2 December, 2011

Check, Clean, Dry gears up for summer

Horizons’ Check, Clean, Dry team is gearing up to prevent the spread of freshwater pests this summer, starting with the hooves of competitors in The Goat Alpine Adventure Run.

600 keen runners will traverse the western slopes of Mount Ruapehu this Saturday as participants in the 21 kilometre event and the team will be on hand to ensure athletes’ gear is clean.

Team leader Lisa Talbot said Horizons has been involved in the event for the past few years, working in partnership with Department of Conservation staff to check and clean runners’ footwear.

“It’s a really cool event. There are quite a few headwater streams that the participants go through so they’re asked to come with gear that’s been dry for at least 48 hours.

“We’re on hand to check their gear and make sure no one’s bringing anything in that could be hazardous to the environment. It’s about making it as easy as possible for people to check, clean and dry their gear between waterways,” she said.

Clean, Check, Dry cleaning stations will be set up at the start and end of the race and the team has some great tools on hand to communicate their message.

“Our set up includes examples of fake didymo. It’s all quite tactile and allows people to understand how terrible it would be if the weed got into our North Island rivers,” Ms Talbot said.

The Check, Clean, Dry team will be visiting fresh water spots throughout the Horizons region from next week right through until mid February 2012 with cleaning gear and giveaways for lake and river users . The team will also attend the T42 Mountain Bike/Trail Run event.

Check, Clean, Dry posters are available for local shops or groups and the team is happy to be approached to attend other events or speak to fishing, tramping and other outdoor and water sports groups.

To find out more about Check, Clean, Dry, visit the team on Facebook or give Horizons a call on free phone 0508 800 800.

ENDS

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