Appendix 1. Regional Pest Management Strategy Operational Plan Annual Report 2013/14. A Page 1 of 8

Transcription

1 Appendix 1 Regional Pest Management Strategy Operational Plan Annual Report 2013/14 A Page 1 of 8

2 Regional Pest Management Strategy Operational Plan Annual Report 2013/2014 The third Regional Pest Management Strategy for the Gisborne District became operative on May The strategy detailed how 26 animal and 45 plant pests of regional significance were to be managed over a five-year period. Annual Operational Plans outline the scope and nature of activities that the Gisborne District Council undertakes as the management agency for the strategy. Performance measures are judged against the stated objectives. This report is a statutory requirement pursuant to S100 B(2) of the Biosecurity Act 1993 and covers the period 1 July 2013 to 30 June Plant Pests Total Control Plant Pests African feathergrass Australian sedge Banana passionfruit Boneseed Boxthorn Burdock Californian stinkweed Climbing spindle-berry Gorse Monkey Comb vine Nodding thistle Red cestrum spp Spiny emex Variegated thistle White-edged nightshade Woolly nightshade Note: Some plants apply only to specific wards. Long term: Eradication. Short term: No increase in distribution, reduction in density. Respond to all reports of new plant pests within five working days of being received and initiate appropriate actions within twenty working days. One report of the plant Spiny emex was received and Responded to. Time target met. Due to land disturbance and a building project on a known Nelson Road site, weed seed was exposed to germination. A contractor was engaged by the owner of the property to carry out control work. Subsequent site visits were carried out to ensure no active growing plants were found. Presently the site is clear. Plant Pest Properties Monitored Monitor recorded plant pest One site clear African feathergrass One property sites on a regular basis to ensure compliance with strategy rules; achieve 95% compliance. One site active 74 sites +12 new sites 42 sites Australian sedge Banana passionfruit Boneseed One property 42 properties 30 properties Not monitored *Boxthorn Not monitored 64 sites+ two new sites Burdock 32 properties 16 sites + 1 new site Californian stinkweed 8 properties 6 sites one site active Climbing spindle-berry 3 properties A Page 2 of 8

3 56 26 sites active One site active 1017 sites 220 sites active 797 clear 34 sites six active 2 sites clear 2 sites one active 315 sites 204 sites active -111 clear Target of 95% not met. Reduced staff resources from January to June 2014 meant that targeted properties in the Waikohu Ward were not monitored. *Gorse Monkey comb vine Nodding thistle Spiny emex +Variegated thistle White edged nightshade Woolly nightshade 5 properties One property 99 properties 10 properties 2 properties 2 properties 190 properties Totals 1,331 sites inspected 15/16 plants monitored 345 properties * Applies to Boxthorn and Gorse infestations in the Waikohu Ward only. + Applies to variegated thistle infestations north of the Karakatuwhero River to Potaka in the Matakaoa Ward. One annual inspection of all known nursery and retail plant outlets to ensure no Total Control plant pests are being held for sale, propagation or distribution. Provide property programmes to assist land occupiers undertaking control work of Total Control plant pests on their land. Provide information fact sheets on Total Control plant pests to land occupiers where requested. occupiers or persons who do not comply with rules or statutes as outlined Completed, thirteen retail garden plant outlets inspected. No Total Control plant pests found. Two hundred and ten property inspection reports outining inspection findings, progress on control programme outcomes, any additional works required and words of encouragement where control standards are being met. Information transfer is carried out during advocacy prior to and after property surveillance. Fact sheets are on hand and supplied where requested.. Containment Plant Pests Australian sedge Buddleia Montpellier broom Star thistle Barberry Bathurst bur Common pampas Gorse Old man s beard Purple pampas Sweet briar Thorn Apple Blackberry Boxthorn Hawthorn Holly leaved senecio Ragwort Spartina Undaria Variegated thistle Wild ginger OBJECTIVES: Prevent spread of infestations onto neighbouring uninfested properties. Reduction in density and/or distribution in the long term. Respond to all reports of new plant pests within five working days of being received. Carry out property surveillance to ensure compliance with strategy rules; achieve 95% compliance. Achieved. Sixty three properties inspected. Target not achieved. Reduced staff resources from January 2014 to end of June 2014 Fourteen reports received and responded to. Two resolved outside time frame due to plant species and control requirements. Seventeen Property Inspection reports provided to land occupiers where issues found requesting control actioning and acknowledgement where good work has been satisfactorily carried out. A Page 3 of 8

4 One annual inspection of all known nursery and retail plant outlets to ensure no Containment plant pests are being held for sale, propagation or distribution. Provide property programmes to assist land occupiers undertaking control work of Containment plant pests on their land. contrinuted to target not being met. No Containment pest plants found on retail garden plant premises. Provided 17 Property Inspection reports on plant pest findings. Retail garden plant outlet inspections for Containment plants conducted with annual NPPA inspection. Seventeen property owners provided with recommendations to carry out plant pest control. Provide information fact sheets to land occupiers on Containment plant pests on their land. Not supplied to all but upon request fact sheets were provided. Information is usually provided during initial advocacy with landowner. At the completion of property surveillance feedback and plant control expectations are then discussed with land occupier. comply with rules or statutes as outlined No enforcement action necessary Satisfactory outcomes achieved through land occupier co-operation and advocacy. Limited Control Plant Pests Blue morning glory Common ivy Japanese honeysuckle Mexican daisy Mignonette vine Moth plant Periwinkle Smilax Tree and Chinese privet Reduction in adverse effects through improved awareness and management. Respond to all enquiries within five working days of being received. One annual inspection of all known nursery and retail garden plant outlets to ensure no Limited Control plant pests are being held for sale, propagation or distribution. Provide information fact sheets to land occupiers on Limited Control plant pests where requested. comply with rules or statutes as outlined Achieved Fourteen reports responded to within time frame. Achieved. Thirteen retail garden plant outlets surveyed. No fact sheets provided. No enforcement action necessary Seven reports related to concerns about Privet in residential situations. Other enquires related to scrambling or creeper type garden plants spreading from neighbouring properties. No Limited control plants found on retail garden plant premises. Verbal information on plant species and control options provided once plant had been identified. There were no non compliance issues or breach of RPMS rules. Regional Surveillance Plant Pests Chinese mugwort Horse nettle Prevent establishment in the Gisborne District. A Page 4 of 8

5 Respond to all enquiries within five working days. One annual inspection of all known nursery and retail garden plant outlets to ensure no Regional Surveillance plant pests are being held for sale, propagation or distribution. comply with rules or statutes as outlined No enquires or reports. NA Surveillance conducted, no Regional Surveillance plants being held for sale. National Pest Plant Accord To restrict the sale, propagation and distribution by people of pest plants listed in the National Pest Plant Accord. Respond to all enquiries within five working days of being received and appropriate action initiated within twenty working days. One annual inspection of all known nursery and retail garden plant outlets to ensure no National Pest Plant Accord plant pests are being held for sale, propagation or distribution. Initiate enforcement activity against land occupiers, nursery and retail plant shop owners who do not comply with rules or statutes as outlined There were no reports or enquires received. Thirteen retail garden plant outlets inspected. Number of garden retail outlets has decreased from 15 down to 13. NA One retail outlet had the banned plant African Club Moss on its premises. Shop owner instructed to remove and destroy banned plants. Instruction complied with. Animal Pests Eradication Animal Pest ROOK Eradication All reports of new sightings investigated within five working days. Complete annual survey of active rookeries by 29 September One report received and invstigated within time line. Five rooks reported near Te Puia Springs, site inspection confirmed sighting of three birds. Control pending site confirmation. There were no active rookeries found in the Gisborne District for this period. Carry out rook poisoning operations by 31 October Not required. Control of Rooks near Te Puia will be initiated in October 2014 once nesting site has been located. occupiers who do not comply with rules or statutes as outlined Initial discusions with landowner clarifie obligations and actions by Council if rules are disregarded. A Page 5 of 8

6 Total Control Animal Pests Reduction in pest density and range on a targeted, planned basis Feral goat Prioritise goat control to target protection management areas and soil conservation plantings. Respond to enquiries and complaints within five working days and appropriate action initiated within 20 working days. Where shooting operations are being carried out on a planned basis, not less than a 75% kill rate to be achieved. occupiers who do not comply with rules or statutes as outlined Waihirere Reserve, Waingake Bush and Waerengaokuri Soil Conservation Reserve. Erosion control plantings Huiarua Station Inland Tokomaru Bay. No complaints received. Several enquires responded to as the result of discussions with landowners. 1,127 feral goats sighted. 1,127 feral goats shot. 100% kill rate achieved. Established and maintained goat free buffer around Waihirere Reserve. Removed goat populations near waterworks dam and bush intake. Targeted low goat numbers in replanted Waerengaokuri Soil Conservation Reserve. Feral goats controlled during property surveillance, generally spread from neighbouring properties. Control objective is to target and remove every goat sighted while carrying out this activity. Feral pig within five working days. Provide assistance in the form of advice, information and provision of catch traps where requested. comply with rules or statutes as outined No reports or enquires received. No request for assistance or advice received. NA NA Mosquito Fish Respond to enquiries and reports within five working days. Provide assistance in the form of advice, information to encourage self help. One annual inspection of pet shops to ensure no mosquito fish are being sold or distributed. One enquirey received and responded to within required time line. No assistance or advice requested. DOC enquired about controlling this aquatic pest in the Botanical Gardens pond. Referred this request to Parks and Reserves Manager and Downers Ltd who manage the reserve on Councils behalf. Visit carried out as part ot the wider summer Didymo awareness programme for aqautic pests in the Gisborne district. A Page 6 of 8

7 Initiate enforcement action against comply with rules or statutes as outlined Possum within five working days and action initiated within 20 working days. Where night shooting of possums is undertaken, not less than 85% kill rate obtained. Carry out one annual night count for possums along established count routes. Carry out property surveillance, poisoning, trapping and night shooting operations to target possums in the Gisborne District as the pest of high priority. Develop possum management plans for those land owners who wish to carry out voluntary control on their properties. comply with rules of statutes as outlined Ten reports/enquires responded too and actioned with time lines. Approximately 10,394 possums nightshot. Kill rate = 100% Four out of four nightcount routes monitored in February Count routes are 25kms long. 145 properties surveyed. 26 properties - poison applied. 17 properties- trap programmes. 169 properties targeted for pest nightshooting including post follow up to poisoning/trapping. No plans requested. 111 Inspection reports provided to landowners. Live capture cage traps provided on eight occassions and two reports seeking advice/information actioned. Control focus in areas subject to erosion plantings, follow up to winter poison/trapping programmes. General surveillance and control over farm land. Huia count route 4.6 possums per/km Waimaha route 1.7 possums per/km Tahora route possums per/km Waingake route 1.8 possums per/km Possums poisoned = 707 Possums trapped = 1,702 Possums nightshot = 10,394 Inspection reports outline animal pest findings, service delivery intentions, control outcomes from results of service. Advocacy between landowner and officer is of a high standard where the use of enforcement is seldom required. Rabbit within five working days and action initiated within twenty working days. Where night shooting of rabbits is undertaken, not less than 75% kill rate obtained. Carry out one annual night count for rabbits along established count routes. Where Rabbit populations exceed Level 3 on the Gibb/McClean scale, control measures to be implemented within one month of identification. Provide information and advice to assist urban residents to control rabbits. Seven rabbit reports/enquires were responded to and actioned within time lines. Approximately 1,745 rabbits shot. 1,745 sighted. Kill rate achieved = 99% Four out of four nightcount routes monitored. Feral rabbit populations remained below Level 3. Advice provided as needed once property has been visited and problems identified. Rabbit reports localised of low incidence In residential situations. Rabbits shot in conjunction with possum control shooting programmes. Caught out in open spaces and easily shot. Rabbits per/km monitored at one or less per count route km. Rabbit populations remained static, increases usually occur over the spring and summer breeding season. Any noteable increases occur during periods of drought. Low incidence rabbits in close proximity to urban residences. A Page 7 of 8

8 Limited Control Animal Pests Reduction in population density in specific areas, increase public awareness Argentine-Darwin s ants, Feral cat, Feral cattle, Feral deer, Feral geese, Feral pigeon, Ferret, Hare, Magpie, Stoat, Wasp, Weasel and Willow Sawfly within five working days of being received. Provide advice and options for control to encourage self help. Provide information by way of fact sheets where requested. comply with rules or statutes as outlined Five magpie reports + 1 for info One rural feral cat report. All actioned within time lines. Argentine ants: 11 RfS repoprts received. All reports actioned within time lines. A specific awareness programme was in place over summer. Magpie traps supplied on five occasions. Cage trap supplied as requested for cat problem. No fact sheets supplied but advisory support where required. Action in response to aggressive magpies nesting close to urban areas attacking pedestrian traffic or causing general nuisance in residential situations. Ten out of 11 ant reports confirmed as Argentine. An additional 20 sites found during residential visits adjacent to infected properties. Demonstrated how to bait and set traps. Landowner capable of checking traps and destroying problem pests caught. Advice provided in conjunction with site visit. Regional Surveillance Animal Pests Prevent establishment in the Gisborne Region. Catfish, Chinchilla, Koi Carp, Perch, Rudd and Wallaby spp within five working days and action initiated within twenty working days. One annual inspection of pet shops to ensure no Regional Surveillance animal pests are being sold. Provide information to the public when requested to promote awareness of these animals as unwanted pests in the Gisborne Region. comply with rules or statutes as outlined One report received of a wallaby investigated within required time line. Two reports of suspicious fresh - water weeds investigated. Not Didymo but confirmed as common freshwater algae. Completed, one pet shop visited. Information provided via local news paper and radio stations. Library, airport, motels, hotels, sport shops, recreational clubs, Information centres and rural primary schools. A wallaby was found dead inland Tolaga Bay on the Tauwhareparae Rd. Surrounding area thoroughly checked both day and evenings with no wallabies found. It is believed that this pest animal had been shot out of the Gisborne district and dumped along the Tauwhareparae Roadside. Inspection carried out inconjunction with the MPI Didymo/aqautic pest summer awareness programme. Aquatic pests awareness carried out as part of the MPI summer Didymo/aqautic pest awareness programme in the Gisborne and Wairoa regions. Also includes one on one site encounters with fresh water recreational users across the district. A Page 8 of 8