Environment Waikato is likely to grant $12,000 towards an enhancement project for the Hakanoa Walkway near Huntly.

The Council’s Environment Committee has recommended contributing to the project, which involves four kilometres of walkway around the lake from the town domain. The project already received $9,910 from the Environmental Initiatives Fund in 1999.

In March last year the Friends of the Walkway group commissioned a proposal for future development of the walkway, which identified eight “theme” zones around the lake. Estimated total cost of the project is $180,000, to be completed in December 2004. About 90 people a day use the walkway.

The District Council owns the walkway land and had committed money to the enhancement project, along with environment grant from WEL Energy Trust.

The project includes a walkway entrance, boardwalk and native trees, willow and fern glade, global garden and wedding venue, bog plants and wildlife area, palm beach area, ponga and fern area and another area which may become an orchard.

It would be most appropriate for Environment Waikato to support the bog plant and wildlife habitat area, where native trees and plants would be planted at a total cost of $22,600.

While only parts of the project were aligned with Council objectives, good quality walkways were important to engage people with their environment, the Committee heard. Development of the bog plant section was in line with promoting biodiversity.