Tree removal starts again on Sala Street
Work started again this week on the removal of high-risk trees around the Pūarenga Stream, near Sala Street, to reduce the risk of tree falls.
Earlier last year about 100 trees were identified as high-risk in this area due to an increase in falling and shedding of trees, causing regular disruption and damage to property and infrastructure.
Tree removal began in July 2023, but had to be put on hold as some of the trees identified for removal are habitat for pekapeka tou roa (long-tailed bats).
Late last month council's contractor received approval from Department of Conservation (DOC) to carry out the work in a way that ensures the protection of bats and safe removal of them, if present, in any of the trees being removed.
Twenty two of these high-risk trees are on council land, and felling of these started yesterday and is expected to be finished by next Friday 19 January 2024 (weather dependent).
While no trees will be felled onto Sala Street, there may be intermittent road closures as a precautionary measure. Traffic management will be in place and any detours will be clearly sign posted.
The trail through the trees may also be closed at times and this will be sign posted.
If the walkway is open, pedestrians and cyclists are advised to take care when travelling through the area as there may be heavy machinery at work nearby.
If people need to find an alternative cycling or walking route, check out our Safe and Sustainable Journeys website for more information.
People will be able to collect some of the wood chips for gardens once the work is finished and it is safe to do so. The wood will not be available for the public, as it will be milled for future use in parks and reserves. People are advised to stay out of the live worksite at all times.
A number of high-risk trees that did not contain bat roosts have already been removed by Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council, during initial operations in early July 2023.
You can read the initial media release from BOPRC on our website here.