Possum control
TBfree has identified the Southern Rimutaka and rural Moores Valley areas for a possum control operation this year, with a view to the eradication of Bovine TB. It is currently working with GWRC on the first round of landowner consultation, which is intended to survey landowners, make them aware of the project, what control options are available/appropriate and seek information about individual landowner preferences. A number of control methods can be used, including trapping and aerial distribution of 1080 (in remote areas only). Information from this consultation round will be used to determine what control measures are appropriate for particular areas. Further consultation with landowners will take place once TBfree has finalised a plan.
The WRCA committee is neutral on the issue as no clear direction or preference from members has been received, particularly on the use of 1080. There is both support for, and disagreement on, the various control methods suggested, so the committee, having been briefed by both TBfree and a local 1080 action group, decided to make information provided from both sides available to members to help them reach a decision for their own properties.
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