With over 1,700 plants scheduled to be planted in the Gorge Road wetlands this spring, a ‘plant protection operation’ was undertaken today, Queenstown Lakes District Council district forester Briana O’Brien said.

 “The Gorge Road Enhancement Plan is all about wetlands providing nesting, foraging and resting habitat for a range of common and threatened wetlands dependant birds as well as habitat for a range of endemic invertebrates,” she said.

 Putting the spring planting at risk is an escalation in the wild goat populations roaming Queenstown Hill and Ben Lomond.

“The goats wander in between the two locations, crossing the road endangering motorists and destroying plantings as they go,” Ms O’Brien said.

The goats had also been affecting private gardens around the Queenstown hill area.

 “We have received complaints from residents, including dented vehicles, destroyed vegetation and intimidation by the larger more aggressive male goats. Really it’s an annual problem that we have to stay on top of,’ she said.

 The wetlands reserve also contained a community garden situated at the northern end of the wetlands, equally at risk of being damaged by goats.

 “The goal is to reduce and maintain the wild goat population to below a level at which they are causing any significant environmental damage to the Gorge Road wetland,’ she said.

 Today’s operation was an aerial cull, using an experienced helicopter pilot and a professional shooter.

 

ENDS

For more information please contact Briana O’Brien 03 441 0499.

By: Andrea Bunting