Lake Karapiro weed under attack
5 February 2016
Weed control at Lake Karapiro has been brought forward in attempts to get the invasive hornwort weed under control.
From next week Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) will use a boat-based spraying contractor to apply herbicide in gel form to specific sites on the Lake, covering around 40 hectares.
Weather conditions permitting, the lower half of the Lake around the Mighty River Domain will be treated from February 9 - 12. The upper half, including around the Piarere Ski Club will be treated from February 15 - 19. Treatment will not take place during weekends or on public holidays.
Lake users have been directly advised and public notices have been placed. As a precautionary measure only, LINZ has advised lake users not to drink lake water, or use it for irrigation until 24 hours after treatment is complete. Warning signs will be placed at public boat ramps prior to and during treatment.
The treatment programme will cost around $66,000 with costs split between the Waikato Regional Council, Waipa District Council and LINZ. Mighty River Power is covering the cost to harvest the weed, including the weed mats collecting on the chain booms.
Follow-up weed control will be undertaken, as originally planned, in April.
For more information, contact: Jeanette Tyrrell (on behalf of council) 027 507 7599