![The Upper Manorburn Dam. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON](https://www.odt.co.nz/sites/default/files/styles/odt_landscape_extra_large_4_3/public/story/2025/02/upper_manorburn.jpg?itok=g7kbpntU)
The 76-hectare reserve, located at the end of Lower Manorburn Dam Road, had been popular with curlers and ice skaters during the winter months.
The report presented to the board, written by Central Otago District Council parks officer planning and strategy Maria Burnett, says the council would seek public guidance on two decisions, to ensure the zoning plan reflected community values.
The community would be asked about one of two proposals regarding freedom campers in the reserve.
The first was a complete ban on camping to reduce potential environmental impacts and to ensure the area remained pristine.
The second option was to restrict camping to a specific zone, with only self-contained vehicles being able to use the area for a limited time with strict conditions to minimise harm to the environment.
The report also noted previous feedback from the community which indicated they did not want motocross or four-wheel-driving in the reserve.
The draft management plan recommended that motocross and four-wheel-driving be banned within the reserve to protect its natural and recreational values.
Submissions opened online on Monday and would be open until April 10.
The draft plan would be made available online and in hard copy at the Alexandra Service Centre and Library throughout the consultation period.
Submissions would then be heard by the Vincent Community Board, and recommendations from the hearing would be incorporated into a final plan, to be approved by the Central Otago District Council, the report said.
Central Otago District Council parks and recreation manager Gordon Bailey said following the adoption of the management plan, a development plan would be prepared, and would provide more detail about how the reserve would be developed.
The community would also be approached for input, he said.