DOC to backtrack on some changes nationwide

So you can find your own way just like a true explorer. Then we can have little half worn tracks all over the place instead of the more ecologicaly freindly proper tracks just like the old days. I think the lesson here could be dont ask

Jamie Stewart at FMC I think was hoping that DOC would ok the marking, if enough support was shown thru the survey FMC did on their website. Don't know the result yet. But the general rule around the country seems to, 'just do it'

We just do it. It doesn't get undone except once when DoC decided they would take over a track that we'd rescued from oblivion and maintained. They removed our excellent permolat red and white markers and put up their much less frequently placed triangles. Of course some were nailed on to dead trees and the domino effect of windfall put paid to others. Anyway with the fiscal constraints, we have taken over that track again and were gradually replacing their missing triangles with our permolats in the interim. I was pissed off that they biffed our permolats out as they're not that easy to come by.

up north you wouldnt get much traction maintaining your own track, theres big issues around Kauri, with Kauri dieback and they are very prone to root damage from people walking near them, doc put in special boardwalks around large kauri with special foundations that minimise root damage, and they are closing tracks to try and maintain areas free of kauri dieback, you also have a requirement now for disinfectant and brushes on track and intersections to clean your boots to try and stop the spread of kauri dieback.. a significant no of connecting tracks in the waitakeres have been closed indefinitely due to kauri dieback, theres no way the regional council who administer most of the waitakeres would allow unofficial tracks to be constructed.

damage and closure to whanganui tracks http://www.nzherald.co.nz/wanganui-chronicle/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503426&objectid=11493392 http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/manawatu-whanganui/alerts/

I have no problem with tracks being closed for valid ecological reasons. Onoke spit has a seasonal closure due to the nesting sites of some rare bird

"I have no problem with tracks being closed for valid ecological reasons." Neither, as long as it's within reason. If you were to look at s4 of the National Parks Act underneath a section titled "Principles to be applied to National Parks" and which includes the public rights of entry, it's actually balancing public access rights against everything else which National Parks are meant to be for. http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1980/0066/latest/whole.html#DLM37796 * Preserving them as far as possible in their natural state. * Preserving native plants and animals, and exterminating those introduced (except where DOC has otherwise determined). * Preserving sites of historical interest. * Maintaining the value of soil, water and forest. * Subject to the above, enable freedom of entry and access by the public for receiving in full measure the inspiration, enjoyment, recreation and other benefits. The principles of a National Park are all about protection of the park, not safety of the visitors. Although s56 allows creation of bylaws for public safety. Note that indiscriminate freedom of entry and access is being legally declared as a fundamental principle of National Parks in New Zealand, which is one reason why it'd be a very significant thing to change that so that (for example) entry fees could be charged.

unfortunately nz is one of very few countries that doesnt charge for entry to its parks. Unfortunately because sooner or later that will change by one method or another. Even now tourists are being charged in a lot of cases indirectly via concession charges. Do the Milford as a tour group and Doc gets 50 or so bucks

fewer tracks that are maintained and a select no of highly maintained tracks means more people crowding onto the maintained tracks, if anyone hasnt been on the tongariro crossing in summer it has to be seen to be believed, several thousand people a day. its a shame for such an amazing area, but thats what happens when you upgrade tracks in places like that, get away from it all with the masses.. you may have to accept rough unmaintained tracks as the future of going where you want to go in the mountains and to get the solitude you may be after.

I like rough tracks with minimal maintenance anyway. Tis a crying shame doc are abandoning so many of them though. Definitely feels like the users of the tracks should perhaps form small groups and adopt a track to maintain.