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Source: ONE News -
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Arthurs Pass has always been known for its stunning scenery and this summer the native Rata is putting on one the best shows in years.
DOC workers have been fielding lots of inquiries about why this year is so spectacular.
"It's all down to 1080", says Ian Gill from the Conservation Department.
There are photos of Rata in full bloom where 1080 is used to control the possum population and also photos of Rata without blooms in a nearby valley, where it isn't.
The blooming is definitely cyclical there is a good bloom every five to seven years, but its because of really good Rata health says Gill.
But 1080 opponent John Acker says "It looks very nice, and it does every seven years or so, it has all my life".
He says DOC is "jumping on a bandwagon" and trying to justify their use of 1080.
