The Whakatipu Wilding Control Group (WCG) is leading an extensive initiative to combat wilding pine infestation in the Ben Lomond Basin.
It has united contractors with local community groups and other volunteers to protect and preserve the mountainous landscape on Queenstown’s doorstep.
Having started last Wednesday, the group are aiming to work through to the next Thursday, hopefully knocking down plenty of trees in the process.
Funding for this crucial project is provided in part by the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme (by the Ministry for Primary Industries) and also through a donation from Skyline Queenstown, from the proceeds of auctioning the decommissioned gondolas.
More than 30 volunteers from three community organisations, including Mana Tāhuna, the Queenstown Lakes District Council parks and recreation team and the Whakatipu Trampers Club, joined forces to begin the work.
Tomorrow, it is hoped more than 50 volunteers will come and carry out some work.
This initiative serves a dual purpose, offering chainsaw support to WCG Ben Lomond's "Adopt a Plot" guardians.
The programme encourages members of the community to adopt a 1ha section of Ben Lomond, in order to keep nearly 50ha clear of wilding pines.
Additionally, contractors will work around the periphery of the adopted plots, creating a vital buffer zone to safeguard the ancient beech forests and vulnerable alpine herb fields.
