Tree removal scheduled for April in Gore

Environment Southland is undertaking the planned removal of high-risk trees in the Gore township along River and Richmond Streets this month.

At drop-in sessions held in the community recently, the feedback from the majority of those who attended was that they understood the need to remove the trees.

The work will take place on Saturday, 15 April and Sunday, 16 April.

Environment Southland catchment operations manager Randal Beal said the community members who attended the events wanted to understand why the trees needed to be removed.

“Many left understanding that the need to remove the trees was to protect the stop banks which are in place to safeguard the community.

“Trees and shrubs on and near stop banks can be hazardous for various reasons.

“In this instance, the trees could interfere with the integrity of the stop banks for reasons like shading, which prevents grass growth.

“This could potentially lead to the banks failing as grass is an integral part of a well maintained stop bank.

“The trees were also at risk of toppling in heavy winds. This would create holes for water to flow through the stop bank. Tree debris could also become a hazard during a flood, which could cause damage to infrastructure.”

A traffic management plan has been developed with relevant parties. It will involve the heavy traffic bypass on River Street being closed for the weekend (15 and 16 April).

Traffic will be diverted down Main Street.

Suitable logs are being donated to the Gore Host Lions Club, to be used for firewood.

The remaining trees will be chipped and taken to the Gore Transfer Station.

All the work, including clearing the site, is expected to be completed by the end of April.

The tree removal is part of Environment Southland’s wider maintenance programme, which includes assessing trees on stop banks throughout the region.

ENDS

For further information contact corporate communications advisor Nicole Sharp 021 678 772

Bay of Plenty Regional Council have a video which explains the risk of trees on stop banks which you can view here.