Waihī Beach trig trail to close for tree felling

Waihī Beach’s popular trig trail and its panoramic views from the summit will be off limits while tree felling takes place in the area.

From Monday 14 February the trail will be closed and blocked from the bottom of the trail, near the dam, to allow for logging operations within the trig trail summit area. The works are expected to be completed by the end of March.

However, the 1 km dog-friendly, dam loop trail remains open.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council Reserves and Facilities Projects and Assets Manager, Scott Parker says while not all of the trig trail will be impacted by the logging operations completely closing the trail is the safest option.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause as this is a popular trail many have, or planned to, explore this summer or use regularly. We aim to reopen the trail as soon as we can.

“For your safety, please do not enter the worksite or cross the safety fencing as works may be in operation at any time,” says Scott.

The forestry harvest is helping to pay for reserve improvements such as planting native species rather than replanting the forestry and construction new trails. This funding, along with the Waihī Beach Cycle Trails Trust who have raised $100,000 to date, are helping create new trails in the area.

The area will be monitored by security while felling takes place.