Project De-Vine Environmental Trust: 2024 Annual Report Summary
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PDVET Annual Report 2024
Report Summary:
A Year of Growth and Impact
Project De-Vine Environmental Trust has had another remarkable year, dedicated to restoring native ecosystems across Golden Bay and the Top of the South. With the conclusion of the Jobs for Nature (JFN) contract, the Trust successfully employed 14 full-time field staff and 2.5 office staff, significantly advancing pest plant control, wilding pine management, and trapping initiatives. JFN has been instrumental in scaling up our efforts, allowing us to train new staff in vital eco-restoration skills and make a lasting impact on the region’s biodiversity.
Funding and Grants: Challenges and Successes
While we secured several small grants, including support from the Tasman District Council (TDC), the Sargood Bequest, and the Golden Bay Community Trust, we also faced challenges with some declined applications due to oversubscribed funding pools. To sustain momentum, we have leveraged our website for donations and strategic partnerships. Notably, an appeal in the Golden Bay Weekly raised $10,364 to establish and manage a trapping network around the Motupipi Estuary, Sandspit, and Golf Course. Additionally, we acquired over 900 traps from the dismantled Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) network in Marlborough, which will be deployed in key conservation areas.
Pest Control Achievements
As of June 30, 2024, our teams have manually removed 1,644,178 pest species across the region. This includes:
- 854,267 banana passion vines
- 261,957 old man’s beard
- 139,701 woolly nightshade
- 16,825 climbing asparagus
- 2,235 Taiwanese cherries
- 57,520 sycamores
- 9,167 wilding pines
Our Weeds Dashboard provides a detailed breakdown of these efforts, highlighting the scale and impact of our work.
Contract Work and Strategic Growth
Our contracted work increased in 2024, with a total value of $894,136. Beyond the JFN funding boost, we secured contracts for wetland restoration, planting projects, and invasive species control. A significant milestone was the completion of the three-year JFN contract, which employed nine full-time field staff across the Tasman District, protecting remnant forests and sensitive ecosystems. Looking ahead, we have secured a major contract to plant and release nearly 13,000 native plants in Kingsland Forest, commencing in winter 2024.
Innovation and Data-Driven Conservation
To enhance efficiency, we have upgraded our website and automated our field data collection. Our ArcGIS system now streamlines mapping, reporting, and data analysis, allowing us to track pest control efforts with greater accuracy. Our team leaders submit daily reports, ensuring comprehensive documentation and informed decision-making.
Expanding the East Mohua Trapping Collective
Building on our success in establishing the Grove Reserve trapping network, we have expanded efforts to include Motupipi Estuary, Sandspit, and Golf Course under the newly named East Mohua Trapping Collective. This initiative aims to create a predator-free halo around Abel Tasman National Park, supporting native bird populations and fostering regional biodiversity.
Looking Ahead
Our vision remains clear: achieving a zero-density state for invasive weeds and wilding conifers while expanding predator control networks. We continue to seek funding to sustain and grow our impact, forging new partnerships to support our conservation efforts. With strong community engagement and a dedicated team, we are confident in our ability to protect and restore the natural beauty of Golden Bay for generations to come.
A heartfelt thank you to our trustees, staff, sponsors, and volunteers who make this work possible. For a full breakdown of our annual achievements and future plans, read the complete report here:
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