03/05/2021
Ngā mihi
Rīhi Elizabeth Clarke-Reiri
https://www.facebook.com/TaupoDistrictCouncil/posts/4183149835039345
UPDATE 1.30pm Thursday, May 6: The Rangatira Point track has reopened to the public with the felling operation now complete. Thanks for your patience while this work was carried out.
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Acacia Bay’s Rangatira Point track will be closed for several days from tomorrow (Tuesday, May 4) to allow felling of wilding pines near the walkway.
The work is part of wilding pine control currently being undertaken at Rangatira Point, in order to restore the forest to native vegetation. It forms part of a wider project led by the Waikato Regional Council, in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries.
Wilding pines are trees which have self-seeded and are growing where they are not wanted. They are a national pest that, if left unchecked, would become a dominant species in our forests and along the shores of Lake Taupō. Their fast-growing, hardy nature means they can out compete native species, reducing biodiversity and threatening waterways.
As some of the wilding pines are close to the track, they will need to be felled, to prevent the risk of falling on the track in future. The track will be closed to walkers during the felling operation, which is due to run until May 15 as long as the weather plays ball.
This work has approval from Rangatira Point Block Incorporation who are the landowners of the area.
