A major aerial spraying operation is under way to stop broom and willow infestations along the Tekapo River in the South Canterbury high country.
In a combined community effort, Environment Canterbury (ECan), the Department of Conservation, Meridian Energy, LINZ and the Mackenzie District Council have joined forces to pay for the work along the river as it winds its way to the popular picnic area at Lake George Scott, downstream from Lake Tekapo township.
The first stage of the operation took place last month with a helicopter brought in to spray the plants, and further ground spraying will take place after Christmas.
The helicopter was used because of the gorge-like passage of the river.
ECan senior engineering officer Bruce Scarlett is overseeing the work.
He said each year the different organisations meet to discuss river maintenance priorities for the coming year and this year the Tekapo River work was identified as being an issue to target.
The aim was to remove all the broom, but some willows would be left at bends of the river to act as flood protection barriers
