In April 2024, the Upper Ongarue Catchment Group began a staged stream restoration project with support from the Whanganui Region Catchment Collective, Horizons Regional Council, and Mouri Turoa. The focus: targeted removal of mature willows obstructing flow, followed by replanting with natives to stabilise erosion-prone banks.

Using best-practice methods demonstrated during the 2023 Willow Management Field Day, willows were removed with root systems of key willows left in situ to prevent bank destabilisation. Logs were extracted using a digger-assisted process to reduce hazard to chainsaw operators. Herbicide was selectively applied to stumps in low-risk erosion zones to prevent regrowth.

Initial replanting included densely planted cabbage trees—known for deep, stabilising root structures—and Carex virgata. Vetiver grass may also be trialled for its exceptional root depth and non-invasive properties. Following weed control further planting was carried out at a community planting day with plants provided by Mouri Turoa adding a mix of natives to the area.  

Ongoing maintenance will be carried out at the site to control weeds such as blackberry and japanese honeysuckle as well as willow shoots and seedlings.