$300,000 plan to add colourful trees to Ruapehu's highways

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 524, 22 February 1994, Page 3

$300,000 plan to add colourful trees to Ruapehu's highways

Adding colour to the Ruapehu District landscape through tree planting along its state highways is being looked at by the distriet's elected representatives. At last Friday's eouncil meeting a report on a "State Highway Tree Planting Investigation" was presented, which set out in detail the species of tree to be planted, the sites and the numbers, plus costs. The total establishment cost was estimated at $305,000 with an annual $16,000 maintenance bill, for the first years of the trees lives. The report was requested

in the 1992-93 year, and was proposed as a possible way to add colour and improve the aesthetics of the area, said deputy mayor Graham Cosford. He said it was unfortunate that the cost of the project was so high. "Maybe the council could facilitate farmers to plant trees on their own properties by making trees available at an affordable price," said Mr Cosford. "I'd like to see a million trees between Hihitahi and Waiouru in 10 years' time." Cr John Compton asked why the tree species mentioned in the report were

chosen. He suggested commercial species could be used so there could be a later economic return. Species suggested in the report included liquid-am-ber, liriodendron (tulip tree), ginko, quercus (oak), fagus (beech), kowhai and flowering cherry. There were more than 120 locations suggested in the re-

port. Mayor Garrick Workman said the goal of the project was to add colour. Councillor Bobby Vine said questions of safety needed to be considered, such as shade on frost-prone areas and restriction of visibility. He said care should be taken to keep away from

the native beauty of the mountains scenery. The council voted to put the matter to the community boards for consideration. Cr Bob Peck suggested owners of existing stands of trees that have scenic value be encouraged not to mill them. He cited two blocks south of Raetihi.