Hunua Regional Park tracks closed for goat control
16 January 2006

During February the Auckland Regional Council will close several tracks in Hunua Ranges Regional Park for goat control operations.

The public are also being asked to be aware of possum control operations, which begin in January. Dogs should be kept on leads at all times in the park because bait could be harmful to them.

The track closures will not affect the Hunua Regional Park’s most popular walking, mountain biking and horse riding tracks around Hunua Falls and Mangatawhiri Valley. These will remain open and visitors are welcome.

The following tracks and campsites will be closed from 7 to 15 February 2006: Mine Road and onto Mine Road Track, Kohukohunui Track, Upper Mangatawhiri Track, Kohukohunui Trig Track, Lilburne Road, Rata Ridge Track, Ernies Track, Challenge Track, Waterline Road, Mangatangi Ridge Track, Waharau Ridge Track, Upper Link Track, Lower Link Track, Adams Lookout camp site, Piggotts camp site.

Between 16 to 28 February 2006 the following tracks and campsites will be closed: Lilburne Road, Mangatangi Hill Road (Pukapuka Track to Mangatangi Dam), Pukapuka Track, Mangatangi Trig Track (Pukapuka Track to Workman Road, Workman Road (Park boundary to Mangatangi Dam, Workman Track, Whakatiwai Ridge Track, Waharau Ridge Track, Mangatangi Ridge Track, Rata Ridge Track, Piggotts camp site, Workman camp site.

All tracks will reopen on weekends and public holidays.

Signs will be placed at all track entry points including car parks and arrival zones to inform visitors about temporary closure of tracks and campsites, including restrictions on recreational hunting.

ARC Biosecurity Southern Team Leader Frank Pavitt says the areas are being targeted for their high conservation value, which is potentially under threat from wild goats and possums.

Mr Pavitt says possums are the major animal pest in Hunua Regional Park and goats are the second.

“Goats are among the most destructive animals found in forests. They feast on the understorey of vegetation,” Mr Pavitt says.

Anyone wanting further information on the pest control operations at Hunua Regional Park should call the Auckland Regional Council on 09 366 2000.

ENDS

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