The Wakatipu Wilding Conifer Control Group has been awarded a grant for $96,581 towards the control of wilding pines.

The grant, awarded by the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board, will see wilding pine control work carried out in five target areas:

• Home Hill, Closeburn Station
• Von Valley, Mount Nicholas Station
• Queenstown Hill
• The Station at Waitiri, Gibbston Valley
• Coronet Peak Station

“The group is absolutely over the moon,” said Queenstown Lakes District Council district forester, Briana O’Brien.  “This money means we can make real headway into wilding pine control in the area.”

The group will meet in August to develop a timeframe for completing the work.

“As a group we would like to thank the NZ Lottery Grants Board for their support,” Ms O’Brien said.

ENDS

For further information please contact District Forester Briana O’Brien 03 441 0499.

By: QLDC