An oasis in a barren landscape was created between 30 and 50 years ago when about 3.5 million trees were planted around the Waitaki lakes and rivers during construction of the massive hydro-electric projects.
It has been estimated about half a million of those trees survive, resulting in a recreation paradise that attracts thousands of campers and visitors from September to May each year.
But the time has come for a close look at what has resulted, to maintain and develop what government departments, the North Otago Tree Planting Association and Waitaki Lakes and Rivers Committee toiled to create.
The result is a "Tree Management Strategy", produced by Graham Densem Landscape Architects and commissioned by the lakes and rivers committee.
The comprehensive strategy will be unveiled at a public launch in the Otematata Lakes Centre next Saturday.
Committee chairman Bill Penno wants everybody with an interest in the area at the launch.
The strategy estimates up to $8.235 million may need to be spent around the area over the next 13 years to maintain, monitor and enhance it, along with some proposed new development special projects.
Even without new development special projects, maintenance and replanting could cost more than $5 million over 13 years.
But the strategy also points out: ". . . the proposed investment would repay itself in increased lakes and rivers usage".
It is seen as a "key asset for recreation and visitor economy of the Waitaki".
"It is suggested . . . [as] an investment in the future growth of the Waitaki community", the strategy says.
When the Waitaki dam was built between 1928 and 1935, the focus was on producing an asset to generate electricity.
That changed with Benmore in the 1960s, followed by Aviemore and the upper Waitaki canal-based power project.
Members of the community and some of those involved with the projects realised that, apart from building power projects, they were also creating a potential playground.
The first planting had already taken place in 1943 by the North Otago Tree Planting Association.
The "Dunkirk Reserve Planting" was on a point of land just west of the Waitaki dam, still visible today.
Eventually, about 170ha was planted around the Aviemore-Benmore area.
In 1964, the Waitaki Lakes Committee was formed and the beautification and development of recreational areas continued, boosted by the support of then-Waitaki MP Alan Dick, who had the contacts to bring the community and government departments together.
The plantings transformed the formerly open and bleak environment into the legacy of tree-fringed lakes and rivers of today.
Most of the original plantings were with exotic species, and the strategy acknowledges the exotic versus native argument.
It proposes a mixture of exotics and natives, although with a greater emphasis on natives.
The plantings would range from replacements for trees past their natural life to creating special areas within existing reserves or outside to complement activities.
Maintenance and development of the resource is proposed over a 12-year planning cycle through a series of "development area" projects.
Areas of possible funding have been outlined, along with the need for a co-operative and co-ordinated management between government and local authorities, landowners, farmers and elected representatives.
Community involvement in development is promoted, linked with Otematata initially, but also Kurow, Omarama, Twizel and the Ohau village.
A major "Waitaki Valley Trail" is one proposal mooted, comprising a series of cycle and water recreation links between Kurow and Otematata and, eventually, Omarama, Twizel and Ohau.
The basis could be cycling, but with added kayak or other links and activities using the Waitaki lakes and rivers.
Enjoying the lakes
- Waitaki Lakes and Rivers Tree Management StrategyProjected cost over 13 years, $8.235 million including special projects.
- Cost split Waitaki district $5.18 million, Waimate $1.99 million, Mackenzie $1.065 million.
- Covers from Waitaki dam to Lake Ohau, but excludes Ahuriri River, Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo.
- A management concept for the trees around the Waitaki lakes and rivers.
- A development programme for upgrading plantings and facilities.
- Concept plans for the Waitangi and Otematata-to-Benmore dam localities.
