The Waikato CMS review isunderway .  Although consultation was listed as ending at the start of July 2011, there is still a survey being promoted on the DOC website www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/consultations/current/waikato-cms-consultation/get-involved/share-your-views/key-places-survey/

Check it out and add your places of interest before 17 July 2011.

We are seeking your views about what places in the Waikato are important and what you might want these places to be like in 10 years time.  You can find out more about the Waikato CMS Review, and those places we have already heard are important, on our website www.doc.govt.nz/waikatocms. Y ou may have previously provided feedback on the Waikato Conservation Management Strategy CMS review. This information will be invaluable in the new review process.

This is another opportunity to get involved in the Waikato CMS review and we  welcome your contributions.

For the information about the CMS process check  www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/consultations/current/waikato-cms-consultation/ 

If you wish to get updates on the Waikato CMS by email, send an email to waikatocms@doc.govt.nz with the words  'Subscribe Waikato CMS Review ' in the subject line and your name and contact details in the email message.

We would like to offer you the opportunity to attend a meeting about the CMS in June, either in Hamilton, Te Kuiti or Thames.  Please advise us by 23 May if you would like to attend a meeting and we will be in touch with more details shortly.  You can contact us by phone on (07) 858 1000 or email on waikatocms@doc.govt.nz.

 You can also share your views with us by:

• Completing the Waikato CMS places survey at www.doc.govt.nz/waikatocms
• Undertaking our NZ wide ‘Quintessentially Kiwi’ survey at www.doc.govt.nz/cms
• Visiting us at site M4 at the National Fieldays 15-18 June at Mystery Creek.

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Access to Rangitaiki conservation area through the East Taupo Land Trust land is being reviewed because environmental damage being done to both the trust and public land by trail bike and off-road activity.

The Rangitaiki Conservation Area is 40km east from Taupo Township on SH5 and is a popular spot for off-road enthusiasts.

It is also the last remaining large monoao frost flat in the North Island. To date the East Taupo Lands Trust has allowed free public access to Rangitaiki Conservation area through its lands. In recent years motorbikes and all terrain vehicles have consistently been ridden off-road through this area and the damage being done has the private land-owners taking another look at what can be done.

"The trustees have previously allowed public access through their land but with recent events they are rethinking this issue," said Tom Walters, a trustee of the East Taupo Lands Trust.

Department of Conservation  area manager Dave Lumley said, "The department is appreciative of the trust’s support to allow public access through its land but shares the concern about environmental impact occurring on  the land and adjoining public conservation land, The department and the trust are working to overcome this issue."

At present there is one legal access point off State Highway 5, about 2.5km east of the Rangitaiki Tavern. This access  road passes through the private land administered by the East Taupo Lands Trust before arriving at the Rangitaiki Conservation Area.

Motorbikes, quads and 4WD vehicles are not permitted to be taken off road within either the trust land or the Rangitaiki Conservation Area. For access areas see www.doc.govt.nz and search for Rangitaiki, East Taupo Lands. Trust land can be identified at www.easttaupolands.co.nz

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