Forest Park Declared On Craigieburn Range

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28561, 15 April 1958, Page 19

Forest Park Declared On Craigieburn Range

(From Our Own Reporter)

WELLINGTON, April 14. The State forest areas on the Craigieburn range in Canterbury have been designated a forest park. Confirming this today, the Minister of Forests (Mr Tirikatene) said that this had been done because of the high recreational value of these areas. Like many hill and mountain country forests in both islands, they played a dual role. First, they were important protection forests, holding the soil together, regulating the flow of water, minimising peak floods and preventing the downward movement of shingle on to the plains. These protective functions were all the more important in a critical catchment such as the Waimakarin. Second, the forests had a high recreational value and gave healthy outdoor exercise to thousands of young people. Forests of this category should therefore be managed with two objects in view—maintaining their protective values and, where it was not incompatible, encouraging their use for recreation. “This particular recreational use of the Craigieburn forest is by ski-ing clubs,” said Mr Tirikatane. “The largest and most accessible ski-ing grounds in Canterbury lie just above the forested zone, and three clubs —the Canterbury Winter Sports Club* the North Canterbury Ski Club, and the Craigieburn Valley Ski Club —have provided access roads and developed ski-ing facilities in selected basins. “The three clubs have a membership of nearly 700, and have built 12 accommodation huts or chalets. Every week-end in winter hundreds of skiers visit the area, and the numbers are increasing. The roading done by the ski-ing clubs has been particularly valuable to the Forest Service. Value in Survey

“Not only does it give better facilities for fire protection and noxious animals control, but by giving vehicular access to 4000 ft in winter and 5700 ft in summer it greatly facilitates the work of the high-country survey, now being

carried on by the Forest Research Institute. Because of this easy access, much of the research into the establishment of plant species at high altitudes is being concentrated on the Craigieburn range. “I have recently signed a working plan for the area, specifying now it is to be administered for the joint purposes of protection and recreation.” said Mr Tirakatene. “The plan is to operate for 10 years, and its main features include restrictions on felling, protection from fire, measures to combat the depredations of noxious animals, experimental planting, stabilisation of the upper bush edge, and some financial assistance to clubs in the form of subsidies for road maintenance.”