Deadman's Bridge to Lowburn Bridge
(Distance: 5km)
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In March 2021, LDCT received funding from LINZ as part of 'jobs for nature' and $500,000 will be invested in our ‘Bridge to Bridge’ biodiversity restoration project. This project is focused on restoring native species and improving recreational access/use from Lowburn Bridge to Deadman’s bridge.
Since the lake was created 30 years ago, the shoreline of Lake Dunstan has seen much biodiversity loss, soil degradation, damage from pests, decline in recreation use and aquatic weed (Lagarosiphon) infestation. LINZ and the trust are working together to manage pest and invasive weed species along this area of shoreline and to introduce native fauna and flora that once thrived in the region. By creating a safer and healthier shoreline for wildlife, we can improve the mental and physical wellbeing of the community and visitors that travel to the region. Having a shoreline that promotes adventure, imagination and exercise will ensure they lake is utilised to its fullest potential and the continuation of management and development to corelate with the demands of the community. |
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What issues does the lake face?
Lake Dunstan has a large array of issues that impact the wellbeing of the local wildlife and people who live and visit the area. From invasive aquatic weeds to biodiversity loss, we are working to bring together the needs of the community with the activity of stakeholders to better manage these to ensure the safety of all well into the future.
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Plants: what should be here?
This project is about saving and restoring the biodiversity of our shoreline and creating a legacy that impacts the lives of everyone that lives near and visits Lake Dunstan well into the future.
Species selection is a vital part to ensuring the ecosystem restored is what would natural be found in the area but also of those that can survive the harsh conditions. |
Project Timeline
November 2022
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This month the crew finished spreading over 1,200 cubic metres of mulch over the site which was a huge job! Due to the layout out of the site, much of it had to be carried up the hill so a huge thanks to their hard mahi.
Once the mulch was done, the crew commenced clearing lupins along the shoreline to improve access. The skilled crew are making great progress and the shoreline is looking heaps better. Corrections are also helping us this month to clear the weeds and site maintenance. Also this month. TToT crew helped weeds the Cromwell Primary Site from May to help supress grass that can compete with the saplings. The plants have adapted well over winter and thriving! |
October 2022
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What's next for McNulty Inlet?
Over the coming weeks, the crew will be finalising the project ready for growth in summer. With any planting project, whether in a dry Central Otago site such as McNulty Inlet or your own back garden, some losses are expected. To combat this, further topsoil, mulch, water crystals, a high-quality irrigation system, and rabbit fencing are being installed. A new and improved footpath will also be created to allow the community to visit, explore and enjoy the newly established habitat and wildlife it will attract. Separate to this, weed clearing will also be undertaken between Deadman’s Bridge and Lowburn Bridge.e lake. |
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On Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th October 2022, we partnered with Te Tapu o Tāne - Growing Trees & Communities and Trees That Count to deliver the largest community planting event ever seen in Cromwell. Over 200 people from the local community and businesses came together to plant 10,000 native trees & shrubs to increase local biodiversity and community wellbeing.
Video by Tuatahi Creatives |
September 2022
Preparations began for our first planting next month in McNulty inlet. Though partnering with Te Tapu o Tāne and Trees that Count we are holding an amazing community planting weekend where 10,000 native trees and shrubs will be planting on the hillside to reintroduce wildlife to the barren site.
July 2022
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Bridge to Bridge Landscape Plan unveiled
Created by Rough & Milne, Wanaka |
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Lake Dunstan Community Visioning Report 2022 unveiled
Created by Shaping our Future |
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May 2022
We undertake our first planting along Lake Dunstan with the help of Cromwell Primary students and many amazing local businesses
February 2022
The trust advertised tender to deliver the project to a local contractor, company, organisation etc and interviewed applicants.
January 2022
Our Landscape plan for the project is finalised and signed off by our trustees. Nest step is to present to stakeholders and interested parties and receive feedback and assistance.
November 2021
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Our staff attended the NMIT Trapping method course to learn about the best methods to trap mustelids, rats and hedgehogs along Lake Dunstan to protect our birds, lizards and invertebrates.
We look forward to installing traps next year and working with the community to create extensive traplines around Cromwell. |
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October 2021
This month we were busy working with local ecologists to investigate our site and create effect plans to achieve the most successful outcomes, connected with nurseries on large planting orders, meeting with Richard Lord on the ORC's future plans of rabbit control in Central Otago and continued to develop our landscape plan with Rough & Milne.
September 2021
Duncan Faulkner replaced as Project Manager and returns to role of chairperson for the trust
Duncan temporarily stepped down as chairperson to kick start the projects health and safety accreditations and get planning underway until a suitable project manager could be contracted. During this time, Werner Murray was chairperson. Te Tapu o Tāne are now acting as PM and working closely with the community connector, Megan Phillips, and community groups and stakeholders.
Duncan temporarily stepped down as chairperson to kick start the projects health and safety accreditations and get planning underway until a suitable project manager could be contracted. During this time, Werner Murray was chairperson. Te Tapu o Tāne are now acting as PM and working closely with the community connector, Megan Phillips, and community groups and stakeholders.
April 2021
Choosing the location
The shoreline between Deadman’s bridge and Lowburn bridge was chosen at it is a high use area that desperately needs restoration of both its recreational use and biodiversity. This section of Lake Dunstan is important for swimming, boating and families; especially in the summer months. It has seen much soil degradation and ecosystem lose due to rabbits, poor management and weeds.
The shoreline between Deadman’s bridge and Lowburn bridge was chosen at it is a high use area that desperately needs restoration of both its recreational use and biodiversity. This section of Lake Dunstan is important for swimming, boating and families; especially in the summer months. It has seen much soil degradation and ecosystem lose due to rabbits, poor management and weeds.
March 2021
Help this project
Our first project, Bridge to Bridge, is the first step in the right direction! As guardians of our environment, we all have the responsibility to repair the damage humans have done to the region and bring back the animals and plants that improve the health of the environment and our own mental wellbeing.
Any donation, big or small will enable us to provide more resources to our project.
Any donation, big or small will enable us to provide more resources to our project.
