Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Program for Landscape Protection

The Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control group was formed in 2013 in response to mounting concerns about the spread and effect of wilding conifers in the Central Otago district. In 2016 The National Wilding Conifer Control Programme was established to ensure a collaborative, coordinated and effective approach to national wilding management.

It includes central and local government agencies and is supported by a wide range of stakeholder groups. Its aim is to efficiently contain or eradicate established areas of wilding conifers by 2030. DOC have an agreement with Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group Inc. (COWCCG) to implement the wilding conifer control plan in Central Otago in line with the Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Strategy.

This plan includes work funded by a combination of sources including the national wilding conifer programme headed by MPI, ORC, CODC and LINZ. The vision as stated in the strategy is for �Central Otago natural landscapes, areas of ecological significance and productive pastoral lands are protected from the impacts of wilding conifers�. This is largely based around the control of wilding conifers.

This programme has been in place via a supply panel contract for the previous 4 years, and has achieved over 300,000ha of wilding conifer control. For the next 20/21 season we are expected to control an additional 8500ha, predominantly on private property. Work spend and priorities will be decided by COWCCG executive who will direct DOC by way of an agreed annual control programme.

The total value from the ground control component of this control programme is approximately $500,000 for the 20/21 season with a further $400,000 spread over the next 3 years. This will include both MPI funded works and other funded programmes. The control method applied at any one site will be determined by the DOC project manager in consultation with the suppliers and landowners.