The Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group has removed 1,700 wilding pines from the 2,000-hectare Stevenson’s Peninsula at Lake Wānaka.

The work was carried out between November 7-29, and involved a total of 409 hours of intensive clearing, supported by funding from Otago Regional Council (ORC) and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).

The Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group (UCWTG) is a relative newcomer to the fight against wilding pines, and the Stevenson’s Peninsula operation was their first major wilding pine control operation.

Read more: Group makes headway in battle against wilding trees

Left uncontrolled, the peninsula would ultimately be cloaked in an exotic pine forest which would displace the native kanuka, grey shrubland and snow tussock grasslands.

Where wilding pines were sparse, ground crews were dropped in and out by helicopter.

The work was funded from grants provided to the group by QLDC and ORC, and a contribution from Mount Burke Station landowner Tim Burdon.

“As a landowner I could not afford to achieve control on this scale,” Tim said.

“It is hugely satisfying to be part of the collaboration of public/private funding to clear Stevenson's Peninsula of wilding pines in one operation."

The work was completed by Central Wilding Tree Control and Landcare Services and Aspiring Helicopters, with the help of Wānaka Water Taxis for boat access. 

Ground crews used chainsaws to fell the coning trees in sometimes very challenging terrain. Where wilding pines were sparse, ground crews were dropped in and out by helicopter.

“It is in everyone’s interest to protect the outstanding landscapes and native biodiversity of the Upper Clutha area,” ORC project delivery specialist - biosecurity programmes Gavin Udy said. 

“ORC are proud to support UCWTG’s efforts in protecting our beautiful Otago landscapes.”

The UCWTG commended Tim’s involvement in removing the wilding pines on his property and helping protect the outstanding natural landscape on the doorstep of Wānaka.

PHOTOS: Supplied