Papamoa Hills Regional Park will temporarily close on October 5 for up to four months due to a pine harvest operation on land leased for and adjacent to the park.
"It's a shame to have to close the park just as spring is arriving but the closure is necessary to protect public safety. We expect to re-open again in February so that people can still enjoy some summer park time," said Bay of Plenty Regional Council Kaituna catchments manager Pim de Monchy.
The 25 hectare harvest area is owned by Fulton Hogan who have commissioned contractors for the harvest.
The harvest operation area includes the area surrounding the Poplar Lane car park and part of the main access track which services the Papamoa Hills Regional Park.
"There's a narrow earthworks season window that constrains when a harvest like this can be done. We're starting the harvest as early as possible to minimise the impacts on summer Park visitors," said Fulton Hogan regional manager Gavin Riddle.