Lake Taupo Protection Trust purchases three farms in the Lake Taupo catchment area
9 December 2008
The Lake Taupo Protection Trust announced today the purchase of three more farms in the Lake Taupo catchment area. The farms are all in the Western Bays area and together total approximately 900 ha in total.
The Trust has been formed to reduce nitrogen discharge into the Lake from agricultural uses. One way of achieving this is to purchase farm land and convert it to low nitrogen uses such as forestry.
Chairman of the Trust John Kneebone said today "these three purchases are another step to safeguarding the lake. In the short term they will be retained in farming however the eventual use is likely to be forestry which has a low nitrogen production level".
The Trust operates under funding from the Ministry for the Environment, Taupo District Council, and Environment Waikato. Ngati Tuwharetoa is also a strong supporter and representatives sit on the Joint Committee which overseas the Trust.
The Trust has now purchased a total of five farms in the catchment at an approximate total cost of $16M. More information on the Trust operations can be found on their website laketaupoprotectiontrust.org.nz or by phoning Graeme Fleming, .
