Sugar loaf logs divided amongst community groups

Wilding pine logs removed from the Sugar Loaf Scenic Reserve are helping fulfil some community aspirations.

The Central Otago District Council (CODC) recently carried out a wilding pine control operation on the reserve near Cromwell, and as a result, the felled trees were offered up to the community.

The Council received expressions of interest for the 112 logs from Bannockburn Bowling Club, Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade and Cromwell BMX Club. Each group received one third of the logs to progress fundraising opportunities.

The bowling club is holding the fours and mixed pairs national championships in February next year and funding-raising efforts include replacement of the ditch board around the green and relevelling the green itself.

The fire brigade is keen to auction off the logs as firewood for general fundraising.

The BMX club has a number of projects on the go that need funding including the introduction of a new incentive to get more girls on bikes called the 'Ruby Project'. It is an all-girl initiative to boost their confidence on the tracks and trails. The club would also put the funds towards lime to protect the surface of the track, provide a contribution to coaches’ petrol costs and travel costs for club members to get away to events in the North Island this year.

CODC Parks and Recreation Manager Gordon Bailey was pleased to see the logs being put to good use.

“This is exactly the sort of result that we wanted to see following the operation, to help community groups achieve their aspirations and goals.”