/puresalt/Logo-complete.png){kind=logo}
Make it happen...
Art supporting conservation
Vision & Restoration on land
Â
Bringing the vision into classrooms
Â
Looking after what's beneath the reflections
It's a bit of a long story so bear with us...
The whole project is underpinned by the Tamatea Dusky Sound Restoration Plan and the same vision that underpins everything else we do for the place.
/puresalt/Screenshot_2023-06-19_at_11.14.32_AM.png)
place.
Mauikatau/Resolution Island  at over 21,000ha is the 7th largest island in Aotearoa New Zealand and one of the more intact ecological systems nationally. Located off the coast of Fiordland, South Island, New Zealand, is a rugged and expansive landmass known for its remarkable conservation value. With its diverse and pristine ecosystems, the island serves as a sanctuary for endangered and endemic species. It has played a crucial role in the preservation efforts of native bird species since the late 1800's when Richard Henry was employed as curator and caretaker of the island to transfer native flightless birds from the surrounding mainland onto this assumed safe haven. If you'd like to know more about the history of this piece of paradise we'd start with Peta Carey's book TAMATEA...
DOC.
The Department of Conservation has done a wonderful job controlling stoats on the island to a low level for over ten years across an extensive network of over 4700 traps across three trap checks a year.
J4N.
When COVID arrived we were asked to apply for Job for Nature funding over three years to create three extra jobs and allow for additional trap checks as a lever that hadn't been pulled yet. In addition we also proposed to use the crew and time to help expand the toolbox for conservation around detection, attraction and dispatch of predators; drawing on regular innovation workshops with an innovation network of field experts for external stimulation and input. This heavily influences the work program and outcomes, therefore allowing room for existing work and new work to evolve.
On the ground we are running roughly one fieldtrip per month with two crew based on Tau Moana/Five Fingers Peninsula (our innovation playground) and two crew servicing alternating parts of the remaining island.
you.
Right from the start we've built the project with volunteers to make the funding go further and safeguard the work going forward. So we'd love for you to be a part of that network of wonderful volunteers helping us all look after this special spot and continue leaning.
We run Pure Salt as a social enterprise which allows us to look after what we care for and we continue to be humbled by just how many people come together in so many different ways to do what they can to help...
Â
Join us and become a piece of the puzzle...
Become a volunteer
Get an idea of scale as well as of just how big and beautiful the place is...
/puresalt/Screenshot_2023-06-19_at_10.38.42_AM.png)
What to expect
7 days solo
You'll be in the bush for six nights, seven days plus a half day of quarantine the day prior to departure.
staying in bivs
Imagine small, basic huts with two bunks, a cooker, fresh water tank and somewhere to put your boots for the night.
1000m peaks
Some parts involve 1000m climbs within a day along routes marked by orange triangles, through bogholes, across tree roots and along exposed ridges.
heli in and out
Transfers to and from the island will be by helicopter ex Te Anau
up to 80 traps per day
This will mostly be DOC150s and vary through your trip depending on the part of the island you're servicing.
true Fiordland weather
We're sure you know what we're talking about but expect fast changes and four seasons twice a day and don't assume snow is reserved for winter.
river crossings
You'll need to be comfortable making sound judgements on the side of caution.
hard work
It can be long days with heavy packs potentially  leaving your biv and returning to your biv under torch light.
servicing cameras, ALDs and tracking tunnel lines
Depending where on the island you are you may have to deal with a variety of devices beyond trapping.
Just a heads up around what we'll be taking care of... and what you'll be taking care of...
Us
Transfers ex Te Anau
We'll ensure you get from Te Anau to the island and back including your stay at one of the 13 bivs.
Food
We'll cover your food expenses for the fieldtrip and will also supply your cooking kit.
H&S
We'll project manage, provide you with a fieldplan and cover the health and safety for the trip.
Comms gear
We'll have GPS, InReach, PLBs and VHF radios ready for you to keep comms up while you're in the field.
Tools
We'll provide all tools and baits needed for servicing the gear on the island.
Training
We'll give you a thorough brief and run down on how the servicing is done.
You
Transfers to Te Anau
You'll need to get yourself to Te Anau and arrange you own accommodation.
Backpack
Please bring your own backpack and tramping gear including boots and sleeping bag.
Personal back country gear
Take everything you would on your own solo multiday mission including raincoat, overtrousers, gaiters, thermals, hats, gloves...
If that sounds like something you'd be keen on please sign up on the volunteer form below...
A little overview of what you may encounter on your adventure...
There are over 3700 DOC150s on the island. Feel free to follow the link below to learn more about the history from one of the beautiful humans involved in developing it. Â It's a few years old but the traps still work the same way..
Â
Check out webinar
There are over 900 A24s on the island so in case some of them are part of your line feel free to learn more about them below.
Â
Find out more
You'll find 84 motion cameras on Tau Moana/ Five Finger Peninsula which were sponsored by the Kakapo team with high hopes for the island in the future. We'll brief you on our protocols and set up.
Â
Find out more
We got 84 of these paired up with the cameras above on Tau Moana/Five Finger Peninsula. The ZIP MotoLure is a robust tool that can be used in a range of situations. It dispenses a preset amount of fresh mayonnaise lure for possums, rats and stoats (which can be paired with a biomarker), for up to one year without requiring manual service.Â
Find out more
We wouldn't be able to be running this project without you!!!
Grateful for the support of sponsors and volunteers
Volunteers
Giving your time and passion towards the overall vision... we couldn't do this without each and every one of you!!!
Innovations team
Freely sharing expertise, suggestions, criticism and laughs to help broaden our understanding and work on our joint toolbox.
Stoney Creek
Stoked to kit us out with wet weather and bush gear to withstand truely rugged conditions!
