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Hunua Ranges tracks closed for goat control in May
23 April 2008
Auckland Regional Council will close access ways, tracks and campsites in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park during May for goat control operations.

All tracks will be open for recreational use on weekends. The closures will not affect the park’s most popular walking track around the Hunua Falls. This will remain open and visitors are welcome.

Possums and goats remain the main pest threats in the Hunua Ranges. Nearly 600 goats have been culled from the park and nearby private land over the last year.

ARC Biosecurity Team Leader Mark Geaney says the Hunuas are being targeted because of their high conservation value.

“Our goat control operations have been successful and have allowed the re-growth of understorey shrubs and trees, resulting in healthier native bush,” he says.

“We are seeing species like native tree fuchsia, fivefinger and tree broom in the understorey now, which are all heavily predated by goats.”

“We are making good progress and we are grateful for the vital support of local farmers in the buffer goat programme. Without them, it would be far more difficult to stops goats from re-entering the park.

“Goat control operations are contracted to expert professional hunters, who can meet our stringent operational requirements.”

All tracks, campsites and roads within the Hunua Ranges Regional Park boundary will be closed from 5 to 9 May 2008 inclusive to allow helicopter goat control operations within the park.

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

The following tracks, campsites and roads will be closed during these periods:

From 1 to 9 May inclusive: Mangatangi Ridge Track, Waharau Ridge Track, Whakatiwai Track, Whakatiwai Ridge Track, Workman Track and Workman Campsite.

From 12 to 23 May inclusive: Adams Lookout Campsite, Challenge Track, Ernies Track, Keeney Road, Kohukohunui Track, Kohukohunui Trig Tack, Lilburne Road Track, Mangatangi Ridge Track, Mine Road, Mine Road Track, Piggotts Campsite, Rata Ridge Track, Upper Mangatawhiri Track, Waterline Road and Waharau Ridge Track.

From 26 to 30 May inclusive: all horse riding tracks, all mountain bike tracks, all forestry roads, Ernies Track, Graeme White Road, Keeney Road, Kohukohunui Track, Lilburne Road Track, Lower Mangatawhiri Track, Mangatangi Hill Road, Mangatangi Trig Track, Manning Road, Mine Road, Moumoukai Road, Moumoukai Hill Road (within the park boundary), Moumoukai Valley Road, Otau Road, Piggotts Campsite, Plows Road, Pukapuka Road, Rata Ridge Track, Repeater Road, Suspension Bridge Track, Wairoa-Cosseys Track, Wairoa Hill Road, Wairoa Loop Track, Waterline Road, Workman Road (within the park boundary), Workman Track and Upper and Lower Mangatawhiri Campsites.

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

ENDS

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