Hunua tracks closed for goat control

3 October 2005

The Auckland Regional Council will close several tracks in Hunua Ranges Regional Park from October 10th to October 28th 2005 for goat control.

The closures will not affect the Hunua Regional Parks most popular walking, mountain biking and horse riding tracks around Hunua Falls, Cossey, Wairoa Dam and Mangatawhiri Valley. These will remain open and visitors are welcome.
The following tracks and campsites will be closed from October 10th to October 13th 2005:

- Kohukohnui Track
- Mine Road and onto Mine Road Track
- Upper Mangatawhiri Track
- Kohukohunui Trig Track
- Ernies Track
- Waterline Road
- Challenge Track
- Lilburne Road
- Rata Ridge Track
- Mangatangi Ridge Track
- Waharau Ridge Track
- Upper Link Track
- Lower Link Track
- Adams Lookout camp site
- Piggotts camp site

The following tracks and campsites will be closed on October 14th, then from October 17th –21st and October 24th – 28th 2005:

- Lilburne Road
- Mangatangi Hill Road from Pukapuka Track to Mangatangi Dam
- Pukapuka Track
- Mangatangi Trig Track from Pukapuka Track to Workman Road
- Workman Road from park boundary to Mangatangi Dam
- Workman Track
- Whakatiwai RidgeTrack
- Waharau Ridge Track
- Mangatangi Ridge Track
- Rata Ridge Track
- Piggotts camp site
- Workman camp site

ARC Biosecurity Southern Team Leader Frank Pavitt says council staff are targeting these areas because of their high conservation value, which is potentially under threat from the increasing numbers of wild goats.

Mr Pavitt says that goats are the second major animal pest after possum in Hunua Regional Park.

“Goats are among the most destructive animals found in forests. They are opportunist browsers that eat the understory of vegetation,” Mr Pavitt says.

Anyone wanting further information on Hunua Regional Park should call the Auckland Regional Council on 09 366 2000.

ENDS

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