The Department of Conservation is appealing for public information after a popular campsite in Arthur’s Pass National Park was torn up by 4WD vandals.
Aerial photos supplied by the Department of Conservation (DOC) show extensive damage to the area from four-wheel drive vehicles, believed to have occurred on August 1 just before 4 pm.
DOC operations manager Leeann Ellis said the picturesque campsite was used by thousands of people annually, including Coast to Coast racegoers and support staff in February every year.
She described the serious damage to the site as "incredibly disappointing".
"The vehicles have left deep tyre tracks over a large area, compacting the soil, creating wide ruts and making the site much more susceptible to erosion in heavy rain.
"They have also destroyed plants and opened the area up for weeds to grow and take over. It’s ruined what was a fantastic place and created the potential for a muddy mess in heavy rain," she said.
Ellis said DOC staff were working with police to try and identify the vehicles and welcomed any information from the public.
It is illegal to damage the natural or historic features of any national park, and to drive vehicles off formed roads. Offenders can face heavy penalties, including infringement fines and prosecution.
"We appreciate four-wheel driving is an increasingly popular recreational activity. There are some fantastic tracks where drivers can challenge their skills and access some beautiful locations like the Edwards Valley and Maling Pass 4WD tracks in the St James Conservation Area. Our plea is don’t go off road and cause damage to areas which are protected for a reason," Ellis said.
SHARE ME