Released 30/04/2021
The ACT Parks and Conservation Service wishes to advise that sections of the Bimberi Wilderness Area and western Namadgi National Park will be closed for two weeks for the safety of visitors during deer and pig control operations.
ACT Parks and Conservation Service will be undertaking a feral deer and pig aerial control program to help assist Namadgi’s ecosystem during bushfire recovery.
The closure will be in effect from 12.01am Monday 3 May until 11.59pm Friday 14 May 2021.
“For over 15 months our teams have been hard at work to make sure Namadgi National Park is in the strongest position for recovery following the Orroral Valley bushfire,” ACT Conservator of Flora and Fauna, Ian Walker said.
“Although we have made significant progress and have been able to open the park to visitors ahead of schedule, it is still in a vulnerable state.
“As responsible land managers, the government’s approach to bushfire recovery is to facilitate a natural regeneration of the park by managing threats from invasive plants and animals. It is important that threatened species and ecological communities can recover without being impacted by feral deer and pigs.
“Feral deer in Namadgi can damage our already endangered plant and animal species due to their grazing, antler rubbing, trampling, trail creation and wallowing. They can also affect the areas that are key to the ACT’s water supply – such as the Upper Cotter Catchment of Namadgi National Park.
“While we understand these closures might affect some plans Canberran’s have to get into the park, this program will help the park continue to recover. There are still many areas of Namadgi open during this time and I encourage to community to still get out and enjoy those areas.
“The community’s safety is our priority, which is why we have closed these areas. Our team will also implement extensive safety precautions during the aerial control program, such as buffer zones and clear signage.”
See attached for a map of the closed area.
- Statement ends -
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