Plans grow for living walk

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 545, 19 July 1994, Page 8

Plans grow for living walk

The theme for Conservation Week (first week of August) this year is biodiversity, which means "biological diversity" - valuing the diversity of living things in an ecosystem. Looking for a way to put this theme across in an understandable way, staff at the Ohakune Department of Conservation office came up with the idea of encouraging the community to "adopt" an ecosystem. The place that immedi- . ately sprang to mind was the Jubilee/Rochfort Park walkway that runs along the Mangateitei River and through the back of the Ohakune town centre. The Jubilee and Rochfort parks are biologically diverse, containing beautiful native beech forest, exotic plants, a mountain stream, a recreational area - all right beside the commercial centre of town. "We identified that the

walkway badly needed signs indicating access points," said Ohakune conservation officer Karen Hawke. "There are a few areas along the walkway that are in need of some care and attention, being badly infested with weeds of a type that will slowly spread and infiltrate the bush. We also believe that in the long term the establishment of picnic areas and viewing points would be. worth considering and also the upgrading of the track surface." Thus the Jubilee Walkway Project was created, with the formation of an informal committee of interested people. The aims of the project from the Department of Conservation' s point of view are: □ The undertaking of annual tree planting and beautification projects on the Jubilee Walkway over Conservation Week each year.

□ The installation of information signs indicating access points on the walkway. □ Gradual removal of the worst weeds with help from the Ruapehu District Council. □ Promotion of the walkway in the form of posters being produced and eventually a small information pamphlet. □ Most importantly of all, the ongoing involvement of the community in the project. "We hope that encouraging a feeling of involvement in the project will increase the community interest in the area and prove

it to be a valuable community asset. W e really are very lucky to have such a lovely park so close to town," said Karen. The people involved with the Conservation Week Jubilee Park Project so far are: □ Ohakune Primary School - Tree planting on Tuesday 2 August; Art competitions based on Jubilee Walkway project □ Ruapehu College - Transitional students helping with preparation of the tree planting area; Art competition producing posters to promote the Jubilee Walkway; Science students will be producing an Environmental Impact Assess-

ment of the project on the Jubilee Walkway area. □ Turoa Ski Resort - Sponsorship of prizes for the School competitions □ Ruapehu District Council - Junior Council are helping with weed removal and on-going maintenance. □ Winning Waimarino - Assistance with project funding; "The Lighting Committee" - Help and ideas. Ms Hawke expressed a special thanks to Noel Shepherd and Don Satler for their assistance and to the Ohakune Hotel who have donated $100 towards the tree planting.