Tuesday, November 05, 2013

Race commended for commitment to Check, Clean, Dry

Big Bang Adventure Race organisers are being commended by Horizons Regional Council for their commitment to biosecurity following a 6 hour race in Horowhenua over the weekend.

The race involved mountain biking, hiking, navigation, team building and a water activity with participants traversing the Koputaroa Stream and headwaters of the Ohau River in teams of two or four.

Horizons environmental coordinator Craig Davey praised organisers for their proactive and innovative approach which involved setting up Check, Clean, Dry stations at registration and between catchments to help stop the spread of pests.

“It’s fantastic to see people getting out and enjoying all this Region has to offer. It’s even better when they take it upon themselves to safeguard our special places.

“Just a few simple steps to clean your gear when moving between waterways can have a big impact on the future health of our rivers and streams by keeping pests like didymo out,” Mr Davey said.

Organiser Carrie Yaxley consulted Horizons in the planning stages to assess the course for possible pest transfer concerns and determine the best way to Check, Clean, Dry.

This enabled Horizons to provide pre-event information as well as Check, Clean, Dry information and giveaways at cleaning stations on the day.

“Implementing the Check, Clean, Dry protocols was no hassle and it was great to know from an organiser’s perspective that competitors from around the country could come and enjoy themselves without the risk of spreading pests like didymo,” Ms Yaxley said.

“We also incorporated a mid-course gear check which is a new safety feature of the event. Teams had to show us they were carrying all the gear required while standing in a tub of water and detergent to clean their shoes.

“I told competitors about Check, Clean, Dry and they all participated really well,” she said.

Horizons’ Check, Clean, Dry team is currently gearing up for another busy summer season during which they will visit popular recreation sites across the Region armed with cleaning gear and information.

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 at facebook.com/TeamCheckCleanDry or give Horizons a call on toll free 0508 800 800.

ENDS

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