Check backcountry track conditions before making trips
Media contact:
Trish Grant, DOC Nelson/Marlborough communications advisor:
+64 3 546 3146
Date: 10 December 2008
The Department of Conservation is advising people planning summer trips into backcountry areas in Nelson and Marlborough to check track conditions before setting out as fallen trees still obstruct some tracks following winter storms.
DOC Nelson/Marlborough Technical Support Manager Martin Heine said DOC staff had been carrying out a massive clear up of hundreds of fallen trees on tracks following winter's heavy snowfalls and the strong wind that hit the region at the end of July.
"Most major tracks in the region can now be walked as usual. We've focussed on getting tracks with the highest use cleared first, such as the Heaphy, Mt Arthur Tableland and Queen Charlotte tracks."
"But some backcountry tracks are still affected by fallen trees and debris which make tramping more difficult and trips take longer than usual. People heading into backcountry areas should check first on the latest track conditions. For more information people can inquire at the DOC visitor centres in Nelson and at Nelson Lakes, or local DOC offices."
"DOC staff have been putting a huge effort into clearing tracks but with such extensive damage to the track network it could be some months yet before all affected tracks are back in order. In places, sections of track have been covered in a mass of fallen trees and track has been ripped up."
"We are thankful to forestry companies, contractors and others who've helped open up tracks and access roads. We're also grateful to the many trampers who have reported problems to us."
Mr Heine said native species protection projects had also been affected.
"Trees also fell on tracks used to access to trap lines protecting native species from predators. Stoat and rat traps lines in the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project area in Nelson Lakes National Park were among those affected and also stoat trap lines protecting whio/blue duck in the Operation Ark Wangapeka-Fyfe site in Kahurangi National Park. This set back trapping programmes until tracks could be cleared which was a concern because it increased the risk of predator attacks on native birds."
In Nelson Lakes National Park avalanches as well as fallen trees have impacted on tracks. All the main tracks have been cleared, including tracks in the Sabine, Travers and D'Urville valleys and most access tracks leading to them. There is still some avalanche debris in the Sabine Valley, however, and care is needed in crossing it. The condition of many backcountry tracks in the park is still unknown. People should check with Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre for the latest track information.
In Kahurangi National Park a number of tracks have been cleared but access on some tracks is still restricted by fallen trees. The Wangapeka Track was particularly hard hit with trees toppled by heavy snow and the July windstorm. Many weeks of work went into clearing the track and it took two weeks to first open up road access from Rolling Junction to get to the track. The whole of the track has now been cleared. There are fallen trees still on side tracks off the Wangapeka. It is recommended only experienced trampers attempt the Kiwi Track, off the Wangapeka, and the Shakespeare Flat Track, off the Heaphy Track, due to fallen trees.
In Mt Richmond Forest Park about one kilometre of track close to the bushline between the Hacket and Starveall huts has been destroyed and care is needed in negotiating it. On the Pelorus Track, there are fallen trees still between Roebuck Hut and Totara Saddle. The Wakamarina Track has windfalls between Fosters and Devils Creek huts that are passable. The Hacket Track also sustained considerable tree fall from the July windstorm but it has now been cleared. There are fallen trees still on some other tracks and people should get track information before setting out.
Nydia Track has windfalls between Nydia and Duncan Bays that are passable but with some difficulty.
The Abel Tasman National Park was not as badly affected though easterly storms combined with high tides caused coastal erosion. As a result, it is no longer possible to camp at Stilwell Bay. There has also been storm damage to some structures.
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