1994 TE MARIE TRACK PARTIAL CLOSURE. Te Marie is an excellent example of the forest that once covered much of the King Country. There are large specimens of podocarp – totara, rimu, kahikatea and matai. Common broadleaf species are Awa and Hinau. The well-worn track beside the Wanganui River was a popular walk for the Taumarunui Tramping Club and others, but according to DOC was deemed unsafe for the general public to use, the ground unstable and subjected to landslides. Without consultation with the locals, an old bridge was removed and ‘Closed’ signs erected at either end of the track. Members of the Taumarunui Tramping Club took exception to this and a paper war began drawing DOC’s attention to the many points that were seriously overlooked. DOC responded with justifications as to their action. Our club, not convinced this was true, consulted with The Field Manager in Taumarunui and a Bridge Consulting Engineer based in Wanganui and with this information, went back to DOC with 83 submissions which we felt were overlooked and not consulted on. Our club argued that only experienced trampers used the track anyway, and it would also limit the hunters who keep the goats and possums under control and  anglers for recreational use.  Back and forth went the argument until DOC got heavy handed and refused any funding to keep the track open. The loop section of the Scenic Reserve can still be used by crossing the stream near the carpark for a leisurely two-hour bush walk.