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A RESOLVE to eradicate the pest Chilean Needle Grass (CNG) from Marlborough within the next 15 years has resulted in the formation of the community-driven Chilean Needle Grass Action Group (CNGAG).
If left to spread CNG threatens to invade the valuable fine wool producing Marlborough high country.
At its May meeting the CNGAG met with North Canterbury farmers CNG Liaison Committee, Ag Research and ECAN personnel.
Since then the group has taken a significant step forward with MDC supporting the funding of Barbara Stuart (Landcare Research Trust) to facilitate writing of the strategy document. This is an exciting step forward and recognition of the hard work the action group are putting in, says CNGAG chair Warwick Lissaman.
"Whilst the approach taken by our North Canterbury counterparts is reflective of the small number of properties involved (14 as opposed to some 180 in Marlborough), the very strong message is we are not alone in our desire to be rid of this pest plant, and that education around plant identification and individual property biosecurity is one of the most important actions required," says CNGAG chair Warwick Lissaman.
Stuart from Landcare Trust has a wealth of experience in facilitating community led land management projects, says Shona Sam, senior biosecurity officer. The CNG Action group will benefit greatly from her expertise and will assist them to develop an effective and sustainable group.
Working in conjunction with the Marlborough District Council's biosecurity staff, the CNGAG was formed in April, following a clear message received from a community meeting held in Seddon in early February 2014.
It was apparent at that meeting, which was attended by some 80 landowners, that a containment policy was not working and that eradication was the desired objective of the new group.
Action group members represent livestock and pastoral farmers, vineyards and lifestyle properties in the Awatere area, some with the pest, others keen to see that it does not spread to their properties.
"Eradication of any pest is very difficult and we have a hard road ahead, but if everyone works together in the community significant progress can be made" says Shona Sam, senior biosecurity officer with the Marlborough District Council.
"As community members we all have a responsibility to report sightings and eliminate our potential to spread this pest plant, and property owners have the additional responsibility of ensuring known areas are destroyed each year." Lissaman says.
"We have this opportunity to eliminate plants in known areas and stop the spread to new areas. On your property you may determine a shorter time period is achievable and this Action Group is set up to give you access to the tools to enable you to achieve this," he adds.
Action group members
Warwick Lissaman, Phil Pratt, Virginia Hope, Simon Harvey, Tim Struthers; Ash Hamilton; Mike Watson, Sue Green, Terry Marfell, Rex Dodson, Ross Beech, Clr Cynthia Brooks, Clr Pete Jerram, MDC Bio security Staff Shona Sam, Jono Underwood, Alan Johnson
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