Lakes decision postponed

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33452, 6 February 1974, Page 14

Lakes decision postponed

The Nature Conservation Council ha* postponed a decision on the status of Lake Ryan. Lake Arthur and Lake Rotokino in Westland, pending the publication of a I biological report commissioned by the Land* I and Survey Department.

i In a newsletter, the council said that reasons for a change of status of the area* to wildlife management reserves needed more support than could be derived from ione-day inspections and |"yes/no” reports. Lake Ryan, three miles north of Whataroa township, ‘seemed the most eligible for [a change of status, said the council. 1 “However, it does not seem from the reports that it is [frequently used at the moment for picnics, walking and [bird waching. and it could be expected that the West Coast Acclimatisation Socil‘ety, already vested with coni' trol of the area, might have considered that one of its [statutory public functions [ was being fulfilled by looking [lafter it.

“There seems little interest locally in lhe positive values -of reserve areas. The Minister (of Lands. Mr Rata) should be clearly satisfied that game management status will not be inconsistent with ‘ the precent constructive passive use.” Regarding Lake Arthur. 14 miles south-east of Hokitika the council said that the total reserve clearly would increase in significance and a proposal to take the lake out out of it seemed undesirable Lake Rotokino. seven miles north of Whataroa township was not easily accessible, hut this was not a satisfactory reason for considering ,i change of status, the council said. “Its undoubted value was more clearly recognised when it was gazetted a scenic reserve. It was formerly a regular haunt of great crested grebes, and if they are not there now, it must be the result of excessive use of tet boats and uncontrolled illegal shooting. “There is ample opportunity in this region for provision of good game manage ment areas when the final dr visions are made about the control of waters in the Waitangi Taona and lower Wha taroa catchments."