Council to fell trees at Sandy Point

Safety concerns have led the Invercargill City Council to begin felling trees on Petrie’s Track at Sandy Point from Wednesday next week.

Invercargill City Council Parks Manager Robin Pagan said part of Petrie’s Track would be closed for safety reasons from Wednesday, October 24 onwards while tree felling operations were carried out by contractors.

“Trees near the edge of the track have become unstable and Council has decided to fell the unsafe trees which will affect a 15 hectare area along Petrie’s Track,” Mr Pagan said.

Mr Pagan said warning signs were being put up and an alternate signposted route would be available for recreational users, while the tree felling was occurring.

“Once the unsafe trees are removed we will be replanting native vegetation only near the edge of the tracks, and the rest will be replanted in forestry.”

Mr Pagan said it was expected to take three to four weeks and the track would be reopened prior to Christmas.

“Council apologises for the inconvenience but an alternate route will be available via Rover track.

“We realise for some it will be quite upsetting to see many of the trees felled but in time the new native vegetation will grow and will return the area to its former picturesque glory,” Mr Pagan said.