We are very pleased to announce that after lease renewal negotiation with DOC and the local farmer a new boundary fence has been erected at the wetland boundary.
This is a very important step forward for our wetland restoration as it will keep stock out of the wetland. This will prevent further damage to estuarine vegetation from trampling and grazing and improve water quality by eliminating pollution with faecal matter. It will also reduce the effect of pugging which creates habitat for mosquitos which is in line with the mosquito eradication programme on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Restoring riparian vegetation is one of our organisation’s goals which will enhance the health and ecological value of the wetland. This will benefit the wetland bird life including the endangered bittern, fernbird, banded rail , Pateke ,white-faced heron, kingfisher, pukeko, three species of shag, paradise duck, mallard duck ,skaup and shore skink.
Wetlands improve water quality, with vegetation acting as filters which is important as wetlands are the breeding ground of many native species of birds and fish, eel and inanga whitebait species. Some of our endangered plant species rely totally on wetlands, and a healthy wetland helps stabilise riverbanks and shore lines.The overall health of the wetland benefits all of us who enjoy using the beach and sand dune areas.
The ORG is planning a community replanting programme on the wetland boundary with the assistance of Jim Dahm and Meg Graeme wetland ecologists. The contribution of the new wetland fencing is greatly appreciated by the ORG as it represents a huge step forward in our conservation efforts.
Many thanks to Murray Eden for his contribution.