RUAHINE FOREST PARK FACILITIES CUTBACKS

Feedback and info on Ruahine FP facility cutbacks

Ken Mills (DoC Ongaonga) will address the Hastings NZDA Clubrooms on Wednesday 1st August regarding the proposed Ruahine Forest Park Facility Network Management Review.  All welcome, please attend and make your feelings known about the possible permanent loss of up to 50% of huts and tracks in the Ruahine Forest Park.

HB DINNER AND PRIZEGIVING EVENING

This coming Saturday 28 July, from 4pm.  

 $20 door fee includes meal & raffle entry. 

 Dinner 6.30pm.   

Cash bar available for refreshments.

HOMEMADE SPORTS WASH

No perfumed scent or UV brighteners and cheap as!

Half a bar of unscented soap grated (I used ‘Simple’ brand)
1.5 litres of water
1/2 cup washing soda
1/4 cup borax
1 litre hot water

Place soap in a large saucepan with the first quantity of water and heat on low until soap is dissolved. Stir in washing soda and borax. Stir for a few minutes until thickened and remove from heat.
Add 1 litre hot water to a bucket. Add soap mixture and mix well.
Fill bucket with another 5 litres of hot water and mix well. . Pour into old 2L plastic milk bottles and set aside for 24 hours or until mixture thickens (mine thickened overnight).
Use half a cup of mixture per load of washing—the blue scoops that come with regular washing powder are great if you have any laying around as they are a 1/4 cup...so just add two. Be sure to shake the bottles before use as the mixture does tend to go a little gluggy after a while.
Makes around 8 litres, which will give you around 60 washes all for under 5 dollars!

You can grab the washing soda and borax at your local Bin Inn store.

UPDATES FROM DOC

New hunting permits for small game

The Department of Conservation now has a new recreational hunting permit for small game animals.

The new permit is for small unprotected game animals on public conservation land (PCL). It includes animals such as Canada geese, feral geese, hares and rabbits.


Small unprotected game animals include Canada geese, feral geese, hares and rabbits

"The new permits replace earlier versions and restricts the hunting of unprotected game to specific areas and times," says DOC National Hunting Advisor Ian Cooksley.

"You need your own permit, whether you are by yourself or part of a hunting party."

Anyone wanting to hunt on conservation land requires a hunting permit from DOC. Hunting without a permit is a breach of the Wild Animal Control, Wildlife and Conservation Acts.

A permit can be obtained from DOC Area Offices. Some standard conditions apply and special conditions have been added relating to firearm calibre, ammunition type, dogs and anything else relevant to hunting particular species.

The special conditions will reflect the level of public use at a site, its conservation values, management activities, terrain, boundaries, time of year and the interests of neighbouring landowners.

Hunters are reminded that 'spotlighting' or hunting after dark is strictly prohibited on PCL as it is illegal and endangers others.

UPDATES FROM DOC

Mid-Pohangina swing bridge removed - A sign of things to come?

Trampers and hunters heading into Mid-Pohangina Hut in the Ruahine Forest Park will get their feet wet following the permanent removal of a swing-bridge crossing the Pohangina River.

During a regular structural inspection, a Department of Conservation Engineer found several structural defects and deemed the bridge to be unsafe. It was closed until it could be removed. Although options were explored, it has been determined that at present, replacement is not feasible.

Both ends of the bridge were cut on 14 March 2012. The fallen bridge was rolled up and flown out by DOC staff and local contractors.

Representatives from DOC have met regularly with local user groups to discuss repercussions of the removal. Safety is a primary concern, but the standard outdoor safety code applies.

DOC Area Manager Jason Roxburgh explains:
"The river can rise quickly and get to quite high levels following heavy rain, but there are lots of other river crossings further along on this route, so the removal of this swing bridge won't have a drastic effect. People should always use common sense when it comes to river crossings - if in doubt, stay put."

The decision not to replace the bridge came about as part of a review of the department's recreation investment practices.

"It is no longer sustainable to provide 50+ huts and extensive track networks in each forest park. We're changing the way we do things at DOC to make sure we spend public money the best way we can," says Mr Roxburgh. "Although it is dear to the hearts and minds of local trampers, at a national level Mid-Pohangina Hut and the surrounding tracks have low visitor use and provide a similar recreation experience to other facilities nearby."

UPDATES FROM DOC

DOC urges hunters to refrain from illegal spotlighting

The Department of Conservation is urging hunters to adhere to their permit conditions and refrain from illegal spotlighting on conservation land.

Hunting in darkness hours, or 'spotlighting', is prohibited on conservation land because of the serious risk it poses to other people using these areas.

"Hunting after dark is not permitted which is clearly stated on all DOC hunting permits and to do so is irresponsible and recklessly endangers others," says DOC National Hunting Advisor Ian Cooksley.

The approach of the Easter weekend and school holidays also coincides with the annual deer 'roar' or 'rut' which means an increase in the number of people using conservation areas for hunting, walking, hut stays and camping.

"Hunters are warned that if they are found to be breaking the rules and putting people at risk the Department will take action." Hunters are also reminded to follow the firearms safety code at all times.

The warning comes following a number of recent cases of illegal spotlighting that have been through the courts, including a recent incident near a campground in the Bay of Plenty region and the incident where Rosemary Ives was fatally shot at a DOC campground near Turangi.

DOC has been working closely with the NZ Police and undertaking operations in some areas to try to tackle the problem of illegal night hunting. However, DOC acknowledges that most hunters are responsible and abide by the rules.

Information on safe hunting practices around walks, huts and campgrounds and hunting permits is readily available on the DOC website at www.doc.govt.nz/hunting. There is also a detailed list of special conditions for specific hunting areas across the country.

Anyone who sees hunting activity at night on conservation land should contact the NZ Police immediately or call the DOC hotline on 0800DOCHOT.