Felling was the first stage of the reserve’s restoration, after the trees were deemed a significant seed source for wilding pines and subsequently earmarked by the Central Otago District Council (CODC) and Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group for removal.
Partway through the project council extended the reserve’s closure by two weeks, until July 9, due to the extra care required to protect the lizard and gecko habitats within the site.
While the "closed" signs remain in place, the reserve was reopened to the public on Tuesday, a day later than originally planned.
CODC parks and reserves manager Gordon Bailey said the protection of the lizards was a priority for the council and members of the public.
"Their protection was paramount; this also came loud and clear from members of the community too.
To ensure this happened, we made sure the trees were felled with minimal impact on any lizard habitat."
Council engaged a qualified herpetologist to be on-site throughout the felling period working under approved protocols from Department of Conservation to guide the felling of trees within the sensitive area.
Most of the larger slash was chipped, while, under the herpetologist’s advice, smaller slash was left on site to naturally decompose, protecting the lizard habitat.
Mr Bailey said it was anticipated that the number of lizards would slowly increase over time as a habitat more sustainable for lizards developed.
CODC community experience group manager David Scoones said replanting of the area would begin in 2024, when the council would work with interested community groups on restoring this reserve.
"We’d like to thank the community for its interest in, and passion for this reserve and its future, and we look forward to working with you towards its restoration to create a community space that will encourage wider use of this reserve," Mr Scoones said.
The felling of the wilding conifers has been a topic of much debate in the community since the council first moved to fell the trees in October, 2021.
At the time a lack of public consultation raised the ire of residents in the Bridge Hill area who use the reserve for recreation.
Public submissions on the issue were received last year, and in January the Vincent Community Board agreed to the removal of wilding conifers at the reserve, but in a staged approach.
After heated discussion Mayor Tim Cadogan’s casting vote decided staged removal was not allowed under the policy.
