Location: Deadman's Bridge to Lowburn Bridge (Distance: 5km)
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 focussed 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.
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.
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 sedimentation to recreation decline, 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.
To find out more, click below.
To find out more, click below.
Plants: What should be here
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Our Bridge to bridge 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.
Information on some of the native species we will be planting over the next four years can be found below. To ensure their success, seeds will be sourced from local plants that are genetically adapted to the harsh climate of Central Otago and the Cromwell region. |
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Timeline
March 2021
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.
May 2021
June 2021
September 2021
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.
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 in the nest year and working with the community to create extensive traplines around Cromwell. |
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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.
February 2022
The trust advertised for tender to deliver the project to a local contractor, company, organisation etc and interviewed applicants.
March 2022
Contact awarded to Te Tapu o Tāne who will now create a implementation plan to undertake this project in Spring 2022
May 2022
We undertake our first planting along Lake Dunstan with the help of Cromwell Primary students and many amazing local businesses
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.
