Parts of Tasman set for 1080 drop

10
2246

Parts of the Tasman District are being targeted for aerial drops of 1080 this spring to control the expected “plague” numbers of rats, mice and stoats.

Like 2014, this year is expected to be a beech mast event, where huge amounts of seed fall to the forest floor. This sees a huge increase in the number of pests, including mice, rats and stoats. When the seed runs out, the pests target native wildlife.

The Department of Conservation says, among the areas of the threat are land west and south of Nelson and they will drop 1080 if monitoring shows the increase in pests.

But the local branch of the Deer Stalkers Association says locals should have their say on the drop and is urging its members to make a submission to DOC as part of its consultation process with the Deer Stalkers Association and Game Animal Council.

The areas likely to be targeted include the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi, Mokihinui and Nelson Lakes East.