Wairarapa Key Native Ecosystem Management Areas - Greater ...

31. Discussion
31.1 Endangered plants
With stock now completely excluded from the Linkwood Bush site,
regeneration of many native species is now evident. Cattle had previously
damaged much of the understory and destroyed the host species of the
mistletoe plants.
31.2 Possum reinvasion
With the continuing possum control being carried out on the adjacent farmland,
reinvasion of possums into the Linkwood Bush site should be minimised.
31.3 Predator control
It was initially envisaged that the YMCA Conservation Corp students would
carry out this work. However, due to the difficulty with the setting of the Fenn
traps and a possible health and safety issue, Greater Wellington staff have
completed the work.
Permanent sites consisting of a Sentry bait station, a Timms trap and a No. 4
Fenn trap in conjunction with a Philproof tunnel have been set up around the
boundary fence for ease of access. The preferred bait for the predator traps is
beef fat.
31.4 Legal protection
As Linkwood Bush is fenced and stock proof, it now has a QEII covenant in
place ensuring this has the necessary protection vital for its future.
32. Costs
Set out below is a breakdown of costs from Greater Wellington’s SAP financial
system up until the end of the financial year 30 June 2008.
Vehicle/plant 233.02
Labour 883.50
Material/supplies 122.37
Total: 1,238.89
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