Doubling of Whanganui park is DoC's vision

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 582, 18 April 1995, Page 3

Doubling of Whanganui park is DoC's vision

The draft of a document that sets the future direction of the Wanganui conservancy of the Department of Conservation was released last week. A vision for the future is a doubling of the current size of the Whanganui National Park to include nearby conservation land which has significant natural value. The threat of possums and goats to forests is recognised in the draft Conservation Management Strategy (CMS) which proposes ways to prioritise funds for pest management. Areas already treated for pests will be maintained

and as funds allow, further areas of forest will be earmarked for pest control.

The status of the Waitotara Powelliphanta snail will be targeted through a survey of its most likely habitat using local knowledge and historical information. Kiwi and bat monitoririg will continue and attaching radio transmitters to kereru is being considered to keep a watch on a population of the birds. On recreation issues the CMS looks at managing the growing visitor impacts in the Whanganui National Park, particularly near the river and minimising development in remote areas to protect such experiences. A priority for the draft plan is a reduction of sediment and animal waste into the Whanganui, Waitotara, Whenuakura and Patea catchments through the promotion of better land management, riparian planting and wild animal control. The public has until 23 June to comment on the document. Hearings will be held in July for those who wish to speak to their submissions. The revised draft

will then go to both the T aranaki/W anganui and Rangitikei/ Hawkes Bay Conservation Boards for approval. The document follows extensive consultation with iwi, local authorities, regional interest groups and individuals which began in mid May 1992 with the release of a flier, according to the department. A CMS Issues and Options discussion document was released in 1 993 and a CM S roadshow was taken to venues in the conservancy over two-years prior to the release of the draft CMS. Copies are available at DOC offices.