Whakatipu Wilding Control Group (WCG)

Whakatipu Wilding Control Group (WCG) was established by QLDC in 2009 in the Whakatipu/Queenstown District to obtain funding, implement a work program, advance education and raise awareness about the damaging effects of wilding conifer, (also known as wilding pine), spread in the district. With the aim to promote and protect community values from negative effects including:

• Impacts on the Whakatipu’s Outstanding Natural Landscapes
• Conservation values - (loss of native biodiversity including species extinction - some unique to Central Otago)
• Increasing wild-fire hazards
• The smothering of historic and recreational sites • Limiting economic land uses • The damaging effects to tourism
• Reducing water yields

It is widely understood a monoculture for carbon sequestration is not the answer to climate change, biodiversity is just as important for our ecosystems and future planet health. Our native trees are a better long-term answer where they not only sequester carbon long into the future but ensure biodiversity is safeguarded for our future generations.

As New Zealand/Aotearoa’s number one pest plant, wilding conifers are introduced, self-seeded trees growing where they are not wanted. Their seeds blow many kilometres to infest the sensitive Whakatipu alpine landscape. Not all introduced conifers are a problem, WCG target 5 species where growth gets out of control in our unique climate and soil conditions.

• Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
• Contorta pine (Pinus contorta)
• Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris )
• Larch (Larix decidua)
• Corsican pine (Pinus nigra)

WCG work collaboratively to protect against wilding pine threats, by reducing spread and removing seed sources. The extensive work programme includes a range of control methods including ground control; hand pulling, lopping, chainsaws, drill and fill. Aerial lancing is used in remote or hard to access sites. Aerial Boom spray is used as a last resort in dense and inaccessible wilding stands. Logging operations are undertaken where appropriate.

WCG keep our community informed with a number of tools including seasonal newsletters, a freshly developed website, Facebook and Instagram and an annual Reporting to the Community Night. The community are also kept involved with the popular WCG Ben Lomond Adopt-a-Plot Programme and Volunteer Events are held on a regular basis.

Get in touch with us, we'd love to include you as either a new volunteer or sponsor for this vitally important conservation work in the Whakatipu.