Volunteers sought for pine battle

A Queenstown woman is mobilising the community in the fight against wilding pines on the hills around Queenstown, calling for volunteers to help clear seedlings on Ben Lomond.

Deborah McKenna works in administration for Public Health South five days a week, and goes tramping most weekends.

"I'm passionate about tramping and about the nature and scenery around Queenstown. Many people talk about the issue of wilding pines, and council, Department of Conservation (Doc) and groups such as Eco Action have done a great job. But much more needs to be done, and it is time the community steps in and does its part," she said.

Queenstown Lakes district councillor Vanessa van Uden is lending her support as a member of the community.

"Queenstown is a great community for giving, but we also need people who go out and do something about the issues that matter to them," Ms van Uden said.

Ms McKenna had been dropping 2000 flyers in letterboxes around the town, and put up 22 posters to get the word out.

She said the response had been great, and she had so far found 20 people to help manage the project.

"I am not doing this just for my own sake. We have to protect our environment for the next generations. That is why education is an important part of this initiative," she said.

"If we can inform the younger generations about the problem, there might be a chance to beat the pines before they completely block our views and kill the remaining native bush."

Two community days will be held on the last weekend of November, starting at 9.30am.

Gondola rides to the Ben Lomond track will be free for volunteers, and lunch will be provided.

Volunteers would need to be fit for a minimum 2km uphill walk and have at least four hours' time available.

"While it's fairly hard work to pull out twigs on rough terrain, it will also be a fun day and a great opportunity to meet new people," Ms McKenna promised.

The work would be carried out over a large area, mostly around the Ben Lomond track on reserve land, partly managed by the council and partly by Doc.

Doc biodiversity threats programme manager Mark Mawhinney said the department already had several projects to battle wilding pines, "but it would be great if more people got involved.

As long as everyone stays safe, and knows exactly which plants to remove, I will encourage the effort."

Anyone interested in volunteering for November 28 and November 29 can contact Deborah McKenna on 021-953-872.