NPA NSW

Sea Slug Census

Posted by NPA NSWon February 28, 2017April 4, 2017in Autumn 2017Leave a comment

Citizen Science Dive Program

^{John Turnbull, Member, National Parks Association of NSW}

Category: Shore dives and rock pools

Depth: Various, to 20 m

Rating: Easy

Access: SCUBA, snorkelling and rock platform walking

Special equipment: Underwater camera

In a recent edition of Nature NSW we published a Creature Feature on nudibranchs. These curious, diverse molluscs are a favourite find for divers. They are also excellent indicators of climate change, thanks to their visibility, ease of identification and seasonality.

Fungi – the Forgotten Kingdom

Posted by NPA NSWon February 28, 2017February 28, 2017in Autumn 2017Leave a comment

^{David Noble, Member, National Parks Association of NSW}

When you look at an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or National Park Plan of Management, you always see sections on flora and fauna, but seldom even a mention of Fungi. The Fungi Kingdom seems to be somewhat neglected.

This should not be the case as fungi are found in all environments. They are around the roots of most plants, and in the stomachs of most animals. They range in size from microscopic yeasts to huge fungal mycelium that thread their way through hundreds of hectares. They make up perhaps 25% of the biomass.

Leave No Trace

Posted by NPA NSWon February 28, 2017March 1, 2017in Autumn 2017Leave a comment

Leave No Trace

^{Dr Helen Smith, Activitives Officer, National Parks Association of NSW}

Nothing is more heartbreaking than seeing natural areas trashed by current and previous visitors. Particularly when we all work so hard to protect natural places through our campaigns at the NPA. But protecting natural areas isn’t just about being loud through media coverage and campaigns. It also comes down to setting a good example to others when we’re out exploring.

We know we’re preaching to the converted here, but it’s worth refreshing the Leave No Trace Principles so you can clearly articulate them and their importance to others. Leave No Trace Australia is an organisation dedicated to inspiring and promoting responsible use of the outdoors through research, partnerships and education. The Leave No Trace guidelines describe best practice for visiting natural areas. They consist of seven principles:

Conservation and Climate

Posted by NPA NSWon February 27, 2017February 28, 2017in Autumn 2017Leave a comment

^{Roger Lembit, Convenor, Parks Management Committee}

The climate is changing, and with it the strategies to protect nature need to be robust. Around the world, park managers and conservationists are developing approaches to maintain ecosystem functions and prevent biodiversity loss.

Read More “Conservation and Climate”

Adventure World Racing Championships 2016

Posted by NPA NSWon February 27, 2017February 28, 2017in Autumn 2017Leave a comment

^{Bob Sneddon and Tony Hill, NPA members and former members of the South Coast Regional Advisory Council}

In November 2016 Adventure Racing World Championships were held in South Coast Region national parks including Morton National Park and Budawang Wilderness. Ninety-eight teams of four members made their way from one destination to another by foot and on bicycles along formed and unformed tracks that were chosen by their navigators as the fastest route.

Events such as this, especially when held in declared Wilderness Areas, are contrary to the intent and legality of the plans of management for these areas. The Act is specific: national parks and wilderness are for “appropriate” recreation.

A Better Future for Public Native Forests

Posted by NPA NSWon February 27, 2017February 28, 2017in Autumn 2017, Native Forest LoggingLeave a comment

It’s possible with diverse community support

^{Dr Oisín Sweeney, Senior Ecologist, National Parks Association of NSW}

Last year the National Parks Association NSW (NPA) released a report that showed how, despite being a noble attempt to marry some pretty uncomfortable bedfellows (logging, conservation and recreation), the Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) have failed in all of their high level aims. From protecting the environment to maintaining long-term economic stability and jobs in forest industries, the RFAs have not worked. A new approach is desperately needed writes Oisín Sweeney.