Hunter Local Land Service spring wild dog baiting program

The service's coordinated ground baiting program will run drop-off sessions at Killabakh, Lansdowne, Bobin, Moral Creek, Wherrol Flat and Caffrey's Flat.

"These spring programs form part of the service's strategic control programs, and we've heard the results from previous coordinated control over a broader areas, but we still have a long way to go," HLLS senior biosecurity officer, Kirstin Bisley said.

The drop-offs will occur on Thursday, November 26 at Killabakh Hall at 11am and Lansdowne bowling club 1.30pm, on Tuesday, December 1 at Bobin Hall at 11am and Mooral Creek Hall at 1.30pm, and on Friday, December 4 at Wherrol Flat Hall at 11am and Caffrey's Flat Hall at 1.30pm.

Landholders who wish to take part in this baiting program must hold accreditation in the handling and safe use of 1080 which includes a chemical card (AQF3), or Hunter LLS Vertebrate Pesticide Training qualification.

The Vertebrate Pesticide Training is now available as an online course here: www.lls.nsw.gov.au/VPIT This is a free course, which takes about two hours to complete, and gives landholders a five year accreditation to be able to obtain vertebrate pesticides from LLS.

Alternatively, if you have someone that has a qualification and is willing to help you with the program, you can give them authority to undertake the program on your behalf, there is a form to complete if you'd like to do it this way.

Landholders wishing to take part in the program are asked to contact Kirstin at the HLLS via email kirstin.bisley@hlls.nsw.gov.au Landholders are also asked to talk to their neighbours and encourage them to take part in the program by getting in touch with the HLLS.

"The success of this program relies on land managers rallying so we can cover greater areas for more efficient programs," Kirstin said.

Significant fires last year in most of the Manning impacted home ranges and hot spots, but wild dogs continue to be impacting landholders through predation, Kirstin said.

"Wild dogs can have very large home ranges of up to 30 square kilometres, and cause significant impacts to landholders economically, socially and environmentally.

"Wild dog and fox control also has a significant impact on native animal populations such as our very own endangered Manning River Turtle, along with many of the smaller native mammals.

"We urge you to participate in this community program, and to help your neighbours, and the native wildlife in combating this problem."

Did you know the Manning River Times is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news HERE