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What's the Trust Doing?
Right now our major project focus is to get the Hackett-Starveall-Lee project under way. The whole project has been costed out at $165,000, and with significant work already done around access agreements, it's time to start raising the funding to allow the loop to be built. Along with Debs Martin of Forest and Bird and Martin Rodd from DOC, Chris was interviewed by National Radio on Morning Report about the Trust's plans. You can listen to it here.
As a first step, the Trust has signed a License to Operate with Hancock Forest Management to allow us access to the Lucy Creek area, which is essential for constructing the trail. Once I am mobile again after an unfortunate incident (a total hip replacement sorted me out), the plan is to map out a line for the section 4-5 on the map below. An Environmental Effects Assessment will then be done along with the necessary consultation with groups like Forest and Bird so we can commence work. The cost of the EEA is expected to be around $5000 and we have funds in hand for this. Completing section 4-5 will allow us to then create the downhill sections 2-4 and 3-4 which, with access via the existing track 8-9-2, will open up these tracks for riding.The focus then will turn to the big part of this project, 1-2 from Hackett Hut up and past Starveall Hut. This will be built by machine and will take around 2 months of continuous work to complete.
We are creating a sponsorship program to generate funds for this work, so if you wish to involve your company or get on board yourself we have some sponsorship packages that might interest you. Click here for details.
Looking ahead to when the trails are completed, it is our plan to allocate sections of trail to volunteers who will maintain them including things like weed control. This sort of system has worked for years in America on the Colorado Trail amongst others.
Make the most of the balmy spring weather and excellent trail conditions.
Alan Eskrick
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