20 Sep 2012

Wilding tree projects get funding boost

7:04 am on 20 September 2012

Two projects aiming to help stop the spread of self sown pine trees have received a cash injection of $594,000 from the Government's Community Environment Fund.

Five initiatives have received a share of $750,000 in the latest grant round.

The Mid Dome Wilding Tree Seed Source Removal Project and the Waimakariri Ecological and Landscape Restoration Alliance received the lion's share at $594,000.

They are working to control wilding trees in the Southland and Canterbury regions which suppress native vegetation, dry up wetlands and cover productive farm land.

The Otago Peninsula Biodiversity Trust received $67,750 to carry out possum control in the region.

The Community Environment Fund provides grants twice a year and has allocated $1.3 million in the past financial year.