Whyman to ask the club to try and keep the upper valley clear of the plant. A quick survey was made to assess the extent of the infestation

in open areas around the hut. There was a strong feeling that if the problem was too big, it should be left alone. Those that were on that trip felt it was within the club's capabilities to tackle the heather if it wasn't left any longer. The club committee decided an approach be made to Lisle Irwin, senior ranger at Ohakune, to see if the park administration had any objections. The proposal was that

rather than arrange trips expressly to eradicate heather, it would be something that could be done while walking in the valley on a club or private trip. It would provide another interest in an already interesting valley. MONITORED Ranger Irwin was in favour of the idea and suggested a more comprehensive survey to map the area so that with the aid of a log book progress in eradication could be fairly accurately monitered.

He sent down all the information he could find in the park library. This showed much had been written on how heather was introduced but little on how to get rid of it. Given the vast area affected, it seems the only practical answer for widespread control at this time is the introduction of the heather beetle from Europe. Very stringent testing will be required before release to ensure it dosen't take a liking to

any native species or commercial plants. In November Mr Irwin, Steven Whyman, Colin Watson, John McCosh and Tom Luff spent a pleasant day mapping the individual patches in the upper valley. ,Mr Irwin agreed it seemed within the club's capability and gave the project his blessing. Time was spent discussing the best method of removal. A chop with a sharp spade for larger plants and pulling by hand the

smaller ones was decided on. Care needs to be taken to disturb the Racomitrium moss (sheep moss) in which the heather grows up here, as little as possible. The area involved is a long roughly triangular open area stretching from the line of bluffs across the top of the valley down to a point below the large waterfall on the Mangaturuturu. It is about 3km long and 1km across the top. The bluffs coincide with the upper altitude limit of the plant. The plants are said to be infertile above 1200m. This is the level of the footbridge. The biggest infestation lies just across the river from the Mangaturuturu Hut and downstream from the track to Lake Surprise. The second largest patch is the one down by the footbridge. The track across the valley to the Cascades is roughly the upper limit of growth at present with only two or three patches above the track. The open area from this track down to the footbridge on the Horopito track shows off the Turnpage 12

Heather survived

From page 6 native alpme plants to perfection. The golds and bronzes of the snow totara, dracophyllum and others show up in. brilliant contrast to the greyish white sheep moss that

covers the ground like a lawn. If the club can keep this beautiful plant community free from heather or at the very least stop the infestation getting any worse, the effect will be worthwhile.