About The Project

 

The task Project Janszoon has set for itself is to transform the ecological prospects of the Abel Tasman National Park over the next 30 years by investing in measures which:

• Reverse the incursions of predators and weed species in the Park.
• Restore key elements of the ecosystems, including key species and key ecological associations.
• Reestablish stable populations of lost or threatened birds, plants and animals.
• Strengthen the community of support around the Park.

The Park was formed in 1942 from a mix of Crown land, reserves and former private holdings where timber harvesting and farming had been the prominent land uses. Seventy years on, the natural processes of restoration are in progress, but these processes are hampered by the negative impacts of weeds and pest animals.

The Project is developing a detailed programme of work which will be implemented by a combination of DOC staff, private contractors and volunteer resources. Since there is a great deal yet to be learned about the natural processes at work in the Park, and the most effective interventions, a careful programme of monitoring and review is also being implemented.

Some elements of the work, such as the removal of wilding conifers which has been championed by the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust in conjunction with Project Janszoon and other funders, will have a dramatic short term impact in the Park. Other elements will be more gradual and will take much of the 30 year project timeline to achieve the desired outcomes.