Alligator Weed Control 2005/2006
Report: TR 2007/07
Author: Wendy Mead
Abstract
Prior to 1990 there were two small infestations of alligator weed known in the Waikato region, one on land at Orongo near Thames and the other a very small infestation in a small wetland area on the outskirts of Te Aroha. By 1990 the Orongo infestation was thought to be eradicated. In 1990 alligator weed was discovered on the lower Waikato River. Although control work began at this time, by 1999 it had spread further upriver and had also been discovered in Hamilton city. In 2003 it was discovered in Lake Whangape, and in 2003 in a wetland area and in paddocks on two dairy farms at Te Rore. Since 2004 several new infestations have been found throughout the region. See Environment Waikato Technical Report 2005/38.
A new resource consent allowing aquatic alligator weed to be controlled as needed at known sites using the herbicide metsulfuron was approved in March 2005. This has resulted in improved alligator weed control at many sites. As part of the reporting requirements of resource consent 112000 a report on the effectiveness of control is required annually. This report is to fulfil this requirement and also includes a summary of control at all other sites.
Note - due to the large file size of this document it has been split into two sections for ease of download.
To ask for help or report a problem, contact us
Tell us how we can improve the information on this page. (optional)