The Chairman
The Otago Conservation Board
C/- Mark Clark
Department of Conservation
PO Box 5244
Dunedin
Dear Sir
I understand from the Otago Daily Times article dated 28 February 'Shelter design upsets conservation board' that you feel your views on the shelter proposal were ignored by the Department.
I am writing enclosing a paper I have written critically reviewing the whole concession application and environmental impact assessment process because I felt my submission on the shelter proposal was completely ignored by the Department as well.
I particularly object to Conservator Jeff Connell's implication in the decision document that as a significant class of tramper, (visitors from overseas and inexperienced trampers) were probably not represented by any of the submitters, that the Department can therefore ignore the views of submitters who have both detailed recreational and working knowledge of the Routeburn area and a strong commitment to sensible conservation management of it. Given that neither Routeburn Walks Limited or the Department have attempted to find out the opinion of this significant class, how can the Conservator claim to speak for them?
Please table this paper at your meeting. I am sending it to the Federated Mountain Clubs Bulletin and to the Journal of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society.
I trust you find the paper illuminating
Yours faithfully