Innovative design to Kauri Protection launched
Kauri dieback disease is killing one of Aotearoa/New Zealand’s taonga (treasures) – our unique kauri forests. But kauri will be saved … with the help of people like you and the more we can protect these gentle giants of the forest, the better well be able to enjoy our environment. Our grade 3 trail
Rickers Return is a one way loop that skirts the base of the 10,000 + Kauri forest planted by the Spirit of Coromandel trust since the year 2000.
Young “Rickers” are the pole life-stage of the Kauri tree with branches that shed from the lower trunk and have a narrow conical crown.
In order to protect these Kauri in the future each Kauri Tree location was recorded, then the trail was designed to be a minimum distance away from the trees and staying on the downside of the track, so that the forest has plenty of years to grown into giants. We also worked closely with the Department of Conservation Kauri rangers to develop a specialized bike wash station. This means that when riders come to and exit the park they can ensure they are not moving any soil into or out of the trail network - protecting the Kauri not only in Coromandel, but in their next riding destination.
About kauri dieback
The pathogen that causes kauri dieback is microscopic, ‘smart,’ and tough. It is possible for it to survive at least six years on footwear or equipment. It can sense where a kauri tree’s roots are, and then ‘swim’ towards them through the soil. It kills most if not all kauri it infects, of all ages. Kauri naturally occur throughout the upper North Island (in the Northland, Auckland and Waikato regions, and in parts of the Bay of Plenty); if you’re in natural bush and you’re in the upper North Island, it’s likely you’ll be near kauri. People are the number one way in which the disease is spread, through the movement of contaminated soil. As you know, a mountain bike can collect a lot of mud. But by carrying out some basic preparation, responsible mountain bikers like you are helping save kauri, along with the rest of the community.
1. Keep a cleaning kit in your vehicle that includes brushes, an adequate supply of Sterigene (which is available from vet clinics), and plastic bags for bagging any gear that can’t be cleaned on-site. To avoid spreading contaminated soil inside your vehicle, pack a second pair of footwear for the drive home.
2 .Carry a brush and disinfectant on your ride too.
3. Clean all soil off your tyres, frame (including recesses), clothing, bag, accessories and footwear, every time you enter or leave an area with native trees, and as you enter a new catchment. This is to avoid introducing the disease to a new area, or moving it from an area where the disease is. A pinhead of soil is enough to spread the disease. Do not use water (including stream water) to clean gear, unless it will be captured in a sewer, for instance – the pathogen that causes dieback is a water mould, and is activated by water.
4. Use disinfectant only after you have removed all the soil; spray it on all the areas that have come into contact with soil.
5. Only ride on designated mountain bike tracks. These should avoid going near kauri wherever possible (a kauri’s roots are extremely delicate, grow close to the surface, are susceptible to disease, and can grow outwards 3x as far as a tree’s branches). If an area has been closed or is protected by a rahui (temporary closure), do not use it. Closures are only made when the risk of spreading the disease from an area is extremely high, or because that area is at extraordinary risk.
6. Never assume anywhere is free of kauri dieback. Infected trees may not show it.
7 Spread the word within your networks about the need for mountain bikers to help stop the spread of kauri dieback, and be seen doing the right thing. Everyone has a part to play in saving kauri.
Super Rob tries out the Kauri Bike Wash station at the park. Do your bit by coming to the Coromandel with a clean bike . Our Kauris thank you.
