Peter Mitchell |
Recently the Bream Head Conservation Trust has been very fortunate in being able to contract Peter Mitchell (see photo) as a ranger for the Bream Head Scenic Reserve. This initiative will greatly enhance the work that the Trust is able to do towards ecological restoration within the Reserve.
Pete’s background is in farming and construction but more recently he was employed by the Friends of Matakohe Limestone Island as Ranger, where he and his wife, Cathy, lived for the last four years. The restoration project on Matakohe Limestone Island has been running for more than 20 years with revegetation being the initial focus then moving on to the successful translocation of several species including kiwi, grey-faced petrel and various lizards. There was considerable emphasis on predator control. Peter’s valuable experience there means he is well qualified for the Bream Head position.
Pete and Cathy now live at Ocean Beach. For your information, below, Peter writes his monthly report.
A very warm welcome to you Peter!
David Monro
BREAM HEAD CONSERVATION TRUST - RANGER'S MONTHLY REPORT
MARCH 2010
Some of you may be aware that the Trust has recently made a very significant decision to employ a full time ranger to work in the Bream Head Scenic Reserve. Initially the position is temporary until the end of June 2010 but ongoing funding is being sought. Early signs indicate the job may well become permanent.
Currently the Ranger is being funded by contributions from the Department of Conservation, Northland Regional Council and the Whangarei District Council. DoC has also provided some of the start up equipment - traps, tracking tunnels and the tools required.
Most of the Ranger’s work will focus on a ‘core area’ of 100 ha, which straddles part of the Peach Cove track. The area covers some of the more mature forest and fertile basins and includes significant known ecological sites such as the home of a population of rare "Placostylus hongii" or flax snail. As much as possible all work will be in addition to DoC’s current program.
The job description provides for improved ecological outcomes, advocacy for the Reserve, and relationship building with the many groups interested in achieving the Trust’s goals – the restoration of the forest’s health (the monitoring and elimination of introduced pests such as mustelids, rats and possums), the preservation of archaeological and historic sites, the enhancement of recreational and educational potential, and the development and implementation of the Bream Head Restoration Plan.
I have been appointed to the temporary position and the permanent position will be subsequently advertised.
Infrastructure
• This has been the main initial focus of work this month - cutting boundary lines and tracks to provide access around the block.
• The north side now also has a network of possum traps installed at approximately 200m. spacing. These are Sentinel traps (see photos below) from Christchurch, which are the approved kill trap used by DoC. They are set well above the ground to protect kiwi and other ground dwelling birds and will provide a good back up to the DoC possum poisoning program.
• DoC contractors have been busy clearing the existing rodent bait station lines and reducing the station spacing down to 50m. This should improve rat control considerably and has also helped to enhance general access.
• I also helped DoC recover some unused tracking tunnels from Purua that will be set out shortly to monitor rodent levels in the Reserve.
Flora & Fauna
• The dry weather continues, not only putting strain on water supplies but also on the forest with significant leaf fall and many wilted trees.
• The kiwi seem to have moved deep into the gullies where the ground is surprisingly damp in places with kiwi scat on the bait lines and in one or two places the scent of kiwi is very distinct.
• It has also been great to see good numbers of wood pigeons and tomtits regularly, including several very curious and rather scruffy juveniles of the latter. Tui and notably bellbirds are also commonly heard calling. Kaka appear to be in low numbers at present but this may well be a seasonal occurrence.
• A couple of other interesting reports this month from local residents: Skinks have been seen high on Bream Head above the radar station (great to see they have survived despite the rodent population) and a bat sighting at Ocean Beach. The only other recorded bat sighting in the Reserve was at Peach Cove in 1990. There could be small remnant populations out there just waiting to bounce back with a bit more support.
General
• A German student has recently interviewed some of the locals at Urquhart Bay and Ocean Beach. He is staying at Pataua North on a private property being developed as a restoration project and is helping out as an intern. His study is looking at ecological projects and their wider implications to the community. He had some very interesting questions including a couple on personal and spiritual well being in terms of our physical environment.
• I have also been servicing the DoC stoat traps with the aim of reducing the down time for occupied traps. Between the regular DoC checks this month 5 weasels and 5 ship rats have been removed and the traps reset. This work should help to improve trapping efficacy over time and may help to limit the number of trap shy animals.
Volunteer Opportunities
• Thanks to Greg Stump, David Lourie and Cathy who volunteered to help with some track clearing last week. It was a good test run that worked well with the small group. We were able to carry some tracking tunnels up to the Peach Cove turnoff ready for placement later and also pulled some Mexican daisy and moth plant on the way to the track work. We met at the Peach Cove car park at 9am and were back after lunch, just before 2pm. I envisage this will be a typical volunteer day.
• If you are interested in helping, individualy or have a small group, please phone and we can arrange the day to suit your fitness and interests.
• I am really enjoying working in the Reserve and look forward to working more closely with the community in the future. Together I am sure we can make a real difference.
Thank you to the Department of Conservation, Northland Regional Council and the Whangarei District Council for supporting this community initiative.
Pete Mitchell
Ph. (09) 4340 508
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