Posted: 25 August 2005
Plans to treble successful Lake Omapere planting next year
Organisers are planning a dramatic expansion of a community-based planting programme that has seen an estimated 3200 native plants go into the ground at Lake Omapere this month.
Planting organisers the Lake Omapere Trust (supported by the Northland Regional Council and Department of Conservation) hope at least 10,000 native plants will be able to be planted around the lake’s margins and wetlands in winter next year. The plants form part of an ongoing plan to improve the 1200-hectare lake’s health.
Lake Omapere Trustee and local landowner Ani Martin (crrct: Ani Martin) says another roughly 5km of the lake’s margins are expected to be fenced off over the approaching summer months.
Organisers hope dozens of volunteers will then be able to move into plant the fenced areas during winter – the optimal planting season. (The fenced areas will keep stock out of the lake, minimise further sediment and nutrient inputs and provide valuable habitat.)
Meanwhile, Mrs Martin paid tribute to the more than 100 volunteers – young and old - who helped with recent plantings, saying they were creating a living legacy “for our grandchildren and up and coming generations”.