The wilding conifer felling at the Half Mile Recreation Reserve near Alexandra has been completed, and the reserve reopened to the public on Monday (July 10).

The felling, which was Stage 1 of the reserve’s restoration, took longer than anticipated because of the extra care taken to protect the lizard and gecko habitat within the site, Central Otago District Council parks and reserves manager Gordon Bailey said.

“Their protection was paramount; this also came loud and clear from members of the community too,” he said. 

“To ensure this happened, we made sure the trees were felled with minimal impact on any lizard habitat. Council engaged a qualified herpetologist to be onsite throughout the felling period working under approved protocols from DOC [Department of Conservation] to guide the felling of trees within this sensitive area.”

With the wilding conifers now gone it was anticipated the number of lizards would slowly increase over time as a habitat more sustainable for lizards developed, Gordon said.

He said a few trees would be left lying on site following advice from the herpetologist, as they would significantly affect the surrounding lizard habitat. 

“These trees will be made safe. The majority of the large slash has been chipped and again based on advice from the herpetologist the smaller slash will be left on site, rather than raking it up, to naturally decompose to protect the surrounding lizard habitat.”

There are large piles of chips from the slash. Some will be used on site as a mulch for the native revegetation plantings, and the council is considering options for any remaining chip.

With the reserve open to the public again, users are asked to be careful while visiting. During this week, a contractor will be on site chipping any remaining slash. Users should note that there will be uneven surfaces, so please stick to the main tracks.  

The reserve has had wilding conifers growing on it for many decades, so conifer seedlings will continue to germinate for up to five years. 

Council will continue to manage the removal of these seedlings and other pest plants species to ensure they do not re-establish.

The council will continue to work with interested community groups on restoring the reserve, with replanting to begin in 2024, CODC community experience group manager David Scoones said.

Extra care was taken to protect the lizard and gecko habitat within the site, CODC said.

“We’d like to thank the community for its interest in, and passion for this reserve and its future, and we look forward to working with you towards its restoration to create a community space that will encourage wider use of this reserve.”

Vincent Community Board chair Cr Tamah Alley, who has been following stage one of the restoration closely, thanked the contractors for their care of “our beautiful landscape and wildlife habitats”.

“Having seen the first phase of the project come to completion, I am really looking forward to being part of restoring this site for generations to come,” she said.