Draft reserve plans open

PROMOTING the use of reserves for recreation while at the same time protecting and enhancing their natural environment is one of the main issues identified in three Manawatu District Council Draft Management Plans now open for public comment.

The council is seeking community feedback on draft plans for Totara Scenic Reserve, Mt Lees Reserve and Kitchener/Awahuri Scenic Reserve.

Totara Scenic Reserve in the Pohangina Valley is regionally significant and is jointly managed by the MDC and Horizons Regional Council, while Mt Lees, near Sanson, comprises an historic homestead and gardens in a native forest setting with panoramic views.

Kitchener/Awahuri Scenic Reserve, south of Feilding, is the site of one of the few remaining original semi-swamp podocarp forests in the Manawatu District.

Parks and Reserves Manager, Albert James, said all the reserves had high ecological and natural values, with strong landscape character, and attracted a wide variety of visitors.

“Totara Scenic Reserve has native forest remnants, a river setting, walking tracks and an informal feel and naturalness,” he said, “and is a popular destination for picnicking and camping.”

Mr James said one of the tallest kowhai trees in New Zealand was located at Kitchener/Awahuri Scenic Reserve, along with fine specimens of kahikatea, matai and totara.
“It is significant botanically and school and university groups, as well as scientists, use the reserve for education and scientific research.”
Mt Lees Reserve also includes a summerhouse, tennis court, picnic areas and bush and garden walks and attracts numerous gardening and horticultural enthusiasts and tour groups. It is renowned for its daffodils.
Mr James said the key to achieving a proper balance at the reserves was through development or improvement plans that built on the recreational use of the reserves and their natural qualities.

Submissions on the draft plans close at 5pm on Friday, March 20.

Copies of the draft plans are available from council offices and libraries or by visiting the council website at www.mdc.govt.nz.

Further information is available by contacting Albert James on (06) 323-0000.