Restoring Wetland Near Taupo

Forest and Bird, Issue 298, 1 November 2000, Page 38

Restoring Wetland Near Taupo

Taupo

Forest and Bird.

—Bett Davies,

he Oruanui wetland probegan in June 1997 when Taupo Forest and Bird learnt of an extensive wetland on the northwest outskirts of Taupo owned, in part, by a freshwater scientist, Dr George Coulter, who was anxious to protect the area from possible development. He had recorded 27 bird species there and was aware that the largely unmodified flax swamp was unique in the district. For several years Dr Coulter had written letters and spoken with local authorities to no avail. This came to Forest and Bird’s attention and the project was born. We began by approaching the neighbouring farmer to ask if he was interested. With his cooperation, three or four members walked the length of the sixhectare block, looking at fencing and assessing the weed problem.

An investigation was needed and the fact that the wetland had been listed as a Recommended Area for Protection in 1995 became important in negotiations. We needed the help of an officer from Environment Waikato to prepare an application for funding. This involved many visits to the wetland and consultation with the landowners. The fenceline was stepped out, marker battens placed, costs calculated, and about a year later we had enough information to apply for a grant from the Environmental Initiatives Fund to help with fencing, the planting of native trees, and weed control. At the same time we applied on behalf of both owners to the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust for an open-space covenant. Both applications were successful. In conjunction with the sale of the neighbouring farm, the

boundaries of the wetland were redrawn and finally, in June 1999, the Oruanui wetland under the single ownership of the Coulter Family Trust came to fruition. Several years of work have resulted in the preservation of — to quote from the report by Rotorua Botanical Society -‘a wetland that is a significant piece of vegetation with a very high conservation ranking’ and home to a wide range of bird species. In May this year, 25 branch members celebrated the realisation of the covenant by planting 250 trees and shrubs. The Coulter family is pleased to allow visitors to the wetland. Over the coming years, Taupo Forest and Bird will continue to raise plants and have working bees for the enhancement of this conserva-

tion area.