As the saying goes, ‘build it and they will come’.
And as far as Ta¯huna Ride and Conservation (Trac) is concerned, maintain it and they’ll keep coming back.
That’s why the non-profit organisation’s just announced a $500,000 contribution to the Queenstown Mountain Bike Club (QTMBC), so it can launch a sustainable maintenance programme for the new Project Tohu trails, on the slopes of Coronet Peak, near Arrowtown.
But Trac manager Jo Smith says long-term funding from other partners will be required to maintain what will eventually be 22km of additional trails.
‘‘This is an opportunity to be part of restoring an indigenous ecosystem, as well as developing recreational trails for both the community and visitors,’’ she says.
Trac’s latest investment in the Queenstown-council led Project Tohu trail network follows a $1.5 million contribution to help get the trails under way after the Coronet Forest was harvested.
Smith says once the trail network’s complete, ongoing maintenance will be essential as the landscape settles and the native forest establishes itself.
‘‘With the ground shifting and settling following Douglas fir removal, trail construction, water movement and freeze-thaw cycles, ongoing maintenance will be key to keeping the trails riding well.’’
After a hugely-successful ‘sneak peek’ weekend earlier this month, Smith says the trail network will be an ‘‘enormous drawcard’’ for visitors and locals.
QMTBC president Ash Peters says the club’s grateful for Trac’s commitment to the long-term success of Project Tohu’s trails, noting partnerships such as this one help ensure the quality of trails keeps pace with the growth of riding in Queenstown.
