Mana Crusiing Club is supporting club members in their effort to eradicate rats from Pickersgill / Matapara Island in the Queen Charlotte Sound. The club members formed “Cook Strait Pest Control” Charitable trust (CSPC). The Trust operates in conjunction with DOC and Te Atiawa Trust, who are the guardians of the Island.The objective is to contribute to the environment of the Sounds in a positive way and ultimately to prepare the Island to receive Native Birds and possibly Tuatara as a grow out sanctuary.
A video of the concept is here Restoring Matapara – Goodnature x Mana Cruising Club.mp4
Reports of the various trips to the Island can be found here https://straitconstruction-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/rob_straitconstruction_co_nz/EvXZKHD689ZKuJq0rolv1DkB6Bhc6mrTPKzQzXHNnLl-qQ?e=CHMOz7
There are two “Pelorus, Waikawa, Mana” moorings on the Southern side of the Island and boats on these moorings experience significantly more bird life than there is in other areas of the Sounds. The Island is available for the public to access. Weka beach is a popular picnic spot in good weather.
Arapaoa Island, which is not rat free, is close to Pickersgill. There is a limited trapping effort on the nearest point of Arapaoa to discourage rats from swimming across to Pickersgill / Matapara. These traps were provided by QE2 trust but the ongoing servicing is by CSPC.
If you are interested in assisting in any way, please contact MCC or rob@straitconstruction.co.nz to discuss the options.
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