Mountain Clubs Back Parliamentary Commissioner Recommendations

Dunedin, 21 August 2013 - The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Jan Wright, confirms that the Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand's concern about protecting 1/3 of our backcountry is well-founded, says acting FMC President, Peter Wilson. "Some Stewardship Lands, which developers and miners consider valueless are very, very special. The Snowdon Forest, which the proposed monorail would wreck, is such land. Much high quality tramping land on the West Coast, which most trampers would consider secure, is actually at risk. There is no question that the Minister of Conservation and the incoming Director-General of Conservation will have to work carefully through Dr Wright's recommendations. We extend an offer to assist them with this and will be presenting a manifesto to DOC in the coming months".

Mr Wilson adds that Dr Wright appears unafraid to tackle the difficult, important questions that face conservation in New Zealand with insightful, impartial reports that cut right to the chase. "Dr Wright must be congratulated for making the position of PCE relevant in modern New Zealand's policy formulation".

ENDS

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