20th Country Parks Visitor Liaison Group Meeting

Date:	24 April 2003（Saturday）
Time:	2:30p.m. to 4:30p.m.
Venue:	Room 906, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices

Participants:	李清鴻先生	Ms Rainbow Leung
	沈志偉先生	郭志標先生
	冼卓先生	梁欽誠先生
	梁國健先生	黎民鏗先生
	陳旭明先生	Mr Clive Noffle
	吳兆偉先生	周照先生
	伍國民先生	胡蔭全先生
	楊曉河先生	區繼垣先生
	黃智仁先生	陳儒霖先生
	龍克裘先生	賀國賢先生
	Ms Judy Love-Eastham	區智浩先生
	曾玉安先生	陳國新先生
	陳永鏗先生	薛蕙貞女士

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

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

Report on Work of Country Parks
Miss YANG reported on the recent publicity work and visitor services of the Authority:

a)	Production of Leaflet – The Authority produced eight booklets entitled “Venturing Hong Kong Country Parks”, highlighting the major scenic spots and hiking routes for both regular visitors and new hikers. These are available for free distribution at various Country Parks’ Visitor Centres.
b)	“Geo-diary” – Since September last year, the Authority has released “Geo-diary” to major newspapers each Sunday, to introduce interesting geographical landmarks. There is a parallel online version. More than 30 editions of the “Geo-diary” have been published thus far.
c)	Hong Kong Stamp Expo 2004 – The Authority participated in the Stamp Expo in January this year. Eight sets of postcards entitled “Natural Charms” and “100 Reasons to Love Hong Kong” were published, to promote the Country Parks to both local and overseas visitors.
d)	Country Parks Visitor Survey 03/04 – A visitor survey was conducted by the Authority during November and December last year – when a total of 2,751 questionnaires were completed. The survey clearly showed that hiking has become the most popular activity in the parks. Visitors were pleased with the hiking facilities and urged the Authority to maintain the state of the hiking trails. Though the public generally reacted positively to AFCD’s publications, 45% of the interviewees said they were not aware of them. Regarding outsourcing of BBQ sites, 65% did not support this – and 24% did support the proposal. Were this proceed, the majority suggested a BBQ user fee of less than $10.

Miss YANG also reported recent measures taken by the Authority to enhance hiking safety:

a)	Deploying more staff to patrol the country parks and special areas, in particular by foot patrol on popular hiking trails.
b)	Promoting hiking safety and enhancing the location identification facilities:
	i. Complimentary booklets with safety guidelines from the Police are being distributed to hikers.
	ii. The Authority has uploaded the grid references of distance posts for long-distance hiking Trails and country trails to its website.
	iii. Sign plates with grid reference would be added to the interpretation signs of all nature trails.
c)	Working with the Police at all levels, maintain close communication for exchange of information and assist operations on anti-illegal immigrants operations.
d)	Emphasizing personal responsibility on outdoor excursions:
	i. don't go alone;
	ii. inform someone where you are going to and the trip schedule;
	iii. report to the Police right away for any sighting of suspected persons in the countryside;
e)	The Civil Aids Services will help to patrol on popular trails during holidays;
f)	All country park staff would act promptly to report any suspected offences involving illegal immigrants and their hiding grounds.

Dr. YEUNG reported ways ahead for the Authority:

a)	Improvement of Interpretative Signs – In response to the demand for higher quality countryside information, the Authority plans to upgrade its interpretative signs for the Northern and Sai Kung districts in the coming year.
b)	Mini-exhibition in Visitor Centres – The authority plans to set up more new displays in various Visitor Centres, focusing on local and other nature topics.
c)	Improve Website – The authority will improve its website to provide more hiking related information to public.
d)	Hong Kong Book Fair 2004 – The authority plans to publish 10 more books about nature in Hong Kong, and also participate in the Book Fair in July.

Suggestions and responses

1. Safety and irregularity in countryside
1.1 One visitor expressed his appreciation for the work the Police in improving the security and safety of Lai Chi Wo in the past two years.

1.2 One visitor suggested extending the mobile phone coverage in countryside to enhance security, and to provide the relevant information to public.
The Authority noted that both mobile phone companies, and the Telecommunications Authority were aware of the need to improve the coverage, but owing to various commercial factors, or objections from villagers on installation of radio stations, some places in the countryside were still not covered. Generally, the mobile phone coverage has been greatly improved in recent years. Although leaflets on countryside mobile phone coverage are available from the relevant companies, countryside visitors should not rely totally on mobile phones when hiking – especially in the more remote areas.
One visitor said that the Police only patrolled in hotspots, whereas illegal immigrants may hide in remote or coastal areas.
The Authority urged visitors to report to police as soon as possible if hiding places of illegal immigrants are found.

1.3 One visitor said that owing to time constraint and taking care of other members, it would be very difficult to report to police immediately. He asked if there was any hotline for report irregularities later.
The Authority suggested visitors to make use of the hotline 1823 and the information obtained would be passed to relevant departments for follow-up actions. It is expected that visitors would be able to provide detailed locations or photos, as well as contact numbers, for better follow-up action. The Police have been allocating more resources to combat the crime. One visitor echoed that police have been monitoring closely the situation in Tai Long Wan.

1.4 One visitor noted that he sent a letter to SCMP the year before, reporting suspected sand being stolen from Tai Long Tung Wan and Pak Sha Tau Tsui in Kat O.
The Authority reported that the case had been investigated but no irregularity could be found.

2. Way-markers and Information Plates
2.1 One visitor pointed out that the way-markers near Kat Hang Bridge and along Kap Lung to Gold Coast were confusing. Way-markers for vehicles were too large, while those for hikers were too small. Hikers easily mixed them up. And, one visitor observed that he always got lost in Tsing Fai Tong.
The Authority said it would follow up the cases.

2.2 One visitor pointed out that the way-markers near Wun Yiu, Wilson Trail Stage 8, were worn out and lost.
The Authority explained that the concerned area was outside Country Park, and the Home Affairs Department has promised to rectify the situation soon.

2.3 One visitor enquired if the Nature Trail in Lugard Road was developed by the Authority – or by the Central and Western District Council.
The Authority noted that it was a joint project of the two parties.

3. Mountain Cycling
3.1 One visitor questioned why some trails allowed vehicular entry, but not mountain bikes. The Authority explained that there were many different types of paths inside Country Parks. For those managed by Water Supplies Department, owing to safety and maintenance problems, cycling was not allowed. For example, the catchwater at Yung Shue O and MacLehose Trail leading to main dam of High Island Reservoir. If the trail was a public road, e.g. the road leading from Pak Tam Chung to Hoi Ha, cycling was allowed.

3.2 One visitor expressed that 3 (it is in fact 4) out of 8 (it is in fact 11) Cycling Trails were located in Lantau Island, whereas the start and finish points of the rest were difficult of access or incompatible, e.g. after riding downhill at Hoi Pui one could not return via the catchwater but Kam Sheung Road, which was in fact very dangerous. He requested the Authority to open more new cycling trails, and to consider the system as a whole. Another visitor objected, saying that, allowing for the small ratio of cyclists to hikers, no more cycling trails should be opened. He expressed his concern over the impact of cycling on path conditions (e.g, Tai Lang Tung), and mentioned his episode of being severely affected by a cyclist at MacLehose Trail Stage 5.
The Authority noted that is its policy was to look after the needs of all parties but there are physical constraints that may be insurmountable. It has been working with cyclist associations to seek means to minimize possible conflicts between cyclists and hikers, for example by installing warning signs.

3.3 One visitor suggested designating some country trails for cycling only, to minimize potential unhappiness between cyclists and hikers.
The Authority noted, however, that even if some trails were designated for cyclists only, inevitably hikers would use them also – and so this would not resolve the conflict.

4. Development Work inside Country Parks
4.1 One visitor asked if there were any regulations to control development of infrastructure inside Country Parks, such as a cable car in Lantau, widening of Tung Chung Road and installation of water pipes at Chek Keng.
The Authority explained that all proposed work inside Country Parks would be carefully examined. Mitigation measures would also be required after the work All project proponents need to substantiate the needs of the project. The Authority would also examine the alignment and the likely impact. Conditions would be laid down for approved projects to ensure the interests of the Country Parks and its users were not jeopardized. The Authority would also arrange staff to monitor the progress to ensure compliance of the stated conditions.

5. Hiking Trails
5.1 One visitor praised the new trails at Fan Lau and Yung Shue Au, but pointed out that there were many fragmented stones on the path leading from Tiu Tang Lung to eastern slope of Sam A and Fung Wang Wat. The visitor suspected that rock blasts had been taken by the Authority at the above places or results of intensive mountain trainings of the Outward Bound School.
The Authority explained that the fragmented stones were, in fact, the result of natural erosion. Many parts of Hong Kong consisted of sedimentary rocks, and the yearly impact from hikers feet can create a gullying effect. Similar phenomenon could be seen in Pat Sin Leng, Sharp Peak and Pyramid Hill.

5.2 One visitor suggested the Authority to scale down the use of concrete in making steps to avoid damage to hikers’ legs.
The Authority said that concrete steps would only be used if there were no other alternative.

5.3 One visitor suggested building shelters along the path enroute from Tai Lam Reservoir and High Junk Peak.
The Authority said it would consider the suggestion.

6. Tree Planting
6.1 One visitor pointed out that the natural vegetation of the countryside should be maintained, but not covered by trees such as at Ngong Ping, Sai Kung. It was noted that the trees at “Chin Kei Corridor” had now grown so high that Starling Inlet could not be seen now. The path leading from Shum Wan to the peninsula was covered by ferns, thorns and bamboo, compared with seven years ago. He suspected the Authority had adopted aerial seeding method that leaded to coverage of trails by trees now.
The Authority stated that no aerial seeding method was adopted, and the establishment and maturing of such trees – and other changes in vegetation – was a natural succession process. Shum Wan is not Country Park. The Authority would keep the natural vegetation of Ngong Ping.

7. Law Enforcement
7.1 One visitor suggested that the Authority should prosecute any graffiti writers in the Country Parks and post notices about this a the main entrance to each Country Park.
The Authority said it was difficult to catch graffiti offenders in the act, but the Authority had taken prosecution against graffiti writers before. Regulations were posted at main entrances already.

7.2 One visitor pointed out that as many as 70 hill fires have been recorded during the grave worship season, and he urged the Authority to step up prosecution against worshipers who violated the regulation.
The Authority expressed that, of these 70 fire events, only two occurred inside a Country Park.

8. Toilets
8.1 One visitor pointed out that the toilet at Pak Tam Au, exit of MaLehose Trail Stage 2 was not necessary, that the design was an eyesore and not environmental friendly.
The Authority said that the above location was an important exit / entrance for the MaLehose Trail, and hence the toilet demand was high.

8.2 One visitor pointed out that the lock outside the mobile toilet was badly designed, and because of this a user might become locked inside.
The Authority said that a lock was needed, but it would pass on this suggestion to the toilet suppliers.

9. Less Popular and Alternative Country Park Activities
9.1 One visitor pointed out that light pollution is a serious problem in countryside, and that this affects star viewing. He suggested installing timers in light posts at Pak Tam Au and Chek Keng, to shut down the light automatically during the later night. Moreover, owing to the full coverage of trees in some areas, aerosports were restricted to pedestrians along main road. He urged the Authority to allow space inside Country Parks for alternative activities.
The Authority expressed the desire to cater to various special interest groups, but control of light in the countryside was out of the jurisdiction of the Authority, and the growth of trees was a natural process.

9.2 The same visitor suggested to open, or outsource, the flat platform near West Dam for other activities such as family camping.
The Authority said that the land use of the whole area near West Dam was undergoing long-term consideration.

9.3 One visitor suggested to open management centres to public for camping, such as the abandoned one at Lead Mine Pass.
The Authority expressed the difficulty in opening up the centres, and mentioned that in fact the Lead Mine Pass centre was still in use.

10. Designation of Country Parks/Protected Area
10.1 One visitor enquired how she might propose designating part of Port Island as a protected area.
The Authority suggested she should submit a proposal to the Planning Department or Environment, Transport and Works Bureau.

10.2 One visitor enquired the progress of extension of North Lantau Country Park.
The Authority informed him that the draft plan was gazetted, but that the entire development of Lantau Island was under review.

10.3 One visitor enquired if the authority would designate Po Toi or Tung Lung Island (Tung Lung Fort in fact is a Special Area) as a Country Park.
The Authority expressed that there was no such plan yet.

11. Others
11.1 One visitor enquired if the Authority could offer a student internship programme.
The Authority expressed the view that, due to resource constraints, it could not provide such services.

11.2 One visitor pointed out that the warden posts were always closed, and suggested that it would help if the Authority posted the opening hours and services.
The Authority expressed that staff were deployed to patrol rather than standby at the post.

11.3 One visitor suggested offering more souvenirs for sale in Visitor Centres such as a plaque of the MacLehose Trail.
The Authority replied that, apart from books, the sale of other items was not commercially viable.

11.4 One visitor suggested sending more staff to participate in the meetings of the Rural Committee to enhance the communication.

11.5 One visitor further enquired about the possibility of applying restriction on road leading from Pineapple Dam to Main Dam during weekends and public holidays.
The Authority explained that the suggestion had been forwarded to Police and Water Supplies Department but objected by the District Council. The Authority would consider putting more ramps along the route, to lower the speed of the vehicles using it.

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