Waikato CMS Submissions called for

[PeterVahry]

http://www.nzfwda.org.nz/news/204

DOC Waikato have their draft CMS available for comment until 9 January 2009

These are 10 year plans that rule what can be done on DOC lands.

The Waikato conservancy stretches from Pureora Forest to the tip of the Coromandel.

Get involved!

[madaz068]

Isnt it a shame that under section 1.5.2 DOC has acknowledged Mountain biking as a "establised rec activity" but not 4wding.

Section

1.5.2 Vehicles (including aircraft)

Vehicle use is part of the range of recreational opportunities allowed for
on public conservation lands and waters, providing it is consistent with
protecting the values for which those lands and waters are held.

Away from formed roads, Waikato Conservancy has limited opportunities
for the use of motorised vehicles on public conservation lands and waters.
Currently, two tracks in the Maratoto-Wentworth special place provide
for this activity.

Where these opportunities exist, the department may introduce a variety
of management strategies to ensure that values are not compromised and
that potential conflict between users is minimised.

Mountain biking has become an established recreational activity on public
conservation lands. Improved track designs, management techniques, user
education and signage have red

Further down it says

Management Policies
Will investigate, in consultation with tangata whenua, communities,
local authorities and other organisations, potential sites for vehicles,
where vehicles will not compromise the values of those sites.
Will permit motorised vehicles (including four-wheel drive vehicles, 2.
quad bikes and trail bikes) at designated sites.
Will permit the use of mountain bikes on appropriate tracks and 3.
use a range of strategies to minimise any conflicts and unacceptable
adverse effects.
May undertake monitoring and research to determine vehicle impacts 4.
on the environment and on visitor experience, to inform the
development of any avoidance and/or mitigation measures required
for vehicle activity.
Will consider adverse effects when assessing applications for aircraft 5.
landings and take-offs.

This is something i believe we should be working on

[PeterVahry]

That was a quick review of the draft CMS, I've not yet had a chance to download it!

That last quote from the CMS was something that was emphasised at the preliminary meetings we had with the CMS drafting people. It is good to see it there, as it allows flexibility for decision making and puts it back on the 4x4 community to identify where we see opportunities for 4x4 routes and then get those approved.

There is nothing wrong with doing a submission in support of points in a CMS as well as identifying possible shortcomings.

Keep the comments coming.