Conservation in the Countryside

Forest and Bird, Issue 291, 1 February 1999, Page 49

Conservation in the Countryside

Kevin Smith

‘Conservation in the Countryside’ was the theme for the November 1998 council meeting of Forest and Bird at Bulls in the Manawatu. The weekend opened with a panel discussion on the topic, featuring invited guests — Alistair Poulson, deputy president of Federated Farmers and Bill Kirkland from the ManawatuWhanganui Regional Council. Branch councillors reviewed Forest and Bird business and attended seminars on current issues, including commercial fisheries, and a presentation on

the review of the Resource Management Act by the Deputy Secretary for the Environment, Lindsay Gow. Three draft policies were introduced by executive councillors, for discussion with branches prior to the next annual general meeting. Di Menzies presented a protocol for working and dealing with special interest groups; Linda Conning presented some options on charging for services; and Peter White dealt with the Society’s portfolio of properties including lodges and reserves. A tour of Rangitikei Forest and

restore an area of coastal native vegetation and attract more birds to the area thereby enhancing recreational values for residents and visitors. Volunteers from the local primary school and local community groups will help with the project. @ Dr Dave Kelly, University of Canterbury, whose project will look at the effects of weeds and an accidental fire on a rare and unusual native fern, Botrychium australe, at Cass. The study will provide better information on the impact of introduced plants on native plants, which can then be used in the management of other grassland and shrubland reserves. @ Barry Weeber, Forest and Bird, for the production of a series of informational brochures on critical marine Mammal and seabird conserva-

tion issues. —

Bird reserves on Sunday gave councillors a chance to discuss conservation with each other, while looking at local conservation and land use issues. Rangitikei branch maintains 103 hectares of forest in six reserves. The largest Sutherland’s Bush, is of 60 hectares while nearby Little Sutherland’s Bush is of 12 hectares. Possum bait stations are maintained by the branch in its native forest reserves. Members also look after bait stations in Makohau Reserve for the Department of Conservation.