Mist Preservation Society Incorporated Scenic Reserve

 

Location

The Mist Preservation Society Incorporated (MPSI) Scenic Reserve is located on the northern Coromandel Peninsula. The Reserve adjoins the boundary of the Moehau Ecological Area (MEA).

Area

The MEA was gazetted as a reserve in 1977 and consists of over 3000 hectares of native forest and sub alpine meadow along the Moehau range. The Mist Reserve is 241.52 hectares, has an altitude range of 60m. to 480 m. asl., and consists of a wide range of habitats and topographical and geographical features. Many endangered and threatened native species are known to be in the area.

Organisations involved

MPSI is a voluntary group, each member pays a small subscription that contributes to possum control, insurance and an annual newsletter. Professional contractors are employed to undertake the pest control work due to the remote location, difficult terrain and a desire by MPSI to provide employment in the area.

Management history

Possum control has been undertaken annually since 1980 and a "Breeding Node" project was established in November 2006 over a 20 hectare zone within the reserve with the assistance of the Biodiversity Condition Fund. The "Breeding Node" is an area that will exclude as many pests as possible and allow the biodiversity present within that area to regenerate. The "Breeding Node" is focused on trapping as a means of pest control, to remove the potential risks of toxins entering the food chain.