XN000022-1995-12-01 — Page 16

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Extension of Sai Kung West Country Park proposed

The Country and Marine Parks Authority (the Authority) has proposed to extend the Sai Kung West Country Park.

The proposed extension, measuring about 123 hectares, covers the Wan Tsai peninsula and its three neighbouring islands at Hoi Ha Wan.

A spokesman for the Authority said the extension was mainly for landscape conservation and recreation, with the nearby hills and undulating plains being offered for passive outdoor activities such as hiking and picnicking.

The spokesman said: "The proposed extension in the north-eastern part of Sai Kung West Country Park is formerly a borrow area which has been successfully restored by tree planting."

On management of the area, he pointed out that it would be in two phases.

The first phase will primarily aim at preserving the landscape and upkeeping the existing trails connected to the Wan Tsai peninsula from Hoi Ha and Tai Tan.

Subject to availability of resources, the phase two development will involve the provision of recreational and educational facilities and the promotion of more extensive use of the area by hikers.

To preserve the landscape character of the three adjacent islands, recreational facilities will not be provided.

On visitor facilities, the spokesman said the existing footpaths would be maintained in Wan Tsai peninsula in the first phase.

Phase two of the development would involve the provision of recreational facilities such as picnic tables, benches, litter bins, shelters, information boards, view compasses and way markers at strategic locations, he said.

Marine conservation education facilities may be provided along the coast of the peninsula when Hoi Ha Wan becomes a marine park.

In accordance with section 8 of the Country Parks Ordinance, the Authority has prepared the draft map and explanatory statement for the proposed Sai Kung West Country Park (Wan Tsai Extension). A notice to that effect was published in the Government Gazette today (Friday).