ADOPT A PLOTThe Ben Lomond adoption program is a community based response to a critical ecological issue that is threatening the Ben Lomond (One Mile) Basin.

For nearly 100 years, wilding conifer trees have spread up the slopes of Ben Lomond replacing the native flora and creating a single dense forest. This encroachment destroys both tussock and beech forest and means the complex ecosystem of birds and insects they support is lost forever.

The invasion of the upper slopes is now well advanced and without immediate community action Queenstown will lose the iconic Otago landscapes and stunning mountain and lake views Ben Lomond provides.

WITHOUT ACTION WILDING CONIFERS WILL BE OUT OF CONTROL WITHIN A FEW YEARS KILLING OUR NATIVE FLORA AND FAUNA.JOIN THE WAR.

No sunlight can penetrate the forest

creating a

‘TREE DESERT’ void of life

HABITAT DESTROYED for many birds,

lizards and insects

Unique environment with wide

range of FLORA AND FAUNA

Alpine tussock lands and mature mountain

beech forest

Wilding conifers will fully invade Ben Lomond Basin

in 10 years, becoming uncontrollable in the next

FEW YEARS

NO VIEWS

Stunning views

LOSS of water downstream

ACIDIFICATION of soil and water

RISK OF WILD FIRE

100% loss of alpine flora and fauna

Ben Lomond basin is home

to native birds of both tussock and forest including

KEA AND KAREAREA (FALCON)

CLEAR IT OR LOSE ITFor the past 5 years, a small group of volunteers have worked to contain the spread of wilding conifers into the upper basin. However, the mature conifer forests represents a massive seed source and volunteer efforts have only served to delay the invasion.

Spraying of this area is not a wise option as the fragile flora and fauna would be badly impacted.

Now we need your help, Adopt A Plot represents a new approach to the problem. Rather than a few volunteers looking after a large area, the program seeks to engage with many people who can provide intensive control of smaller areas.

Under this scheme, community groups, businesses, schools, and family groups will adopt a specific area of the basin. Each group will be responsible for hand clearing their plot of seedlings and then maintaining the area to prevent regrowth. The WCG will help interested parties select a suitable plot and then provide ongoing support including training, advice and loan of tools and equipment.

2-3 WORKING DAYS PER YEAR OR WHAT SUITS YOU

SOCIAL GET TOGETHER

HIKE AND EXPLORE

BECOME A PARTNER ORGANISATION

KNOW YOUR ENEMY

JOIN THE WARWILDING CONIFERSaffect approximately

1.7 MILLIONhectares of New Zealand and are spreading around

5% ANNUALLYimpacting tens of thousands of hectares every year; They can cause the loss of native ecosystems and

SPECIES EXTINCTION, impact our iconic tourist landscapes, reduce water yields and increase the risk of

WILD FIRES.GET IN TOUCH FOR AN

ADOPTION PACK

EMAIL US AT: ADOPTAPLOTQT@GMAIL.COM

WWW.ADOPTAPLOT.CO.NZ