22 December 2009

Volunteers sought for Otaki Forks heritage project

Next February the hills and valleys around Sheridan creek near Otaki Forks will again echo to the sounds of hammering on steel as volunteers and Department of Conservation staff stabilise and maintain relics from a historic logging industry site that operated during the 1930s.

The area is rich in logging history, containing the remains of a timber milling operation, remnants of some 6 km of bush tramway, and the most intact log hauler left on site in the country.

Volunteers come from around the country to participate in the annual conservation project, which has been running for eight years. To date, two sections of bush railway have been restored, protective coatings have been applied to the old log hauler and timber mill boiler, and sections of previously unknown bush tramway sections have been discovered and surveyed.

The next workshop will run from 15 to 19 February 2010. The focus will include repairing an old turntable site, surveying a recently discovered section of track, and reducing the rate at which rust is deteriorating the site.

Anyone interested in participating can contact Richard Nester at the Department of Conservation on 04 4725821 or rnester@doc.govt.nz for more information.

Food and accommodation is provided for those attending.

Find out more on the DOC website: www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/volunteer-join-or-start-a-project/be-a-volunteer/volunteer-programme-by-region/wellington/sheridan-creek/

ENDS

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