Mountain biking has become increasing popular in recent years. Inland Otago Conservation Awards joint runner-up, Bike Wanaka's Mike Gould, talks about the projects the club has helped create providing positive public assets for the community and visitors.
Bike Wanaka inc has been working alongside the Department of Conservation over the past six years to form partnerships which have enabled us to develop biking opportunities and improve access to conservation areas.
How do the projects you are involved in benefit conservation?
All the track building and track maintenance programmes have been implemented in ways to minimise the impact on the environment and have been designed to give all members of the public improved access to previously underused conservation areas. Tracks follow the contours of the land, take advantage of natural viewing spots and pass around or through stands of kanuka, allowing users a greater appreciation and interaction with the natural features. The club has also underwritten some new track developments by agreeing to maintain a particular track or tracks, all of which bodes well for the future, as more local groups form closer relationships with Doc to continue developing access to conservation areas but take ownership for building and maintenance.
What do you get out of your work in conservation?
We draw great satisfaction from the positive feedback that we have been receiving for the tracks we have instigated. For example the Deans Bank track counter has had over 50,000 hits in the past 12 months - testimony to its popularity and use by both locals and visitors to our region. It is also good to be able to provide more healthy lifestyle choices in the Wanaka region and leave a great legacy for future generations based around respect and care for our environment.
What challenges have you faced and how have they been overcome?
It has taken the club several years to gain the respect and trust of the community. As more successful projects have been completed, the level of recognition and acceptance as an organisation which has something of value to offer the community has become more apparent. Finding money to complete these projects has sometimes been an issue but, on the whole, funding organisations and local businesses have been very supportive of our endeavours. Most people can see direct benefits to the community through health and wellbeing, improved access and increased visitor numbers.
Our relationship with Doc has been one of mutual respect and our sizeable management agreement is testimony to many hours spent ironing out the issues to ensure all parties have a workable agreement into the future.
What direction do you see your conservation work going in the future?
There is plenty of opportunity for increasing the track network throughout the Upper Clutha catchment so we see our future spent continuing to expand access by agreement and using methodology which is sensitive to our spectacular environment. We are also planning to explore reintroducing native vegetation at trail-heads and in specific areas of track, through our relationship with Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust, which specialises in native plant propagation and planting.
