The spread and control of Pinus contorta within and adjacent to Tongariro National Park

Abstract

This study examines the problems caused by the planting of Pinus contorta within and adjacent to Tongariro National Park from about 1927.

It details the reasons why Pinus contorta was planted, the initial slow spread of the trees away from the seed source then the rapid spread both within and adjacent to the park, followed by the control measures taken over the past 22 to 23 years.

The introduction and spread of this aggressive pine species was first recognised by a few concerned scientists and conservationists during the late 1950's, some of whom were members of the Tongariro National Park Board but this concern was not initially shared by many interested individuals or organisations who could only see benefit from the development of a self sown pine forest.

From an initial period of strong opposition towards any control measures both within and adjacent to the park, all the involved parties eventually accepted that there was a major problem of a scale which daily became more evident during the late 1960's and 1970's.

The problem - both environmental and economic - caused by the uncontrolled spread of Pinus contorta within and adjacent to Tongariro National Park should be noted with concern as similar problems are now evident in other parts of New Zealand.

The conclusions represent the views of both writers.