Ō Tū Wharekai Recreation Plan released
Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication.
Introduction
A recreation plan has been released by the Department of Conservation which gives clear direction on recreational activities in Ashburton Lakes and the upper Rangitata River.Date: 26 July 2010 Source: Department of Conservation
A recreation plan has been released by the Department of Conservation (DOC) which gives clear direction on recreational activities in Ashburton Lakes and the upper Rangitata River.
George Hadler, Area Manager for Raukapuka Area Office, said he wanted to thank the public for being involved in developing the recreation plan.
“Ō Tū Wharekai is one of the most intact freshwater and braided river ecosystems remaining in the high country.
Recreation in the Ashburton basin is
valued by local communities
“The constructive comments we received from both individuals and groups have been used to make decisions on where and how the public recreation opportunities are provided in this important area.”
Ō Tū Wharekai is one of three wetlands around the country managed as part of the national Arawai Kākāriki wetland programme. Arawai Kākāriki aims to restore wetlands with the assistance of the community and increase knowledge about methods for wetland restoration along the way.
”The area is also important for recreation as Hakatere Conservation Park includes and surrounds the Ō Tū Wharekai wetlands. “It means the balance between recreational development and biodiversity is important for us to get right,” said Mr Hadler.
The recreation plan explains how recreation and facility choices have been made in order to protect biodiversity and to avoid conflict between different recreational activities.
For more information contact:
George Hadler, Area Manager +64 3 693 1010 ghadler@doc.govt.nz