Forest Hill Foundation backed

The Forest Hill Foundation is taking concerns over its investigations into making the Forest Hill reserve a fenced predator-free zone seriously and is keen to work with all parties to resolve them.

Southland District Mayor Frana Cardno, who is patron of the Foundation, met with foundation trustees and Department of Conservation representatives yesterday to discuss various issues that had been raised in a letter she received from a concerned Southlander.

"I am satisfied the Foundation is on the right track. It is there for all people and the trustees acknowledge the issues and will be working through them with the people concerned," Mrs Cardno said.

"A huge amount of work has been put in by the volunteers who are all passionate and believe the Forest Hill area is significant not only for Southland but also nationally. Making it pest-free and bringing back the native flora and fauna, including the birds, will not only make it another attraction for Southland but also a place where children can learn about New Zealand's native species."

The trustees are planning to continue discussions with adjoining landowners soon and work through to formal memoranda of understanding with them. This will include trying to find solutions to any concerns.

One of the concerns raised was charging for access to the reserve. That was just one of many ideas the trustees have been considering to pay for ongoing maintenance but nothing has been decided.

"Southland has a lot of successful trusts which are united in their vision and I am sure this trust is the same," Mrs Cardno said.

"Successful trusts must have trustees committed to their vision and this trust does contain neighbouring land-owner representatives."

Department of Conservation Southland conservator Barry Hanson, who was at yesterday's meeting, said the Forest Hill Foundation is one of the most committed and hard-working trusts that DOC works with.

"In our view the restoration potential of that site is unrivalled in mainland Southland," Mr Hanson said.

"It's a vision worth working hard for."

Healthy debate and discussion always happens when people feel passionate about their environment and most trusts experience that, he said.