Aerial 1080 Drop

Sep 9, 2019

Aerial 1080 predator control

The Dart, Routeburn and Caples Valleys aerial 1080 predator control is planned to start on Tuesday 10 September 2019 (weather permitting).

On this first day helicopters will be sowing a ‘pre-feed’ of non-toxic cereal pellets.   This accustoms the pests to the pellets as food, which greatly increases the effectiveness of the poisoned pellets.   The 1080 poison pellets will then be sown about a week later (weather permitting). 

 Important information about the non-toxic ‘pre-feed’:

The non-toxic pellets will be spread over exactly the same areas as the 1080 poison pellets.   The non-toxic pellets are the same size and shape as the poison pellets, but are coloured dark brown since the operation uses deer repellent.  The toxic pellets will be dyed green to deter birds.

It may be difficult to distinguish non-toxic pellets from poison ones.   Any pellets encountered in the days following the ‘pre-feed’ or toxic operation should be treated as poisonous:

DO NOT touch or eat bait

WATCH CHILDREN at all times

DO NOT EAT animals from these areas

Remember, poison baits and carcasses are DEADLY to DOGS

All tracks in the Dart, Routeburn and Caples Valleys will have restricted access during the 'pre-feed' drop.   

Nearby tracks will also have restricted access including Fraser and Kay Creeks, the Rock Burn, Beans Burn and the Routeburn North Branch.  These access restrictions will be for up to 24 hours.   Overnight trampers already within the area will be held at huts by DOC staff until operations are complete.   People planning to visit these areas are advised to check with a DOC visitor centre prior to their trip. 

From later on Monday 9 September and all of Tuesday 10 September the road to Chinaman’s Bluff (Dart Track) will be closed from the forest edge at the top of Mill Flat. 

If difficult operating conditions are encountered on Tuesday 10 September, then work may continue into Wednesday 11 September.   If this occurs, all track and road closures will remain in place.   If there is any delay to our schedule we will re-contact you with further information.

The operation on Tuesday 10 September only involves non-toxic pellets.   You will receive a separate notification prior to the aerial sowing of 1080 poison. 

Attached is a factsheet about the operation, and for further information please call the local DOC office on 03 442 7933 or email bfobwakatipu@doc.govt.nz

Department of Conservation Whakatipu-wai-Māori / Queenstown  Office Cavells Building, 1 Arthurs Point Road | PO Box 811, Queenstown 9371    www.doc.govt.nz

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