6 March 2007

Access restricted to Mana and Matiu/Somes Islands

Heightened fire risk resulting from dry, warm and windy weather has prompted half day closures of Mana and Matiu/Somes Islands in the Wellington region.

The Department of Conservation has closed the islands to the public from 1pm to 8.30am the following day until further notice to protect public safety and conservation values.

DOC Wellington Conservancy fire officer Rachael Thorp said the fire risk was rising daily as the sun and wind dried out the grass and the regenerating forest on the island reserves.

“By 1pm the vegetation becomes so dry that it wouldn’t take much to ignite. A fire would spread rapidly in the current weather conditions posing a risk to public safety and having a devastating impact on historic and ecological conservation values.

“The steep terrain of both islands would make evacuation extremely difficult and create problems for fire fighters.”

A continuation of the windy, dry weather could see the islands completely closed to visitors, Ms Thorp said.

“We are aware of the inconvenience that closures may cause but we must put the safety of people and the plants and animals first. The conservation efforts of volunteers and the department on these reserves would also be severely set back by fires.”

DOC is working with the community to restore the ecology of the islands. Matiu/Somes Island is home to introduced tuatara, kakariki, North Island robin and giant weta, while the residents of Mana Island include takahe, kakariki, brown teal and speargrass and flax weevils. Both islands also provide habitat for geckos and skinks and are important historic sites.

While access has been restricted to these reserves, there are many other conservation areas to visit in the Wellington region. Information about places to visit in Wellington can be found on the Department of Conservation website :www.doc.govt.nz/parks and recreation/places to visit/wellington or from the Wellington Visitor Centre in Manners Street, Wellington.

ENDS

© Scoop Media