RECREATION IN FOREST

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32209, 30 January 1970, Page 1

RECREATION IN FOREST

Eight-Mile Drive

The popularity of the Hanmer Springs State Forest walk, and the responsible attitude adopted by those who have used it, have led the New Zealand Forest Service to provide further recreational facilities in the forest A forest drive of eight miles will be open to motorists next spring, and by next Christmas a second forest walk will also be ready. The principal ranger for the Canterbury conservancy (Mr T. E. C. Bridge), said yesterday that the Forest Service felt that the public should have more access to such land, which was ideal for recreation purposes The drive, which will start in Jollies Pass Road, goes through Rippingdale, Morrison, Hunter and Heathering-I ton Roads—all named after veteran forestry workers—and at one point is bounded bv the Percival River. It is in the shape of a square and surrounds about 1000 acres and passes through stands of various species of pine.

The drive will be signposted, and a leaflet map giving facts about the forest will be available.

Mr Bridge said motoristsl would probably be allowed to; have roadside picnics, but the drive would have to be closed at times of high fire risk, and possibly at week-; ends.