Some Hunua tracks close for goat control, but falls walk open
Some tracks, campsites and access ways in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park will close during November and early December while Auckland Regional Council (ARC) carries out an operation to control feral goats.
The closures will not affect the park's most popular walking track around the Hunua Falls.
This will remain open and visitors are welcome. All tracks will be open for recreational use on weekends and public holidays.
A number of specified tracks, campsites and roads within the Hunua Ranges Regional Park boundary will be closed from 2 November to 4 December 2009 to allow ground-based goat control operations within the park.
Signs will be placed at 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 the period 2 November to
17 November:
- Kohukohunui track
- Plows Road
- Mine Road
- Mine Road track
- Adams Lookout campsite.
The following tracks, campsites and roads will be closed during the period 18 November to
4 December:
- Workman track
- Workman campsite
- Whakatiwai Ridge track
- Waharau Ridge track
- Waharau Ridge track loop
- Mangatangi Ridge track
- Rata Ridge track.
Possums and goats are the main pest threats in the Hunua Ranges. Culling feral goats from the park and nearby private land continues to be a high priority for the ARC.
ARC Biosecurity Team Leader Mark Geaney says the Hunuas are being targeted because of their unique biodiversity and high conservation value.
"The Council's commitment to intensive goat control operations over a number of years has allowed successful regrowth of low-lying shrubs and trees, resulting in significantly healthier native bush," he says.
"Species like native tree fuchsia, fivefinger and tree broom, which are favourite food sources for goats, are making a strong comeback in the forest.
"We are determined to keep the pressure on feral goats in and around the Hunua Ranges to the point where their impact is negligible.
"We value the ongoing support of local farmers around the park for the associated buffer goat control programme. This community cooperation is critical in preventing goats from re-entering the park.
"Goat control operations are contracted to professional hunters, who must meet our stringent operational requirements."
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