GW public meeting on logging operation in Belmont Regional Park

The public can find out more about an upcoming Greater Wellington logging operation in Belmont Regional Park at a “drop-in” meeting next week (Tuesday 4 October).

A 24 hectare block of 30-year-old pines – located at the head of the Korokoro Valley at Belmont Regional Park’s Stratton Street entrance – has reached maturity and will be logged over a period of up to four months, beginning in November 2011.

Cr Nigel Wilson, Chair of Greater Wellington’s Social and Cultural Wellbeing Committee, says the drop-in meeting is an opportunity for local residents and park users to find out more about the operation and how it affects them.

“We’ll also use the meeting to get feedback on what to do with the site once the logging operation is finished. There are a few replanting options that need to be weighed up, so I urge those with an interest in the park to come along, take a look at the options and share your ideas.”

Cr Wilson says that Greater Wellington will be working to reduce the impact of the operation on park users and nearby residents.

“We’re also in discussion with BAMBA [Belmont Area Mountain Bike Association] about alternative routes for the Danzig mountain biking track, which runs through the operational site. The track will be unusable during the operation, and we want to look at options for its reinstatement once logging is finished.”

Although the pine stand could have been logged anytime within the next few years, it is taking place this year because two neighbouring landowners are logging their pine stands. By removing our pines at the same time, we intend to minimise disruption to residents and reduce operational costs.

Drop-in meeting of Belmont Regional Park logging operation

When: Tuesday 4 October, 3.30-7.30pm
Where: Stratton Street woolshed classroom, end of Stratton Street, Normandale, Lower Hutt