Volunteers go wild over new-look reserve

A two-year community-led project to repair damage at the Harrison Scenic Reserve near Ōpua is complete, allowing safer access for those setting traplines.

It’s a major milestone for the community which entered into a 2022 agreement with the Department of Conservation (DoC) to make the improvements so the predator trap network could be serviced from the reserve.

The reserve has been closed to the public since a major storm in 2007 caused considerable damage and DOC could no longer maintain safety standards in the area due to rising costs and limited resources.

However, Bay Bush Action, a conservation trust dedicated to preserving Ōpua State Forest, needed access to possum, rat and stoat traps in the area. This prompted the community to come together with representatives from DOC, Far North District Council, Bay Bush Action, and a group of Ōpua locals to make safety improvements.

More than 500 volunteer hours were spent over the past two years on the project with donated funds, tools, materials, plants and labour from locals and businesses, including Bay of Islands ITM, the Puketona Quarry, the Top 10 Campground at Te Haumi, and Far North Holdings Ltd – the council’s commercial arm.

Work has included installing large culverts to replace the old bridges, constructing retaining walls, and installing safer steps along the west creek. More than 50 native trees and shrubs have been planted near the reserve’s entrance.

“It’s been gratifying working collaboratively with members of the Ōpua community, local businesses, and the council in a partnership with DOC to protect the natural and scenic values of Harrison Scenic Reserve,” says volunteer Peggy Burbank. "While the work to improve the reserve was primarily to allow safer access for those setting the traplines, the reserve is no longer closed, but access is still ‘at the public’s own risk’.”

Captions: (Above) The improvements mean safer access for those setting traplines in the reserve.

(Below): The work involved building safer steps and retaining walls.