From: Maurice Rodway [mailto:Maurice.Rodway@southlandfishgame.co.nz] 
Friday, 23 April 2010 16:30
To: Les Ladbrook
Subject: Oreti cycle trail 


I am attempting to find out what frequent users of the Upper Oreti think about the proposed cycle trail down the upper Oreti. I assume you have a basic understanding of where it is going. Basically from the top bridge to Mt Nicholas station down the left bank over the Ashton Burn through the bush at the Narrows, and then across the river to the right bank and along the edge of Landcorp land to the three kings then bank over the river and down the left bank again to just above the Windley then back again and down the right bank to Mossburn. 

My concerns are that the cycle track is a significant undertaking that will involve the excavation and movement of a large amount of gravel and soil. I don’t know the exact dimensions of it yet but I understand that it will be 2.4m wide at the top and it will be varying heights to account for the terrain. There are a large number of culverts to install and this, along with the track construction will disturb a large amount of soil. Heavy vehicles will be required to excavate and cart this material, some of it across the river – this will result in further soil disturbance and vegetation clearance and damage. There are to be 3 bridges across the river.  The disturbance, especially during the construction phase and into the future during storm events is likely to result in turbid water runoff that could make the more river discoloured than it is at the moment. This may not comply with the Conservation order and could affect trout growth. Some bush has to be cut down to make way for the track. When it is completed, besides the bridges and possible runoff from the track the effects on the fishery will be less but unknown. It is likely to increase the pressure on the fishery. 

Do you know people who may be concerned about this, if so please let me know so I can keep them informed and possibly use them to assist with our input to the resource consent process. 


Maurice Rodway 
Manager 
Fish and Game New Zealand 
Southland Region 
P O Box 159 
Invercargill 9840