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Norske Skog Tasman Wildlands
Wetland Restoration Project
Project Management
Norske Skog Tasman is undertaking a major restoration project at the paper mill effluent treatment ponds near Kawerau.
Wildland Consultants manage the project, including restoration planning, planting, weed and pest control, and monitoring.
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Please click the photo for an enlarged version of the award.
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Awards
In 2001 the project was recognised under the RAMSAR Convention with a national award from the Minister of Conservation for the development and application of best practice in the conservation and wise use of wetlands. The project also won the Industry/Business/Council section in the Environment BOP Environmental Awards Scheme in 2000.
Site History
The site was originally a natural wetland, Lake Rotoroa, with extensive wetlands on the lake margins. Prior to human arrival the surrounding hills were covered with podocarp/tawa forest but this was removed at an early stage following human settlement.
A network of industrial treatment ponds was constructed in the vicinity of the original Lake Rotoroa, using a series of embankments. The development of roading, buildings, hard stands, and effluent treatment equipment resulted in major changes and the loss of most natural character from the site. Prior to the start of restoration works, remaining ecological values were associated with very degraded open water habitat rather than indigenous vegetation or wetlands.
Restoration Theme
A restoration theme has been developed within the context of natural landscapes near Kawerau.
Vision
To restore a network of wetlands and contiguous margins, linked to other natural areas, that provide high quality habitats for indigenous plants and fauna, particularly water birds.
Project Goals
- To restore and manage the indigenous character of the site with a particular focus on wetland habitat and associated terrestrial margins.
- To enable the sustainable use of the site as a waste water treatment facility.
Fauna
Habitat enhancement works for indigenous fauna are being undertaken as an integral part of the restoration programme. The key elements of this objective are:
- to maximise the indigenous character of the enhanced habitats through the use of indigenous plants appropriate to the site;
- to maximise habitat diversity;
- to make selected small scale modifications to the site to create habitat elements that are uncommon, or not currently present on the site;
- to implement habitat enhancements in sympathy with the existing form of the site, and ongoing operational requirements.
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Another sign of good habitat quality.
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Restoration Works and Planting
Project planning and site preparation are key elements for the long term success of the project. A restoration and management plan has been prepared which involves the removal of weeds and exotic trees, recontouring, and substrate restoration. About 7 ha was planted in 1999 and these plantings are now well established. A further 5 ha was planted in July 2000 and site preparation is underway for plantings in 2001 (8.5 ha) and 2002. By the end of 2001, more than 230,000 indigenous seedlings will have been planted, including a diverse range of more than 50 species of terrestrial and wetland plants.
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Sarah Beadel and Kirstin Trevor during site monitoring.
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Monitoring
All plantings are inspected on a weekly basis. Photopoints and permanent vegetation plots have been established to monitor restoration of vegetation and habitats.
Regular monthly bird surveys are undertaken to monitor bird numbers following a baseline survey. A wide range of predators which prey on birds and/or their eggs and young are present on the site, including feral cats, mustelids, possums, rats, hedgehogs, magpies, mynas, and pukekos. Possums and magpies are being controlled initially. Key bird species are being monitored to assess their productivity and survival in the absence of intensive predator control. If breeding success is poor, or if more sensitive species, such as bittern, establish in the restoration area, an integrated predator control regime will be implemented.
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Dabchick are breeding
in the wetlands
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Encouraging Signs
The diversity of wildlife has increased following initial restoration works. Dabchick, a nationally threatened species, are now breeding in the wetlands, a site where they had not been recorded previously. Scaup have also re-established. Indigenous plant species are regenerating naturally in the restored habitats. In visual terms the site looks much better, and visitors have made many positive comments about the improvements. A very significant outcome to date is that the project has become a catalyst for other ecological restoration projects near Kawerau, and several other substantial projects are now underway, including another major wetland project.
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