The Wakatipu Wilding Conifer Control Group would be able to eradicate instead of merely control the introduced pines, which suffocate native trees and plants, in the Roaring Meg area, group chief executive Briana Pringle told the Queenstown Times this week.
The grant was "fantastic news", Mrs Pringle said.
"Without the funding we would have had to look at funding ongoing control, not eradication, which will mean a significant saving down the track," she said.
A total of 194ha in the rugged Roaring Meg area, between Queenstown ad Cromwell, had been sprayed by group supporters using a helicopter since the project began on January 16. Ground crews will conduct spot spraying and trees will be harvested in an effort expected to take up to two years to complete, at a cost of more than $311,000.
After eradication is completed, the respective landowners will be responsible for maintenance.
The charitable not-for-profit organisation chaired by Peter Willsman, of Queenstown, was funded mainly by the Queenstown Lakes District Council, with additional money from trusts and the Lotteries Grants Board's environment and heritage fund. Staff support came from the council and the Department of Conservation Wakatipu area office, among other entities.
Wilding pines compete for space with native trees and plants and do not attract indigenous birdlife and insects.
Pine needles hinder the regeneration of native forest floor species and grow to dominate otherwise picturesque landscapes.
