AT Bird Song Logo HR

News Release – for immediate use

New funding for ambitious conservation project

The Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust has secured $166,000 in new funding towards the second year of a multi-year project to rid Abel Tasman National Park of wilding pine trees.

This latest funding comes from: The New Zealand Lottery Grants Board’s Environment and Heritage Fund, Canterbury Community Trust, Project Janszoon, and the ‘Birdsong Fee’ – a voluntary tourism operator levy for the benefit of Abel Tasman National Park and its wildlife. In addition, the Department of Conservation and landowners are providing in-kind assistance.

“This wilding pine control programme in Abel Tasman National Park is an example of what organisations, businesses and individuals can achieve when we work together for a common cause,” Chairman Kim McGlashen says.

“We are now well underway towards a shared vision of ridding the park of wilding pines over the next five years. It’s something we never thought possible, and now, thanks to all our supporters it will soon be a reality.”

DOC Motueka Area Manager Martin Rodd applauds the Trust’s commitment to the ambitious project.

“The results from last year’s efforts are quite visible and it clearly shows the extent of the wilding pine tree problem,” Mr Rodd says. “Wilding pines are a threat to ecological diversity in the Park and we look forward to working with the trust for the remainder of the project to get on top of this problem.”

This year’s control programme runs from September to February. The area to be controlled includes Tinline Bay through to Cyathea Cove in the southern end of the park, and between The Anchorage and Pitt Head.

The work is being undertaken by professional contractors, with the trees either treated using herbicide and left standing, or felled in sensitive areas, such as close to public walking tracks.

“Our mission is to protect Abel Tasman Park’s scenic values and enhance biodiversity through native forest regeneration,” Mr McGlashen says. “The pine control programme is helping reclaim the park’s skyline and restore its natural habitat.”

Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust is a charitable trust, formed in 2007 as a partnership between commercial operators, the community and the Department of Conservation to help protect and enhance biodiversity and improve the visitor experience in Abel Tasman National Park. It is separate from the Department of Conservation and commercial tourism operators in the Park, but works closely with them and the local community, on local projects for local benefits.

ENDS

© Scoop Media