Re: Water ways users survey

Terra Dumont — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:13:04 GMT

Hello,

Your note are fantastic! But no worries, once everyone has put in there comments I shall compile it into one to give in on behalf of the club.

And with the ones for individual waterways - I will compile them to gove in on behalf of the club too.

Did she say when she would like them in by?

Thanks!

Terra

Re: Water ways users survey

Hannah — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:02:01 GMT

Hi Terra,

not sure my rough notes make a valuable post, but good to draw people's attention to the survey. Don't forget to fill one in on behalf of the club!

cheers,

Hannah

Water ways users survey

Terra Dumont — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 03:55:05 GMT

Hello,

The Council is doing a survey on the use of waterways in the greater Wellington region and as we use them, it would be great if we can fill it in.

Heres is what i was sent:

Rivers of high recreation and amenity value - survey

Whether you kayak the rapids of the Otaki River, or sit in your car enjoying the view of Lake Wairarapa, we want to know which waterways are important to you.

We are collecting information on the rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands in the Wellington region and what recreational and amenity value they have. We want to know who uses the rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands and for what purposes. And we want to understand how much the characteristics of the river, stream, lake or wetland affect people’s decisions to visit them to fish, swim and otherwise enjoy.

We plan to develop polices for managing high value rivers, stream, lakes and wetlands so that they can continue to be enjoyed for years to come. These policies will be proposed in the regional policy statement for the Wellington region next year. If you would like to be kept informed of how we use the information from this survey, please tick the relevant box on the back page of Part A of the survey.

We realise that filling in surveys takes time, but the information in this survey will help us to develop policy for rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands that is based on the value the region’s community places on the water body.

The survey is composed of two parts - theh first asking general questions, the second on specific waterways.

Hannah and I have (well actauly all Hannah!), but if you have anything to add, that would be fantastic. This is what we have so far:

What water conditions (e.g. water quality, depth, flow, accessibility, etc) best suit your activity or use of the stream, river, lake or wetland?

Streams and rivers make better tramping travel in low flow, but are better for tubing and rafting (and are often more scenic!) in normal to high-normal flow. Because we get immersed in the water (and use it for drinking!), water quality is very important.

Have you learned anything about the environment around the streams, rivers, lakes or wetland areas through the organisation/activity you are involved in?

Yes

√

If yes, what are you more aware of now than you were before?

Trampers are very aware of water quality, also the amount of sediment and gravel in rivers (because it affects how straightforward the stream or river is for tramping), notice how many fish there are in the waterways, and how much algae (particularly if it makes the river slippery).

Those trampers with an interest in ecology and geology (not unusual, particularly at the University, where members are often students in natural sciences) probably notice more than others (for e.g. the Arts students).

Are there any other comments you would like to make (e.g. any rivers, streams, lakes or wetland areas you would like to visit/recreate in but can’t, or areas you think should be protected etc.)?

The second part is what I desperatly need help with! we need to fill out a survey for each waterway we use. As I am not at all familiar with the individual waterways yet, it would be great if you are familiar with one or two if you could fill out a survey on it.

Here are the questions:

Part B. Information about each stream, river, lake or wetland

Please fill out a separate sheet for each stream, river, lake or wetland used by your organisation

Name and location of the river, stream, lake or wetland used by your organisation

Do members of your organisation use the entire stream, river, lake or wetland?

Yes

No (please describe the area you use)

How many people from your organisation use this stream, river, lake or wetland in any year?

(X relevant box)

Less than 5

5-10

10-20

20-50

Over 50

How often is the stream, river, lake or wetland used by members of your organisation (X the box(es) that apply)?

Year round	Summer	Autumn	Winter	Spring
Daily	Daily	Daily	Daily	Daily
Weekends	Weekends	Weekends	Weekends	Weekends
2 or 3 days a week	2 or 3 days a week	2 or 3 days a week	2 or 3 days a week	2 or 3 days a week
Once a week	Once a week	Once a week	Once a week	Once a week
Monthly	Monthly	Monthly	Monthly	Monthly
Occasionally	Occasionally	Occasionally	Occasionally	Occasionally

Is this area used mainly by people who live locally?

Yes

Not Sure

If the river, stream, lake or wetland is used by people outside the local area, do they go there often?

Yes

Not Sure

What concerns do you and/or members of your organisation have for the management of this stream, river, lake or wetland?

In your opinion, what makes this stream, river, lake or wetland suitable for your activity?

Please X as many as you like.

	Good water quality		Secluded area
	High water flows		Presence of trout
	Low water flows		Presence of native fish
	Deep water		Presence of trees and other plants
	Shallow water		Presence of native plants and bush
	Attractive scenery		Presence of birds
	Close to public transport		Presence of native birds
	Good public access		Feeling of natural environment
	Good vehicle access		Good views
	Popular area		Open space
	Good vehicle security		Challenging environment
	Good walking tracks		Not too challenging environment
	Close to home		Good water cress
	Safe area for kids		Picnic facilities
	Toilet facilities
	Other (please state)

Is there anything that makes this river, stream, lake or wetland unsuitable for your activity (not necessarily all the time)?

Please X as many as you like.

	Poor water quality		Over developed
	High water flow		Absence of trout
	Low water flow		Absence of native fish
	Deep water		Absence of trees and other plants
	Shallow water		Absence of native plants and bush
	Poor scenery		Absence of birds
	Far from public transport		Absence of native birds
	Poor public access		Feeling of natural environment
	Poor vehicle access		Poor views
	Popular area		Lack of open space
	Poor vehicle security		Too much open space
	Poor walking tracks		Challenging environment
	Too far from home		Not too challenging environment
	Not safe for kids		Lack of cleaning facilities for fishing equipment (e.g. to prevent Didymo spread)
	Too much rubbish and litter		Lack of toilet facilities
	Other (please state)

If you can, please describe any other kinds of recreation you have noticed in this area.

If you have any other comments please make them here (e.g. any changes to the river, stream, lake or wetland - good or bad since you first visited it)

So if you could help put that would be fabulous! Send me an e-mail and I will send you a copy of the form to fill out.

Hope you all are enjoying the summer and swimming in those rivers!

Thanks!! :)

Terra

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Re: Water ways users survey

Re: Water ways users survey

Water ways users survey