March 2021 News

Can you help to stop this bitter pill?

Manaaki Ruahine is a new volunteer organisation operating a Community Agreement in the Makaretu Valley. It is running a trapping line, but also has an agreement to manage weeds.

Here’s some information from Manaaki Ruahine’s Anthony Behrens:

We’re not proposing that we manage every weed in the valley (we’re nuts, but not that nuts), but we are keen to nip invasions in the bud before they get out of hand (like the old NZFS pine plantation on Kashmir Road has done).

We’ve talked to DoC about dealing with a single, yet rapidly growing Bitter Willow on the banks of the Northern Branch of the Makaretu River beside Awatere Hut. At present, this is the only Bitter Willow in the area and we’d like it to stay that way.

It’s teetering on the edge of the riverbank and a good rain event will push it downstream – spreading it. They are very invasive plants and choke river valleys – it’s our feeling that they have no place in the Ruahine Forest Park.

WANTED: We are after someone who would be up for the task over the next few weeks – before autumn hits and possible big rain events threaten to spread the plant downstream. If you’re keen, get in touch with me and I’ll talk you through what’s needed. Someone with their own gear would be best. In doing so, you’ll become a Manaaki Ruahine Volunteer and subject to our Community Agreement.

You can contact Anthony at anthony@swampthing.co.nz

If you’re tempted to attack this pest on your own, please don’t! Get in touch with Anthony, or you might do more harm than good.

Sunrise Hut Track Closure

Just a heads up that Sunrise Hut and Track is closed until 5 April due to a major track upgrade. Surrounding huts in the area will remain open but access will be closed via the Sunrise Track.

Mackintosh Hut

The day and weekend parties are heading into this well-appointed hut. The log burner works very well and there is plenty of firewood in the vicinity. Make this a great weekend on 27/28 March.