MEDIA RELEASE

12 January 2012

Logging To Start In Arapuke Forest Park

Palmerston North City Council would like to advise the public that logging is to begin in Arapuke Forest Park starting the week of Monday 16 January 2012. Logging has commenced in Gordon Kear Forest this week.

Arapuke Forest Park, formally Woodpecker Forest, and known as K Loop by mountain bikers, will be closed to the public from the hours of 6.00am on Mondays until 6.00pm Friday.

Access to Gordon Kear Forest and the Te Araroa Trail will also be limited to weekends only. The Back Track, popular with mountain bikers and trampers is open as a ‘there and back’ track only on week days. The Sledge Track and access into Hardings Park is not affected by the logging.

“The Council would like to remind the people of the dangers where logging machinery is operating and that they should keep well away from the contractor’s worksites and machinery within Arapuke Forest Park on weekends,” PNCC Leisure Assets Officer Brian Way said.

Scotts Road will be sign-posted to minimise the risks to all road users, but motorists are urged to use the road with extreme caution due to the large number of logging trucks expected during summer.

Members of the public who wish to access the Te Araroa Trail from Scotts Road through Gordon Kear Forest should postpone their visit until the weekends. This also applies to all permitted hunters who wish to travel through Gordon Kear Forest.

Last year 16 hectares were logged from Arapuke Forest Park. This year it is planned to log a similar area. The season should continue through to approximately May.

If you would like more information on what areas are accessible to the public, please contact the Palmerston North City Council on 06 356 8199.

ENDS

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