$1m plan to bring birdsong back to Mauao | Bay of Plenty News | Local News in Bay of Plenty

Tauranga's iconic landmark Mauao could once again ring to the dawn chorus, thanks to a bold plan hatched by the Forest and Bird Protection Society.

The $1 million construction of a predator-proof fence from Mount Main Beach to Pilot Bay has been proposed by Tauranga branch members Ann Graeme and Marlene Ware.

Their vision for native birds to once again thrive and breed on the historic volcanic outcrop was outlined to a recent Mauao project steering group meeting.

If successful, the re-introduction of rare and threatened native birds would turn back the clock for a mountain that entered a new era two weeks ago when it was officially returned to Maori ownership.

Forest and Bird's plan entails eradicating predators, predominantly rats, once the fence had been erected. Issues to be overcome include whether a 1.8m fence would be too intrusive, its impact on archaeological sites and whether rats would simply swim around the fence where it ended at the water's edge.

Forest and Bird will undertake a feasibility study to address the issues.

The ecological restoration of Mauao would see the forest restored and the introduction of a healthy diversity of indigenous plants and animals.

Mrs Graeme said mending the cloak of Mauao meant developing a mainland island full of native birds. It would offer everyone the chance to experience birdlife normally restricted to back-country trampers.

The feasibility study would establish whether the terrain of Mauao could sustain such a project and whether it was possible for a fence to be erected from the northern section of the base track, skirt above the camping ground and go down to the western side of the Pilot Bay wharf. Prototype fencing alone costs $150 per metre.

Forest and Bird aims to secure the interest of iwi, Mauao's council management committee, Environment Bay of Plenty, the Department of Conservation and the Historic Places Trust. A small group would then be delegated to gather further information.

The group would visit existing sanctuaries, including the fenced-off mainland ``islands' of Maungatautari (Waikato) and Karori (Wellington).

Forest and Bird currently operates 30 rodent bait stations on Mauao while Mauao's ranger was keeping rabbit numbers down by poisoning and night shoots.

Mauao improvement projects planned to start next year are: renewing the surface of the base track and repair eroded areas ($500,000); reinstating eroded areas of the summit ($560,000); and completing the circuit track behind camping ground ($30,00).