Carly Chabal, Intern, National Parks Association of NSW
World Heritage listing is not just for biodiversity and iconic plants and animals, it is also for the protection and celebration of special landscape features and special and interesting geological features.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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