Stay up to date with this long-term project as it progresses.
There’s been some good progress on our Waimea Inlet Enhancement and Waimea Inlet One Billion Trees (Phase 2) projects.
The most notable big win in recent months has been the good progress made with Waimea Inlet pest plant control, controlling the likes of Tamarisk, Juncus gerardii, Boneseed and Carex divisa.
A suspected new to New Zealand Juncus species was found and reported to MPI at the Sandeman Reserve. Subsequently, the area has been surveyed and controlled by our pest plant control contractor.
Other work done as part of the Waimea Inlet Enhancement Project has included late spring planting of Raupō, Bolboschoenus, Schoenoplectus and Baumea species.
Predator trapping and surveys of the Fernbird population in the Pearl Creek area are ongoing by the hard working volunteers of Tasman Environmental Trust.
Further planting of around 1,000 plants is planned for winter 2024. This will see further diversity added into the planted areas.
Areas which present the best options for salt marsh restoration trials have been assessed, with the Rough Island Embayment area identified as a preferable location.
We’re also looking at options for allowing further tidal inundation into this area by increasing the culvert capacity. This will create great conditions for further salt marsh vegetation.
As for our Waimea Inlet One Billion Trees efforts, we are aiming to put more than 18,000 plants in the ground in 2024. Sites for next winter are mostly focused on existing sites between Neimann Creek, Moturoa / Rabbit Island and Rough Island. This will bring the total planted through the project to over 110,000 plants since 2021.
The first stage of a wetland creation project designed to enhance the ecological value of Waimea Delta is about to begin.
The multi-stage project will encompass the creation of freshwater wetland areas in a low-lying arm of the Waimea River, just east of Pearl Creek. The site is adjacent to salt marsh and downstream from the cycle bridge along Tasman’s Great Taste Trail.
Over the next three weeks, work will focus on creating small ponds alongside the existing channel to increase the area of open water.
The work will be undertaken by experienced operators from both Downer and the Council.
The Delta project is part of the Waimea Inlet Enhancement Project, funded by the Ministry for the Environment and Tasman District Council.
Project manager George Daly said the site has been selected as having huge potential for restoring habitat for marsh birds such as Matuku (Australasian Bittern).
It will also provide a beneficial habitat for other species, including īnanga, kōkopu, eels and everything that feeds on them.
“There are limited freshwater wetland sites left that are adjacent to salt marsh, particularly in Tasman Bay. This makes this site an important opportunity for building ecological linkages. River delta systems are known worldwide to have some of the richest biodiversity,” George says.
Terrestrial planting around the area is planned over winter, followed by further wetland planting in spring.
Phase two will take place in early 2023.
The broader work plan includes widening channels and creating new swamps and marsh to create diverse wildlife habitats and enhance habitat connectivity.
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