Pre-Covid, the locked gates either end of the track through the forest, and the trees blocking the track (since the April 2018 storm) where removed by the ‘Forest Fairies’.
Post-Covid Auckland Council Community Facilities erected steel bars and wooden palings to block off track access, again.
ACCF now plan to erect a fence in Western Springs Lakeside Park, cordoning off the ‘fall zone’ by the stream. (H&S rules require two tree lengths) Expert reports commissioned for the Environment Court Mediation determined them falling, a minor probability.
ACCF plan to fell the forest in February 2021, overriding the decision of Waitemat-a Local Board, costing over $1million.
Surely, in ‘post-Covid recession’, Council should be more fiscally responsible with ratepayers money? Minor maintenance, by removing branches from a few trees will make this forest and track safe, instead of felling this forest unnecessarily!
Community have offered to work with Council to manage and maintain the forest, while these ageing pines continue to provide a canopy to protect the natives underneath (the future native forest in 30 years), protecting this biodiverse ecosystem in a ‘Significant Ecological Area’ and Reserve.
Public meeting, Grey Lynn RSC, 4pm Sunday 16 August
Gael Baldock, Westmere