The Silverstream catchment area will be re-opened to dogs this week, a year after a TBfree aerial 1080 possum control operation.

The caution for dog owners will be lifted, and dogs will be allowed to be walked off-leash in the area from Friday, 29 June.

In June 2017, OSPRI undertook aerial possum control on land managed by the DCC, Department of Conservation and private owners. DCC walking tracks re-opened to people a few weeks after the operation but, as a safety precaution, the area was closed to dogs for one year. The caution period has now ended and tracks and reserves at Silverstream, Swampy Summit, Whare Flat and Evansdale Glen can be used to exercise dogs from Friday.

The 1080 operation was the first on DCC land and was undertaken by OSPRI due to recent TB outbreaks among stock in the greater Dunedin area.

Many of New Zealand’s native species are threatened by pests such as possums. The use of 1080 has biodiversity benefits for native bird species and gives them a better chance of survival and nesting success.

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