Winstones to protect wetlands

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 438, 2 June 1992, Page 1

Winstones to protect wetlands

A decision by a private company to protect a wetland near Ohakune has delighted bird lovers and botanists as well as the Department of Conservation. The wetland, which is situated within plantation forest owned by Winstone Pulp International Forests recently came to the attention of the Department of Conservation. Like most New Zealand wetlands many of the birds and plants species which live there are now threatened. The biggest threat to inhabitants of this wetland is from cattle which, from time to time are allowed to graze in the area. Cattle can have an especially detrimental effect on wetland areas. They trample plants, muddy and break down water channels and disturb the ground. This often allows the entry of weed seeds and once established, weeds compete with native plants permanently changing the intrinsic character of the area. To protect the Ohakune wetland, Winstone Pulp International Forests have allowed DoC to build a fence around the area. As well as stopping cattle getting into the area protecting the wetland by fencing will help the Department of Conservation implement any necessary management systems to ensure the continued health of both the wetland and its inhabitants.