The section of the plan which includes rules about "wilding exotic trees'' has been under review at a hearing at Lake Hawea.
Council planners - taking into account public submissions - have recommended banning almost 20 tree species from the district to manage the spread of exotic trees, which planners say are visually degrading the landscape and compromising biodiversity.
Trees for the "chop'' (in reality existing trees would remain; the policy would simply prohibit the planting of exotics) include contorta or lodgepole pine, Scots pine, Douglas fir, European larch, Corsican pine, bishops pine, ponderosa pine, dwarf mountain pine, maritime pine, mountain pine, sycamore, hawthorn, boxthorn, buddleia, grey willow, crack willow, cotoneaster, rowan and Spanish heath. Silver birch has been suggested for possible inclusion although does not make the list at this stage.
The debate has come at an interesting time, as locals and tourists alike bask in the golden glory of a Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes District autumn. Long tall lines of regal poplars frame rural roads, bushy willows light up the edges of waterways, blazing grapevines and orchards mark the places of industry row on row, whole hillsides are sometimes quilted in gold, the view from above shows a multicoloured patchwork of paddocks, and individual specimen trees in domestic gardens vie for their share of the attention, too.
There are myriad picture-perfect reflections against the greens and blues of rivers and lakes, stunning contrasts against the greys and browns of the parched rocky landscape. It would take a hard-hearted person not to agree the scenes are magical and majestic; awe-inspiring even.
But beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and there are those who see the blazing colours only as a blight on our natural landscape and fear the extent of the spread of exotic trees if the situation should remain unchecked. They are cognisant of the outstanding natural landscape values of certain areas, and that we have a responsibility to protect our environment. They are aware many introduced species are highly invasive in our conditions and prevention is the best cure.
It is a real conundrum. The battle over "wilding pines'' was divisive enough. Even some of those who bemoan their spread have been appalled by the unsightly effects of aerial spraying and the rapid colonisation of other unwanted weeds in their place. (Interestingly, the council planners have recommended a change to allow currently prohibited radiata pine to be planted under managed conditions.)
But a potential war on a large number of exotic trees seems a lot to stomach for some. What will be next on the list? Is a blanket ban even workable? Could the ban spread from council to council? What will the ramifications be for homeowners, landowners, industry? If the exotic trees in celebrity chef Annabel Langbein's Lake Wanaka garden have to come out, whose might be next?
The debate is certainly healthy, essential and ongoing, which is necessary in a variety of areas: flora, fauna, construction and industry. But given the emotions involved, it is hard to see the wood for the trees. The commissioners have a difficult job ahead. Few can envy their task.
