Those heading out naturing over Easter are asked to check and clean their gear before getting into the hills, to stop the spread of invasive weeds.
DOC Biosecurity Technical Advisor Connor Hines says invasive weeds like common heather, gorse, or broom have recently been found on some popular hikes such as the Routeburn and Kepler tracks, as well as in some remote places in Fiordland, Southland, and Rakiura/Stewart Island.
"These weeds are very harmful for our native ecosystems and can quickly get out of control once they get established. They can outcompete native plants and will completely change the look of the landscape and function of the ecosystem if left unchecked," Connor says.
"They're often spread accidentally by people, but people can prevent this by making sure seeds don't hitch a ride along with the rest of your equipment.
"Before you head out, please give your gear – especially your boots, pockets, and tent - a good check and thorough clean for seeds and other biosecurity risks, to prevent accidentally spreading something. Just a few tiny seeds could start an infestation.
Connor says trampers, alpinists, packrafters, climbers and anyone else out naturing over Easter can also help by reporting sightings.
"Getting early reports is extremely helpful, enabling rangers to get in and control the weeds before they really take hold and become a major problem.
"We're after reports of things that look out of place – sites where it looks like the invasive weed is just getting established and DOC might not know about it already.
