Views on how willow trees could and should be managed throughout the Manuherekia Catchment were heard in Omakau last week.

The session, which was funded by the Ministry for the Environment, allowed everyone to be part of the conversation on willow management, while also helping the group prioritise sites for action.

The Manuherekia Catchment Group (MCG) hosted a public workshop at the Omakau Rugby Clubrooms on Wednesday, an event that attracted about a dozen people, keen to share their knowledge and opinions.

MCG general manager Clare Hadley hosted the event alongside Sally Dicey and Mike Thorsen, both of Whirika Consulting in Dunedin.

Clare said the input from the public had been good, with many keen to look at the detailed LiDAR data technology displayed on a big screen tv, which showcased where willows were located.

The group said the aim was to get the community to provide input so they could understand community priorities and perspectives.

Clare said the drop-in session was not designed to brand all willows as bad.

A willow in the right place was a good thing, she said.

But, a willow in the wrong place could be problematic, she added.

In some cases, willows could consume a lot of water, ultimately affecting waterways, while also providing cover for trout, which can create a negative environment for Galaxias anomalus.

However, a willow tree in the right place could also be a good thing, such as providing shelter.

They are also good for long finned eel, as willows protect their habitat.

Mike said while willows do not self-seed, a twig flowing down stream can re-establish itself.

Willow leaves can also impact water quality by smothering organic matter, which affects the food chain and sucks the oxygen out of the water.

Another negative was when willows choke up waterways, causing creeks to flood, break their banks, and affect crops.

However, the group acknowledged there was a flip side, whereby if the wrong trees were removed, it could create instability.

The MCG will now look at developing a strategic plan on willow management, based on the feedback it received.