The Central Otago District Council (CODC) will soon begin the first stage of the Half Mile Recreation Reserve redevelopment near Alexandra. 

The work will start in the first week of June, with the removal of the trees expected to take two weeks. 

The Half Mile Reserve was identified as a key seed take-off site in Alexandra and a priority to limit the future spread of wilding conifers.

The tree removal sparked criticism of the council’s decision-making process and led to a redraft of a section of the wilding pine policy.

The public had been on quite a journey with this project, Vincent Community Board (VCB) chair Tamah Alley said in a statement.

“I want to acknowledge the community interest in this project and the passion shared by many on both sides of the argument. 

“While we might not all agree on the approach, what we can agree on is that the council has a responsibility to manage pests on its own land and not leave the burden to future generations.

“VCB members have been working closely with council staff to ensure the long-term outcome for the community is a positive one, I look forward to reviewing the proposed redevelopment plan.”

The proposed landscape plan will be presented to community board members for consideration tomorrow (Tuesday May 2). 

The plan includes options for special projects and community gardens, retaining the informal trails and native plantings and using exotics as a windbreak while a native shelter belt is established. 

Central Otago District Council community experience group manager David Scoones said the site would be cleared of all wilding conifers. 

“Every effort will be made to ensure natives and non-wilding trees that have been planted on the reserve over the years are retained. 

“The team have worked closely with key stakeholders such as the Department of Conservation (DOC), Waka Kotahi and Aurora.

“Despite lines going through the site, contractors have confirmed there will be no planned disruption to power supply.”

David said a lizard management plan would be in place to ensure the unique lizard habitats on the reserve are cared for.

A CODC spokesperson said the logs would be sold to offset the project costs, and the remaining slash will be chipped on-site and removed.

The reserve will be closed to the public while the trees are removed.