Work on logging wilding trees in Quailburn Rd, near Omarama, has been postponed.
Peter Willemse, of the Department of Conservation, said the risk of fire was increasing, in addition to which the holiday season was approaching when there would be many visitors in the Quailburn area.
The Waitaki District Council had been under pressure for some years to tackle the spread of wilding trees in the Omarama basin, particularly along Quailburn Rd, and work began last month.
Forestry consultant Jim Childerstone estimated there could be 3500 tonnes of logs, or more, from the work.
Mr Willemse said work had been postponed until shortly before winter when public activity and the fire risk were less.
Trees that had been felled had been trimmed and removed from the site.
