Hunters Encouraged to Check, Clean, Dry
 
With duck shooting season to begin this Saturday, Horizons Regional Council and the Ministry for Primary Industries are reminding hunters in the Manawatu Wanganui area of the importance of cleaning their equipment between waterways.
 
“Our region is home to many iconic waterways and we want to ensure these waterways remain free of freshwater pests such as didymo and hornwort,” says Horizons environmental coordinator Craig Davey.
 
“By taking a few simple steps to Check, Clean, Dry their gear when moving between waterways hunters can play their part to help protect the environmental, recreational and aesthetic values of our region’s rivers, lakes and streams,” he says.
 
Hunters are encouraged to check all items before leaving a waterway and leave any debris they find at the site.
 
“Some freshwater pests such as didymo are microscopic and can be spread by a single drop of water so we’re encouraging all water users to take a little bit more time just to check their boots and other gear, give them a thorough clean with dishwashing liquid and ensure they’re nice and dry before moving to another waterway,” Mr Davey says.
 
“Hornwort or oxygen weed is already present in some of our great coastal lakes and we can’t afford for it to spread further afield. Because even slightly moist items can habour didymo cells or keep hornwort fragments alive a good rule of thumb is to ensure items are dry to the touch both inside and out then wait another 48 hours before the next use.”
 
Horizons Regional Council undertakes a regional didymo monitoring programme in conjunction with Greater Wellington Regional Council, the Department of Conservation and Fish and Game three times a year on behalf on MAF Biosecurity NZ.
 
Horizons also runs an extensive Check, Clean, Dry programme throughout the summer months with a team of Check, Clean, Dry members visiting freshwater spots, supporting cleaning stations at events and talking to groups about the importance of Check, Clean, Dry.
 
More information about didymo and freshwater pests can be found on the Horizons website www.horizons.govt.nz or at wwwbiosecurity.govt.nz People can also keep up to date with all the local Check, Clean, Dry news on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamcheckcleandry
 
 
ENDS

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