Mt Lawson and Mt Granya State Parks - May 1998 - This 1998 plan was evaluated in 2009 and will continue to be implemented for a further five years.
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Mt Lawson and Mt Granya
State Parks
May 1998
This 1998 plan was evaluated in 2009 and will continue to be implemented for a further five years.This Management Plan for Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park is approved for
implementation. Its purpose is to direct management of the Park until the Plan is reviewed. A Draft
Management Plan was published in May 1997. A total of eight submissions were received.
Copies of the Plan can be obtained from:
Parks Victoria
378 Cotham Road
KEW VIC 3101
Parks Victoria Information Centre
Vault 11
Banana Alley
Flinders Street
MELBOURNE VIC 3000
∋ 13 1963
NRE Information Centre
8 Nicholson Street
EAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002
For further information on this Plan, please contact:
Tony Long, Chief Ranger - Murray Park Management Area
Parks Victoria, Wodonga Office
∋ 03 6055 6111Published in May 1998 by Parks Victoria
378 Cotham Road, Kew, Victoria, 3101
National Library of Australia
Cataloguing-in-Publication entry
Parks Victoria.
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park.
Bibliography.
ISBN 0 7306 6254 3.
1. National parks and reserves - Victoria - Management.
2. Mount Lawson State Park (Vic.). 3. Mount Granya State Park
(Vic.). I. Title.
333.78309945
Cover: Koetung Creek: Mount Lawson State Park. (Photo: Peter Ashton, Parks Victoria.)
Printed on recycled paper to help save our natural environment
ii Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State ParkFOREWORD
Although Mount Lawson and Mount Granya The Parks have the potential to become an en-
State Parks in north-east Victoria are not route attraction for travellers between Victoria
widely-known parks, they have significant and NSW, and a part of nature-based tourism
conservation values and allow for a range of opportunities in north-eastern Victoria.
visitor activities in scenic and remote settings.
I look forward to the community’s support in
Featuring slopes, ridges and plateaux with managing these parks, which are important
attractive waterfalls and cascades and rocky components of Victoria’s outstandingly diverse
cliffs and bluffs, they protect areas of park system.
uncommon Black Cypress-pine Woodland and
contain several rare or threatened plant and
animal species.
The Plan proposes that the remote atmosphere
and natural values of the Parks will be
protected and that low key facilities for visitors
will be provided. Marie Tehan MP
Minister for Conservation
and Land Management
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park iiiAPPROVED MANAGEMENT PLAN
This Approved Management Plan has been The Plan provides the basis for the future
prepared under section 17 of the National management of Mount Lawson State Park and
Parks Act 1975 (Vic.) and is approved for Mount Granya State Park. It was finalised
implementation. following consideration of eight submissions
received on the Draft Plan.
Mark Stone Jeff Floyd
Director Chief Executive
National Parks Parks Victoria
iv Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State ParkSUMMARY
This Management Plan covers Mount Lawson Major management directions for the Parks are
State Park (13 150 ha) and Mount Granya outlined below.
State Park (6140 ha). These Parks are
separated by a small forested area including • The remote character and scenic qualities
of the Parks will be protected.
State forest and privately owned land. The
Parks share many characteristics and • Significant features, and flora and fauna
management issues. will be given special protection.
Extending from Lake Hume and the Murray • A pest plant and animal strategy will be
River in the north to the Murray Valley prepared which identifies key sites, target
Highway in the south, these Parks form a large species and methods of control.
tract of remote and undeveloped land. Both
• Visitation will be increased through the
Parks contain a range of environments with promotion of three key visitor contact
significant conservation values. points, located near major tourist routes.
The Parks are not highly visited but offer a
• A new picnic and camping area will be
range of opportunities for recreational established at ‘The Kurrajongs’ in Mount
activities, especially bushwalking, picnicking Lawson State Park within easy access of
and self-reliant camping. the Murray River Road.
These Parks will be managed for conservation
• New walking tracks will be constructed to
and recreation consistent with their State Park improve access for visitors.
status. Management will aim to retain an
undeveloped and remote character and to
protect and enhance the largely undisturbed
environments of each Park.
Visitors will be able to use low key visitor
facilities while enjoying a sense of remoteness,
pleasant scenery and interesting cultural
features. As part of a series of similar Parks in
the North East, these two Parks will play an
important role in nature-based tourism in the
Upper Murray area.
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park vvi Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park
CONTENTS
FOREWORD iii
SUMMARY v
1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Location and planning area 1
1.2 Regional context 1
1.3 Significance of the Parks 1
1.4 Creation of the Parks 2
1.5 Legislation and guidelines 2
1.6 Park management aims 2
2 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 4
2.1 Park vision 4
2.2 Management directions 4
2.3 Zoning 4
3 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 7
3.1 Geological and landform features 7
3.2 Vegetation 7
3.3 Fauna 8
3.4 Landscape 9
3.5 Cultural heritage 9
4 PARK PROTECTION 11
4.1 Fire management 11
4.2 Pest plants and animals, and diseases 12
5 THE PARK VISIT 13
5.1 The Park visitor 13
5.2 Visitor recreational activities and facilities 15
5.2.1 Vehicle access 15
5.2.2 Day visits and camping 18
5.2.3 Bushwalking 18
5.2.4 Horse riding 21
5.2.5 Rock climbing and abseiling 21
5.2.6 Orienteering and rogaining 21
5.2.7 Dogs 21
5.3 Visitor information, interpretation and education 21
5.4 Commercial tourism operations 22
5.5 Public safety 23
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park vii6 COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT 24
6.1 Friends and volunteers 24
6.2 Community awareness and Park neighbours 24
7 OTHER ISSUES 25
7.1 Authorised uses 25
7.2 Boundaries and adjacent uses 26
8 IMPLEMENTATION 27
REFERENCES 28
TABLES
1 Management zones and overlays 6
2 Summary of recreation activities 14
3 Management of vehicle roads and tracks 16
4 Existing and proposed visitor facilities 19
5 Management of walking tracks 20
6 Priority management strategies 27
APPENDICES
I Rare or threatened flora 29
II Rare or threatened fauna 29
FIGURES
1 Regional locality plan End of Plan
2 Mount Lawson State Park End of Plan
3 Mount Granya State Park End of Plan
viii Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State ParkIntroduction
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Location and planning area • Lake Hume — one of the Region’s major
attractions, popular for fishing, camping and
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya
water sports.
State Park are in North East Victoria, about
400 km north-east of Melbourne and 50 km
1.3 Significance of the Parks
east of Albury-Wodonga.
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya
The Parks are to the north-east of the
State Park make a valuable contribution to
Tallangatta township. They are bordered on the
Victoria’s parks system, which aims to protect
north by the Murray River and Lake Hume, and
viable, representative samples of the State’s
to the south by the Murray Valley Highway
natural environments occurring on public land.
(figure 1).
Parks also provide opportunities for visitors to
At their closest point the Parks are separated by enjoy and appreciate natural and cultural
approximately 5 km of forested land consisting values, and make important contributions to
of State forest and freehold land. tourism.
This Management Plan covers the following The Parks are assigned the IUCN Category II
areas: (National Parks) of the United Nations’ List of
National Parks and Protected Areas. Category
• Mount Lawson State Park (13 150 ha)
II areas are managed primarily for ecosystem
which includes the Bungil Reference Area
conservation and appropriate recreation.
(1750 ha) (figure 2);
The Parks are both listed on the Register of the
• Mount Granya State Park (6140 ha)
National Estate, in recognition of their
(figure 3).
outstanding values and their importance as part
of our heritage.
1.2 Regional context
Two areas including Aboriginal art sites in
These Parks are two of a series of parks in the
Mount Lawson State Park are listed on the
Upper Murray Region extending eastwards
Register of the National Estate in recognition of
from Lake Hume to Corryong and across the
their value as part of our heritage.
New South Wales border into Kosciuszko
National Park. Significant features of the Parks are
summarised below.
There is a variety of recreational opportunities
on public land within the Upper Murray area
Natural values
including:
• Highly diverse vegetation, including Black
• Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park—a Cypress-pine Woodland and Clay
relatively undeveloped Park which offers
Heathland.
opportunities for day visits, extended
bushwalking and camping; • The occurrence of several rare or
threatened flora and fauna species.
• Jarvis Creek Regional Park (proposed)—
utilised for day use, 4WD touring and • Natural rugged beauty including
camping; prominent mountain ranges, rocky
outcrops and waterfalls.
• Alpine National Park and Kosciusko
National Park—both of these Parks provide Cultural values
for a diverse range of visitor experiences
and attract large numbers of visitors; • Aboriginal rock shelters and art sites.
• Murray River—attracts many visitors for • Historic mine sites and relics.
fishing and camping;
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park 1Introduction
Tourism and recreation values for enjoyment, recreation and education. The
Act also provides for appropriate research.
• A variety of attractions and recreational
opportunities in remote settings without Specific LCC recommendations for Mount
significant intrusion by developments or Lawson State Park include phasing out grazing
high visitor numbers. unless considered necessary for management
purposes, and permitting apiculture (LCC
• Visitor attractions adjacent to major
1986).
tourist routes in the Upper Murray.
The Bungil Reference Area in Mount Lawson
• Opportunities for self-sufficient walking
State Park has been proclaimed under the
and camping in rugged and remote areas.
Reference Areas Act 1978 (Vic.) and is
• A network of 4WD touring tracks with managed in accordance with Ministerial
spectacular views of the Parks and the directives and the relevant park guideline.
Murray River Valley. Within this area, which forms a reference for
comparative study purposes, natural processes
• Several short walks to some of the Parks’
interesting features. are to be allowed to continue undisturbed.
The Parks are managed in accordance with
1.4 Creation of the Parks park guidelines for the management of parks
Mount Lawson State Park was included on and LCC recommendations, and other park
Schedule Three of the National Parks Act on 21 plans and guidelines, including the North East
June 1988 as a result of the National Parks Region Regional Fire Protection Plan (DCE
(Amendment) Act 1987 (Vic.) and was 1990).
transferred to the new Schedule Two B (State
Parks) in 1989. 1.6 Park management aims
Mount Granya State Park was included on Sections 4 (Objects) and 17 of the National
Schedule Two B (State Parks) on 3 August Parks Act provide the main basis for
1995 as a result of the National Parks (Yarra management of the Parks. The following
Ranges and Other Amendments) Act 1995 management aims are derived from those
(Vic.). sections and as such govern all aspects of park
management.
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya
State Park were created following Government Resource conservation
decisions on the following recommendations
from the Land Conservation Council (LCC): • Preserve and protect the natural
environment.
• Mount Lawson State Park: North-Eastern
Area (Benalla-Upper Murray Review) • Allow natural environmental processes to
continue with the minimum of interference.
(LCC 1986);
• Maintain biodiversity.
• Mount Granya State Park: North Eastern
Study Area District 1 (LCC 1973) and • Conserve features of archaeological,
North-Eastern Area (Benalla-Upper historical and cultural significance.
Murray Review) (LCC 1986).
Park protection
1.5 Legislation and guidelines
• Protect water catchments and streams.
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya
• Protect human life, the Parks and adjacent
State Park are reserved and managed under the lands from injury by fire.
provisions of the National Parks Act. The Act
requires the Director to preserve and protect the • Eradicate or otherwise control introduced
natural environment of the Parks, and their plants, animals and diseases.
natural and other features and, subject to this, The Park visit
to provide for the use of the Parks by the public
2 Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State ParkIntroduction
• Provide opportunities for appropriate Other
recreation and tourism.
• Provide for and encourage scientific
• Promote and encourage an appreciation, research, surveys and monitoring that will
understanding and enjoyment of the contribute to a better understanding and
natural and cultural values of the Parks management of the Parks.
and their recreational opportunities.
• Co-operate with local, State and interstate
• Encourage appropriate park use and government authorities, the community
visitor behaviour, and foster a and other interested organisations to assist
conservation ethic in visitors and an in the management of the Parks.
understanding of minimal impact
behaviour.
• Take reasonable steps to ensure the safety
of visitors.
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park 3Strategic directions
2 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS
2.1 Park vision community groups, ensures that the parks
values will be maintained for future
A future visitor to Mount Lawson State Park
generations.
and Mount Granya State Park finds well
managed and relatively undeveloped Parks.
2.2 Management directions
The Parks are being managed with an
increasing understanding of their diverse Major management directions for the Parks are
natural environments. outlined below.
A number of interesting short walks, including Resource conservation
walks to Granya Falls and Mount Lawson
Summit, are popular with day visitors. Many • Significant species and communities will
visitors also enjoy car-based sightseeing and be monitored, and threats to these species
4WD day tours and picnicking at pleasant and communities identified and managed.
locations such as Cotton Tree Creek and ‘The
• Cultural features will be monitored and
Kurrajongs’. protected from visitor impacts,
Rugged gorges and rock outcrops, a semi- management activities and other threats.
remote atmosphere and panoramic views
present popular and challenging opportunities Park protection
for adventurous bushwalkers, cyclists and • Fuel reduction burning will be managed to
4WD tourists. protect particular assets and adjacent land.
The Parks and their attractions are well known • A pest plant and animal strategy which
in larger population centres like Albury- identifies key sites, target species and
Wodonga, and by people in Melbourne and methods of control will be prepared.
Sydney, and are appreciated by the local
community and adjoining landholders for their • Roads and tracks will be maintained, and
important conservation values. closed on a seasonal basis as required to
prevent erosion.
Highly successful control programs have
virtually eradicated pest plants and animals The Park visit
from the Parks. Native plant communities have
recolonised areas once heavily infested with • Visitor information and day use facilities
weeds. will be provided at key attractions near
major tourist routes.
In conjunction with Lake Hume, the Murray
River and other nearby parks and reserves, the • The experience of relative remoteness will
Parks are increasingly valued as an important be retained at the same time as access to
part of the nature-based tourism opportunities several semi-remote areas through the
in the area, facilitated by the popular tourist development of walking tracks is
routes of the rail trail along the former improved.
Cudgewa Railway and the Murray Valley
Highway. 2.3 Zoning
Visitor facilities are low key and restricted to a A park management zoning scheme has been
minimal number of sites, mostly near Park developed to:
boundaries. A quality visitor experience is • provide a geographic framework in which to
facilitated by high standard interpretation of the manage the Parks;
values of both Parks.
• indicate which management directions have
Careful and sensitive management by Parks priority in different parts of each Park;
Victoria, with some input from volunteer and
4 Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State ParkStrategic directions
• indicate the types and levels of use Special Protection Areas
appropriate throughout each Park;
Special Protection Areas have been designated
• assist in minimising existing and potential surrounding the following locations:
conflicts between uses and activities, or
between those and the protection of park • Black Cypress-pine Woodland—occurs in
both Parks on the dry north-western slopes,
values;
and is particularly fire sensitive;
• provide a basis for assessing the suitability
of future activities and development • three Aboriginal art sites in Mount Lawson
State Park—the cultural significance of
proposals.
these sites warrants protection from visitor
Two principal management zones apply to the impacts and management activities;
Parks—Reference Area, and Conservation and
Recreation. • Clay Heathland—occurs near Thologolong
Track in Mount Lawson State Park. This
In addition, Special Protection Areas are used Ecological Vegetation Class is poorly
to summarise requirements additional to those represented in parks and reserves.
of the underlying primary management zones.
Table 1 specifies management zone and overlay
characteristics, and figures 2 and 3 show the
location of these areas except for the Aboriginal
art sites.
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park 5Strategic directions
TABLE 1 PARK MANAGEMENT ZONES AND OVERLAYS
MANAGEMENT ZONES MANAGEMENT OVERLAY
AREA/
ACTIVITY
REFERENCE AREA CONSERVATION AND SPECIAL PROTECTION
RECREATION AREAS
AREA/LOCATION Mount Lawson State Park: Bungil All of Mount Lawson State Park except Black Cypress-pine Woodlands,
Reference Area (1750 ha, 13% of the for the Bungil Reference Area Aboriginal art sites and Clay Heathland.
Park). (11 400 ha, 87% of the Park).
All of Mount Granya State Park
(6140 ha, 100% of the Park).
VALUES Relatively undisturbed land types and Important natural values and scope for low Discrete significant areas requiring special
associated vegetation. impact recreation opportunities. attention.
GENERAL Protect viable samples of one or more land Protect less sensitive natural environments Protect specific natural or cultural values
MANAGEMENT types that are relatively undisturbed for and provide for sustainable dispersed in specific areas and sites where a special
AIM comparative study with similar land types recreation activities and small-scale management focus is required.
elsewhere, by keeping all human recreation facilities without significant
interference to the essential minimum and impact on natural processes.
ensuring as far as practicable that the only
long term change results from natural
processes.
6 Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State ParkResource conservation
3 RESOURCE CONSERVATION
3.1 Geological and landform • Prevent erosion of vehicular and walking
features tracks during wet weather by closing roads
and tracks, particularly those on granite
The landforms of Mount Granya State Park soils, on a seasonal basis as required.
and the southern section of Mount Lawson
State Park are similar in appearance. Montane • Ensure adequate drainage of all tracks to
slopes rise from valley floors to form prominent minimise erosion, particularly on granite
ridges and plateaux at elevations of soils.
approximately 240 – 610 m. Mount Granya
(870 m) and Mount Lawson (1041 m) are the 3.2 Vegetation
highest points in the respective parks.
A feature of both parks is the wide diversity of
Soils range from friable red gradational soils on vegetation types.
the plateaux of both Parks to granite-derived
soils in the northern portion of Mount Lawson The uplands of Mount Lawson State Park
State Park. These granite soils are particularly support open forests dominated by Narrow-leaf
susceptible to erosion. Peppermint, whereas ridges and drier sites have
open forests of Broad-leaf Peppermint. Other
The Bungil Land System covers the majority of species including Candlebark, Manna Gum,
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya Blue Gum and Brittle Gum also occur in these
State Park, but the northern portion of Mount open forests.
Lawson State Park is different. This area is a
northern extension of the Koetong uplands and A small isolated Clay Heathland community
contains an intrusion of Devonian grey granite. occurs in Mount Lawson State Park. This
This has resulted in the rocky ridges, cliffs and community is not well represented in existing
prominent bluffs characteristic of Mount parks and reserves.
Lawson State Park. The northern portion of Mount Lawson State
Both Parks feature scenic cascades and Park contains large areas of the Ecological
seasonal waterfalls. Granya Falls in Mount Vegetation Class (EVC) known as Granitic
Granya State Park is a pleasant destination for Hills Woodland. This EVC is characterised by
day visitors. Flaggy Creek Gorge in Mount Black Cypress-pine Woodland with a sparse
Lawson State Park is a more remote feature shrubby understorey. Shrubby Dry Forest,
with an impressive and rugged atmosphere. Heathy Dry Forest and Herb-rich Foothill
Koetong Creek in Mount Lawson State Park Forest are common EVCs in the remainder of
flows throughout the year and is popular with the Park.
campers. Vegetation in Mount Granya State Park is
dominated by open forest of Red Stringybark
Aims and Long-leaf Box on the dry steep north and
• Minimise impacts from visitors and north-eastern slopes. The plateaux and southern
management on significant geological slopes are dominated by Broad-leaf and
features, including waterfalls and rock Narrow-leaf Peppermint. The understorey
outcrops. varies throughout the Park but is dominated by
distinctive open tussock grass areas or low
• Prevent and control soil erosion caused by shrubs. Shrubby Dry Forest and Heathy Dry
visitors and management activities. Forest are the predominant EVCs present. A
Management strategies small area of Black Cypress-pine is also
present on the dry northern slopes of Mount
• Monitor the impact of visitors at Granya
Granya State Park (section 4.1).
Falls and develop management guidelines
as required. Some 235 native plant species have been
recorded in Mount Granya State Park,
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park 7Resource conservation
including two significant species, Crimson pine Woodlands. A comprehensive fauna
Grevillea and Grey Rice-flower (appendix I). survey of the Parks has not been undertaken.
Approximately 278 native plant species have
Common species in both Parks include the
been recorded in Mount Lawson State Park,
Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Black Wallaby and
including two additional significant species:
Common Wombat. The Parks also provide
Mountain Dampiera and Cupped Bush-pea
habitat for many species of bats, birds and
(appendix I).
reptiles.
Aims The Barking Owl, a rare species in Victoria,
has been recorded in Mount Lawson State Park
• Protect native plant communities in their
(appendix II). These Parks contain significant
natural condition, and maintain genetic
areas of rarely visited habitat suitable for the
diversity.
Spot-tailed Quoll and Tree Goanna. These
• Enhance the long-term survival prospects of species previously inhabited these Parks but
threatened or significant plant species or have not been sighted in them in recent years.
communities.
Trout Cod were released in Mount Lawson
Management strategies State Park at Koetong Creek in 1990 as part of
a statewide re-introduction program (CNR
• Manage Flora and Fauna Guarantee listed 1994). Trout Cod are listed on Schedule 2 of
plants according to approved action the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988
statements. (Vic.) as a threatened species. Koetong Creek
was identified as a suitable release site, but
• Encourage surveys and research on preliminary surveys indicate that the release
significant flora and plant communities in was unsuccessful.
the Parks to improve knowledge of their
management requirements. Aims
• Ensure that significant plants and • Protect native fauna from management and
communities are adequately protected visitor activities, and maintain genetic
from management activities, including fire diversity.
protection works. • Enhance the long-term survival prospects of
threatened or significant fauna.
• Survey and investigate management
requirements for the Clay Heathland Management strategies
Special Protection Area.
• Undertake an extensive faunal survey of
• Increase knowledge of fire regimes the Parks and identify any significant
required for the conservation of vegetation species and their habitats. Encourage
communities within the Parks. Use university groups to participate.
ecological burning in accordance with fire
management policies and guidelines where • Increase knowledge of the management
necessary to ensure the conservation of requirements of the Park’s fauna, and
plant communities (section 4.1). develop management actions for their
protection as required.
3.3 Fauna • Continue to implement the Trout Cod
The range of vegetation, topography and Research and Recovery Plan in
climates within the Parks creates a variety of accordance with the Flora and Fauna
faunal habitats. There are three main habitat Guarantee Trout Cod Action Statement.
types: wet open eucalypt forest, dry open
eucalypt forest and dry rocky Black Cypress-
8 Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State ParkResource conservation
• Manage any Flora and Flora Guarantee particularly near the northern boundary of
Act listed species according to approved Mount Lawson State Park.
action statements.
• Maintain the view from the Mount Granya
3.4 Landscape summit viewing area through the slashing
of regrowth as required.
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya
State Park are dominant features in the Upper
• In consultation with the Forests Service
Murray landscape. The steep forested slopes of and licensees, seek to minimise the visual
the Parks rise dramatically above Lake Hume impact of the Mount Granya Fire Tower
and the surrounding valleys of cleared and telecommunications facilities on the
farmland, creating a spectacular and Park (section 7.1).
contrasting landscape.
The landscape of the northern part of Mount • Investigate the construction of a viewing
Lawson State Park is particularly distinctive. platform on the Mount Granya Fire
The steep dry slopes, cliffs, gorges and rocky Tower. Seek the involvement of licensees in
bluffs in this area enhance the Park’s remote construction.
and rugged character. Developments on land
adjoining each Park have the potential to 3.5 Cultural heritage
impact on landscape values.
Aboriginal people are said to have inhabited the
Panoramic views of the Parks, Lake Hume, the area and are thought to have used the rock
Australian Alps and the surrounding landscape shelters and rock outcrops overlooking the
can be obtained from lookouts on the summits Murray River for shelter and lookouts.
of Mount Lawson and Mount Granya.
Three art sites are recorded in Mount Lawson
Views from Mount Granya Summit are State Park at two separate locations. These
potentially outstanding but are largely restricted sites have been surveyed and recorded by
by surrounding vegetation and the lack of a Aboriginal Affairs Victoria. Two areas
suitable vantage point. The Mount Granya Fire totalling 620 ha around these sites have been
Tower currently has an adverse visual impact entered on the Register of the National Estate.
on the site. These areas have been designated Special
There are pleasant waterfalls in each of the Protection Areas (section 2.3).
Parks: Granya Falls in Mount Granya State These sites are of particular significance given
Park, and Flaggy Creek Falls within the Flaggy the lack of known artefacts or other links with
Creek Gorge in Mount Lawson State Park. Aboriginal culture in the area. One of these art
sites is occasionally visited by the general
Aim public and has been the subject of some
• Protect and preserve the landscape values of vandalism. Many parts of these Parks are
the Parks, especially areas of greatest scenic inaccessible and rarely visited and may contain
quality and viewer interest. further archaeological sites.
The Shepparton Aboriginal Arts Council Co-
Management strategies
operative Ltd is the relevant authority for
• Ensure that maintenance, developments cultural heritage in these Parks. All Aboriginal
and fire protection works are designed to sites and relics are protected under the
have a minimal impact on the landscape Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics
values of the Parks. Preservation Act 1972 (Vic.) and the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
• Liaise with the Towong Shire and Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cwlth).
adjoining land owners to minimise impacts
on landscape values from developments
proposed on adjoining freehold land,
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park 9Resource conservation
Mining occurred in both Parks, particularly in Shepparton Aboriginal Arts Council Co-
Mount Lawson State Park. Alluvial tin mining operative Ltd and Aboriginal Affairs
occurred periodically around Flaggy Creek and Victoria. Give attention in the Plan to fire
Koetong Creek from 1872 until the early management (particularly fuel reduction)
1980s. Lukins Wolfram mine, later known as in the vicinity of each art site (section 4.1).
the Womoboi Wolfram Mine, operated near
Flaggy Creek between 1939 and 1943. The • Investigate and document Aboriginal
mine produced fluorspar, bismuth and history and protect identified sites as
molybdenum as a by-product of wolframite. A appropriate in consultation with the
number of interesting relics remain intact at the Shepparton Aboriginal Arts Council Co-
Womoboi Wolfram Mine. Gold mining also operative Ltd and Aboriginal Affairs
occurred in and around Mount Granya State Victoria.
Park.
• Identify, assess and manage historic
The disused Wodonga to Cudgewa railway line places in accordance with Parks Victoria
adjoins the southern boundary of Mount guidelines.
Lawson State Park.
Grazing and small-scale logging for posts, • Record and catalogue the location of
firewood and sawlogs occurred in both Parks relics at the Womoboi Mine and assess
prior to their declaration. their significance. Identify any threatening
processes and take appropriate action, in
A log hut constructed by the Granya Scout consultation with relevant experts, to
Group in 1937 is situated on the walking track ensure appropriate protection. Encourage
between Cottontree Creek Picnic Area and university groups to participate.
Granya Falls.
Part of Bridle Track in Mount Granya State • Develop a strategy for the conservation,
Park was a former access road for coaches management and interpretation of the
travelling to Granya. Sections of the road’s Womoboi Mine and tin mining sites.
original stonework are still visible. Record and catalogue the location of
relics at these sites. Encourage university
Aims groups to participate.
• Protect cultural sites and significant historic • Encourage the Granya community to
sites from potentially damaging human maintain the Scout Hut near Cotton Tree
activity. Creek Picnic Area.
• Improve appreciation and understanding,
and where appropriate foster the use, of • Monitor the condition of, and any threats
historic sites as a cultural, scientific and to, significant historic places.
educational resource.
• Maintain an archive of historical records
Management strategies and records of relevant ongoing land
management activities.
• Develop a Management Plan for the
protection and management of Aboriginal
art sites in consultation with the
10 Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State ParkPark protection
4 PARK PROTECTION
4.1 Fire management • Maintain fire regimes appropriate for the
conservation of native flora and fauna and
The National Parks Act requires the Director of
natural ecological processes within the
National Parks to ensure that appropriate and
Parks.
sufficient measures are taken to protect parks
from injury by fire. • Minimise the adverse effects of fires and fire
suppression methods.
Current fire protection measures are in
accordance with the North East Region Fire Management strategies
Protection Plan (DCE 1990). This Plan
provides for fire prevention and suppression • Undertake prescribed burning in
activities in order to protect life, property, accordance with the North East Region
assets and natural and cultural values within Fire Protection Plan (DCE 1990) and the
the Parks and surrounding areas including Code of Practice for Fire Management on
Victorian Plantations Corporation plantations Public Land (CNR 1995a).
and farmland.
• Review burning zones in conjunction with
Wildfires in 1952 and 1985 burnt extensive the review of the North East Region Fire
areas within Mount Lawson State Park. Protection Plan.
The fire protection strategy for the Parks will
be reviewed in association with any review of • Ensure the continued exclusion of fuel
the Fire Protection Plan, or as new information reduction burning from the Bungil
becomes available. Mount Granya State Park is Reference Area.
virtually all designated as a priority 3 burning
zone. Mount Lawson State Park is mostly • Where practicable, exclude intensive fire
designated as priority 3 and priority 4 burning from Aboriginal art sites in the Special
zones but also contains significant areas which Protection Areas.
are not to be burnt. Priority 3 and 4 burning
zones have a relatively low burning frequency • Give preference to using the following
suppression methods whenever practicable
in comparison with priority 1 and 2 burning
in the Bungil Reference Area:
zones.
• use of hand tools and aerial
The Bungil Reference Area is to remain
suppression;
unburnt. Black Cypress-pine communities are
• use of existing roads and tracks and
located in both Parks but are mainly
natural features as control lines;
concentrated in Mount Lawson State Park.
• backburning;
Because of their fire sensitivity, these
• allowing wildfires to burn out to
communities have been designated as Special
appropriate control lines, outside the
Protection Areas and should not be burnt.
main fire danger periods and where
Research is required into the fire ecology of the conditions allow.
flora and fauna in each Park, especially fire
sensitive species and communities, threatened • Avoid, as far as practical, earthmoving
species and significant plant communities. and other suppression operations in
Ecological and other controlled burning sensitive areas including scenic areas,
strategies may be necessary to ensure the sites of significance and recreation areas,
conservation of certain plant communities. or exercise extreme care to minimise
environmental disturbance if operations in
Aims such areas are essential.
• Protect human life, property and park values
from injury by fire. • Rehabilitate any areas of the Parks which
may be disturbed by control lines and
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park 11Park protection
other suppression activities as soon as A detailed study of pathogens within the Parks
practicable following fire suppression has not been conducted.
operations, in accordance with the Code of
Aims
Practice for Fire Management on Public
Land (CNR 1995a). • Control, and where possible eradicate, non-
indigenous plants and animals.
• Exclude Black Cypress-pine Woodlands
• Minimise the impact of control programs on
within the Black Cypress-pine Special
native flora and fauna.
Protection Areas from prescribed burning.
• Protect the Parks from other threats, in
• As research provides a better particular new infestations of non-
understanding of fire regimes, ensure that indigenous plants and diseases.
this information is included in any
ecological fire management strategy, and Management strategies
in the review of the North East Region Fire
• Prepare and implement a pest plant and
Protection Plan. animal control strategy for the Parks
which:
• Incorporate information on fire
regulations and the role of fire in the • identifies key target species and
Parks into Park brochures, guides, display locations;
boards and interpretation programs. • identifies particular conservation areas
where special efforts may be required to
• Slash grassed picnic areas regularly to control pest plants and animals (e.g.
protect visitors to the Parks. rare or threatened species locations);
• specifies appropriate control methods
• Minimise the use of earth-moving which ensure maximum protection of
equipment in fire suppression operations non-target species, in particular the
on steep granite slopes within Mount Spot-tailed Quoll, and which minimise
Lawson State Park their impact on the natural
environment;
4.2 Pest plants and animals, and • gives initial priority to the control of
Blackberry, St Johns Wort and
diseases
Patersons Curse.
A number of pest plant species are present
within the Parks. Blackberry, Patersons Curse • Reduce the risk of new infestations by
and St Johns Wort are the major weed checking sites of potential weed sources
problems. (e.g. cleared areas, recent roadworks) and
implementing an appropriate control
Although accurate numbers of pest animals
strategy.
have not been obtained, wild dogs, foxes, pigs,
goats and rabbits are recognised as problem
• Identify and record the presence of any
species. Feral cats and foxes are believed to
pathogens which occur in the Parks, and
have caused a significant reduction in the
take appropriate action.
numbers of ground-dwelling native mammals.
There are several wild dog fences on the
boundary of Mount Lawson State Park.
12 Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State ParkThe Park visit
5 THE PARK VISIT
5.1 The Park visitor • self-reliant visitors seeking an ‘adventure
experience’ in the more remote areas. These
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya
visitors may be involved in four-wheel drive
State Park contain a variety of features in a
touring, bushwalking and camping,
semi-remote setting. Most day visitor sites are
particularly in Mount Lawson State Park.
easily accessible, while other attractions are
accessible to the more adventurous. The Parks Future management will focus on these visitor
offer a variety of quality recreational types. Most visitor facilities will be confined to
opportunities, including picnicking, 4WD existing sites near Park boundaries, ensuring
touring and bushwalking. that the semi-remote atmosphere of each Park is
retained.
Visitor use of the Parks is relatively low. Long
travel times from major centres mean that most Two sites accessible to 2WD vehicles are
visitors to the region will be attracted by the proposed for promotion as key visitor contact
better known features of the Australian Alps. points; Cotton Tree Creek Picnic Area and the
Nevertheless, there is scope to promote the proposed ‘Kurrajongs’ picnic and camping
Parks as an en-route attraction for such area. A third site is at the Historic Bridge
travellers, or as part of a series of natural Picnic Area, south of Mt Lawson State Park.
attractions in the Upper Murray area including The more isolated areas will remain
nearby parks and the Murray River. undeveloped but will be promoted as
Promotion of the key attractions within these ‘adventure’ destinations, with interesting
Parks is currently limited. Increasing tourism features and a variety of recreational
in the Upper Murray and the development and opportunities.
promotion of key visitor attractions in the Parks
is anticipated to increase visitor numbers Aims
significantly. • Develop an understanding of visitor
Most Park visitors are local residents involved numbers, profiles, attitudes, expectations
in recreational activities such as trail bike and needs.
riding, 4WD touring and camping. Day • Provide for visitors in accordance with the
visitors from Albury-Wodonga also use the above overview of future management for
Parks. Natural adventurers and Escape to visitors.
Nature are the visitor segments most likely to
display an interest in the Parks. • Ensure that visitor use of the Parks is not
detrimental to their natural values.
Vehicle access to both Parks is restricted
because of inadequate signs, steep rocky terrain Management strategies
and complex access routes which pass through
private property in many cases. Most tracks • Permit recreational activities in
within the Parks are suitable for 4WD vehicles accordance with table 2.
only.
• Provide facilities and services which
Providing for the visitor highlight, but are in keeping with, the
area’s distinctive character (section 5.3
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya and tables 3, 4 and 5).
State Park offer opportunities for two distinct
visitor types: • Promote the Parks as an en-route
attraction for Victoria-New South Wales
• day visitors who enjoy accessible attractions
on the fringes of each Park such as Cotton travellers and as part of a series of natural
Tree Creek Picnic Area; attractions in the Upper Murray area.
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park 13The Park visit
TABLE 2 SUMMARY OF RECREATION ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITY REFERENCE AREA CONSERVATION & SPECIAL
ZONE RECREATION ZONE PROTECTION AREAS
Picnicking No Yes Yes
Camping—designated sites N/A Yes N/A
(with facilities)
Camping—dispersed No Yes Yes
(no facilities)
Horse riding No YC (5.2.4) YC (5.2.4)
Camping—horse based No No No
Walking No Yes Yes
Bicycle riding No YC (5.2.1) YC (5.2.1)
Orienteering and rogaining No YC (5.2.6) YC (5.2.6)
Rock climbing and abseiling No YC (5.2.5) YC (5.2.5)
Hunting No No No
Trail-bike riding No YC (5.2.1) YC (5.2.1)
2WD sightseeing No YC (5.2.1) YC (5.2.1)
4WD touring No YC (5.2.1) YC (5.2.1)
Fishing No Yes Yes
Dogs No No No
Firewood collection No Yes Yes
Fossicking No No No
Yes Appropriate
No Not appropriate
YC Conditional—refer to relevant section for details
N/A Not applicable
• Investigate development of a regional • Encourage all visitors to adopt minimum
touring guide in consultation with the impact techniques and to adhere to codes
Towong Shire. of conduct appropriate to their activity.
• Conduct visitor surveys to assess visitor • Monitor visitor use to ensure adequate
profiles, patterns of behaviour, provision of facilities, consistent with
expectations and preferences. appropriate types and levels of use.
• Establish a program to determine levels of • Monitor the impacts of visitor use at
recreational activity consistent with popular visitor destinations and take
protecting recreational experiences and appropriate action as required to reduce
park values. visitor impacts.
14 Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State ParkThe Park visit
• Liaise with the Towong Shire and tourist Aims
agencies to ensure that the Parks are
• Provide an appropriate network of tracks for
included in any future tourist promotions
2WD and 4WD vehicles for both recreation
for the region.
and management purposes.
• Minimise the impact of vehicle use on park
5.2 Visitor recreational activities
values.
and facilities
Management strategies
5.2.1 Vehicle access
• Manage roads and tracks in accordance
Vehicle access is important for park with table 3.
management and for enabling visitors to use
and enjoy the Parks. The existing small • Apply temporary or seasonal closures to
network of 2WD and 4WD tracks (table 3, and tracks as required, to ensure public safety
figures 2 and 3) gives adequate access for and minimise environmental disturbance
management but visitor access is restricted, (section 3.1).
particularly during wet weather when seasonal
closures are required on a number of tracks to • Liaise with the Victorian Association of
prevent damage. All roads and tracks in the Four Wheel Drive Clubs (VAFWDC) over
Parks are managed by Parks Victoria. There temporary, seasonal and any necessary
are opportunities in both Parks for 4WD permanent public road closures.
touring, trail-bike riding and mountain bike
touring. • Permit cycling on all roads and tracks in
Mount Granya State Park has 2WD vehicle accordance with table 3, but not on
access to two key visitor attractions: Mount walking tracks.
Granya Summit and Cotton Tree Creek Picnic
Area. • Permit cycling on Koetong Creek Track
with prior approval from the Ranger in
Vehicle access is restricted in Mount Lawson Charge.
State Park, particularly in the north of the Park.
There is 2WD vehicle access to the Mount • Investigate opportunities for improving
Lawson Summit, but the existing route through public vehicular access to the northern end
Victorian Plantations Corporation land is of each Park and in particular to Flaggy
poorly signposted and is primarily used for Creek Gorge.
plantation timber extraction. Flaggy Creek
Gorge is potentially a popular attraction but • Investigate opportunities for the
requires the resolution of inappropriate access development and promotion of 4WD
through private property before it can be touring routes through each Park in
effectively promoted as a visitor destination. consultation with adjoining landholders.
There are a number of legal access points into
• Liaise with VicRoads and the Towong
both Parks through private property. Many of Shire to improve signs for both Parks in
these access points are infrequently used by the the surrounding area, and in particular
public and are an annoyance to adjoining along major tourist routes.
landholders. Identification of appropriate 4WD
access points will enable several public access • Liaise with the Victorian Plantations
points to be promoted. Corporation to improve signage to Mount
The northern part of Mount Lawson State Park Lawson Summit through pine plantations.
is relatively free of vehicle tracks. This area
will remain relatively undeveloped to preserve
its remote and natural values.
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park 15The Park visit
TABLE 3 MANAGEMENT OF VEHICLE ROADS AND TRACKS
ROAD/TRACK CLASS COMMENTS/USES STATUS MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
CURRENT PROPOSED
Mount Lawson State Park
Firebrace Track 3 Forest & Fire/PV management track. O O Unchanged.
Park access.
Firebrace Link 3 Forest & Fire/PV management track. O O Unchanged.
Track Park access.
Koetong Creek 3 PV management track. Fire access. MVO MVO Undertake drainage work where necessary to minimise
Track erosion. Investigate realignment of steep eroded sections.
Permit horse riding and cycling subject to prior approval.
Mt Lawson Road 3 Shire/VPC/Forest & Fire/PV. Alternative O O Upgrade to Class 3 for 2WD summer access and establish
access to Mt Lawson Summit. signage in conjunction with VPC and Shire.
Mt Lawson Road/ 1 VPC/Forest & Fire/PV. Current access to O O Seek to establish signage in conjunction with VPC and
Hempenstall Road Mt Lawson Summit. Shire.
Boulder Track 3 PV management track. Park access. O O Seasonal closure. Ensure maintenance does not impact on
the Bungil Reference Area.
Thologolong Track 3 PV track. Park access through private O O Seasonal closure. Ensure maintenance does not impact on
property. the Bungil Reference Area.
Flaggy Creek Track 3 PV track/Private Property. Access to O O Undertake drainage work were necessary to minimise
Flaggy Creek Gorge & freehold inlier. erosion. Continue to maintain and upgrade in conjunction
Park access through private property. with the owner of the freehold inlier (section 7.2). Part
seasonal closure.
Houstons Track 3 PV track. Park access through private O O Seasonal closure.
property.The Park visit
Table 3 (cont.)
ROAD/TRACK CLASS COMMENTS/USES STATUS MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
CURRENT PROPOSED
Stockyard Creek 3 PV track. Park access through private O O Unchanged.
Track property.
Mount Granya State Park
Mount Granya 1 PV management road. Access to Mount O O Continue to maintain in conjunction with the Forests
Road Granya Summit and Fire Tower. Service.
Webb Track 3 PV management track. Park access. O O Unchanged.
Bridle Track 3 PV management track. Park access. O O Unchanged.
Jurgies Track 3 PV management track. Park access. O O Unchanged.
Jurgies-Wises 3 PV management track. Park access. O O Unchanged.
Creek Link Track
Wises Creek Track 3 PV track. Park access through private O O Unchanged.
property.
Pub Track 3 PV track. Park access through private O O Unchanged.
property.
Star Track 3 PV track. Park access through private O O Unchanged.
property.
Webb Lane 1 Shire road. Access to Cotton Tree Creek O O Unchanged.
Picnic Area.
Sugarloaf Track 3 PV track. Steep fire access track. O O Unchanged.
Class 1 All vehicle - all weather Status MVO Management vehicles only
2 All vehicle - dry weather O Open to public vehicles
3 4WD - dry weatherThe Park visit
5.2.2 Day visits and camping • Establish and maintain day visitor and
camping facilities which enhance visitor
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya
enjoyment of the Parks and are consistent
State Park have many interesting features, some
with protecting park values.
with adequate 2WD access.
Mount Granya State Park offers two main Management strategies
destinations for day visitors, Mount Granya
• Provide and maintain low key, unobtrusive
Summit and Cotton Tree Creek Picnic Area.
picnic and camping facilities in
Both sites have low key picnic facilities and
accordance with table 4, and figures 2 and
short walks. A short walk from Cotton Tree
3.
Creek Picnic Area leads past an old scout hut to
Granya Falls.
• Permit dispersed camping in accordance
Mount Lawson State Park has day visitor with park guidelines in areas more than
facilities at Koetong Creek and the Mount 50 m from a road or a designated picnic
Lawson Summit. The Summit has a picnic or camping area.
area, and a short walk around the Mount
Lawson summit with outstanding views and • Allow fires in designated picnic or
interesting rock outcrops. camping areas only in fireplaces provided.
There are currently no designated campsites in • Allow fires for cooking and heating
Mount Granya State Park. Dispersed camping throughout the Parks except within 50 m of
is permitted in the Parks, but most camping a designated picnic or camping area or
occurs at designated sites on Koetong Creek in road.
Mount Lawson State Park. These sites are
popular during holiday periods but are • Design and construct a picnic and
generally only accessible to 4WD vehicles. camping area at ‘The Kurrajongs’ in the
A site on the northern boundary known as ‘The north of Mount Lawson State Park.
Kurrajongs’ is proposed as the main camping
and day visitor site in Mount Lawson State • Monitor visitor use at Cotton Tree Creek
Park. This site is adjacent to the Murray River Picnic Area and establish camping areas
Road near a rehabilitated gravel pit. as demand requires.
Development at this substantially modified site
would have a minimal impact on park values. 5.2.3 Bushwalking
This site is proposed as the starting point for The Parks offer several short walking tracks
walking tracks with spectacular views of the but also provide opportunities for self-reliant
Parks and Lake Hume. It would be a key visitor walks to a variety of interesting features.
contact point for visitors travelling along the Because of the remoteness of both Parks and
Murray River Road. the lack of vehicular access, walking is an ideal
way to experience the features of the Parks.
The Historic Bridge Picnic Area, to the south of
Mount Lawson State Park, is an existing day The northern section of Mount Lawson State
visitor area with picnic facilities and a short Park in particular has enormous potential as a
walking track to an historic railway bridge. destination for adventurous, self-sufficient
Day visitor facilities at this site are currently walkers. Rocky outcrops, cliffs and bluffs
managed by Parks Victoria. The site is overlooking the Murray River, a semi-remote
adjacent to the Murray Valley Highway outside atmosphere and a diversity of features make
Mount Lawson State Park and is a key visitor interesting and challenging conditions for
contact point to the south of the Park. This walkers. In Mount Granya State Park there are
area is proposed for consideration as an short, easy walks at the Granya Summit
addition to the Park (section 7.2). (Lyrebird Walk) and from Cotton Tree Creek
Aim
18 Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State ParkThe Park visit
TABLE 4 EXISTING AND PROPOSED VISITOR FACILITIES
SITE CAMPING TOILET PICNIC FIRE CAR WATER WALK INFO MANAGEMENT
TABLES PLACES PARK TRACK BOARD ACTIONS AND
COMMENTS
Mount Lawson State Park
Mount Lawson - - E E E - E - Maintain.
Summit
Koetong Creek E - E E - E - - Maintain.
Camping Area
(2 sites)
‘The P P P P P - P P Design and
Kurrajongs’ construct.
Establish a
vegetative
screen from
Highway.
Mount Granya State Park
Cotton Tree - P E E E E E P Upgrade
Creek Picnic walking track
Area to Granya
Falls.
Remove
fencing and
revegetate.
Mount Granya - E E E E - E E Revegetate
Summit and maintain
weed control
program.
KEY: E Existing facility
P Proposed facility
- Not available
Picnic Area to Granya Falls. In Mount Lawson Management strategies
State Park there are two short walks Summit
• Develop new tracks in the more remote
Track and Explorers Track at the Mount
areas of the Parks and maintain the
Lawson Summit.
existing walking tracks in accordance with
There is potential in both Parks for the table 5 (section 3.1).
development of several long walking tracks
linking interesting and remote features. • Encourage the use of fuel stoves for
cooking and heating by dispersed campers.
Aim
• Promote minimal impact practices for
• Increase the range of walking opportunities bushwalkers.
while minimising impacts on park values.
Mount Lawson State Park and Mount Granya State Park 19The Park visit
TABLE 5 MANAGEMENT OF WALKING TRACKS
NAME LENGTH CURRENT FUTURE ADDITIONAL WORK
(ONE WAY) STANDARD STANDARD REQUIREMENTS
Mount Lawson State Park
Summit Track 1 km D D Upgrade signage.
Explorers Track 1.5 km D D Upgrade signage and
link to summit track.
‘The Kurrajongs’ 2 km Proposed D Locate and construct a
Loop Track loop track starting at
‘The Kurrajongs’ and
incorporating the nearby
lookouts and rocky
ridges.
Flaggy Creek Gorge 10 km Proposed E Locate and construct a
Walking Track track from The
Kurrajongs to Flaggy
Creek Gorge
incorporating the
Womoboi Wolfram
Mine.
Mount Granya State Park
Lyrebird Walk 400 m C B Upgrade.
Granya Falls Walking 1 km D C Upgrade and investigate
Track a loop walk option.
Mount Granya 4 km Proposed D Locate and construct a
Summit Walking track, incorporating
Track Jurgies Track, which
links the Mount Granya
Summit with Cottontree
Creek Picnic Area.
Standard (Parks Victoria - guideline 17.5R)
Category B Track well defined and drained and surfaced where necessary.
Category C Track well defined, benched and drained where necessary.
Category D Track defined through use, usually drained and cleared.
Category E Track defined through use with no basic construction.
20 Burrowa-Pine Mountain National ParkThe Park visit
• Seek the assistance of volunteers in Management strategy
constructing and maintaining walking
• Promote the use of minimal impact
tracks.
techniques for abseiling and rock climbing
activities.
• Investigate the potential for the
development of walking routes
5.2.6 Orienteering and rogaining
(particularly within Mount Lawson State
Park) which create a walk linking ‘The Both Parks have been used infrequently for
Kurrajongs’ to the southern end of the orienteering and rogaining, although both are
Park. well suited to these activities.
• Investigate the development of a walking Aim
track along the Conic Range to Mount
• Provide for orienteering and rogaining in the
Lawson in Mount Lawson State Park. Parks, but minimise impacts on park values.
5.2.4 Horse riding Management strategies
Horse riding is not a popular use of the Parks. • Permit orienteering and rogaining in
Despite this, precautions must be taken to accordance with Parks Victoria guidelines.
minimise soil erosion and the introduction of
weeds. Areas suitable for camping with horses • Liaise with orienteering groups to
are available outside the Parks. minimise impacts on park values.
Aim 5.2.7 Dogs
• Provide opportunities for recreational horse Dogs have never been allowed in the Parks and
riders but minimise the impact of horse the area has not been used for walking or
riding on park values and other users. exercising dogs in the past.
Native fauna is at risk from injury or predation
Management strategies by domestic dogs and may be frightened away
• Permit horse riding on public vehicle from an area by their scent or noise. Dogs can
roads and management vehicle only tracks also cause inconvenience and annoyance to
(table 3) but not on walking tracks, or other Park users.
seasonally closed roads.
Aim
• Permit horse riding on Koetong Creek
• Minimise disturbance to fauna and visitors
Track with prior approval from the Ranger by dogs.
in Charge.
Management strategy
• Do not permit horse camping in the Parks.
• Continue to prohibit dogs from both
5.2.5 Rock climbing and abseiling Parks.
Rock climbing is not a popular activity in the
5.3 Visitor information,
Parks, but some opportunities exist for rock
climbers in Mount Lawson State Park.
interpretation and education
Information, interpretative services and
Aim environmental education help to orientate
visitors, foster an understanding and
• Provide for rock climbing and abseiling in
the Parks but minimise impacts on park appreciation of a Park’s features and values,
values. management problems and contribute to a
broader understanding of natural environments
encourage appropriate visitor use, reduce
21 Burrowa-Pine Mountain National ParkYou can also read
