EPA Welcomes Fine For Illegal Clearance Of Wetland Vegetation In NorthlandThe Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) welcomes the fine for the Far North Waters Alliance (FNWA) for illegally clearing vegetation within, or within a 10-metre setback of, a natural wetland. On 5 August the Whangārei District Court fined the FNWA $42,250 after pleading guilty to a charge under the Resource Management Act. The general surrounding area of the site contains regionally significant features including dune lakes, peat swamps and shrublands on dunes. "Our natural wetlands are taonga that need to be protected. The FNWA also donated $25,000 to a charity for use in wider wetland restoration projects in the Far North District.