OMAUI LANDCARE CHARITABLE TRUST
OLCT
WHO WE ARE:
OLCT was formed in 2013 by a core group of Omaui residents who were concerned with the declining health of the native bush and wildlife in the area.
With much help and advice from the Environment Southland Biosecurity team we began trapping possums in the ICC Reserve. Success came quickly in this small area and we began trapping rats & stoats as well. Initially this was carried out by a small number of locals who were quickly joined by enthusiastic volunteers from Invercargill & surrounds.
As the project grew into the DOC Reserve the need for volunteers grew too. Our volunteer base came to include many people from wider Southland some of them temporary Invercargill residents from as far afield as the USA, Britain, France & Ireland.
Our trustees, initially Omaui residents now reflect the wider appeal of the project and include people based in Invercargill.
Our volunteer force is drawn from wider Southland. It includes the young and the elderly, sometimes even family groups, people with expertise and knowledge and beginners keen to learn.
Environment Southland Biosecurity & DOC Murihiku staff have been invaluable in providing practical, on the ground, education and experience to trustees and volunteers.
This is truly a project for wider Southland and beyond to participate in and enjoy.
WHAT WE DO:
OLCT is an active on the ground organisation.
We maintain a substantial network of automatic gas operated rat & stoat traps known as Goodnature A24s, they are toxin free. A24s require re-baiting and re-gassing 6 monthly, a large and expensive job.
Constant maintenance of access lines to the trap network is required, the bush grows quickly! This is an ongoing labour intensive volunteer operation.
OLCT liaises with pest control professionals, contracting them to do possum control when required.
As well as on the ground work there is much administration to do. Sourcing and applying for funding, organising volunteer work days, keeping records & liaising with land administration agencies such as DOC, ES and ICC.
There is always plenty to do!