Decision reached on vehicle access at Lake Heron
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Date: 10 October 2008
Following a review, there is now a decision on extended vehicle access at Lake Heron, South Canterbury. There will be managed and controlled vehicle access from the lake inlet to Harrisons Bight, but with no boat access and no boat launching facility over this section of the lake.
There are a number of issues associated with the decision that require further discussion and action, including how access will be made available, confirming whether or not resource consents will be required for any of the necessary work, how the regulations will be developed and how access conditions will be enforced. These may take up to two years to be worked through.
"In making the decision, the decision maker, Mike Slater, Department of Conservation (DOC) West Coast Conservator, took into account a wide range of material including the original public comments, existing and requested reports, and the department's statutory obligations," said DOC Canterbury Conservator, Mike Cuddihy.
Lake Heron
"Lake Heron's wildlife values are nationally and internationally important. It is a wildlife refuge and nature reserve and Harrisons Bight, in particular, is an important area for lake birds for breeding and over-wintering. A boat launching facility or access between the lake inlet and Harrisons Bight would be likely to disturb wildlife unacceptably.
"Given the department's responsibilities under the Conservation Act, Reserves Act and Wildlife Act, Mr Slater considered providing open 4WD access beyond the inlet, or to encouraging boating by providing boat launching facilities would be inappropriate."
With this in mind, access will be managed and well controlled. Significant damage could occur at Lake Heron even if only one or two drivers fail to comply with regulations and/or stay on designated tracks.
"After recent damage caused by a minority of four-wheel drivers, the department has been forced to be more careful about increasing vehicle access to public conservation land," commented Mike Cuddihy.
"We hope people will recognise it's in everyone's best interests to be responsible and make this system work so that the important natural values are protected and people can use and enjoy the area in their different ways."
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