Back Country hut projects fund announced
Groups wanting funding for projects relating to back country huts in the Queenstown-Lakes area could be in for a funding boost.
The Department of Conservation and the Backcountry Trust (BCT) are partnering on 30 recreational hut projects this summer, after DOChas received $4.2m from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)
The four-year project allows DOC and BCT to work in partnership on DOC huts and tracks valued by the hunters, fishers, trampers and others who use them.
“The Community Hut Programme is critical to the Backcountry Trust and DOC being able to deliver extra value to the backcountry community,” says Rob Brown BCT’s National Operations Manager.
“Interested groups or individuals should contact the BCT to discuss projects they have in mind.”
The Department has a huge job DOC Director of Heritage and Visitors Catherine Wilson said.
“The Community Hut Programme will support others to maintain huts and tracks on public conservation land through volunteer work and donated materials.
“With a third of the country to manage, including thousands of species, huts, tracks, heritage sites and marine areas, we need communities behind us.
“Many DOC experiences are in high demand from Kiwis and international visitors. This popularity, combined with remote locations and increasing climate change pressures, puts strain on the visitor network and creates high maintenance costs.
“We want to deliver a shared backcountry network that connects people to nature through recreation and builds a collective commitment to the backcountry for future generations.”
Main image ( File Photo): Back Country hut projects are to receive new funding.