The Forest and Bird Nelson Branch is presently working with Nelson City Council to develop a partnership to assist NCC in its aim to restore the Dun Mountain ecological area. This unique area is under threat from a number of plant and animal pests. Wilding pines are the major plant threat but gorse and heath are also significant problems.
Through Nature Nelson, NCC is directing increased resources to the Dun Mountain primarily to tackle wilding pines and other weeds. Despite these increased resources the task of restoration of the Dun Mountain will require more resources than those available to NCC. A partnership has been proposed by F & B to see if we can attract additional sources particularly from community grant bodies. We have set ourselves the task of matching NCC annual expenditure for the next five years. This will amount to approximately $300,000. The partnership has been endorsed by Nature Nelson and we are working with NCC on a MOU. A preliminary application has been made to one funding body and we have been invited to enter a final round application.
Although the primary goal is to raise additional money through grant applications we hope that in the future we will also be able to organise F & B participation in volunteer activities that fit with the final management plan.
I would be happy to hear of any suggestions from members on ways to strengthen this partnership both in terms of raising money and possible volunteer activities.
Steve Palmer stevepenny@xtra.co.nz
Dun Mountain. Credit: Debs Martin