EPA Report: Verified

Source: Pestlink

Operational Report for Possum, Ship rat Control in the Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB

08 Nov 2014 - 08 Dec 2014 8/05/2015 Department of Conservation Nelson Lakes Contents

1. Operation Summary ...... 2 2. Introduction ...... 4 2.1 TREATMENT AREA ...... 4 2.2 MANAGEMENT HISTORY ...... 8 3 Outcomes and Targets ...... 8 3.1 CONSERVATION OUTCOMES ...... 8 3.2 TARGETS ...... 8 3.2.1 Result Targets ...... 8 3.2.2 Outcome Targets ...... 9 4 Consultation, Consents & Notifications ...... 9 4.1 CONSULTATION ...... 9 4.2 CONSENTS ...... 10 4.3 NOTIFICATION ...... 10 5 Methods ...... 11 5.1 TARGET SPECIES ...... 11 5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ...... 16 5.2.1 Effects on Non-Target Species ...... 16 5.2.2 Effects on Soil and Water Quality ...... 16 5.2.3 Effects on Ecosystems ...... 17 5.2.4 Effects on Human Health ...... 17 6 Monitoring Results and Outcomes ...... 18 6.1 RESULT MONITORING - TARGET SPECIES ...... 18 6.2 RESULT MONITORING - ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ...... 19 6.3 OUTCOME MONITORING ...... 20

1. Operation Summary

Operation Name Possum, Ship rat Control in Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB Operation Date 08 Nov 2014 - 08 Dec 2014 Office: Rotoiti / Nelson Lakes Region: Northern and Western Pestlink Reference 1415STA02 Treatment Area Size (ha) Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB 9035.00 Conservation Unit Name(s) GA Id(s) Nelson Lakes National Park 2803471

Treatment Block Details Treatment Blocks Size (ha) Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB 842.00 170m Flight Lines Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB 8082.00 150m Flight Lines Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB 111.00 Hand lay

Andersons/Way to Go Helicopters Contractor Name Treatment Dates Start Completion Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB 08 Nov 2014 03 Dec 2014 150m Flight Lines Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB 08 Nov 2014 03 Dec 2014 170m Flight Lines Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB 08 Nov 2014 08 Dec 2014 Hand lay

Target Pest Details Target Treatment Blocks Control Method Name Pests Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes Possum, Pesticide Aerial Pesticide - Aerial in BfoB 150m Flight Ship rat Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB Lines 150m Flight Lines-(2)

Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes Possum, Pesticide Aerial Pesticide - Aerial in BfoB 170m Flight Ship rat Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB Lines 170m Flight Lines-(1) Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes Possum, Pesticide Hand Pesticide - Hand Laying in

Pestlink Ref: 1415STA02 Page 2 of 21 Date Printed: 11 May 2015 BfoB Hand lay Ship rat Laying Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB Hand lay-(1)

Conservation Outcome(s) The Department of Conservation will undertake this operation to protect the health and integrity of native plant and animal species and forest communities within the area. The conservation objectives of the operation are: To benefit threatened native fauna species present, particularly those susceptible to rat and possum predation including, but not limited to kea, kaka, kakariki, great spotted kiwi and rock wren, Powelliphanta spp. and long tailed bats. Prevent the possible functional extinction of rat and stoat susceptible native fauna species as a result of beech mast induced predator irruptions. Enhance the effectiveness of the predator (rat and stoat) ground control programme (trapping) for the protection of kaka, kea and great spotted kiwi particularly at periods when predator populations increase following episodic beech mast events. Result Target(s) Treatment Area/Block What we got • To reduce rat Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB 0% tracking indices at 150m Flight Lines all surveyed sites within the aerial treatment area to less than 5% Footprint Tunnel Index (FTI).

• To reduce rat Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB 13% tracking indices at 170m Flight Lines all surveyed sites within the aerial treatment area to less than 5% Footprint Tunnel Index (FTI).

• To reduce rat Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB 20% tracking indices at Hand lay all surveyed sites within the aerial treatment area to less than 5% Footprint Tunnel Index (FTI).

• To reduce Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB 4% possums within 150m Flight Lines the aerial treatment area to a

Pestlink Ref: 1415STA02 Page 3 of 21 Date Printed: 11 May 2015 wax tag monitoring level of less than 15% (< 15% BMI) immediately following the operation

Outcome Targets What we got The only known kea nest • To achieve increased survival and productivity within the treatment area of kea in Nelson Lakes National Park measured fledged 3 chicks (the first in the two breeding seasons after the operation. nesting attempt had failed due to rat predation of the eggs). • To achieve increased survival and productivity Treatment (hand lay) 10% of South Island Robin in Nelson Lakes National nesting success. Non- Park measured in the two breeding seasons treatment 66.7% nesting after the operation. success.

2. Introduction

2.1 TREATMENT AREA

Non-target species Common Name Scientific Name Red deer Cervus elaphus scoticus

Chamois Rupicapra rupicapra

Hare Lepus europaeus occidentalis

Common Wasp Vespula vulgaris

Target benefit species Common Name Scientific Name Ninox novaeseelandiae Morepork, Ruru novaeseelandiae Kea Nestor notabilis

South Island Kaka, bush Nestor meridionalis parrot, brown parrot, kawkaw meridionalis Great spotted kiwi, roa, roroa Apteryx haastii

Long-tailed bat Chalinolobus tuberculatus

Yellow-crowned Parakeet, Cyanoramphus auriceps Kakariki Bellbird Anthornis melanura melanura

Tui Prosthemadera

Pestlink Ref: 1415STA02 Page 4 of 21 Date Printed: 11 May 2015 novaeseelandiae novaeseelandiae South Island Rifleman, Acanthisitta chloris chloris Titipounamu South Island Robin, Toutouwai, kakaruai, Petroica australis australis kakariwai Tomtit Petroica macrocephala

Rhipidura fuliginosa South Island Fantail fuliginosa Silvereye Zosterops lateralis

Powelliphanta "alpine" subsp. Snail "Nelson Lakes" Red mistletoe, pikirangi, Peraxilla tetrapetala pirirangi, pikiraki, pirita Scarlet mistletoe Peraxilla colensoi

Yellow mistletoe Alepis flavida

Brown Creeper, Pipipi Mohoua novaeseelandiae

Pitpat Pittosporum patulum

Threatened species Common Name Scientific Name Pitpat Pittosporum patulum

Yellow mistletoe Alepis flavida

Scarlet mistletoe Peraxilla colensoi

Kea Nestor notabilis

South Island Kaka, bush Nestor meridionalis parrot, brown parrot, kawkaw meridionalis Great spotted kiwi, roa, roroa Apteryx haastii

Red mistletoe, pikirangi, Peraxilla tetrapetala pirirangi, pikiraki, pirita Powelliphanta "alpine" subsp. Snail "Nelson Lakes" Rock Wren Xenicus gilviventris

Geographical location The Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB is situated 1.2 km South of St Arnaud. TREATMENT BLOCK DETAILS: Treatment block Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB 170m Flight Lines The forest of the western St Arnaud Range and the Travers Valley is typical of the upland honeydew beech forests predominant in the region, transitional between the dry eastern Vegetation type mountain beech forests and the wetter mixed beech/podocarp forests found to the west. The components of the forested valley sides are mixed beech stands with very minor podocarp

Pestlink Ref: 1415STA02 Page 5 of 21 Date Printed: 11 May 2015 elements. The drier lower slopes are dominated by red beech– Fuscospora fusca and silver beech-Lophozonia menziesii, and with increasing altitude silver beech and mountain beech– Fuscospora cliffortioides become more dominant, with pure stands of mountain beech dominating at the tree line. The Travers valley flats support a mosaic of seral manuka/kanuka- Kunzea ericoides forest and mixed beech, some displaying impeded drainage. Stands of forest trees are separated by braids of old river bed and active floodplains supporting meadows of introduced grasses. Bioclimatic zone montane sub-alpine sub-montane Climate characteristics: Rainfall 1500 mm Temperature: Average Summer 14.2 Average Winter 4.8

Snow level 1300 m Altitude 620 to 1758 m The is a popular river for fishing during the summer season and the lower grass flats of the Travers Valley a well used area for hunting red deer during the spring. The Travers/Sabine tramping circuit that bisects the treatment area receives reasonable numbers of walkers during the warmer part the year. There are eight huts within or close to the treatment Community and Iwi areas that have varying numbers of visitors with the Lake interests Angelus hut being the most popular. The two lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa are well used by recreational boats for most of the year. The treatment area lies within the rohe of several iwi with specific recognition over ; and there are particular provisions in the 2014 Te Tau Ihu settlement in favour of Ngati Apa ki te Ra To in respect of the Alpine Tarns. There are no recorded sites of archaeological significance Historic sites within the proposed treatment area. Treatment block Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB 150m Flight Lines The forest of the western St Arnaud Range and the Travers Valley is typical of the upland honeydew beech forests predominant in the region, transitional between the dry eastern mountain beech forests and the wetter mixed beech/podocarp forests found to the west. The components of the forested valley Vegetation type sides are mixed beech stands with very minor podocarp elements. The drier lower slopes are dominated by red beech– Fuscospora fusca and silver beech-Lophozonia menziesii, and with increasing altitude silver beech and mountain beech– Fuscospora cliffortioides become more dominant, with pure

Pestlink Ref: 1415STA02 Page 6 of 21 Date Printed: 11 May 2015 stands of mountain beech dominating at the tree line. The Travers valley flats support a mosaic of seral manuka/kanuka- Kunzea ericoides forest and mixed beech, some displaying impeded drainage. Stands of forest trees are separated by braids of old river bed and active floodplains supporting meadows of introduced grasses. Bioclimatic zone sub-montane montane sub-alpine Climate characteristics: Rainfall 4000 mm Temperature: Average Summer 14.2 Average Winter 4.8

Snow level 1300 m Altitude 620 to 2300 m The Travers River is a popular river for fishing during the summer season and the lower grass flats of the Travers Valley a well used area for hunting red deer during the spring. The Travers/Sabine tramping circuit that bisects the treatment area receives reasonable numbers of walkers during the warmer part the year. There are eight huts within or close to the treatment Community and Iwi area that have varying numbers of visitors with the Lake interests Angelus hut being the most popular. The two lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa are well used by recreational boats for most of the year. The treatment area lies within the rohe of several iwi with specific recognition over Lake Rotoiti; and there are particular provisions in the 2014 Te Tau Ihu settlement in favour of Ngati Apa ki te Ra To in respect of the Alpine Tarns. There are no recorded sites of archaeological significance Historic sites within the proposed treatment area. Treatment block Rotoiti/Nels on Lakes BfoB Handlay The forest of the western St Arnaud Range is typical of the upland honeydew beech forests predominant in the region, transitional between the dry eastern mountain beech forests and the wetter mixed beech/podocarp forests found to the west. The components of the forested valley sides are mixed beech stands with very minor podocarp elements. The drier lower slopes are dominated by red beech–Fuscospora fusca and silver Vegetation type beech-Lophozonia menziesii, and with increasing altitude silver beech and mountain beech–Fuscospora cliffortioides become more dominant, with pure stands of mountain beech dominating at the tree line. Mountain/silver beech is very common and occurs with manuka-Leptospermum scoparium and sometimes Hall’s totara-Podocarpus cunninghamii and NZ mountain cedar-Libocedrus bidwillii on sites with impeded

Pestlink Ref: 1415STA02 Page 7 of 21 Date Printed: 11 May 2015 drainage (such as lateral moraine terraces). Bioclimatic zone montane sub-montane Climate characteristics: Rainfall 1500 mm Temperature: Average Summer 14.2 Average Winter 4.8

Snow level 1300 m Altitude 620 to 740 m This block contains the very popular Loop Track. It is a well used 1hr walk starting at Kerr Bay near the St Arnaud township, the track borders the side of Lake Rotoiti before looping back to Community and Iwi the St Arnaud Range track and returning to Kerr Bay. This block interests is part of the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project and is visited by a number of schools and educational facilities. There is no special interest by iwi in this area. There are no recorded sites of archaeological significance Historic sites within the proposed treatment area.

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 The Department of Conservation will undertake this operation to protect the health and integrity of native plant and animal species and forest communities within the area. The conservation objectives of the operation are: To benefit threatened native fauna species present, particularly those susceptible to rat and possum predation including, but not limited to kea, kaka, kakariki, great spotted kiwi and rock wren, Powelliphanta spp. and long tailed bats. Prevent the possible functional extinction of rat and stoat susceptible native fauna species as a result of beech mast induced predator irruptions. Enhance the effectiveness of the predator (rat and stoat) ground control programme (trapping) for the protection of kaka, kea and great spotted kiwi particularly at periods when predator populations increase following episodic beech mast events. 3.2 TARGETS 3.2.1 Result Targets The result targets for the treatment area were: • To reduce rat tracking indices at all surveyed sites within the aerial treatment area to less than 5% Footprint Tunnel Index (FTI).

• To reduce possums within the aerial treatment area to a wax tag monitoring

Pestlink Ref: 1415STA02 Page 8 of 21 Date Printed: 11 May 2015 level of less than 15% (< 15% BMI) immediately following the operation

3.2.2 Outcome Targets The outcome targets for the treatment area were: • To achieve increased survival and productivity of kea in Nelson Lakes National Park measured in the two breeding seasons after the operation.

• To achieve increased survival and productivity of South Island Robin in Nelson Lakes National Park measured in the two breeding seasons after the operation.

4 Consultation, Consents & Notifications 4.1 CONSULTATION The Nelson Lakes/Rotoiti BfoB aerial control operation is one of approximately 24 operations being planned by the Department of Conservation throughout in response to the predicted beech mast induced predator irruption in spring 2014. This national-level programme, named “Battle for our Birds” was announced by the Minister of Conservation on 29 January 2014. Media releases and news items in a variety of outlets have enabled information on this predator control programme to reach a wide audience.

Communication resources have been coordinated at a national level with a site specific Communication Plan, Information Sheets (Consultation-Effects) and draft operational maps developed for local consultation purposes.

Consultation for this operation was based on discussion on the 'Effects' of an aerial 1080 operation as a definite proposal (i.e. no discussion on 'Options') as other control methods where discounted due to the large area and the predicted large predator irruption post beech mast.

The following parties were consulted between July and October 2014 with:

- Ministry of Health , District Council, Iwi - Adjoining landowners/occupiers - Recreational Groups , Community interest/ user groups - DOC concessionaires and local tourism operators - Lake Rotoiti School and Outdoor Education Lodge - Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board - Fish and Game Council - Nelson Community Forum - Rotoiti District Community Council

Pestlink Ref: 1415STA02 Page 9 of 21 Date Printed: 11 May 2015 Consultation outcomes Significant consultation outcomes were: -Tangata whenua - All alpine tarns identified in the Ngati Apa ki te Ra To settlement were excluded. - Adjoining landowners/occupiers - It was agreed to extend the buffer to their boundary from 200m to a 300m bait exclusion zone. Water testing was agreed for Borlase Stream for affected water intakes. - Recreational Groups (NZDA) - The lower Traver valley grass flats were excluded from the operation and it was agreed to use 6g baits in the Travers Valley catchment. - Fish and Game - The lower Travers river flats were excluded from the operation. - Community interest Group (Against 1080) - The boundary near their water supply was extended to exclude their catchment, this group agreed to assist with possum trapping this area. Lessons learned Start consultation early even if operation is not confirmed. Having a detailed Communication Plan was important when multiple people working on consultation. 4.2 CONSENTS Consent Consent date File Reference Permission ID Public Health (VTA) Permission. Nelson 25/11/2014 DOCDM 1520697 14-35-ETM-NELPH Marlborough. Resource Consent. Tasman 24/10/2014 DOCDM 1508581 RM140802 District Council. DOC Consent. 17/11/2014 DOCDM 1502859 DOCDM-1519797

Lessons learned There was some delays with the consenting/permissions process due to the large number of concurrent BfoB operations being undertaken. This would have been improved if operations that had already been approved had their consents in place by an earlier date.

4.3 NOTIFICATION Pre-operational notification comprised of letters and Key Facts Sheets sent out in late October to early November 2014 to: • All previously contacted parties • Medical and veterinary practitioners • Wild animal recovery operators/processors • Schools • Police • DOC offices via an INV (Important Notice to Visitors) • Public notification was undertaken by advertising the operation in regional and local newspapers specified by the public health (VTA) permit at the times and intervals specified within the permit. These included Nelson Leader, Waimea Weekly, Tasman Leader, Blenheim Sun, Nelson Mail and Marlborough Express.

Pestlink Ref: 1415STA02 Page 10 of 21 Date Printed: 11 May 2015

24-48 hr notifications were made (30 November and 2 December 2014) and by phone/email or visit to: • All directly adjacent landowners • Individuals who had private water supply intakes that were affected • All relevant consent/permit authorities • Local NZDA and conservation groups • Regional medical practitioners • Police • Others e.g. (Concessionaires) that specifically requested notification.

Lessons learned Having a detailed Communication Plan was important when multiple people working on notifications.

5 Methods 5.1 TARGET SPECIES

Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB 170m Flight Treatment Block Lines Control method Name Target pest species Pesticide - Aerial Pesticide - Aerial in Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes Possum BfoB 170m Flight Lines- Ship rat (1)

Target Control Treatment Block Name Pest Method Species Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB Pesticide - Pesticide - Aerial in Possum 170m Flight Lines Aerial Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB 170m Ship rat Flight Lines-(1) 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

Pestlink Ref: 1415STA02 Page 11 of 21 Date Printed: 11 May 2015 Lure/ mask/ deterrent 0.30% 0.30% Dye None Green Individual Bait Weight 6.0g 6.0g

Sowing Rate Details Pre-feed Date Rate(kg/ha) Wind Speed Direction 08/11/2014 1.00 Light SE

Toxic Date Rate(kg/ha) Wind Speed Direction 03/12/2014 1.00 Light SE

Time between pre-feed and 25 days toxic

End of Caution Period Date 03/09/2015 Aircraft type Hughes 500D or E Number of Aircraft 1 Sowing gear details Description Capacity Broadcast spinner bucket with 6g pellet effective 250 kg swathes of 170m.

Type of navigational guidance TracMap

system used Either 25kg bags hand loaded into converted loader then helicopter bucket or 300kg bulk bags Loading Method moved with HIAB. Bucket sat down in loading

zone and disconnected from helicopter (which refuelled during loading) to reduce potential dust.

Complaints and Incidents No complaints or incidents for this block. There was a small spill within consent area but outside of proposed treatment area (above the bush line) due to a bucket malfunction. All bait was collected and removed. Other Details about this method This method has potential to control stoats via secondary poisoning from rodents and possums. 32ha was trickle sown in this block. Deviations from planned operation All alpine areas were excluded due to potential Rock Wren deaths in the Kahurangi operations. Treatment area changed just before toxic operation (to exclude all alpine), prefeed had been done into the alpine areas. Also due to higher rat numbers being recorded post toxic for some of the other operations it was decided to spilt the Rotoiti /Nelson Lakes operation into two blocks with tighter flight lines (150m) to attempt to decrease the chance of gaps in the swathes. This smaller block was flown with the 170m flight lines the same as the prefeed.

Pestlink Ref: 1415STA02 Page 12 of 21 Date Printed: 11 May 2015 Lessons Learned Helicopter operators disconnecting the buckets when filling greatly reduced potential dust and keep the loading zone clean. Results from the 170m flight lines compared to the 150m flight lines indicate a better result with the tighter lines.

Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB 150m Flight Treatment Block Lines Control method Name Target pest species Pesticide - Aerial Pesticide - Aerial in Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes Possum BfoB 150m Flight Lines- Ship rat (2)

Target Control Treatment Block Name Pest Method Species Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB Pesticide - Pesticide - Aerial in Possum 150m Flight Lines Aerial Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB 150m Ship rat Flight Lines-(2) 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 Date Rate(kg/ha) Wind Speed Direction 08/11/2014 1.00 Light SE

Toxic

Date Rate(kg/ha) Wind Speed Direction 03/12/2014 1.18 Light SE

Time between pre-feed and 25 days

Pestlink Ref: 1415STA02 Page 13 of 21 Date Printed: 11 May 2015 toxic

End of Caution Period Date 03/09/2015 Aircraft type Squirrel AS 350 Number of Aircraft 2 Sowing gear details Description Capacity Broadcast spinner buckets with 6g pellet effective 600 kg swathes of 170m.

Type of navigational guidance TracMap

system used Either 25kg bags hand loaded into converted loader then helicopter bucket or 300kg bulk bags Loading Method moved with HIAB. Bucket sat down in loading

zone and disconnected from helicopter (which refuelled during loading) to reduce potential dust.

Complaints and Incidents No complaints. Two minor incidents, one where an off duty DOC worker who was not part of the operation, walked ahead of the track clearer and removed baits from the track with a walking pole. In the other minor incident two trampers walked around track closed signage/tape and walked through the operational area, after the bait had been laid but before the track was cleared and reopened. Other Details about this method This method has potential to control stoats via secondary poisoning from rodents and possums. Deviations from planned operation All alpine area were excluded due to potential Rock Wren deaths in the Kahurangi operations. Treatment area changed just before toxic operation (to exclude all alpine), prefeed had been done into the alpine areas. Also due to higher rat numbers being recorded post toxic for some of the other operations it was decided to spilt the Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes operation into two blocks with tighter flight lines (150m) to attempt to decrease the chance of gaps in the swathes. This block was flown with the 150m flight lines while the prefeed was flown at 170m flight lines. Lessons Learned Helicopter operators disconnecting the buckets when filling greatly reduced potential dust and keep the loading zone clean. Results from the 170m flight lines compared to the 150m flight lines indicate a better result with the tighter lines.

Treatment Block Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB Handlay Control method Name Target pest species Pesticide - Hand Laying Pesticide - Hand Laying Possum in Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes Ship rat BfoB Hand lay-(1)

Pestlink Ref: 1415STA02 Page 14 of 21 Date Printed: 11 May 2015 Target Control Treatment Block Name Pest Method Species Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes Pesticide - Pesticide - Hand Laying in Possum BfoB Handlay Hand Laying Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB Hand Ship rat lay-(1) 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 Toxic Date Rate(kg/ha) Date Rate(kg/ha) 08/11/2014 1.00 05/12/2014 1.00

Treatment details Pre-feed Toxic

No. of applications 1 1 How long to apply 1.00 4.00 Average application 0 0 frequency Quantity when filled 100g 100g

Time between pre-feed and 27 days toxic

Date Bait Removed - End of Caution Period Date 05/09/2015 Pattern of hand laying Con tour Broadcast Grid

Other Details about this method Pre-feed was done aerially at the same time as the larger aerial blocks. This block was hand laid due to requirements from MOH and the close proximity to well used day walks. Deviations from planned operation None.

Pestlink Ref: 1415STA02 Page 15 of 21 Date Printed: 11 May 2015 Lessons Learned Doing the pre-feed aerially saved lots of time. Hand laying is hard work for the poor result (still 20% rat tracking post op) and would not bother to do again in this block, probably would push with MOH to do block aerially and have a higher level of track closure/checking. Coverage in tight scrub marginal even though hand laying done on existing cut rat grid lines.

5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 5.2.1 Effects on Non-Target Species 1080 is toxic to birds, but most native birds (individuals and species) are not killed by aerial 1080 operations. Kea are considered the most at risk from aerial 1080 operations. Kea that have been exposed to artificial food sources (rubbish dumps and from tourists) being the most likely to take 1080 baits. Kea in the Nelson Lakes area that were known to visit the local ski field were given supplementary (diversionary) feeding before, during and after the operation as an attempt to keep the most at risk kea from foraging on 1080 baits. The effect of the aerial 1080 operation on common invertebrates within the area will be minor. Lizards and frogs were not monitored in any 1080 poisoning operations prior to 1994; however, none have been reported killed by 1080. Aquatic fauna are not considered to be at risk from aerial 1080 operations. There is some risk to dogs and domestic stock although the treatment area was well buffered to the nearest farm boundary.

Performance standard(s) Followed ? Monitored ? The DOC Code of practice for aerial 1080 in kea Yes Yes habitat must be followed. For operations targeting possums, baits will have a mean size in excess of 6g and 95% of baits should Yes Yes weigh more than 4g. The baits must be dyed green or blue. Yes Yes

Effectiveness of performance standards The DOC Code of practice states that the sowing rate will be 1kg per hectare for 6g baits. This was exceeded by prior Director sign off/agreement with 1.18kg per hectare being sown over 8,082ha of the treatment area. Bait monitoring for size etc of bait was done at a national level.

By-kill of non-target species During track clearance and other work no non-target by-kills were found. One radio tagged kea was later found dead, the body was sent for necropsy and the diagnosis is death from 1080 exposure. 5.2.2 Effects on Soil and Water Quality 1080 is metabolised by soil micro-organisms with no significant impacts on micro- invertebrates. Absorption by plants after leaching of 1080 into the soil, with consequent secondary poisoning of herbivores is negligible. 1080 is highly soluble and is biodegraded by aquatic plants and micro-organisms to low contamination levels. Effects on Soil and Water Quality Not Applicable

Pestlink Ref: 1415STA02 Page 16 of 21 Date Printed: 11 May 2015 5.2.3 Effects on Ecosystems The ecosystem is expected to benefit from the reduction in predator/pest numbers. Effects on Ecosystems Not Applicable 5.2.4 Effects on Human Health Risk of poisoning if baits ingested and/or drinking water contamination of water.

Followed Monitored Performance standard(s) ? ? Warning signs will be placed at the required track starts leading to the treatment area, at identified huts and campsites within the Yes Yes area and at other locations identified by consent authorities. Identified public tracks and roads in the treatment area will be closed to the public until an inspection and initial bait clearance Yes Yes is conducted in accordance with consent conditions. Operational staff to be stationed at sites (huts/campsites) identified by consent authorities prior to the toxic operation to Yes Yes advise the public of the risks of the operation. No toxic bait will be applied within 150 m from public huts/campsites and/or other public facility identified by the Yes Yes consent authorities. No toxic bait will be applied within 100 m of the boundary of a Yes Yes property adjoining the treatment area No 1080 bait will be aerially applied within a specified exclusion zone of all mapped domestic (private and public) water supply Yes Yes intakes listed in the AEEs or otherwise identified by the consent authorities No aircraft involved in the application of 1080 bait shall fly in transit over any water supply intake unless mitigation measures Yes Yes are in place that comply with consent conditions GPS will be used by all aircraft to ensure that bait is applied to Yes Yes and confined to the treatment area Advisory signs will be placed at access major points to the treatment area prior to the prefeed operation to advise the public Yes Yes of the impending 1080 operation and of the risk of the toxin and aerial bait delivery. Consent providers must be given at least 24 hours notice before the pesticide is applied and a close liaison will be maintained Yes Yes throughout the operation. Designate a 'safety officer' on loading site who audits and Yes Yes ensures adherence to safety standards. If an interim water supply is available, the affected water supply Yes Yes shall be temporarily disconnected for 72hrs.

Effectiveness of performance standards Good signage and track closures prevented people from entering the treatment area during the operation until tracks had been cleared. Potable water was provided at the

Pestlink Ref: 1415STA02 Page 17 of 21 Date Printed: 11 May 2015 huts within the treatment area for the required 72hrs. Huts were visited on the evening prior to the operation to inform trampers, most users were aware. There were no complaints from the public.

6 Monitoring Results and Outcomes 6.1 RESULT MONITORING - TARGET SPECIES Result target(s) To reduce rat tracking indices at all surveyed sites within the aerial treatment area to less than 5% Footprint Tunnel Index (FTI). To reduce possums within the aerial treatment area to a wax tag monitoring level of less than 15% (< 15% BMI) immediately following the operation

6.1.1 Target Species Monitoring Tracking tunnels Method: Species monitored Ship rat - Rattus rattus in Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB 150m Flight Lines Monitor method details Standard tracking tunnels set as per rodent monitoring protocol for one night. Baited with peanut butter at both end of the tunnel.

Deviations None Target pest result details Pre During/Post

Monitoring dates 18/08/2014 11/12/2014 Results 65% 0%

Result target met? Yes Lessons Learned None 6.1.2 Target Species Monitoring Tracking tunnels Method: Species monitored Ship rat - Rattus rattus in Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB 170m Flight Lines Monitor method details Standard tracking tunnels set as per rodent monitoring protocol for one night. Baited with peanut butter at both end of the tunnel.

Deviations None Target pest result details Pre During/Post

Monitoring dates 18/08/2014 11/12/2014 Results 55% 13%

Result target met? No

Pestlink Ref: 1415STA02 Page 18 of 21 Date Printed: 11 May 2015 Lessons Learned None 6.1.3 Target Species Monitoring Tracking tunnels Method: Species monitored Ship rat - Rattus rattus in Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB Hand lay Monitor method details Standard tracking tunnels set as per rodent monitoring protocol for one night. Baited with peanut butter at both end of the tunnel.

Deviations None Target pest result details Pre During/Post

Monitoring dates 18/08/2014 11/12/2014 Results 60% 20%

Result target met? No Lessons Learned None 6.1.4 Target Species Monitoring WaxTag Method: Species monitored Possum - Trichosurus vulpecula in Rotoiti/Nelson Lakes BfoB 150m Flight Lines Monitor method details As per NPCA protocol. Result is the Possum Activity Index (PAI).

Deviations None

Target pest result details Pre During/Post

Monitoring dates 14/10/2014 17/02/2015 Results 19% 4%

Result target met? Yes Lessons Learned None

6.2 RESULT MONITORING - ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS 6.2.1 Non Target Species Monitoring of: Kea

Monitor Method details There was a number of kea with transmitters as part of the wider BfoB kea monitoring programme. Kea were also monitored at the diversionary feeding station pre, during and post operation.

Deviations None

Pestlink Ref: 1415STA02 Page 19 of 21 Date Printed: 11 May 2015 Monitoring dates December 2014 Results One radio tagged kea was found dead on the 23/12/2014, the diagnostics from the transmitter data suggests the bird had died 2 days after the operation. The body was sent for necropsy and the diagnosis was death from 1080 exposure. All kea visiting the diversionary feed station are thought to have survived.

Lessons Learned To complete more checking for the week following the operation for transmitters on mortality. Kea diversionary feeding appeared to be successful at keeping the 'at risk' kea not foraging for 1080 baits.

6.2.2 Soil and Water Quality No monitoring of soil and water quality was undertaken. 6.2.3 Ecosystems No monitoring of ecosystems was undertaken. 6.2.4 Human Health Monitoring of: Water supply.

Monitor Method details Water was monitored in the Borlase Stream above a number of known domestic water intakes as per the Landcare research water sampling protocol.

Deviations None Monitoring dates 3/12/2014 Results No detectable 1080 was found in the water samples.

Lessons Learned Worth spending the time to allay people water supply worries.

6.3 OUTCOME MONITORING Outcome targets To achieve increased survival and productivity of kea in Nelson Lakes National Park measured in the two breeding seasons after the operation. To achieve increased survival and productivity of South Island Robin in Nelson Lakes National Park measured in the two breeding seasons after the operation.

6.3.1 Outcome monitoring : Kea - Nestor notabilis Monitoring Method(s) Telemetry Nest inspection (breeding pairs, nesting success) Juvenile census Adult census

Pestlink Ref: 1415STA02 Page 20 of 21 Date Printed: 11 May 2015 Monitoring information due Ongoing date Monitoring contact name DOC, Nelson Marlborough Method details Part of the wider BfoB kea monitoring programme. Also in partnership with the Kea Conservation Trust using transmitters on birds and annual surveys. Monitoring dates Ongoing Outcome Results The only known kea nest within the treatment area fledged 3 chicks (the first nesting attempt had failed due to rat predation of the eggs). Outcome target met? Monitoring ongoing Lessons Learned This work is on going, the benefits from the operation may not show till next season as operation was at the end of this seasons kea nesting period. 6.3.2 Outcome monitoring : South Island Robin, Toutouwai, kakaruai, kakariwai - Petroica australis australis Monitoring Method(s) Nest inspection (breeding pairs, nesting success) Monitoring information due ongoing date Monitoring contact name DOC, Nelson Lakes Method details Pairs were monitored both inside and out of the treatment area. Nests were found as soon as possible and monitored using remote cameras. 5 Pairs where located in each area. Monitoring dates Aug 14 to Feb 15 Outcome Results Treatment (hand lay) 10% nesting success. Non-treatment 66.7% nesting success. Outcome target met? Monitoring ongoing Lessons Learned There was not enough staff time to do this monitoring well this season. All of the pairs in the treatment area were within the part that was hand laid where rats where only reduced to 20%. Pairs in the non-treatment only had one nesting attempt monitored per pair (it is suspected that nesting attempts had been missed due to failing before

being found). Results poor for the effort.

Pestlink Ref: 1415STA02 Page 21 of 21 Date Printed: 11 May 2015