That has caused complaints to the Otago Daily Times from non-members who used to park mobile homes on the site at the Ohau canal outlet at Lake Ruataniwha, particularly to fish for salmon and big trout attracted to the High Country Salmon farm opposite it.
But the association said that''litter'' left by mobile homes without self-containment (toilets, water and waste-water tanks) had become such a problem that Meridian Energy Ltd, which owned and operated the hydro canal, wanted some form of management for the site.
At times, a dozen or more motor homes, most owned by anglers, could be parked in the area.
Association resource management planner James Imlach said yesterday the agreement between it and Meridian restricted use of the site to members with self-contained motor homes or caravans.
''Meridian had been having problems with camping on the site, particularly non-self-contained leaving litter.
''Rather than shut it, Meridian was happy for us [the association] to manage it,'' he said.
A sign went up earlier this year under the association's red winged logo that says: ''Ohau B Canal Park. Self Contained Vehicles Only. Pack-in, pack-out. Leave No rubbish.''
It restricts a stay to a maximum of five nights - some mobile homes in the past stayed for weeks. The sign concludes: ''Thank you Meridian Energy.''
It does not make it clear the site is restricted to members-only.
Mr Imlach said the sign had been put up by local members of the association, who also policed the site.
It was also policed by members who stayed there to ensure only members were staying.
There was no fee to use the site, except for the annual subscription to be a member.
Opening up the site to any self-contained motor home or caravan would compromise the agreement with Meridian, he said.
One of the mobile home owners who contacted the Otago Daily Times would not give her name, but was angry with the change and being told it was for members only when she and her husband tried to stay.
She said the sign did not make that clear, but she also challenged why it should be restricted when it had always been available to anyone.
They had been going there for more than five years for the fishing, and a base to visit the area.
She said other areas along the canal had been fenced off and camping forbidden.
