Key Takeaways:
- Canterbury Regional Council staff are preparing for "Crate Day" on Saturday, a day when participants gather on local riverbeds and beaches to drink and socialize.
- The region’s braided rivers are home to some of the world’s rarest birds, including the wrybill, black-fronted tern, and black-billed gull, which are vulnerable during nesting season.
- Environment Canterbury (ECan) staff and partners are working to monitor nesting areas and educate river users to protect native species.
- The public is advised to take precautions to avoid disturbing nesting areas, including avoiding gravel islands and open riverbed areas, keeping dogs on a lead, and following signage and instructions from rangers.
- For more information, the public can visit ecan.govt.nz/braidedrivers or phone 0800 324 636 to report any incidents.
Introduction to Crate Day
Crate Day, held on the first Saturday in December, is a popular event where participants gather on local riverbeds and beaches in Canterbury to socialize and enjoy the outdoors. However, this event also poses a threat to the region’s unique and fragile ecosystem. The braided rivers of Canterbury are home to some of the world’s rarest birds, including the wrybill, black-fronted tern, and black-billed gull, which are currently in their nesting season. These birds are particularly vulnerable during this time, and their nests are often camouflaged and invisible to the human eye.
The Importance of Protecting Native Species
Environment Canterbury parks team leader Karen Elliott emphasized the importance of protecting these native species and their habitats. "We want people to enjoy summer and enjoy their rivers, just pick your spot with care," she said. The populations of these birds are already under threat due to flooding, which has disturbed and in some cases wiped out nests, chicks, and eggs. It is essential to respect the rivers and give wildlife the space they need to survive and thrive. ECan staff are working alongside mana whenua, conservation and river care groups, Fish & Game, local councils, and the Department of Conservation to monitor nesting areas and reduce disturbance.
Efforts to Monitor and Protect Nesting Areas
ECan staff, along with their partners, will be out in force over the summer to educate river users about the importance of protecting native species. Rangers will be monitoring nesting areas and providing guidance to the public on how to enjoy the rivers while minimizing disturbance to the birds and their habitats. The public is advised to avoid gravel islands and open riverbed areas, keep dogs on a lead, stay on formed tracks, take rubbish home, and follow any signage, fencing, and instructions from rangers. By taking these precautions, the public can help protect the region’s unique and fragile ecosystem.
The Significance of Braided Rivers
Braided rivers are globally unique environments that are valued and cherished by the people of Canterbury. These landscapes are not only important for their natural beauty but also provide a habitat for a wide range of native species. Elliott emphasized the importance of enjoying these rivers in a way that keeps them alive, not just for the birds but also for future generations. By taking care to protect these areas, the public can help preserve the region’s natural heritage and ensure that these unique environments continue to thrive.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In conclusion, while Crate Day can be a fun and social event, it is essential to remember the importance of protecting the region’s native species and their habitats. By taking a few simple precautions, the public can help minimize disturbance to the birds and their habitats. For more information on how to enjoy the rivers while protecting native species, the public can visit ecan.govt.nz/braidedrivers or phone 0800 324 636 to report any incidents. By working together, we can help preserve the region’s unique and fragile ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.
