29 March, 2016

Endangered species found in dangerous trees means one of the Waikato district’s reserves needs to temporarily close.

The endangered long-tailed bat has a presence in Tamahere Reserve but a number of the pine trees they have been found in are posing a risk to those who use the reserve and Tauwhare Road.

Council has organised arborists to have work done on the dangerous trees as soon as possible, but in the meantime, for the safety of those who use the reserve, the reserve has been temporarily closed.

Council’s Open Spaces Team Leader Duncan MacDougall says Council has been working closely with the Department of Conservation to ensure the necessary tree maintenance goes ahead, while at the same time it doesn’t affect the bats.

“As the reserve is especially important for bats, we are working with the Department of Conservation to ensure their continued presence in and around the reserve but need to carefully manage this with the safety of the public and the danger that some of these pine trees are causing,” Mr MacDougall says.

Work is planned to occur within the next month to have a number of the trees made safe. This work will be completed in line with the conditions imposed by the Department of Conservation which will ensure the safety of the bats.

ENDS

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