Routine tree felling for thinning of younger forest stands in the Ross Creek / McGouns Rd area in May/June 2025 will cause temporary short-term track closures in this area.

Disruption is expected to be minimal, with only a small number of walking and mountain biking tracks needing to be closed.

Please obey all signage and for your safety and the safety of others DO NOT enter a closed track area.

Recreational forest users, please obey all warning signs you see in the forests. In particular, keep yourself and others safe by staying well away from Operational areas such as active harvesting areas, even during weekends and after normal business hours when it may appear that there is no activity taking place.

Forest visitors please be aware that City Forests and Manawa Energy have installed a locked gate at the entrance to the road to the Mahinerangi Dam.  Unfortunately a large increase in instances of unauthorised camping, fire-lighting and vandalism of both City Forests' and Manawa's assets in this isolated area has led to our joint decision to restrict access to this road and area, which is all on privately owned land.  The gate will now remain locked and keys will not be issued for non-work related access, with the exception that a limited amount of Angler only access may be available by contacting the Fish & Game Otago office.  Note that walkway and cycling access is still provided for around the gate.  For visitors wanting boating access an upgraded boat ramp and parking facility is available at Starks Bridge near the Mahinerangi Village.