'Mindless idiots' scar scenic campsite

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 16, 15 September 1987, Page 1

'Mindless idiots' scar scenic campsite

Acts of 'mindless idiocy' have scarred a popular and beautiful campsite adjacent to the Ohakune Mountain Road and it may take up to a year before the ground fully recovers, This was the opinion of Ohakune conservation officer Robert McCallum and other Park Staff following an inspection of the grassed areas on either side of Mangawhero Lodge, last week. The 'louts' responsible for performing 'wheelies' have caused considerable damage to both the upper and lower camping grounds. When the Bulletin visited this picturesque campsite with Tongariro National Park staff last Friday, the entire area was seen to be criss-crossed with tracks of vehicles which had been driven round in circles - and obviously at high speed - 'scorching' the grassy surface and 'scouring' the

ground below, tearing up the turf and destroying the root systems. Only the more lightly 'scorched' grass will recover before the summer, according to conservation officers Robert McCallum and Leon Berridge. With the spring growth already well advanced there was "no way" that the damage could be repaired and the root systems re-es-tablished before the summer camping season. Mangawhero Lodge, set in native bush with views

of Mt Ruapehu, is a popular camping ground for groups and individuals during the summer months. The amenities block is clean and well maintained by Park staff throughout the year and regular inspections are made to check on the site, empty rubbish bins, provide firewood for the barbecue areas and generally see to it that campers and picnickers are able to enjoy the peace and solitude of a picturesque nature reserve. cont'd on p. 5

cont'd from p. 1 No wonder they are angry at this latest act of hooliganism. But it isn't the first time it has happened ... because of the isolation of the place it's become something of a "perennial problem" said Robert McCallum. "And it could be happening both during the day and night," he said. "Last week we had the owners of a camper-van come in and report to us that, while they'd been up skiing, someone had obviously been doing 'wheelies' round their parked vehicle and splashed it all over with mud and grass." "We haven't caught anyone yet but we certainly intend to," he said. Last year the same thing happened and on that occasion the person responsible was caught and successfully prosecuted. The public are asked to assist by reporting any such 'mindless' behaviour.