During his time as a ranger in the Lake MacKenzie area, Evan grew concerned seeing a decline in the amount of wildlife in the area, so he decided to do something about it – he started giving impassioned speeches to trampers about the devastation that stoats were causing and the need for more predator control.
Evan’s passion and personal commitment led to the Routeburn and Upper Hollyford Restoration Project, and thanks to his groundwork, over 2,000 trampers have donated more than $200,000 to the project, resulting in over 652 new trap boxes since 2012.
The Department of Conservation has recently erected new information panels at the end of the Routeburn Track, which enable trampers to donate directly to DOCs predator control in the area.
The panels outline information about wildlife in the area and include a QR code for trampers to scan to donate to the New Zealand Nature Fund, which has been managing funds donated towards protecting the Routeburn Track since 2021.
By installing these panels and partnering with DOC, we’re hoping to continue Evan’s legacy in protecting the Routeburn Track’s wildlife for future generations to come.
