Project Crimson

Project Crimson is a conservation initiative to promote the protection of the pohutukawa and the rata which are under threat due to browsing by the introduced common brushtail possum. The vision of the project is to "enable pohutukawa and rata to flourish again in their natural habitat as icons in the hearts and minds of all New Zealanders."

The initiative for Project Crimson grew out of a Forest Research Institute investigation (1989) into the health of pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa). Scientists discovered that more than 90% of coastal pohutukawa stands had been eliminated. The tree had entirely disappeared in many areas along the west coast of Northland.

Disturbed by these findings, staff from Northland Department of Conservation and New Zealand Forest Products now Carter Holt Harvey) came up with the idea of creating a community-based project to help pohutukawa. In 1990 the Project Crimson Trust came to life.

Today Project Crimson is a leading conservation organisation, with support from sponsors and the help of thousands of New Zealanders around the country. These people believe that pohutukawa, rata and many other native trees in New Zealand, are an essential part of who New Zealanders are.

Project Crimson has made impressive progress re-establishing pohutukawa and rata nationwide by planting trees, coordinating and supporting a wide range of maintenance activities, scientific research, possum control programmes and public education.

Project Crimson works with organisations, communities and individuals throughout New Zealand and assists them by providing funding and ecologically-sourced trees for local projects, through a funding application process in March each year.

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Wikipedia