Fish & Game Hails Joint Approach to Wetlands Work

February 2, 2012

Fish & Game Nelson Marlborough says the Para wetland north of Blenheim is a great example of what can be achieved for habitat conservation - when different organisations and landowners join forces.

Today (Thursday, February 2, 2012) is World Wetlands Day, celebrated internationally to raise awareness of the value and benefits of wetlands.

Fish & Game staff are adding a 2.8 hectare block to its more than 100 ha Para wetland near Blenheim – planting native vegetation and removing willows - after it was purchased from a private family trust.

The land alongside State Highway 1 north of Blenheim, sits beside an existing Fish & Game wildlife reserve. Staff plan to eradicate the willows and plant more native species such as kahikatea trees, flax bushes and cabbage trees in the wetland.

Fish & Game now owns or administers 105 of the 120 hectares in the wetland with one other private land owner.

Fish & Game Regional Manager Neil Deans says water management is key to growing a larger habitat for waterfowl such as ducks for hunting. We also provide habitat for other species like the threatened Australasian bittern (a large heron-like bird) for breeding.

"In the early days they tried to drain it but it was impossible because the land was so low.

"We are delighted with the assistance we have received from hunters, Forest and Bird, local iwi and students from nearby Queen Charlotte College in Picton. The national Gamebird Habitat Trust has also assisted by donating $3000 towards the land's purchase.”

The trust has assessed wetlands across the country and the Para swamp was judged the most suitable for support because of its regional value, and potential for hunting and conserving wildlife and wetland habitat,” Mr Deans says.

“We hope to extend the community involvement in this project, which in the long term we expect will deliver the wetland habitat which used to extend throughout the entire lower Wairau River plain.”

Fish and Game has become one of New Zealand’s biggest players in both the advocacy and physical protection and the enhancement of wetland habitat. The organisation provides free help to farmers and landowners who want to create or enhance wetlands.

ENDS

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