Wilding pines and their spread are sparking debate as well as action in Central Otago this week, with felling taking place in Cromwell and a survey underway in Alexandra.

People have until the end of this month to give feedback on the Vincent Community Board’s (VCB) wilding pine-related development plan for the Half Mile Recreation Reserve, in Alexandra.

The proposal was created in response to concerns raised over tree felling plans at the SH85 entrance to the town.

Central Otago District Council (CODC), which plans to remove wilding pines at the site, said it had received 70 submissions by midday Monday. 

Not everyone agrees, however, that the trees are wilding pines or with the survey format.

Resident Ken Churchill has spoken against the felling of the trees, over recent months, at VCB meetings. This month he told the board many of the trees were planted originally as shelter so were not seeded as wild trees. 

He said he objected to people being told they were wilding pines.

Ken told board members during a public forum that he believed people’s opinions were influenced by the continued use of the word ‘wilding’ and that it had been “long verified” that the trees were planted.

Ken said he hated wilding pines “with a passion” and had worked in the past eradicating them.

In a statement CODC said there were a number of conifers growing on the reserve which were recognised nationally and regionally as a pest species. 

“Central Otago District Council is committed to being a responsible landowner, which includes the eradication of wilding conifers on council-owned land.”

The Half Mile Recreation Reserve has been identified by the Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group (CWG) as a significant ‘seed take off’ site, which is why it is proposed to fell the trees, CODC said.

An archaeological survey of the Half Mile Reserve near Alexandra.

Council said it has received funding from the Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Programme and had budgeted funds for the removal, however CWG spokesperson Phil Murray told The Central App in April it seemed unlikely the Alexandra issue could be resolved in time for an “agreed programme of work” to be carried out this financial year. 

“The unspent funds allocated to council reserve land cannot be carried over to next year,” Phil said.

The CODC’s Alexandra Half Mile Recreation Reserve Development Plan proposes to fell the trees and bring the reserve back to an “authentic Central Otago landscape” that showcases views, rocky tors and archaeological features, according to a council statement. 

“It provides open spaces and informal walking routes and includes hardy native plantings for shelter, and plant and animal biodiversity.”

People were encouraged to complete the survey at https://lets-talk.codc.govt.nz. It closes on Thursday June 30. Hard copies of the Alexandra Half Mile Recreation Reserve Development Plan and the survey are also available at CODC offices and the Alexandra Library.

Meanwhile, in Cromwell, conifers are currently being removed by CODC at the Sugarloaf Reserve. No public consultation was held prior to the work going ahead and a council spokesperson said there had been no calls from the public regarding the work as of Tuesday morning.

The popular 45th Parallel Loop Track which runs through the reserve is closed at present but will be reopened over the Matariki holiday weekend from 4pm Thursday (June 23) to 8am, Monday (June 27).