Lewis Pass trees cutback

Press, 31 October 1984, Page 18

Lewis Pass trees cutback

Si r —Was the North Canterbury National Parks and Reserves Board consulted on the treetrimming work in the Lewis Pass, did it ensure that the work was supervised and is it satisfied with the results? — Yours, etc., CLAIRE McCONCHIE, Nelson. October 5, 1984. [Mr lan Calvert, chairman of the North Canterbury National Parks and Reserves Board, replies: “Neither the board nor the Nelson district office of the Lands and Survey Department was formally consulted regarding the tree pruning work undertaken by the Ministry of Works and Development in the Lewis Pass National Reserve area. However, I understand that some informal discussions may have taken place between Lands and Survey and Ministry staff who work in the pass area. Normally the Ministry is very aware of any works which may intrude on or are adjacent to areas such as the Lewis Pass National Reserve or Arthur’s Pass National Park, and consult with the board on any such proposals. While it can be appreciated that for traffic safety some cutting back of the bush may be necessary from time to time (I understand that there must be a minimum clearance of 4.25 metres above the highway), I would have expected the Ministry to have taken advice from its landscape staff before commencing the work. Also, as the board is very much concerned with conservation, it would wish to ensure that any section of thp bush containing rare or endangered species should be identified and protected before pruning begins. Technically the cutting back has taken place within the road reserve, but it is of little consequence to the general public where the road reserve finishes and the national reserve begins — they only with the

results. Board members who have seen the results of the cutting back have expressed their concern to me, and your correspondent may rest assured that the matter will be discussed at the November meeting of the board.”]