Draft map of Lantau North Country Park for public inspection
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    A draft map of the proposed Lantau North (Extension) Country Park is available for public inspection for 60 days from today (January 4).

     A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today that the draft map was prepared by the Country and Marine Parks Authority. The proposed country park covers most of the areas stretching from Tai Shan above Penny's Bay in the east, to Tai Ho, Tung Chung and Sham Wat in the west.  It is bound to the south by the Lantau North Country Park, and to the north by the North Lantau Highway and the new town at Tung Chung.

     "The designation of the proposed country park, covering an area of 2,360 hectares, will help conserve the nature environment, protect the diversified habitats and preserve the scenic landscape.

     "The majority of the proposed country park is mountainous and upland valleys covered with natural woodland and unspoiled streams. Also of high conservation and landscape value are the well-established areas of secondary woodlands, developed montane forests and fresh water habitats.

     "Recreational facilities such as picnic sites and view compasses will be set up. Educational facilities such as nature trails will be provided where appropriate. Guided walks and other nature education activities will also be organised," the spokesman said.

     A copy of the draft map of the proposed country park is ready for public inspection for 60 days according to a notice gazetted today. People can examine the draft map free-of-charge at the designated offices during office hours. Details are available on the department's website: http://www.afcd.gov.hk/tc_chi/country/cou_wha/cou_wha.html.

     Copies of the draft map are also available for sale to the public at $34 each at AFCD headquarters, 6th Floor, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon.

     "Any person aggrieved by the draft map may submit a written statement of objection, stating the nature of and the reasons for the objection, and proposed alteration to the draft map, if any, to the Country and Marine Parks Authority and the Secretary of the Country and Marine Parks Board at 5th Floor, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, within 60 days from the date of gazettal," he said.

Ends/Friday, January 4, 2008
Issued at HKT 14:01

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