Old Man's Beard target of new programme

The council is working with the community to contain and control Old Man's Beard, which is identified in the council's Regional Pest Management Strategy as a pest plant. The programme will focus on areas with the most serious infestations - Dunedin, Roxburgh, Queenstown and Oamaru. Council compliance staff have scheduled site inspections in those areas next month, with follow-up monitoring planned for later in the year.

"We are reminding landowners to check their properties for Old Man's Beard and to take steps to get rid of it. Council staff are available for advice on identification, control options, or any other concerns.  The council has an important role in supplying information and giving assistance to landowners to help them with pest control, and in making sure that effective control takes place," Compliance Officer (Biosecurity) Richard Lord said.

He said the best time to control Old Man's Beard was now, while it was flowering, before the plant spreads its seeds.

Old Man's Beard is a major threat to native bush in New Zealand and is recognised as a serious threat to the biodiversity values of the Otago region. The pest plant has been kept at bay for several years in previously badly infested areas of Otago, but there are signs it is beginning to return.

For more information or advice on Old Man's Beard, contact Otago Regional Council Biosecurity staff on 474 0827 or freephone 0800 474 082, or visit the council website at www.orc.govt.nz

Richard Lord
Compliance Officer (Biosecurity)
Otago Regional Council
Dunedin
03 474 0827 or Freephone 0800 474 082

Trevor Crossan
Field Advisor
Otago Regional Council
Roxburgh
03 446 8905 or 027 278 8638 2208