Conservation
High Conservation Value Areas | International Standards
Two areas are designated as Category 1 High Conservation Value under FSC® standards.
Wangaloa Creek Wetland (24.9 hectares)
The property holds significant conservation value, including areas of Acutely Threatened and Chronically Threatened vegetation. Habitat diversity encompasses four distinct habitat types and three wetland classes, all benefiting from the exceptional protection provided by surrounding plantation forest. Annual monitoring confirms these areas remain in pristine condition, demonstrating outstanding ecological health.
Shepherd Stream - Eldon's Galaxias Protection
The property provides critical habitat for Nationally Endangered Eldon's galaxias, with active management programmes in place to protect native fish populations. Brown trout removal helps reduce predation pressure, while natural waterfalls and raised culverts are maintained as barriers to protect critical habitat areas. Ongoing work toward reintroduction aims to expand the species' range and support population enhancement.
Community Environmental Partnerships
Conservation Contributions
Annual support totalling $110,000 (FY 2025) goes to Orokonui Ecosanctuary supporting biodiversity restoration, Yellow-Eyed Penguin Trust for endangered penguin conservation, Dunedin Wildlife Hospital for native wildlife rehabilitation, and Predator Free Halo for urban pest control initiative.
Monitoring & Continuous Improvement
Comprehensive Environmental Monitoring
Forest health is maintained through annual professional surveys conducted by SPS Biosecurity, alongside inspections of 58 reserve areas each year. Active wilding tree removal programmes protect sensitive areas, while regular fine-level ecological assessments by Wildland Consultants ensure ongoing understanding of environmental conditions across the property.
Adaptive Management
Our environmental programme continuously evolves based on scientific research incorporating latest ecological knowledge, monitoring results adapting practices based on outcome assessment, stakeholder feedback integrating community and expert input, and industry innovation adopting best practice developments.
City Forests' environmental stewardship demonstrates that sustainable forestry can deliver outstanding ecological outcomes while providing economic returns and social benefits. Our comprehensive approach ensures that future generations inherit forests that are ecologically healthy, economically viable, and socially beneficial.
