Supporting Information for the Hogs Back Track From the Craigieburn Forest Park (Castle Hill Village) to the Mount Cheeseman Ski Field Road, Castle Hill Basin July 2010 Approved by: 1 Introduction The Castle Hill Community has been working with the Department of Conservation for six years to get a track within the Craigieburn Forest Park from Castle Hill Village to Texas Flat on the Cheeseman Ski Field Road. This project has been officially approved by DOC and the community is actively fundraising and undertaking work parties to complete the 8 km of single track that will be used by walkers, mountain bikers and skiers to access the back country. The construction of this track will involve minor clearing of a historical four wheel drive (4WD) track between Long Spur and the Cheeseman Ski Field Road. The proposed Hogs Back Track is located in the Castle Hill Basin and is easily accessed from State Highway 73. The project is actively supported by the Castle Hill Community Association. Craigieburn Range Figure 1. 3D view (looking west) of the proposed Hogs Back Track (orange line) . Marked road (yellow) is Sate Highway 73. 3D image: © GOOGLE 2009 The proposed track is approximately 8 km in length and is crosses long spur, Waterfall Creek and climbs over the Hogs Back Ridge (Figure 2). 2 Figure 2. Topographical map including the proposed Hogs Back Track (orange line). Figure 3. View of the Long Spur alluvial outwash plains looking towards the Craigieburn Range. The track will contour at the base of the hill. 3 Figure 4 . The track will weave through the stands of beech trees at the top of the glade below Waterfall Basin providing hiker and skier access to this part of the range. Objectives 1. Provide the local community and visitors to the area clear access from Castle Hill Village to the Cheeseman Ski Field road and thus the rest of the Craigieburn Forest Park. 2. Provide an additional trail head for access to the greater Craigieburn Forest Park thereby reducing pressure on the facilities at Broken River. Castle Hill Village has vehicle parking, toilets, drinking water and an emergency phone. 3. Increase the extent and capacity of trails within the Craigieburn Forest Park for hiking and biking. 4. Increase biker safety by providing off-road access from Castle Hill Village to the Craigieburn Forest Park. 5. Construct the track using best practice design and technologies to improve hiking/biking pleasure and reduce subsequent track maintenance. 6. Create a world-class mountain bike track that has international significance. 7. Provide a resource that encourages people to undertake outdoor activities and enjoy the unique qualities of Castle Hill Basin. This is in line with the objectives of the Selwyn District Council Walking and Cycling Strategy to encourage cycling in the Selwyn District 8. Commence construction of the track in October 2010 9. Complete construction by April 2011 4 Table 1. Project Plan Task List for Hogs Back Track. Task Description of activities Task Leader 1. Compilation 1. Review current track building activities undertaken Paul Weber of Draft AEE within the Craigieburn Forest Park 2. Compilation of draft AEE COMPLETED 3. Presentation to DOC 2. DOC 1. Track Fit with Tenure Review process (is the land DOC Thomas Review available) Bush 2. Internal Decision to progress with project. Conservancy APPROVED 3. Stakeholder 1. Team discusses issues with stakeholders and Paul Weber Negotiations obtains approval (DOC, iwi, Castle Hill Community Association, Cheeseman, Broken River, and COMPLETED Craigieburn ski fields, Castle Hill and Flock Hill stations, Canterbury Mountain Bike Club) 2. Flora and Fauna surveys undertaken as part of DOC walk-over. 4. Final AEE 1. Final AEE completed Paul Weber completed 2. Detailed track design (peg out actual proposed route every 50m and final stakeholder walk over COMPLETED (Sept 2009 – Feb 2010) 5. Construction 1. Finalise budgets Castle Hill Strategy 2. Fund raising (on-going) Community 3. Source materials, identify suitable contractors Association 4. Develop construction strategy 5. Undertake risk assessment and develop OHS strategy 6. Organise and book-in contractors 7. Finalise start date for earthworks 8. Complete MOU between Castle Hill Community Association and DOC 6. Construction 1. Construction (proposal to start work parties in Castle Hill October 2010) Community 2. DOC Review and sign-off of works (April 2011) Association, 3. Follow-up construction and maintenance (as DOC, and required) approved contractors 7. Track 1. Unofficial opening - Easter Weekend 2011 DOC Thomas Opening 2. Official track opening – Easter Weekend 2012 Bush Conservancy 8. 1 Year Audit 1. Audit track sustainability and maintenance Castle Hill requirements Community 2. Undertake identified maintenance programme Association and DOC 9. Other 1. Other track development projects are required in Castle Hill Projects the area and include: Community • Upgrade of the Dracophylum track; Association • Upgrade and development of Thomas Bush and DOC tracks • SH 73 connector between Broken River and Craigieburn ski field roads. Further Information For further information on this proposal or to provide support please contact Paul Weber, Castle Hill Village ([email protected]). 5 .