We are going through an interesting time in river conservation currently, particularly with the recently passed Fast Track Approvals Bill threatening the rivers we love. As paddlers, we are privileged enough to see parts of the country that very few others get to experience. Therefore, we have a responsibility to uphold and protect these places however we can. Whether you’re researching and writing submissions or just cleaning your gear between trips, we can all contribute to the protection of the rivers we love, so they can continue to be appreciated for years to come.
- Petra Graney (Publicity)
Issues:
Hurunui weir proposal - there is currently a fast track submission in the works for a weir to be built on our beloved Nui, which is intended to remove flow variability. It will also have significant impacts on the river ecosystem.
Help out by logging your trips on the river -> https://forms.gle/JxHkPHpX4h9uJVY5A
Kaituna damming proposal - another fast track submission that threatens the Whitewater Community.
More info here -> https://whitewater.nz/kaituna-dam-proposal-the-current-fight-to-protect-the-awa/?fbclid=PAQ0xDSwKXd91leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp4M3OUfxTzgDZW37LAcJZzPMoJtDZab0y6fmR0duh6n53_Qmla_eS1kBIHQY_aem_SXp679LNGVHyoyU-g6ztdA
From Check Clean Dry:
Check, Clean, Dry to stop freshwater pests
When you’re out paddling on Canterbury’s rivers and lakes, the threat of freshwater pests spreading and invading is very real.
Freshwater pests can ruin valuable ecosystems by preventing the growth of native water plants and reducing habitats for many types of fish.
The invasion of freshwater pests is a direct result of human activity so if you plan on going to a lake, river, stream or wetland and move to another within 48 hours, you must clean all your gear that has been wet using the 'Check, Clean, Dry' method.
Check
Remove any plant matter from your gear and leave it at the site (the river or lake bank), or put it in the rubbish. Don't wash plant material down any drain.
Clean
Use 10% dishwashing detergent mixed with water and leave the item wet for 10 minutes.
Dry
Ensure your gear is completely dry to touch, inside and out, then leave to dry for at least another 48 hours before you use it.
Some of the freshwater pest species present in Aotearoa New Zealand exist within our region like didymo, elodea and lagarosiphon, but many of our lakes and rivers remain pest-free. To help keep it this way, it's important that equipment and vessels are properly cleaned and decontaminated before entering any waterway.
We all have a responsibility to protect our freshwater so remember, even if you can’t see it, if it’s wet, it’s a threat.
For more information visit https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/your-environment/biodiversity-and-biosecurity/biosecurity/preventing-the-spread-of-pests/check-clean-dry/
Contact Environment Canterbury on 0800 324 636 or email biosecurity@ecan.govt.nz
