Four million trees have been planted in the first four years of an ambitious scheme to prevent hill country erosion in southern North Island pastoral land.
Manawatu Whanganui Regional Council began the programme in 2004 after floods washed away large amounts of soil on hill country farms.
So far 350 farmers have joined and four million trees have been planted on 7500 hectares of erosion-prone land.
The costs are split three ways between the Government, the farmers and ratepayers.
Environmental manager Craig Mitchell says the council is pleased with the ground covered so far.
However, it may be years before the benefits are realised.
