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MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER
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Essential erosion planting subsidisedLandowners keen to better protect their properties from erosion are being urged to investigate whether they might qualify for subsidised poplars and willows ahead of Northland’s looming winter planting season.
Councillor Joe Carr, who chairs the Northland Regional Council's Environmental Management Committee, says the trees have been planted for many years to reduce erosion, help control nutrient losses and decrease waterway pollution. "Both species have extensive root systems which help bind soil and prevent erosion and council promotes their use both as part of its soil conservation and water quality work." While the council supports the use of native plants, non-natives are more suitable for erosion control because their fast growth rate means they're able to provide stability to land and streamsides much more quickly. Councillor Carr says stabilising land – and associated reductions in both erosion and subsequent sedimentation – is essential. "Sediment is one of Northland's biggest water contaminants and most of the phosphorous in our harbour systems has arrived there attached to sediment from erosion." He says the best time to plant the trees in Northland is typically during the winter months of June to August and recognising their value, the council is once again offering subsidised supplies of willow and poplar pole material. "Unlike older varieties, these have been specifically bred to weed out undesirable traits like heavy, brittle limbs and/or vigorous suckering. They also have better resistance to pests and disease and improved timber values." Councillor Carr says the regional council will meet up to half the cost of poplar and willows for 2014 planting, but with about 4000 poles available, stock is limited with demand usually exceeding supply. The bulk of this year's pole supply is being sourced from a Cambridge supplier – about half of which have already been allocated – with several hundred more on order from the limited number of Northland-based suppliers offering them. "That demand and relative lack of local supply is one of the reasons council decided to invest in its own poplar and willow nursery in Flyger Rd, Mata last year." Trees are usually supplied as 'poles', 'stakes' or 'wands' which have been grown over two seasons. Contact the council's land management team on 0800 002 004 for advice. Orders for this year's subsidised stocks will close at the end of this month or earlier if fully allocated. |
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