The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and Department of Conservation (DOC) have joined forces recently to survey potential avalanche risks and remove about two tonnes of discarded wooden tracks in Nelson Lakes National Park.
According to Senior Ranger Phil Crawford, two department staff and an avalanche expert have flown an RNZAF A109 helicopter to survey potential avalanche paths in the 101,000-square hectare national park.
They lifted track markers and nine tonnes of gravel that will be used by DOC to create walking tracks in the park.
Another NH90 helicopter was sent to lift about two tonnes of waste material from a disused boardwalk in Travers Valley.
"This is a great example of how the NZDF supports our community in a tangible way. It also gave our personnel an opportunity to enhance their skills while carrying out real-world tasks,” says the Air Component Commander Andrew Clark.
He says this will make it safer for the thousands of people who visit the national park each year.
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