Kingsland Forest encompasses a significant area of steep and rugged terrain which makes effective weed control challenging. Because of this, we will be conducting a short period of aerial herbicide spraying a 19 hectare area of the forest in the coming weeks.
The spraying aims to reduce the number of regenerating radiata pine and other weed species growing as the forest moves further towards a more biodiverse and recreational area for the public to enjoy. The target area is focused on the sections harvested in 2023. In 2024 we will be planting a further 44,000+ native trees in the Lodestone and Jimmy Lee Creek catchments.
This operation will take several hours and is expected to be completed within a single day (weather depending). The forest will be closed during this time, but all tracks will reopen as soon as possible following the spraying operation once the herbicide has dried on the foliage.
We will aim to provide between 24-48 hours notice prior to beginning the spraying operation.
Spraying can only occur during favourable weather conditions so we can mitigate any potential adverse effect associated with the activity, such as spray drift. Therefore, this work may be postponed if the weather conditions are not ideal.
Aerial spraying will not be undertaken within 50 metres of a watercourse.
Marshalls will be manning all track entry points to the spraying location. Temporary track closure/warning signs will be placed at potential public access points.