WELLINGTON, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) will close 21 tracks across kauri land to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback, Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage said on Wednesday.
An additional 10 tracks will also be partially closed and the open sections upgraded to eliminate wet and muddy sections of track and better protect the roots of kauri trees, which are New Zealand native plants, Sage said in a statement.
"As there is currently no proven cure for kauri dieback, the best way to protect our kauri is to slow and stop the disease from spreading," she said.
"I appreciate some people may be disappointed by the closure of a favorite track but I strongly encourage everyone do the right thing and respect the track closures to reduce the risk to kauri forests," the minister said.
The decision was made after public consultation, and the majority of public submissions favored closure. DOC has closed tracks in the past to prevent the spread of kauri dieback.
"Closures may be reconsidered in the future if additional science and other information provide certainty that public access would not cause any risk to kauri," Sage said.
Although protecting kauri is the key focus, the department did consider the need to maintain recreation opportunities and there are still many walking and tramping options available in nearby areas, she added.
