Canterbury Regional Pest Management Strategy 2011-15 operative from July 1

Environment Canterbury commissioners last week adopted the Canterbury Regional Pest Management Strategy 2011-15 following a midpoint review that involved consultation with local pest liaison committees, stakeholders and the wider Canterbury community. The reviewed strategy becomes operative on 1 July 2011 and will be on the www.ecan.govt.nz website from that date.

Environment Canterbury Commissioner, Tom Lambie says that overall, the consultation process told us that the strategy is still considered appropriate for the management of most pests, and so much of it remains unchanged.

“However, there have been a number of significant changes to reflect the changing needs of the community and to take account of new threats and ones that have become more significant.”

Chilean Needle Grass has been included in the strategy in recognition of the potential threat it poses to agriculture. Following its discovery in North Canterbury in 2008, a three year management programme was put in place under emergency provisions.

“The inclusion of Chilean Needle Grass in this strategy allows for the development of an integrated long-term approach, with the aim of progressively reducing the infestation within the containment area, and preventing it from spreading,” he said.

Commissioner Lambie also said that other amendments reflect the priorities of the regional council as the principal agency responsible for pest management in Canterbury.

“Most submissions related to the proposed amendments relating to wilding conifers, including broadening the number of species that can be considered pests. The strategy retains its emphasis on facilitating voluntary partnerships with land-owners to clear pest trees from targeted areas of high environmental value and strengthens the need to take all reasonable steps to prevent further spread.”

“We have also brought forward a number of investigations that will help ensure that the next Regional Pest Management Strategy employs the most appropriate and

up-to-date control measures. Investigations into the future management of rabbits, gorse and broom, nassella tussock and Bennett’s wallabies will now begin next month.”