Offroad-Express

Aug 18 wheels in the back country. A forum on off-road vehicle use in Otago to gather information on off-road activity and to seek assistance with the development of strategies to manage off-road vehicle use. Seven presenters to speak. Upper Functions Room, Carisbrook Stadium, Murrayfield St, Dunedin. 1:00-5:00pm. More details, phone 03 4746936 or email mclark@doc.govt.nz

Hey I just spotted this, I'm assuming there are interested people, if you aren't interested take an interest and hear what DOC say and tell them your views. when you make a point remember that we have to use the land access responsibly and self manage ourselves where possible.

If there is an opportunity to get onside and work together suggest it, offer your help and suggest cleanups and volunteer work parties...

sorry rant and my 5 cents over now

MIKE has asked is any ORE members can attend on on ORE's behalf and give us a report back

The Central Otago Club is going to have 4 representatives there.

We are aware of this meeting and Combined 4WD Clubs is involved, and one club from 4WD in Dunedin will be an invited speaker /presenter.
Paul

wjw wrote:The Central Otago Club is going to have 4 representatives there.

I am likely to be one of those going along for the Central Otago Club. As I understand it, DoC are using Central Otago as a bit of a test area for developing strategies for recreational off-road access. But at the moment their strategy consists of shutting off all access and then re-evaluating the suitability of access?

Any information, advice, suggections, experiences anyone has would be appreciated. I need to learn a lot about this in a reasonably short amount of time. Thanks.

Comeon guys lets hear your thoughts on DOC and Land access and helping to keep it open and working together....

There's lots of reading you can do - have a look at the DOC General Policy Document http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/MultiP ... x?id=42655
The Visitor Strategy is also worth a look http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/MultiP ... x?id=41660

These documents might give you some ammunition if DOC want to deny all vehicle access, as they are required by legislation and policy to provide recreational opportunities as long as it doesn't adversely affect conservation values. They have a responsibility to manage the issues - not avoid them by denying all access!

It's a good opportunity to get your views heard before the management strategy is drafted, rather than trying to change it like the West Coast draft CMS, or worse still, I understand around Taupo it got through to the final policy and has caused huge hassles in getting any vehicle access...