Capertee National Park

Transcription

1 Capertee National Park Discussion Paper Proposed actions and policies for the draft plan of management Contents 1. CONSERVATION OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Geology, Landforms, Soils and Catchments Flora and Fauna Introduced Plants and Animals 4 2. FIRE MANAGEMENT 6 3. CULTURAL HERITAGE Aboriginal Heritage Historic Heritage 9 4. USE OF THE PARK Recreation Management Vehicular Access and Touring Walking Tracks and Bushwalking Camping and Day Use Cycling Horseriding Caving PROMOTION OF THE PARK RESEARCH MANAGEMENT FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS 16 April 2011 NSW NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

2 1. CONSERVATION OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 1.1 Geology, Landforms, Soils and Catchments Capertee National Park is located within the Capertee Valley, north of Lithgow. The park was gazetted on the 26 th May The area is known for its stunning escarpment scenery, the presence of many threatened woodland bird species and the diversity of its vegetation communities. Capertee National Park was formerly a grazing property known as Port Macquarie. The land has been farmed since the mid 1800 s, and is an integral component in the early history of the Valley. The Park covers an area of 2, hectares which is comprised of approximately 100 hectares of cleared, naturally regenerating alluvial valley flats bisected by the Capertee River with the remainder encompassing grassy hills, timbered slopes, rocky outcrops and rugged gorges. From high viewpoints within the park spectacular panoramic views of the Capertee Valley can be obtained. The highest points of the park are up to 730m ASL down to 400m ASL in the valley floor. The geology of the Park comprises a Permian layer of Shale, Conglomerate and Sandstone of the Shoalhaven Group underlain by a lower to middle Devonian layer comprising shale, siltstone, quartzite tuff and limestone. An extensive band of limestone karst runs through the Park. The soils within the park consist of three different groups: Colluvial landscapes, Umbiella Group, and Port Macquarie group. Colluvial landscape soils are comprised of shallow to moderately deep stony lithosols and earthy sands. The Umbiella Group is characterised by level to gently inclined alluvial floodplains and valley flats draining Devonian and Permian sediments with rich alluvial loam soils. The Port Macquarie Group is characterised by gently undulating to rolling rises and low hills beneath narrow crests. Bands of limestone outcrop on crests and upper slopes. Soils are shallow red earth and red podzolic soils/terra rossa intergrades. The Capertee River winds its way for eleven kilometres through the Park, providing many scenic camping and picnic sites along its banks. The park lies within the Hawkesbury- Nepean catchment, as the Capertee River flows into the Colo River, and then into the Nepean River. Ulumbra, Deadman s Creek and Oakey Creek are semi-permanent creeklines flowing through the park into the Capertee River. The location of Capertee National Park close to Mugii Murrum-ban State Conservation Area, which joins Gardens of Stone National Park and then Wollemi National Park, adds to an extensive protected area across a wide environmental gradient. The scenic and landscape values of the park will be protected. Features and sites of geological and geomorphic significance will be protected against damage from human activities. 2

3 Disturbed sites not required for public or management use or to be protected for their historic value will be progressively rehabilitated using locally sourced native plant species. All relevant management activities in the park will utilise soil erosion and sedimentation control using current best practice standards. Catchment values will be protected and all precautions taken to limit disturbance and the entry of pollutants into catchments. The Service will continue to support the concept of Total Catchment Management and the advisory role of the Catchment Management Authority (CMA) in the management of the Capertee River and other waterways found within the park. The Service will include objectives and actions for minimising erosion arising from prescribed and wild fires in its fire planning and management programs. The Service will liaise with local council, CMA and other relevant management agencies to minimise potential adverse impacts on the scenic values of the park. The Service will develop maintenance priorities and standards for public access roads, management trails and walking tracks utilising best management erosion and sedimentation controls to protect the catchment. Road and restoration works will use only geologically compatible soil and gravel free of pollutants and foreign plant propagules. Karst environment to be restored and protected against potential adverse impacts. 1.2 Flora and Fauna Capertee National Park has a high diversity of vegetation with 10 separate vegetation communities identified to date, some of which are considered endemic to the Capertee Valley and which also include the Endangered Ecological Community White Box/Yellow Box/Blakely s Red Gum Grassy Woodland which is listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995). The park also has populations of Grevillea obtusiflora subsp. fecunda. This plant is listed as Vulnerable under the Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995), and is only known to occur within the Capertee Valley. The park is notable for its many varied habitats. This is reflected in the biodiversity of the fauna that have been recorded in the park. Twenty-four threatened fauna species have been recorded in the park to date. The park is also a haven for woodland bird species, with at least 21 threatened bird species known to be present. These include the Swift Parrot, Diamond Firetail, Hooded Robin, Turquoise Parrot, Brown Treecreeper and Barking Owl. The park is also known as a reliable breeding area for Regent Honeyeaters, a rare nomadic bird species which is declining in numbers. This species is listed as Endangered under the Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995). Other threatened fauna recorded from the reserve include the Spotted-tailed Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) and the Large-eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri). These species are both listed as vulnerable under the Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995). 3

4 The management of plant and animal species and habitats within the park will give priority to the protection of those listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995) and the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999). Further survey and research will be encouraged into the presence, distribution, habitat requirements and ecology of endangered and vulnerable flora and fauna which occur within the park. The Service will encourage effective involvement and co-operation of other levels of government and local community where appropriate in the implementation of species recovery plans. Public education on the threatened flora and fauna species within the park will be implemented. Biodiversity surveys will be encouraged in conjunction with local community groups and tertiary institutions to systematically collate information on the flora and fauna of the park and their habitats, giving priority to surveys for threatened species. The distribution of threatened and vulnerable flora and fauna species will be progressively mapped and potential threats to their conservation identified and mitigated. Management profiles and guidelines will be developed for threatened and other significant species within the park. Grading of tracks will be carried out in a manner to prevent impacts on populations of the threatened plant species, Grevillea obtusiflora subsp. fecunda. All field staff will be made aware of the known locations of this species and how to recognise it. The Service will co-operate with local Landcare groups in the recovery of the Regent Honeyeater and other endangered species and their habitats both within the park and in areas adjacent to the park. Information on the threatened species within the park will be included in brochures and signage. 1.3 Introduced Plants and Animals Pest species are plants and animals that have negative environmental, economic and social impacts and are most commonly introduced species. Pests can have impacts across the range of park values, including impacts on biodiversity, cultural heritage, catchment and scenic values. Capertee National Park has been used as a working property since the 1850 s, and as a result there are many agricultural weeds present, both on and adjacent to the property. Initially weed control will be focussed on the declared noxious weeds present, such as Blackberry, Tree of Heaven and St John s Wort. The many agricultural weeds such as Scotch thistles and other flat weeds will require a collaborative effort with neighbours, as weed propagules are transported by wind, vehicles, foot and water. The roads, tracks and 4

5 riverbanks will require ongoing maintenance, due to continual re-introduction of weed species. Vertebrate pest species are a continuing problem in the area. Goats, pigs, wild dogs and rabbits pose a continuing problem to vegetation communities, wildlife and their habitats. Vertebrate pest species are not confined by property boundaries and need to be controlled in a collaborative manner with neighbours and in conjunction with other local authorities involved in local pest control programs. Priority will be given to the control of introduced plant and animal species that: - are a risk to threatened species or significant plant communities; - have the potential to spread to neighbouring properties; - are having a detrimental impact on Aboriginal or historic places or recreational areas; - are species for which current control programs are in place or for which threat abatement plans have been prepared; - have a high capacity for dispersal; - are new, isolated occurrences; or - are declared noxious. Control programs will be continually monitored to evaluate their effectiveness. The NPWS will co-operate with other agencies such as the Livestock, Pest and Health Authority (LPHA), regional Noxious Weeds Committees, local Catchment Management Authority and adjacent land holders in implementing introduced species control programs. Introduced species and their populations will be systematically surveyed, mapped and recorded. Weed control programs throughout the park will give priority to the control of: - Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus); - Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima); - St John s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) - Patterson s Curse (Echium plantagineum); - Prickly Pear (Opuntia sp.); - Common Thornapple (Datura stramonium); and - any new woody weed occurrences. Introduced animal control programs will give priority to the control of: - pigs throughout the park; - goats throughout the park; 5

6 - wild dogs on the perimeter of the park; - foxes throughout the park; and - cats and rabbits where opportunistic control is possible. The NPWS will work with the Livestock, Pest and Health Authority, the local Catchment Management Authority and adjacent landholders to control vertebrate pest species. Alternative weed control strategies will be investigated, eg. crash grazing and biological control. 2. FIRE MANAGEMENT Fire is an integral component of the Australian environment, and much of our flora and fauna has evolved with and adapted to fire. However, fire intensity and in particular, increased fire frequency has the potential to change the composition and structure of vegetation communities and fauna populations. There is little information available on the past fire history of the park, however residents state that the last fire within Capertee National Park occurred approximately 55 years ago. The primary fire management objectives of the NPWS are to protect life and property and community assets from the adverse impacts of fire, whilst managing fire regimes to maintain and protect biodiversity and cultural heritage. Apart from the potential impacts on vegetation and wildlife, fire can also impact other features of the park. For example: The breakdown of surface rock under intense fire can pose a potential risk to Aboriginal cultural features, in particular rock art. Historical features, including buildings, are also vulnerable to wildfire events. Limestone karst areas are intrinsically linked with above ground processes. Fire has the potential to impact upon the sensitive karst system through direct heat and smoke, release of sediments through erosion after fire, deterioration of water quality, increase of nutrients in soil and water and alteration of hydrology after fire. Following the removal of vegetation after fire, the potential for landslips, soil movement and release of sediments can be exacerbated, especially in steep country. The optimum fire regime for Box Gum Grassy Woodland, and for the endangered plant Grevillea obtusiflora subsp. obtusiflora have not yet been determined. Care must be taken to protect these communities and species until this information has been ascertained. Bushfire mitigation measures that contribute to the co-operative protection of property and community assets are maintained. Park assets, strategic wildfire and heritage management zones will be identified and specific prescriptions will be developed for use in management documents. Fire regimes appropriate for long-term maintenance of plant and animal communities are implemented and impacts on natural values minimised. 6

7 Appropriate environmental impact assessment will continue to be carried out prior to implementing hazard reduction activities. Research into fire ecology will be encouraged to refine fire management prescriptions with priority given to threatened species and endangered ecological communities. An effective management trail system will be maintained within the park. All wildfires occurring within the reserve will be actively managed and as far as possible excluded from riparian areas. On days of high fire danger or above, or when bushfires are burning within the park: - Recreational use of the park may be regulated to minimise further risk of wildfires and associated threats to visitor safety; and - Co-operative arrangements with neighbours and other fire authorities for bushfire detection and monitoring will be implemented. The NPWS will prepare and adopt a Fire Management Plan for the park and implement it in accordance with the policies in this plan. The NPWS will liaise with the greater Lithgow city Bushfire Management Committee and Rural Fire Service regarding fire mitigation strategies, fuel reduction and fire control. The NPWS will undertake ongoing liaison with park neighbours on co-operative fire management programs. Prescribed burning will only be implemented in late autumn and early winter as far as possible. Fire records (historical and current) will be maintained for the park and adjacent areas and incorporated into fire management planning. Fire will be excluded from riparian zones, EEC s, threatened species locations and karst areas if possible. The NPWS will investigate appropriate fire regimes for threatened species and vegetation communities present within the park. Regional staff will attend the greater Lithgow city Bushfire Management Committee meetings and contribute to co-operative wildfire suppression and risk management planning and operations within the park and as required on adjoining lands. Use of heavy machinery will be avoided as far as possible for fire suppression in the reserve, particularly in the vicinity of rare plants, Aboriginal sites, karst, riparian vegetation and riverbeds. Areas on karst will be exempt from fire where possible. Areas disturbed by fire operations will be rehabilitated as soon as practical after a fire. During days of high fire danger, the NPWS will consider closing the park. 7

8 3. CULTURAL HERITAGE The Capertee Valley has a long history of human activity, dating from many thousands of years ago. Archaeological surveys within the Capertee Valley have revealed evidence of extensive Aboriginal occupation and use prior to European arrival in this area. European settlement in the area began in the early 1800 s, with the area opened up for grazing of cattle and sheep to feed the expanding colony. Capertee National Park was formerly a working property until the 1840 s and also mined on a low scale for gold in the past. The park is important in conserving the presence and significance of Wiradjuri cultural heritage and in preserving the early history of European settlement in the area. 3.1 Aboriginal Heritage Capertee National Park lies within the traditional country of the Wiradjuri people, the largest Aboriginal group in NSW, whose territory encompasses the area from the Blue Mountains in the east to Hay in the west of the state, north to Nyngan and south to Albury. The land, water, plants and animals within a landscape are central to Aboriginal spirituality and contribute to Aboriginal identity. Aboriginal communities associate natural resources with the use and enjoyment of foods and medicines, caring for the land, passing on cultural knowledge, kinship systems and strengthening social bonds. Aboriginal heritage and connection to nature are inseparable and need to be managed in an integrated manner across the landscape. The stone tool style known by archaeologists as The Capertian was named after the valley where artefacts of this type were first found in a rock shelter at Bogee. Artefacts from the Capertian period consist mostly of large heavy implements including unifacial pebble tools, scrapers, core tools, denticulate saws and hammerstones. The Capertian represents the period of up to around 5000 years BP. Several archaeological sites are located within the park, however a full archaeological survey has yet to be carried out. The Capertee Valley was home to the Wiradjuri for thousands of years. They would have had names for the many spectacular peaks, with stories connected to them. Unfortunately little of this knowledge has been documented and has since been lost. McCarthy (1964) wrote of the Capertee Valley It could be described as an ideal environment for a hunting and gathering people of semi-nomadic habit. Game in the area includes all of the major kinds of Australian mammals-grey kangaroos, swamp and rock wallabies, ring-tailed and brush-tailed possums, wombats, echidnas, koalas, platypuses, bandicoots, phalangers, and various small rodents; emus (in the more open country), ducks, scrub turkeys, pigeons, herons and many other species of birds; goannas and a variety of lizards and snakes; eels,-perch, crayfish and mussels in the river; bees, moths and other insects. Several species of yams, the seeds of the kurrajong, macrozamia, acacias, pinur and other plants, and various leaves, berries and fruits added the vegetable element to a well-balanced diet. When white settlers first came to the Capertee there were clashes with the Wiradjuri people and at least one massacre of Wiradjuri people by early settlers has been recorded. The NPWS will liaise with the Bathurst Local Aboriginal Land Council, Lithgow Local Aboriginal Land Council, Mudgee Local Aboriginal Land Council, Mingaan Aboriginal 8

9 Corporation and other Aboriginal community groups on all aspects of Aboriginal site management within the park. The provisions of the Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance (ie. the Burra Charter) will also guide management decisions for the Wiradjuri sites within the park. Wiradjuri cultural heritage sites will be conserved through the mitigation of impacts, the modification of management programs with potential to adversely affect sites and, where necessary, the implementation of site specific conservation programs. All known Wiradjuri cultural sites and places will be recorded and an assessment made of each site's significance and threats to its long term preservation. Priority will be given to areas threatened by current or future disturbances. Research activities for the purpose of locating new sites, places or assisting site conservation, and which are supported by the Wiradjuri community, will generally be encouraged in the park. Management activities with the potential to damage Aboriginal sites and places (eg. road maintenance) will be preceded by site survey, Wiradjuri community consultation and heritage impact assessment. Works will be modified or relocated to protect sites and places of cultural significance. Visitor impacts on Wiradjuri sites and places within the park will be closely monitored, visitor use will be regulated and site protection works undertaken where and when necessary. A strategy and on-going programme of surveying and recording Aboriginal sites and places, including assessments of significance, will be developed by the Service in conjunction with local Wiradjuri communities. Following assessment and Wiradjuri community consultation, information on the parks cultural heritage will be interpreted to the public in a culturally sensitive manner consistent with its conservation. 3.2 Historic Heritage Pastoral activity in the Capertee area started as early as the 1840 s. Irish and Scottish settlers were some of the earliest pastoralists arriving in the area during the 1840 s-50 s. Thomas Barnaby first bought the land which was called Port Macquarie in Remnants of past pastoral history can still be seen in the park today with the woolshed, hayshed, homestead and orchard still present. Large areas of the valley floor and hillsides were cleared of timber to provide grazing lands for sheep and cattle. In latter years, lucerne was also grown on the valley flats. Mining for alluvial gold also occurred along the river in Capertee National Park, although at a smaller scale than at the nearby Airlie region. Signs of past mining can be found along the river, by the remains of stone water races and stone shelters. During the First World War, plans were also being made to establish oil shale works on the land, however vital equipment 9

10 that had to be shipped over from England was lost when the ship sank in the Mediterranean Sea, and the plans were abandoned. Some signs of the early days of settlement are still in existence, with the former bridle trail to Capertee still present. The shearing shed which was built in the 1850 s and was the original house for the Gallagher family is still present, as is the current homestead which was built in the early 1980 s using parts of the old homestead in its construction. The provisions of the Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance (ie the Burra Charter) will guide management decisions regarding the parks historic heritage. All known occurrences of cultural heritage (eg. buildings, mining relics etc) in the park will be recorded and an assessment made of each site's significance and threats to its long term preservation. Conservation policies will be developed and implemented for significant places under threat based on the above assessment. Management options will include recording and removal, passive management and periodic monitoring, stabilisation, adaptation, restoration, interpretation or other use. Visitation to historic places will be monitored and use regulated where necessary. Adaptive reuse of existing buildings permitted where that use does not pose a threat to the integrity of the building and its place in the landscape. An assessment of all historic places will be carried out and strategies for their future management developed, based on their historic value and risk to the safety of park visitors. Management options will include recording and restricting access, passive management and periodic monitoring, stabilisation, adaptation, restoration, interpretation or other use. Management activities that have the potential to damage historic places will be preceded by site survey and heritage impact assessment. Works will be modified or relocated to protect sites of cultural significance. Appropriate information on historic heritage of the park will be incorporated into visitor information displays and brochures. Further research into the historical heritage of the area will be encouraged, particularly recording the oral history of the area. 4. USE OF THE PARK Capertee National Park will be managed to ensure that its use, whether by the general public, special interest groups, Service staff or other authorities, is appropriate and conforms with the management objectives of this plan. Capertee National park is well placed to provide numerous opportunities for ecotourism within the region. 10

11 4.1 Recreation Management Capertee National Park provides varied habitats and opportunities for a diverse range of recreational activities, including bird watching, horse riding, four wheel driving, mountain bike riding, camping and bushwalking. On-site accommodation in the homestead and the cottage will be available for hire by individuals and groups. These facilities make the Park desirable for families and special interest groups such as ornithological groups and bushwalkers. Recreational use of the park will be managed to minimise user conflict, protect visitor safety and welfare, minimise nuisance to neighbours and protect the natural and cultural heritage values of the park. Accommodation maintenance, upkeep and bookings for the homestead and cottage will be managed by NPWS. Recreational areas may be temporarily or permanently closed to users for safety, environmental or other management requirements. Minimal impact recreation will be promoted to all park users. Fossicking will not be permitted within the park. Approval of the Regional Manager will be required for the following activities: competitive activities; and activities involving groups of twelve (12) or more people. A register of all consents issued for commercial and recreational activities within the park will be maintained and monitoring and auditing of visitor impacts at regularly used sites and places will be conducted to monitor potential impacts. Maximum group size for activities within the park will be twelve (12) persons, unless approved by Regional manager. The NPWS will liaise with in regional tourism and regional development organisations and will co-operate with the Department of Tourism in the development and implementation of tourism marketing strategies appropriate for the park. The Homestead and Cottage will be made available for hire by park visitors and groups. 4.2 Vehicular Access and Touring This plan recognises that vehicle touring within the park is a legitimate and appropriate recreational activity, but as with other recreational activities, is subject to the management objectives and policies specified for the protection of the park and recreational use as defined earlier. There are two types of authorised vehicle access roads available within the park: 11

12 two wheel drive roads - which are maintained (by the NPWS) to two wheel drive standard in all but the most extreme weather conditions; and four wheel drive roads - which are maintained (by the NPWS) to four wheel drive standard in dry conditions. The park also contains a number of management trails, which are not available for public vehicle use. These trails are required for essential park management works such as fire suppression, pest species control, infrastructure maintenance and heritage management. The Port Macquarie Fire Trail to the west of the park will be a restricted public access road. Persons wishing to access the park via this track will be required to register and obtain a returnable gate key. The roads that will be maintained to a two wheel drive standard are: - Access track from Port Macquarie Road through to homestead. The roads that will be maintained to a four wheel drive standard are: - Port Macquarie Fire Trail - Capertee River Road The maximum group size for vehicle touring and tag along tours within the park will be limited to eight (8) vehicles unless otherwise approved by the Regional Manager. Minimum impact driving techniques will be encouraged throughout the park. Regional staff will liaise with authorities responsible for the maintenance of roads through or to the park to ensure that these routes are maintained and signposted. All authorised access roads within the park will be signposted. The NPWS will install, monitor and analyse visitor numbers throughout the park using road counters and observation. A registration system for use of the Port Macquarie Fire Trail will be established. 4.3 Walking Tracks and Bushwalking Bushwalking in the park can be undertaken along roads, management trails, closed roads, and cross-country. No formal constructed walking tracks currently exist. Bushwalkers within the park will be encouraged to follow minimal impact bushwalking codes. Bushwalkers will be encouraged to log details of planned walks in the visitor s book. 12

13 Bushwalkers will be encouraged to carry Personal Locator Beacons (PLB s) if walking in remote terrain. Walking tracks will be provided in areas of high visitor usage with interpretative signage provided. Bush camping (ie. without vehicles) is permitted anywhere within the park, except within 200 metres of buildings. A visitor s book will be maintained at the shearing shed. Informal tracks will be monitored for safety and environmental protection. An interpretive sign showing roads and tracks will be located at the shearing shed. Maintenance and / or rehabilitation of trails will be undertaken as part of the routine works program when and where necessary. The NPWS will review its publications to ensure up to date information is available and minimal impact bushwalking codes are included. The NPWS will provide authors and publishers of bushwalking publications with information on the park to ensure safety and environmental considerations are promoted within the park. 4.4 Camping and Day Use Day use of the park is anticipated to be predominantly associated with vehicle access routes, however several scenic picnic areas are also located along the Capertee River. A large campground will be established at Hay Shed Flat, which provides a substantial area suitable for car camping. An amenities block will be established. Bush camping can be carried out anywhere within the park. Some locations along the Capertee River do provide exceptionally scenic locations for camping and picnicking. Infrastructure such as fireplaces and picnic tables will be provided at some locations. Rubbish bins will not be provided in the park. Visitors will be required to comply with minimal impact practices, and carry out all rubbish. Low level firewood collection for campfires will be permitted within the park. Live timber or timber with hollows must not be used. The use of saws, chainsaws and axes for firewood collection will not be permitted. Appropriate campsites will be identified and mapped. Camping regulations and minimal impact codes will be shown on brochures and maps. 13

14 Picnic tables and fireplaces will be maintained along the Capertee River. A campground and amenities block will be provided at Hayshed Flat. Minimal impact camping practices will be promoted in brochures and signage. 4.5 Cycling Cycling is an increasingly popular recreation activity within the area, especially with the expanding use of mountain bikes. Roads and management trails provide many opportunities for short rides and overnight excursions. Cycling will be permitted on all roads and management trails. Cycling will not be permitted on roads closed for rehabilitation, or off track. Minimal impact practices for cycling will be promoted. Minimal impact practices for cycling will be promoted in brochures and signs in conjunction with peak user groups to address safety and environmental issues. Access roads will be signposted to warn of the possible presence of cyclists within the park. 4.6 Horseriding Horseriding is a popular activity in the Capertee Valley with the Bicentennial trail passing Through Glen Alice. Capertee National Park is well suited for this activity due to its former use as a working property and its extensive trail system. Holding yards are located near the shearing shed and will provide a secure holding area for horses while owners stay overnight in the park. Horseriding will be permitted on all roads and management trails. Horseriding will not be permitted on roads closed for rehabilitation, or off track. Horse riders to comply with the DECCW Code of practice for horse riding in parks (2010). Access roads will be signposted to warn of the possible presence of horseriders within the park. Holding yards will be maintained, and made secure. 14

15 4.7 Caving An extensive band of limestone runs through the Park. Although no actual limestone caves have been found to date, there are depressions located in a few areas. In the past these were filled with rubbish and old cars to prevent livestock falling into them. Caving in the park will be permitted for scientific research purposes only and permits will be required. Caving will be permitted for scientific research purposes only. Access will be restricted to accredited members of the Australian Speleological Federation (ASF). Limestone depressions will be cleared of rubbish where possible and access restricted for safety reasons. The current NPWS caving permit system will be used for any speleological activities in the park. Bookings will be required for any caving activities. Data gathered from exploration of the limestone karst system will be provided to NPWS and collated. 5. PROMOTION OF THE PARK Promotion of the park is currently directed towards neighbours and park visitors. This includes providing directional signs and a park brochure. The accessibility of the National Park and it s suitability for many activities will attract a large following, who in turn will promote the park. Local residents also have an interest in the area, and will use the Park to showcase the natural values of the area to visitors. The NPWS will promote the following major themes within the park: - the importance of the parks and reserves of the Central West region for biodiversity conservation including the Endangered Ecological Community: Box Gum Grassy Woodland; - the importance of the region to threatened woodland bird species; - the importance of the area to threatened plant species; and - appropriate use of the park and minimal impact codes or practices. Park brochures, booklets and information signs will be reviewed to ensure consistency with the policies above. The NPWS will liaise with the Capertee community regarding park information displays in the area. 15

16 Interpretive and public education programs will target park neighbours, local communities, schools, recreationists and visitors, and inform of vulnerable or sensitive sites within the park. Regional staff will provide authors and publishers with information on the park. 6. RESEARCH The function of research in the park is to expand existing knowledge of its resources, to assist in determining appropriate and effective management. The park and its regional setting offers an outstanding range of research opportunities in a variety of fields, such as flora and fauna, pest species management and geology. The park has the potential to attract tertiary institution interest in undertaking research projects. Priority will be given to research and survey of the following: - threatened Woodland bird species - distribution and ecology of Grevillea obtusiflora subsp. fecunda; - threatened species distribution, habitat requirements and ecology; - adequacy of conservation of major plant communities within the region; - pest species distribution, ecology and control; - systematic survey for cultural sites and places; and - karst systems. All research activities within the park will require prior consent from the Regional Manager. The NPWS will actively promote research within the park. 7. MANAGEMENT FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS The park is managed by Upper Mountains Area within Blue Mountains Region, based at Blackheath. A workshop servicing the park is located at Hartley. No additional management trails will be constructed except in the following situations: - re-alignment of an existing route to a more environmentally acceptable location; - protection of specific natural and cultural heritage values; - emergency situations (eg wildfire control) where there is no practical or prudent alternative. Such trails will be rehabilitated as soon as possible after the emergency. 16

17 The following management trails will be maintained for essential park management purposes: - Carinya Fire Trail; - Port Macquarie Fire Trail; - Airly Gap Fire Trail. Aircraft will not be permitted to land within the park unless part of an authorised management operation. Further opportunities for the use of volunteers and community organisations to assist priority park management programs such as bush regeneration, weed control, flora / fauna survey and walking track maintenance, may be developed in accordance with NPWS policy. Management trails will be signposted and managed for essential park management purposes only. The NPWS will actively invite groups such as Conservation Volunteers Australia, Catchment Management Authorities and other interested organisations to be involved in activities such as weed control and bush regeneration. 17