Lowland Drainage Operations and Riparian Management - Field Trip
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Networking
This programme has been designed to identify a framework to raise awareness, learning and development pathways and ultimately drive recruitment and attraction strategies to assure river management expertise for the future.
| Date & Time | Monday 3 April 2023 8.00am – 5.30pm Tauranga | |
| Cost | $500.00 Council Staff – $200.00 discount Rivers Group Members - 10% discount Please mention discount when making the booking. | |
| Where to register | Email Rachael Armstrong - Rachael.Armstrong@hbrc.govt.nz | |
| Outline | Key Learning Objectives/Outcomes Develop an understanding of lowland drainage and pumping systems operations and management, with a selection of drainage riparian best practice and water quality enhancement works. The field trip will incorporate a range of common drainage maintenance methods with discussion around water quality issues, environmental guidelines, best practice riparian management, habitat restoration and water quality treatment via constructed wetlands. The field trip will be most beneficial to practitioners involved with drainage system maintenance and operations and there will be good opportunities to share experiences and lessons learned from other areas. The field trip will take place around the Te Puke – Maketū area (Bay of Plenty) and comprise a range of operational, land management, cultural and science presenters to explore contemporary drain waterway management that is sympathetic to indigenous fish species (mainly inanga and tuna), terrestrial birdlife and cultural values. Bay of Plenty (like many other regions in NZ) has had many thousands of hectares of wetland/saltmarsh areas historically drained to create valuable farmland. This field trip/seminar will look at how stakeholders are working together to enhance the waterways (including artificial and modified watercourses) to maximise their potential for restoring water quality and habitat for indigenous species. Key themes Drainage maintenance methods: A wide range of drainage maintenance options will be demonstrated including weed cutting options, herbicide spraying, saltwater flushing, biological controls (grass carp), and mechanical clearing using hydraulic excavators. Drain riparian practice: Various styles of drain and waterway riparian management will be demonstrated including examples of DairyNZ best practice guidelines. Native fish passage & habitat: Examples of inanga ponds, inanga spawning preferences and spawning area enhancement works. The field trip will also include various examples of fish passage through floodgated structures. Environmental guidelines: Discussions around the new National Works in Waterways Guideline produced by MfE and how drainage works will recognize the guidelines. Cultural perspectives: The seminar will include a presentation from local Iwi/Hapū to explain cultural values and the importance the mauri of the waterways and taonga species. Constructed wetlands: The tour will include a site visit to a recently constructed treatment wetland installed to intercept nutrient-rich runoff from an agricultural catchment before it enters the drainage network. Presenters will discuss design and costs for the project and lessons learned. Wildfowl habitat: [optionally possible to invite F&G to present on wildfowl preferences] Itinerary TBC
Participants will need to be able to walk over rough terrain and have sturdy footwear (& waterproof clothing if wet). | |
| To register Email Rachael Armstrong - Rachael.Armstrong@hbrc.govt.nz |