[Jenny Whyte]

Project Name: Tauherenikau Spanish Heath Control

When: Friday 18 ? Sunday 20 April 2008.

Where: Tauherenikau River Valley, Tararua Forest Park, Wairarapa

Description:

Spanish Heath (Erica lusitanica) is an exotic plant that infests mainly kanuka shrubland in the Tauherenikau Valley from below Tutuwai Hut to just above Smith Creek Shelter. It has the ability to out-compete kanuka and associated species, and if left unchecked may permanently alter the natural character and ecosystems of the valley, and could spread into other river systems in the park. This is the only known infestation in the Tararua Forest Park. The goal of the control programme is to reduce the heath population to very low or zero density.

The project fill involve hand-pulling small plants and cutting of larger plants with pruning saws or loppers and swabbing the stumps with herbicide gel. Gorse (Ulex europaeus) will also be encountered and treated where this is appropriate with the equipment supplied.

The expected outcome from this project is that the range of Spanish Heath will be significantly reduced, and its spread outside the current infestation will be prevented. Control is likely to be ongoing over several seasons.

Volunteers should expect to walk in to Tutuwai Hut (see attached map), either via the Waiohine road end (steep sections, 3.5 hrs); Mt Reeves Track (4hrs, steep sections) or Marchant Rd road end (5 hrs, steep sections) on Friday evening, and to walk out again on Sunday afternoon.

Fitness/skills: Medium to high for fitness is required to walk into the site, and to carry out weed control, which will involve a lot of bending, pulling and cutting. Plant identification, weed control and back country skills and experience would be an advantage but are not essential.

Accommodation: Accommodation will be available for no cost at Tutuwai Hut, a serviced hut with gas, running water, mattresses, a woodburner and toilets, which sleeps 22 people. Additional accommodation is available at Smith Creek Shelter (no fire-place suitable only for fully equipped campers) or Cone Hut (basic back country hut with open fire, suitable for well equipped campers).

What to bring
? Back pack/pack liner (plastic bag)
? Day pack and gear bag
? Sleeping bag and pillow slip
? Plate/mug/knife/fork/spoon
? Torch
? Drink bottle
? Work boots
? Light footwear (sandshoes)
? Socks and gaiters
? Shorts and T-shirts
? Long trousers
? Wool or polar fleece shirt
? Wool or polar fleece jersey/jacket
? Raincoat/over trousers
? Sun hat, sunscreen and insect repellent
? Swimsuit
? Underwear
? Gloves to prevent blisters
? Personal medication/first aid kit
? Games or cards for evening entertainment
? Some projects may require a compass (check with your co-ordinator)

For Smith Creek Shelter or Cone Hut add:

? Ground sheet
? Closed cell foam mat
? Matches/stove/billy
? Toilet paper

Food: DoC will provide basic meal requirements.

Pickup: This opportunity is being organised from the Wairarapa Area Office in Masterton. Details of transport pick up and meeting locations will be finalised when volunteers have been accepted and have confirmed their availability.

Bookings: 10 -15 people will be required for this project. Registrations must be received at the Wairarapa Area Office no later than Friday 14 March 2008.

Contribution: Volunteers will need to organise their own transport to the pick up point, or to road ends.

Contact: Jenny Whyte
Ranger (Biodiversity)
Wairarapa Area Office
Ph 06 377 0165
Email

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