from KC News
The Akatarawa Forest (map above, click for full view) on the Kapiti Coast is undergoing a significant 1080 drop through the month of June and residents are advised to stay away from the drop area.
Greater Wellington’s biodiversity team say they are undertaking an “aerial possum control operation” using the pesticide, sodium fluoroacetate (1080). Non-toxic pre-feed application has occurred, and aerial baiting of 1080 is expected during this week.
“This application is subject to suitable weather conditions, and delays may occur. Both applications are subject to suitable weather conditions. If the pre-feed application is delayed the application of 1080 will also be delayed.”
Operational area
The proposed operational area shown on the map covers approximately 15,100 hectares of the Akatarawa Forest, which is owned and managed by Greater Wellington. Previous aerial 1080 possum control operations have been carried out in this area in 2007 and 2013.
The Akatarawa Forest is one of the best examples of ‘old growth forest’ in the Wellington region, providing habitats that support many regionally and nationally uncommon native species. The forest also contains water sources that may be used for water supply in the future, and areas of plantation forest.
The excuse goes: “We need to reduce predator numbers to protect the biodiversity and water quality in the Akatarawa Forest. A recent monitoring survey found possums were present throughout the forest, in numbers which exceed target levels. Akatarawa Forest is not only the habitat of vulnerable native reptiles, invertebrates and birds, but is home to an extraordinary and unique northern rata which is 39 metres tall, and thought to be over 1,100 years old.”
Who will be affected?
The forest will be closed to all recreational users for three days following the 1080 application so main tracks can be cleared of 1080 pellets. Following this, motorised recreation, mountain biking and walking is permitted, provided the poison warning signs are followed.
The operation will have further effects on certain activities:
• Hunters – will not be issued permits for deer, goat or pig hunting for four months following the 1080 application.
• People with dogs – will be advised to stay clear of the area until all baits have become nontoxic and possum carcases have decomposed. Decomposition is expected to take three to four months following the 1080 application.
• Horse riders – will be advised to stay clear of the area until all baits have become non-toxic, which occurs after 100mm of rainfall following the 1080 application.
• Adjoining landowners and graziers – will need to ensure stock fences are intact until all baits have become non-toxic.
The Akatarawa Forest today is a deserted and empty place compared to 30 years ago.
Before these 1080 drops began, the forest teemed with all manner of wildlife from insects, birds, pigs, deer, feral cattle, possums, rats and mice. The streams were well stocked with fish and some very magnificent eels.
I could spend hours watching swallows skimming low over the water feeding on the wing, or marvel at the glow-worms at night.
Cicadas were deafening in their season, and Huhu Moths would commit suicide in a camp fire.
All gone now, the forest is a shadow of it’s former self. I’m only glad I had the opportunity to witness it in its pristine state before GW got their hands on it and destroyed it.
The 1080 as the cause of kauri die back theory is being ignored by the NZ govt and their $15 million dollar paid off ” experts” . Seems money is more important to some people than the health of the soil( earth).
Summary of the theory on how 1080 is the cause of Kauri die back .
How does 1080 kill the soil?
The Insects that 1080 kill normally aerate the soil and dig tunnels that provide channels for water.
So it becomes dead soil, water logged full of the fungus-like pathogen Phytophthora agathidicida.