19th Country Parks Visitor Liaison Group Meeting

Date:	1 November 2003（Saturday）
Time:	2:30p.m. to 4:30p.m.
Venue:	Room 906, Cheung Sha Wan Government Office

Participants:	石火群女士	李清鴻先生
	沈志偉先生	周國強先生
	冼卓先生	梁文熾先生
	梁國健先生	郭志標先生
	陳旭明先生	梁欽誠先生
	Mr. Fowler	李國輝先生
	李仲明先生	Mr. Eckersley
	Anny Kwan	吳兆偉先生
	伍國民先生	黎民鏗先生
	黃偉強先生	楊曉河女士
	黃盛輝先生	黃智仁先生
	劉寓安先生	劉康孫先生
	劉新強先生	龍克裘先生
	Ms Jo Clark	Ms Judy Love-Eastham
	Wong Wing Tat

AFCD representatives:	Dr. F.Y. Wong (Chairman)
	Mr. K.W. Cheung
	Ms Y N NGAR
	Mr. Y M LEE (Interpreter)
	Miss K Y YANG（Recording）

Minutes:
The Chairman welcomed all participants and invited all to introduce oneself.

Report on Publicity Works of Country Parks
Miss YANG and Ms NGAR reported recent publicity works of The authority:

a)	Publication – The authority have published over 50kinds of books on nature so far and participated in 2003 Book Fair from 29.7 to 3.8.2003 at Hong Kong Convention Centre. Newly published books are “Maclehose Trail”, “Wilson Trail” and “Above Quarry Bay – Hong Kong East Country Parks”. A promotion campaign entitled “Hong Kong Country Parks - Natural Charm” was launched on 29.10 and last until 9.11 in 28nos of bookstores in Hong Kong to promote the publications to the public.
b)	Hiking Festival – From 9.11.2003 to 22.2.2004, a total of 15 walks would be held in various Country Parks. Enrollment was finished. Participants are welcomed to join the Free Walks with “Walkers’ Companion”.
c)	Information sign – The authority replaced all the information signs of Maclehose Trail with illustrative signs.

Suggestions and responses

1. Waymarks and Information Boards
1.1 One visitor suggested adding waymarks in the wild to allow hikers to locate themselves. One visitor suggested adding information signs at the trigonometrical stations.
The authority trust that it is better for hiker to locate oneself by using a map.

1.2 One visitor praised the installation of UTMO system in Sai Kung that is first of its kind in the world and suggested to promote the use of the system to the public.

1.3 One visitor complained about lack of sign at the path connecting Po Shing Road ?), North Point to Sir Cecil’s Ride.
The authority explained that the subject location lies outside Country Parks and would forward the complain to relevant department to follow.

1.4 One visitor complained about the inconsistence and misleading time system of waymarks. Example is the one from Kat Hing Bridge to Tai Lam that marks 6km and 4hrs.
The authority explained that the required time marked on the waymark is a rough estimate and The authority tends to adopt a longer time to avoid hikers from underestimating the required time. Taking suggestion from previous CPVLG meeting, we have been using 1/4 as the standard unit for km and hr. For misplaced signs, The authority will rectify the situation shortly.

1.5 One visitor pointed out many mistakes made in HN20C No.7 map and urged The authority to make amendment.
The said map is produced by the Lands Department and The authority noticed the mistakes.

2. Country Park facilities
2.1 One visitor praised The authority for taking the suggestions from previous CPVLG meeting and installed the requested signs at Pat Sin Leng, pavilions at Plover Cove and Sha Wan Shan.

2.2 One visitor pointed out that the reflective sign at Maclehose Trail stage No.4 was worn off and urged The authority to fix it urgently for coming Trail Walkers.
The authority will make evaluation.

3. Mountain Cycling Trails
3.1 One visitor expressed the existing trails are too difficult and long such as the one from Tsak Yue Wu to Pak Sha O. Beginners have to hold the bytes for most of the time. He suggested opening an escape route from Cheung Sheung to Tai Mong Tsai as well as easier mountain cycling trails for beginners.
Take into account both safety of hikers and cyclists as well as impacts of the activity on path, The authority will keep looking for potential mountain cycling trails.

4. Install Bath Room
4.1 One visitor suggested to keep pace with Country Parks of other countries to install bath room in Country Parks of Hong Kong. This could also avoid the embarrassing situation on the way back home caused by heavy sweat smell. He also suggested The authority to rent the bath rooms form LCSD.

4.2 Other visitors expressed that different countries adopt different hiking culture. Local hikers do not require bath rooms but simply wear quality clothing or change cloth after hiking. To link up existing trails with facilities of LCSD is also considered impractical.
The authority expressed that due to problem of water supply, it is extremely difficult to build bath room in Country Parks. The authority would keep building new flushing toilets and offering washing basins. Construction of new toilets at Pak Tam Au, Shum Tseng and Tai Tong has begun. For campers, detailed information on facilities of various camp sites could be obtained from the web site. Visitors can choose their preferred sites.

5. Toilet
5.1 One visitor pointed out that the toilet at the roundabout of Tai Mong Tsai was running out of flushing water. He suggested posting enquiry hotline to allow public to report to The authority. The authority explained that most Country Parks flushing toilets rely on natural water. In times of drought in winter, there may be problem to replenish the water tank quickly and to maintain steady supply. Meanwhile, stainless steel plates marked with cleansing timetable and enquiry hotline are provided in all Country Parks toilets. Visitors can also call 1832 after office hours to forward comments to us.

6. Green Tourism
6.1 Visitors pointed out that both eco-tour guides and visitors are poor in protecting the natural environment. The department erected information plates to introduce to visitors information of natural resources but in turn, the visitors destroyed the described plant and rock. Example is the Camphor Tree along the Peak Trail. One visitor suggested to organize adult course on nature education.
The authority expressed that large number of booklets on “Hints for Nature Appreciation” were printed and distributed to local hiking groups, green groups and tour agents. “Country Codes” was also included in publications of the department.
And, the subject tree is examined and no irregularity is found. To install the signs is to provide correct information and will not bring damage. The authority organizes talks regularly but not adult course.

6.2 One visitor complained about the limited information provided in Sai Kung Visitor Centre and expressed that visitors would only come to Country Parks to find relevant books but not bookstores. One visitor suggested to publish book on insect especially beetles.
The authority pointed out that most of the required information could be downloaded from the web site and most publications could be purchased from Sai Kung Visitor Centre.

6.3 One visitor suggested to establish a trail in Sai Kung East on rock appreciation.
The authority expressed that hiking trail generally can lead visitors to appreciate all natural features along it and there is no need to set up a trail specially focus on rock only.

7. Monkey Problem
7.1 One visitor concerned the birth rate of the macaques at Shing Mun and pointed out that their home range had already extended to Eagle’s Nest and Uk Tau. He suggested to deploy more causal wear rangers to tackle illegal feeding. One visitor suggested not to rely only on enforcement but education - to explain to feeders the consequences of feeding the monkeys.
The authority expressed that Animal Protection Section will evaluate the birth control method and consider the advices.

8. Hiking Trails
8.1 One visitor pointed out that many ancient paths inside Country Parks are being abandoned such as the path leading from the Lookout Pavilion at Lion Rock to catchment and the one form Lai Chi Chong to She Shek Au. He suggested to re-open the paths. One visitor suggested to clear the grass that covered the “She Shek”.
The authority will consider the suggestions but have to examine if the paths would pass through ecological sensitive or protected area.

8.2 One visitor suggested to open a new path leading from Pineapple Dam to the main dam of Shing Mun to enhance public safety on current path.
The authority explained that there is not enough space in the subject location for alternative path. In fact, the path is specially designed to lower speed of vehicles to minimize the threat to visitors.

8.3 One visitor praised the new trail from Kau Ling Chung via Sham Hang Lek to Nga Ying Kok but complained about the poor path condition of the section running downhill to Ngar Ying Kok. He also suggested to install a view compass at Shum Hang Lek and to extent the network coverage at the said location.

8.4 One visitor suggested to open a by-pass trail from entrance of Tai Lam Tunnel to the catchment above to minimize the time.
The authority trust that there is no need to minimize time for hiking.

8.5 One visitor suggested to clear all the residue after grass cutting to avoid the path being too slippery.
The authority expressed that it is the general practice and some path may not be managed by The authority.

9. Designation of North Lantau Country Park
9.1 One visitor asked about the progress of designation of North Lantau Country Park.
The authority expressed that the plan is under consideration by the Environment, Transport and Works Bureau.

10. Permit system at Pak Tam Chung
10.1 Visitors suggested to install recording machine at Sai Kung Visitor Centre to rectify the line busy problem.
The authority expressed that currently the line of permit application is already diverted from line of general enquiry to minimize the waiting time.

10.2 One visitor complained about the restriction on accessible destination marked on the permit, suggested to state only Pak Tam Road and Hoi Ha Road. He wanted to know which department is responsible for issuing the permit and which for enforcement. He also suggested to use different color on the permit to distinguish between visitors and villagers.
The authority explained that villager’s permit is issued by Tai Po / Sai Kung District Office and enforced by AFCD.

11. Illegal Cultivation
11.1 Visitors pointed out that illegal cultivation were found in Wong Nai Tau, Shek Mun, Nam Tei Reservoir and Hung Shui Hang. One visitor praised The authority for handling similar case in Nam Tei Reservoir. All the stuff were removed and noticed was posted upon reporting.
The authority explained that some of the mentioned sites are outside Country Parks and The authority would make investigation.

12. Enforcement
12.1 Visitors suggested the Country Parks workman to wear the same uniform of Ranger to prevent visitors from littering.
The authority expressed that the workman is not authorized to take prosecution and therefore could not wear the said uniform.

12.2 One visitor asked how to define “causing water pollution” as he found someone playing in the stream at Shing Mun.
The authority expressed that no prosecution would be taken if only involve washing hands and face.

13. Education
13.1 One visitor suggested The authority to join hand with the Education Department to produce ETV or include information of Country Parks into current syllabus.
The authority expressed that a more direct and efficient education programme - “ School Outreaching Programme” has been running for years. Park Rangers and Country Parks Ambassadors would visit all the schools regularly with exhibition panels and booth to convey the message of “ nature conservation” to the students directly.

14. Outsourcing BBQ site
14.1 The chairman invited every participant to indicate pros and cons on outsourcing BBQ sites. The result is 12 pros, 5 cons and 3 no comment (9 participants left during the meeting). Reasons for pros are mainly litter problem and “user pay principle”.

End of meeting
The meeting ended at 4:30p.m.