EPA Report: Verified

Source: Pestlink

Operational Report for Possum, Ship rat Control in the Project Kaka

01 Mar 2017 - 17 Mar 2017 11/08/2017 Department of Conservation Wairarapa Contents 1. Operation Summary

Operation Name Possum, Ship rat Control in Project Kaka Operation Date 01 Mar 2017 - 17 Mar 2017 District Wairarapa Region: Lower Pestlink Reference 1617WRP01 Treatment Area Project Kaka Size (ha) 29288.00 Conservation Unit Name(s) GA Id(s) Tararua Forest Park 2795245

Treatment Block Details Treatment Blocks Size (ha) Grid Ref GIS Ref Project Kaka 29288.00 BP33

Contractor Name Beck Helicopter Ltd Treatment Dates Start Completion Project Kaka 01 Mar 2017 17 Mar 2017

Target Pest Details Target Treatment Blocks Control Method Name Pests Project Kaka Possum, Pesticide Aerial Pesticide - Aerial in Project Kaka- Ship rat (1)

Conservation Outcome(s) Project Kaka (PK) aims to restore the diverse native forest , insect and plant communities in Tararua Forest Park. PK is an intensive 10 year pest control and monitoring programme, DOC and other organisations and volunteers are working together to target species that are the biggest threat to native bird life and forest systems. The Project Kaka zone covers the most used areas of the park, so that as many people as possible will experience the expected improvement in forest health and increase in bird life. It includes a diverse range of forest types including fertile river valleys and higher altitude beech, kamahi and fuchsia forests. Improved canopy condition and tree survival, most palatable canopy forest species will be protected.

Increased abundance of fruit/seed in the year following treatment. Forest stable or increasing populations of most native forest bird species present, including tui, bellbird, fantail, rifleman, tomtit, kakariki, kereru, kaka and whitehead (differences >15% in the abundance of bellbird, fantail, rifleman, kakariki, and kaka are expected to be observed in the treatment area relative to the non-treatment area after seven years). Result Target(s) Treatment Area/Block What we got • Less than 10% Project Kaka 2% Rodent tracking index

• Less than 10% wax Project Kaka 0.02 tags marked by possums

• Mustelid monitoring Project Kaka N/A (no target set)

Outcome Targets What we got • Protect the canopy structure of possum palatable trees within the operational area.

• Increased fruit and seed abundance in the year following treatment.

• Stable or increasing populations of most native forest bird species present. Differences of greater than 15% are expected between treatment and non treatment areas after 7 years of bird species vulnerable bird species.

2. Introduction

2.1 TREATMENT AREA

Non-target species Common Name Scientific Name Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae Tui novaeseelandiae Bellbird Anthornis melanura melanura

North Island Rifleman, Acanthisitta chloris granti Titipounamu, titipounamu North Island Fantail, Rhipidura fuliginosa placabilis Piwakawaka Ninox novaeseelandiae Morepork, Ruru novaeseelandiae

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Silvereye Zosterops lateralis

New Zealand Kingfisher Halcyon sancta

Whitehead, Popokatea Mohoua albicilla

New Zealand Pipit, Pihoihoi, Anthus novaeseelandiae pihoihoi, Richard's pipit novaeseelandiae Australasian Harrier, Kahu, Circus approximans Swamp harrier Phalacrocorax carbo Black Shag, Kawau novaehollandiae Grey Warbler, Riroriro Gerygone igata

Long-tailed Cuckoo, Koekoea, koekoea, kohoperoa, long-tailed Eudynamys taitensis koel, longtailed cuckoo, long tailed cu Shining Cuckoo, Pipiwharauroa Chrysococcyx lucidus lucidus

Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis

Southern Black-backed Gull, Larus dominicanus dominicanus Karoro Pukeko Porphyrio melanotus melanotus

Grey Teal Anas gracilis

Grey Duck, Pacific black duck, Anas superciliosa parera, gray duck, black duck House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

Blackbird Turdus merula

Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius

Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris

Eurasian skylark, Kaireka Alauda arvensis

Mallard Duck Anas platyrhynchos

Common redpoll Carduelis flammea

Peripatus, Ngaokeoke Peripatoides suteri

Snail Wainuia nasuta

Shortfin eel Anguilla australis

Common smelt Retropinna retropinna

Redfin bully Gobiomorphus huttoni

Banded kokopu Galaxias fasciatus

Brown trout Salmo trutta

Welcome Swallow, Warou Hirundo neoxena neoxena

Paradise Shelduck, Putangitangi Tadorna variegata

Torrentfish Cheimarrichthys fosteri

Wellington Green gecko Naultinus punctatus

Southern Bell Frog Ranoidea raniformis undetermined magpie species Gymnorhina sp.

Dunnock Prunella modularis

Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

Greenfinch Carduelis chloris

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Common bully Gobiomorphus cotidianus

Target benefit species Common Name Scientific Name - Raukaua simplex

Rimu Dacrydium cupressinum

Silver beech, Tawhai Lophozonia menziesii

- Corybas oblongus

Copper Skink Oligosoma aeneum

Forest Gecko Mokopirirakau granulatus

Common Gecko Woodworthia maculata

Tree fuchsia Fuchsia excorticata

- Metrosideros robusta

Kamahi, tawheo, tawhero, Weinmannia racemosa tawherowhero - Raukaua simplex

Tawa Beilschmiedia tawa

- Pseudopanax colensoi

- Ileostylus micranthus

Large-leaved milk tree, turepo Streblus banksii

- Pittosporum cornifolium

- Dendrobium cunninghamii

- Earina mucronata

Greenhood orchid Pterostylis banksii

- Metrosideros robusta

Threatened species Common Name Scientific Name Red-crowned Parakeet, red- headed parakeet, Kakariki, novaezelandiae kakariki, kaka-wairiki, kawariki, novaezelandiae porete, powha Southern falcon, karearea, bush hawk, sparrow hawk, bush Falco novaeseelandiae falcon, southern falcon, eastern falcon, ka Long finned eel Anguilla dieffenbachii

Scarlet mistletoe Peraxilla colensoi

Crayfish or Koura Paranephrops zealandicus

- Olearia cheesemanii

North Island kaka, bush , Nestor meridionalis brown parrot, kawkaw septentrionalis Yellow-crowned Parakeet, Cyanoramphus auriceps Kakariki New Zealand pigeon, Kereru Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae

Chalinolobus tuberculatus Long-tailed bat (North Island) (North Island) - Hebe sp.

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Kohurangi, Kirk's daisy Brachyglottis kirkii var. kirkii

Geographical location The Project Kaka is situated 13 km West of Otaki. TREATMENT BLOCK DETAILS: Treatment block Project Kaka Recordings of 739 indigenous plants in the Tararua Forest Park have been made. This represents almost 30% of the New Zealand indigenous flora (Sawyer, 1994). The forests of the are extremely complex with many peculiarities in local stand composition or species distribution. Five vegetation types cover the land in the treatment area. The vegetation at the lower altitude areas of the Vegetation type treatment area is rimu/beech/kamahi forest on alluvial terraces. Away from these areas between 500m and 900m is red beech/silver beech/kamahi forest. Between 900m and the treeline at 1200m, silver beech predominates. Within these two forest types can be found Fuchsia excorticata (tree fuchsia) forest at altitudes between 500m and 1000m. Above 1200m for some 100 to 200m, some subalpine shrubland dominated by leatherwood (Olearia colensoi) is present. Bioclimatic zone montane sub-alpine lowland sub-montane Climate characteristics: Rainfall 5000 mm Temperature: Average Summer 14.0 Average Winter 5.0

Snow level 700 m Altitude 100-1529 m Community and Iwi Tramping, hunting, botanising and fishing. interests Historic sites Cone Hut, Field Hut.

2.2 MANAGEMENT HISTORY Management history was not chosen to be shown in this operational report. This history is, however, available via Pestlink 3 Outcomes and Targets 3.1 CONSERVATION OUTCOMES Project Kaka (PK) aims to restore the diverse native forest bird, insect and plant communities in Tararua Forest Park. PK is an intensive 10 year pest control and monitoring programme, DOC and other organisations and volunteers are working together to target species that are the biggest threat to native bird life and forest systems. The Project Kaka zone covers the most used areas of the park, so that as many people as possible will experience the expected improvement in forest health and increase in bird life. It includes a diverse range of forest types including fertile river valleys and higher altitude beech, kamahi and fuchsia forests. Improved canopy condition

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and tree survival, most palatable canopy forest species will be protected. Increased abundance of fruit/seed in the year following treatment. Forest birds stable or increasing populations of most native forest bird species present, including tui, bellbird, fantail, rifleman, tomtit, kakariki, kereru, kaka and whitehead (differences >15% in the abundance of bellbird, fantail, rifleman, kakariki, and kaka are expected to be observed in the treatment area relative to the non-treatment area after seven years). 3.2 TARGETS 3.2.1 Result Targets The result targets for the treatment area were: • Less than 10% Rodent tracking index

• Less than 10% wax tags marked by possums

• Mustelid monitoring (no target set)

3.2.2 Outcome Targets The outcome targets for the treatment area were: • Protect the canopy structure of possum palatable trees within the operational area.

• Increased fruit and seed abundance in the year following treatment.

• Stable or increasing populations of most native forest bird species present. Differences of greater than 15% are expected between treatment and non treatment areas after 7 years of bird species vulnerable bird species.

4 Consultation, Consents & Notifications 4.1 CONSULTATION

Public Prior to the aerial application of 1080 baits the Department carried consultation out consultation with iwi, adjoining landowners and other process organisations, as listed in Appendix 3 of the DOC application, in

accordance with the Department’s Pests Standard Operating Procedure Public notification for pesticide operations. Groups and individuals, were notified of the operation. This notification included a fact sheet outlining the location of the operational area, the treatment dates, treatment methods, and precautions that should be taken when going into the operational area. Further information, such as a copy of the AEE, was available to these groups/individuals if requested.

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Tangata Iwi groups were sent a fact sheet about the operation and a brochure Whenua about Project Kaka and a letter stating that DOC would provide a presentation if more information was required. A presentation was given to Ngati Raukawa and Rangitane o Wairarapa CHECK

In accordance with Greater ’s agreement with tangata whenua regarding consultation on non-notified consents, the following local iwi authorities were provided with a copy of the resource consent application:

Te Runanga o Raukawa; Ati Awa ki Whakarongotai Inc; Ngati Kahungunu o Wairarapa Taiwhenua Inc; Rangitaane o Wairarapa Inc; Te Runanganui o Taranaki Whanui ke te Upoko o te Ika a Maui; and Wellington Tenths Trust.

No comment was received from Ati Awa, Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Kahungunu or Rangitane o Wairarapa. Both Taranaki Whanui and the Tenths Trust advised that they have no concerns with the proposal. Relevant local authorities Greater Wellington Regional Council received a copy of the DOC AEE which included a fact sheet about the operation.

Horizons Regional Council, Kapiti Coast District Council, Carterton District Council, Masterton District Council and South Wairarapa District Council received notification about this operation.

Adjoining a 40m trickle zone was used on the eastern boundary with private landowners/ landowners. occupiers DOC staff contacted/visited land-owners on the eastern side, who took their private water supply from the operational area and advised these individuals of the proposed operation. All occupiers were sent a letter, information fact sheet including a map providing operation details.

Hunting groups Throughout the Greater Wellington Area hunting groups were sent fact sheets.

Conservation Members of the Conservation Board were contacted about the Board operation.

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For a detailed list of who was contacted refer Comms plan

Consultation outcomes Consultation was on the whole very positive. Lessons learned Ensure all communications documents are listed in document master sheet. 4.2 CONSENTS Consent Consent date File Reference Permission ID Department of Conservation, 15/02/2017 2935173 Regional Director: Greater Wellington Regional Council (To aerially discharge 09/09/2016 WAR17002334234 1080 to land and open surface water bodies in cereal bait form) Medical Officer of Health: 30/09/2016 16/12/CLG/RPH

Lessons learned Nil 4.3 NOTIFICATION

Public, recreational users and Groups concerned were notified of the operation. 2802143. This concessionaires notification included a fact sheet outlining the location of the operational area, the treatment dates, treatment methods, and precautions that should be taken when going into the operational area. Further information, such as a copy of the AEE, was available to these groups/individuals if requested. Fish and Game The Wellington Fish and Game Council were provided fact sheet Council about the operation. Additional information will be available as requested. Conservation The Conservation Board were emailed about the upcoming operation. Board Additional information will be available as requested. Other interest Groups concerned were notified of the operation. This notification groups included a fact sheet outlining the location of the operational area, the proposed treatment dates, treatment methods, and precautions that should be taken when going into the operational area. Further information, such as a copy of the AEE, was available to these groups/individuals if requested.

Lessons learned

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Some letters were returned due to incorrect addresses, companies closed down, medical and vet centres merging. These are noted 5 Methods 5.1 TARGET SPECIES

Treatment Block Project Kaka Control method Name Target pest species Pesticide - Aerial Pesticide - Aerial in Project Possum Kaka-(1) Ship rat

Target Pest Treatment Block Control Method Name Species Project Kaka Pesticide - Aerial Pesticide - Aerial in Project Kaka- Possum (1) Ship rat Trade name of pesticide 0.15% 1080 Pellets RS5 Name of pesticide Sodium fluoroacetate Type of bait Cereal pellet Toxic loading 1.5 g/kg Bait quality sampling Conducted Bait Details Pre-feed Toxic

Bait type Cereal pellet Cereal pellet Lure/ mask/ deterrent Cinnamon Cinnamon Lure/ mask/ deterrent 0.30% 0.30% Dye None Green Individual Bait Weight 6.0g 6.0g

Sowing Rate Details Pre-feed Wind Date Rate(kg/ha) Direction Speed 01/03/2017 1.00 Light SE

Toxic Wind Date Rate(kg/ha) Direction Speed

17/03/2017 1.00 Light North

Time between pre-feed and toxic 16

End of Caution Period Date 17/11/2017 Aircraft type Iroquois

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Jet Ranger LongRanger

Number of Aircraft 3

Sowing gear details Description Capacity Under-slung bucket 1000 kg

Type of navigational guidance TracMap GPS system used

From hydraulic tipping truck (Iroquois) and front end loader Loading Method with bucket (Jet Ranger, Long Ranger)

Complaints and Incidents log report 3002232 Other Details about this method As above Deviations from planned operation As above Lessons Learned Refer debrief documents DM 2984925, DM 300079.

5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 5.2.1 Effects on Non-Target Species The non-target effects of 1080 used for possum control have been studied extensively for over 20 years in New Zealand (Spurr 1991, Spurr 1994). Dead birds may be found after aerial application of 1080 baits. Bait specifications now minimise the amount of fragments and chaff (likely to be eaten by birds and insects) in bait consignments, which in turn reduces the effects on non-target species. It is important that only high quality baits (carrot or cereal baits) are used in control operations. Research findings clearly show that carrot or cereal baits containing substantial amounts of fragments or chaff will result in substantial bird deaths.Can be fatal to birds, dogs, other native fauna and humans. For a review of 1080, refer DOC website; http://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/animal-pests/methods-of-control/1080- poison-for-pest-control/reports-reviews-and-regulation-of-1080/ Performance standard(s) Followed ? Monitored ? As noted in Appendix 1 of the DOC application DM Yes Yes 2801034.

Effectiveness of performance standards No non-target native deaths reported

Bykill of non-target species To be updated by SB using track clearing information

5.2.2 Effects on Soil and Water Quality 1080 is highly soluble and broken down by soil bacteria into non-toxic by-products. Complete

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breakdown of the poison in bait form may take a few weeks. Baits containing 1080 start to break down in the first significant rain following bait application. Performance standard(s) Followed ? Monitored ? All performance standards as noted in Appendix 1 of the DOC Yes Yes application, MOH consent, GWRC consent.

Effectiveness of performance standards All performance standards were adhered to and were effective. Notification regarding overfly on Waiohine river were provided to relevant authorities in timely manner. 5.2.3 Effects on Ecosystems Potential prey-switching, which is dependant on mortalities of non-target animal pest species. It is likely that a high percentage of rats in the operational area will be killed by this operation. This effect usually lasts approximately four to six months before numbers return to their original levels. The reduction in rat numbers may cause a related increase in mouse numbers. The reduction in rats, which are the main prey of mustelids may lead to increased mustelid predation on birds. An increase in mice may counter this to some degree. It is likely in the short term that resident mustelids will die from feeding on dead possums and rats. However this benefit will not be sustained longer term, as mustelids will re-invade the operational area. National research work is being carried out to detect the intensity and duration of these effects. If these effects are significant, a review of options to manage them will be undertaken. Performance standard(s) Followed ? Monitored ? All performance standards noted in Appendix 1 of the Yes Yes DOC application.

Effectiveness of performance standards Unknown 5.2.4 Effects on Human Health Toxic to humans. A lethal dose (LD50) for a 70kg adult would be eighteen 6 gram baits, with a toxic loading of 1.5g/kg Performance standard(s) Followed ? Monitored ? All performance standards noted in Appendix 1 of the DOC application, MOH and GWRC consents were Yes Yes followed.

Effectiveness of performance standards No reported cases of human sickness. 6 Monitoring Results and Outcomes 6.1 RESULT MONITORING - TARGET SPECIES Result target(s) Less than 10% Rodent tracking index Less than 10% wax tags marked by possums Mustelid monitoring (no target set)

6.1.1 Target Species Monitoring Method: Tracking tunnels Species monitored Ship rat - Rattus rattus in Project Kaka Monitor method details http://www.doc.govt.nz/our-

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work/biodiversity-inventory-and- monitoring/animal-pests/ Deviations Peanut butter placed at end of cards Target pest result details Pre During/Post

Monitoring dates - 21/6/17 Results - 2%

Result target met? Yes Lessons Learned Tunnels in high possum areas must be cable-tied to ensure no possum interference. 6.1.2 Target Species Monitoring Method: WaxTag Species monitored Possum - Trichosurus vulpecula in Project Kaka Monitor method details Protocol as per training; http://www.npca.org.nz/index.php/possum- control-courses/waxtag-monitoring-courses Deviations 40 wax tags per line, separated by 200m Target pest result details Pre During/Post

Monitoring dates - 31/8/16 Results - 0.02

Result target met? Yes Lessons Learned Ensure wax tags are purchased close to monitoring date, no long term storage. 6.1.3 Target Species Monitoring Method: Tracking tunnels Species monitored Stoat - Mustela erminea in Project Kaka Monitor method details http://www.doc.govt.nz/our- work/biodiversity-inventory-and- monitoring/animal-pests/ Deviations Raw rabbit meat, previously frozen. Target pest result details Pre During/Post

Monitoring dates - N/A Results - N/A

Result target met? Monitoring incomplet Lessons Learned Cable tie tunnels to bases in high possum areas.

6.2 RESULT MONITORING - ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 6.2.1 Non Target Species

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Tracks inside the treatment zone were monitored Monitoring of: for non-target species during track checks.

Monitor Method details As per DM 2863739

Deviations Delays due to strong wind and could not fly teams into back country. Monitoring dates 17/3/17 - 20/3/17 Results Refer DM 3002294. Two deer found (separate tracks).

Lessons Learned None.

6.2.2 Soil and Water Quality Water samples were collected at three main public Monitoring of: water supply intakes and tested twice (per site).

Monitor Method details DM 2854821

Deviations Over-fly in Waiohine River at Dorset Creek. Approximately 50 pellets (6 gram, 0.15% 1080 toxicity) are thought to have fallen into the Waiohine river near the confluence of Dorset Creek. This is approximately 30 Km upstream of where the river exits from Tararua Forest Park Monitoring dates 17/03/2017 and 18/03/2017 Results All 6 water samples were less that the method detection limit of 0.0001ug/mL. Refer DM 3003373.

Lessons Learned Potential to introduce penalties for contractor overflys.

6.2.3 Ecosystems Monitoring of: N/A

Monitor Method details N/A

Deviations N/A Monitoring dates N/A Results N/A

Lessons Learned N/A

6.2.4 Human Health Monitoring of: N/A

Monitor Method details N/A

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Deviations N/A Monitoring dates N/A Results N/A

Lessons Learned N/A

6.3 OUTCOME MONITORING Outcome targets Protect the canopy structure of possum palatable trees within the operational area. Increased fruit and seed abundance in the year following treatment. Stable or increasing populations of most native forest bird species present. Differences of greater than 15% are expected between treatment and non treatment areas after 7 years of bird species vulnerable bird species.

No monitoring of outcomes was undertaken

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