NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Newsletter 4 ∙ February 2004 Managing the Far South Coast Escarpment Parks Monga National Park Deua National Park Wadbilliga National Park Gourock National Park Badja Swamps Nature Reserve AN UPDATE ON PREPARATION OF Diary Dates THE PLAN A report from the Open House Forums was issued Early April A paper will be released on in October 2003. In that report, we asked people to Access Management indicate their interest in on-going consultation (see April/May Submissions received on website for more information). The response to this Access Paper has been: May/June Submissions on Access Paper reviewed by Regional 26 people/groups indicated that they would like Advisory Committee to receive the discussion paper on Access May/June Discussions on cave/karst Management management 10 people/groups indicated that they would like July Contact with community to to be involved in discussions on cave/karst identify additional items of management historic/cultural heritage 8 people/groups indicated that they would like to be involved in the identification of features of The NPWS is working towards completing historic/heritage interest a draft plan within this calender year. If you are interested in being involved in any of Information relating to the above will be these and have not yet contacted us, please register sent to those who have registered an your interest either on line at interest. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/escarpmentparks, through e-mail ([email protected]) or by A general update will be provided through contacting 02 44762888. Newsletter 5 towards the end of this year. This will be sent to everyone on our A number of people also expressed an interest in being informed of on-going developments in general mailing list (for Escarpment Parks). fire and pest planning (see over) NEED MORE INFORMATION? To find out more about the plan of management preparation, or get on the mailing list: Phone: 02 4476 2888 Email: [email protected] Or check the website at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/escarpmentparks The NSW NPWS is part of the Department of Environment and Conservation General Updates – Fire Planning, Pest Planning People indicated at the Open House Forums that they would like more information about fire and pest planning. Fire Planning Fire Management Strategy Wadbilliga and part South East Forests National Parks (draft): This Strategy was exhibited in October 2003. The Strategy has been reviewed based on submissions/feedback received and is presently being finalised for adoption. The Strategy will be made available at www.nationalparks.com.au when adopted. Fire Management Strategy for Deua and Badja Swamps Nature Reserve: This Strategy is being prepared and it is anticipated that it will be completed and ready for public exhibition in June 2004. Pest Planning The Far South Coast Region Pest Management Strategy (2003-6) has been adopted and is available on the internet at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au The co-operative (NSW NPWS, State Forests and Rural Lands Protection Board) Wild Dog/Fox Control Plan for Wadbilliga has been adopted. Copies will soon be available for viewing at www.nationalparks.com.au Plans for the East Monaro and Central Far South Coast are progressing and copies will be made available when completed. More information on these are available by contacting the NPWS on 4476 2888. Opening of Viewing Platform, The Cascades, New Facilities in the Parks Wadbilliga NP A number of new facilities have been installed and/or are nearing From left: Jeff Crowe (NPWS), Rod completion in Wadbilliga and Mason (NPWS), Steve Whan (Member for Monaro), Tim Shepherd Monga National Parks. (NPWS), Tony Kaltoum (Mayor Cooma Monaro Shire Council), Bob Ross (NPWS advisory committee) In Wadbilliga National Park, the Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, opened a spectacular new walking track and viewing platform constructed at the very popular Cascades campground. In Monga National Park, the Mongarlowe Day Use Mongarlowe Day Use area is Area completed with toilets, tables, Monga NP shelters and gas BBQ's. The short Waratah River loop starts from the Day Use Area providing an easy and scenic walk along the river. Completed also is the Boardwalk at Penance Grove offering visitors an enchanting walk through this picturesque rainforest gully. The first 50 metres of this boardwalk is wheelchair accessible. Boardwalk at Penance Grove Interpretive displays for the Day Monga NP Use Area and Penance Grove are currently being prepared along with displays and information for other areas of Monga NP. The NSW NPWS is part of the Department of Environment and Conservation.