Media Release

20.2.2001

Grassland Purchase Welcomed

The Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society today welcomed the purchase of 1300ha of tussock grassland for addition to the proposed Te Papanui Conservation Park in Otago.

The Society has been able to contribute to this outstanding purchase through the generous help of the Majorie Barclay Trust.

The Society's southern conservation officer, Sue Maturin said that Forest and Bird is committed to achieving more conservation parks and a national park in the Central Otago high country.

"Conservation parks are urgently needed in the high country to protect remnants of tall tussock grasslands, low altitude shrublands, wetlands, alpine herb fields and a whole host of rare insects and plants, that are not represented in our existing parks and reserves." Sue Maturin said.

"The South Island High Country provides one of the only opportunities in the world for large scale ecosystem protection of grasslands, so it is great news that this Government is willing to have more tussock grasslands protected."

ENDS

For information contact: Sue Maturin 03 477-9677ph(w), 03 4876-125(H), or 025 222- 5092

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