Waiouru Army pine trees under attack

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 7, Issue 365, 4 December 1990, Page 3

Waiouru Army pine trees under attack

A massive burn-off of Waiouru Army land infested with Pinus contorta is planned late summer next year, following an aerial spraying operation under way at present. The spraying started last week in an army training zone firing range which is full of dangerous live ammunition from years of live firing into the zone. Aerial spraying and burn-off was the only option, said Manawatu Wanganui Regional Council land resource officer Don Clark, because of the ammunition danger in the 1400 hectare block behind the Moawhango Dam. The spray used is Diquat which is similar to Paraquat. Diquat is described as relatively harmless to animal Ufe and breaks down almost immediately in the ground to harmless components. Following the initial perimeter spraying the main block will probably be spray ed from 15 December onwards.

Radio options studied New Zealand On Air is still investigating the options for radio coverage for the Waimarino area, including the Ruapehu District Council's suggestion that King Country Radio be broadcast here in the morning and River City Radio in the afternoon. NZ On Air programme director Brendan Smyth said the combination would have to prove cost effective and popular with listeners. He said a poll could be organised to gauge public opinion. River hut opened Whanganui National Park's new John Coull Hut will be officially opened on Wednesday. Representatives from the Whanganui River tribes will join DoC staff in the ceremony. The relocation of the hut 1.5km upstream from the old site, has cost the Department of Conservation about $80,000. The previous site was urupa (Maori burial site). The hut has also been upgraded from 16 to 30 bunks.