Rangaitata River biodiversity project well supported

A joint Rangitata River biodiversity protection/restoration project has received a major boost from the Environment Canterbury Immediate Steps funding programme.

The goal of the project, involving Central South Island Fish & Game, the Department of Conservation, Mesopotamia and Forest Creek stations, is to protect the significant biodiversity values at Deep Stream and an adjacent 35-hectare alpine wetland in the upper Rangitata River.

Fish & Game Officer Hamish Stevens says Deep Stream is a nationally important area for chinook salmon spawning and currently sustains about 30% of all Rangitata Catchment spawning. "Over the years spawning habitat within the stream has declined," he said.

Deep Stream and the adjacent wetland are home to many native fish and bird species including the nationally vulnerable upland longjaw galaxid, the endangered Australasian bittern and the at-risk Marsh Crake.

Dense willow infestations in both the wetland and stream, removal of native vegetation and stock access have been identified as key issues that have contributed to the area's degradation. Landowners and Fish & Game have been working together since 2008 to address these issues, but funding was always an issue.

In 2011/12 $20,000 of Immediate Steps funding was granted to the project. Environment Canterbury Commissioner Tom Lambie, who sits on the Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone Committee which is responsible for the project, says the committee welcomed the opportunity to be involved.

"We're very enthusiastic about it and delighted with the results so far," he said. Another $30,000 came from landowners, Fish & Game and DoC. "This funding has seen rapid progress with the project and will ensure that the overall goal is reached in a much shorter timeframe than was originally envisaged," Hamish said.

He said that in February 2012 willows that had been sprayed in previous years were removed along a 3.2-kilometre section of the stream. "Water flow was immediately improved, with historic spawning gravel beds that were previously unusable having improved water speed suitable for spawning again.

"Fencing and replanting with native species will further enhance the work already completed. Future willow control/removal, fencing and planting is needed along other sections of the stream to make sure the area's significant biodiversity values are protected."

Immediate Steps is a biodiversity protection and restoration programme launched by Environment Canterbury in 2010 as an important part of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.

$2 million each year is available for protecting and restoring biodiversity in and around freshwater habitats. If you have an area that you would like to support, contact your local Environment Canterbury biodiversity officer or go to www.ecan.govt.nz/biodiversity