Have your say on future management of cycling on conservation land in Otago

Date:  23 October 2020

The draft Otago Conservation Management Strategy (CMS), under a partial review, is now open for public submissions on whether new cycle trails can be developed on public conservation lands and waters.

During the pre-consultation phase, which began in March this year, DOC received 115 proposals for proposed tracks and trails from 22 trail proponents. In total, more than 300 parcels of public conservation lands and waters were identified.  

DOC Whakatipu wai Māori operations manager Geoff Owen says cycle trails offer a great way for people to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.

“The partial review process ensures the public has an opportunity to provide feedback on where trails should or should not be considered.”

The CMS – which provides the overall direction for managing conservation and recreation on public conservation lands and waters – does currently acknowledge potential cycle trail initiatives, but not necessarily the individual public lands they will cross, Geoff says.

“A partial review means we can properly assess and consider trail proposals.”

The draft Otago CMS partial review will be open for public submissions until 4 pm Monday 21 December 2020.

After submissions close, public hearings will be held where people can speak to their submissions. The submissions will then be analysed, and the partial review will be revised taking them into account.  

The revised partial review is then considered by the Otago Conservation Board before going to the New Zealand Conservation Authority for their consideration and approval.  

The draft partial review and information about making a submission can be found here: 

Draft Otago Conservation Management Strategy partial review for cycle tracks and trails

Copies of the proposed changes to the CMS can also be viewed at the DOC offices in Queenstown, Arthurs Point, Alexandra, Dunedin and Invercargill or at the DOC visitor centers in Queenstown, Dunedin, Christchurch and Wellington.

Submitters can also choose to speak in support of their submission at public hearings early 2021.

Key-points:

• Submissions are open from 23 October to 21 December 2020.
• Public hearings will be held following close of submissions (more information will be released closer to the time)
• Proposals for cycle trails from the community, collected as part of the pre-draft consultation have informed the draft partial review.

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