burrowa-pine mountain national park management...

National Parks Service

Burrowa-Pine MountainNational Park

Management Plan

June 1996

NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT

This Management Plan for Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park is approved for implementation. Itspurpose is to direct all aspects of management in the Park until the Plan is reviewed. A DraftManagement Plan was published in February 1996. A total of 10 submissions were received.

Copies of the Plan can be obtained from:

NRE Wodonga OfficeDepartment of Natural Resources and Environment1 McKoy StreetWODONGA VIC 3690

Outdoors Information CentreDepartment of Natural Resources and Environment240 Victoria ParadeEAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002

Further information on this Plan please contact:

Chief Ranger - Murray Park Management AreaNRE Wodonga Office (060) 556 111

BURROWA-PINE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

MANAGEMENT PLAN

National Parks Service

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCESAND ENVIRONMENT

VICTORIA

JUNE 1996

ii Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park

Crown (State of Victoria) 1996A Victorian Government PublicationThis publication is copyright.No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance withthe provisions of the Copyright Act 1986.

Published in June 1996 by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment240 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002.

National Library of AustraliaCataloguing-in-Publication entry

Victoria. National Parks Service.Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park management plan.

Bibliography.ISBN 0 7306 6187 3.

1. National parks and reserves - Victoria - Management.2. Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park (Vic.). I. Victoria.Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment. II. Title.

333.783099455

Cover: Mount Burrowa from The Pimple (Photo Glenn Mawson).

Note: In April 1996 the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (CNR) became part of theDepartment of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE).

Printed on 100% recycled paper to help save our natural environment

Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park iii

FOREWORD

Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park isundoubtedly one of north-eastern Victoria’soutstanding national parks. The Park is highlyregarded for its impressive scenery, diversehabitats and flora conservation values.

A visitor’s first impression may be the tranquilsetting of the spectacular Bluff Falls or theimposing rock outcrops and bluffs of PineMountain from the Murray River Road.

Many visitors enjoy the accessible camping andpicnic areas, lookouts and nature walks, whileothers are attracted by the experience ofbushwalking through the Park’s rugged andmore remote areas.

This Approved Plan establishes the long-termmanagement framework to protect theimportant conservation and recreation values ofthe Park while ensuring that it plays animportant role in nature-based tourism in theUpper Murray region.

As a result of the Plan’s implementation, I amconfident that the Park’s diverse environments,magnificently wild scenery and remotecharacter will be protected and visitors’enjoyment will be enhanced.

I look forward to the community’s support forthe management of this important national park,which is a significant part of Victoria’s parkssystem.

Hon Marie Tehan MPMINISTER FOR CONSERVATIONand LAND MANAGEMENT

iv Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park

APPROVED MANAGEMENT PLAN

This Approved Management Plan has beenprepared under section 17 of the NationalParks Act 1975 (Vic.) and is approved forimplementation.

The Plan provides the basis for the futuremanagement of Burrowa-Pine MountainNational Park. It was finalised followingconsideration of the ten submissions receivedon the Draft Plan.

Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park v

SUMMARY

Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park(18 400 ha) consists of two prominent granitemassifs, Mount Burrowa and Pine Mountain.Situated in north-eastern Victoria, the Park isone of a series of parks extending from LakeHume eastwards into the Australian Alps.

The Park is noted for its high conservationvalues, remote settings and outstanding scenicvalues. These features make it attractive forpicnicking, camping, bushwalking and naturestudy.

The Park will be managed as a world-classprotected area for ecosystem conservation andrecreation consistent with its national parkstatus. The Park’s distinctive remote characterand natural setting will be protected andopportunities for high quality visitorexperiences provided.

The major management directions for the Parkare summarised below.

• Significant features will be given specialprotection.

• The Park’s remote character and scenicqualities will be protected.

• A pest plant and animal control strategywhich identifies key sites, target speciesand control methods will be prepared.

• Existing facilities will be maintained, andnew facilities which are in keeping withthe Park’s remote and natural characterwill be established.

• Increased visitor use will be encouragedthrough appropriate promotion of the Parkand the addition of a visitor contact pointon the Murray River Road.

vi Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park

Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park vii

CONTENTS

FOREWORD iii

SUMMARY v

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Location and planning area 11.2 Regional context 11.3 Significance of the Park 11.4 Creation of the Park 21.5 Legislation, LCC recommendations and guidelines 21.6 Park management aims 3

2 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 4

2.1 Park vision 42.2 Management directions 42.3 Zoning 4

3 RESOURCE CONSERVATION 7

3.1 Geological and landform features 73.2 Vegetation 73.3 Fauna 83.4 Landscape 83.5 Cultural heritage 9

4 PARK PROTECTION 11

4.1 Fire management 114.2 Pest plants and animals, and diseases 12

5 THE PARK VISIT 13

5.1 The Park visitor 135.2 Visitor recreational activities and facilities 14

5.2.1 Vehicle access 145.2.2 Day visits and camping 165.2.3 Bushwalking 185.2.4 Horse riding 185.2.5 Rock climbing and abseiling 18

5.3 Visitor information, interpretation and education 205.4 Commercial tourism operations 205.5 Public safety 21

viii Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park

6 COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT 22

6.1 Friends and volunteers 226.2 Community awareness and Park neighbours 22

7 OTHER ISSUES 23

7.1 Authorised uses 237.2 Boundaries and adjacent uses 23

8 IMPLEMENTATION 24

REFERENCES 25

TABLES

1 Park management zones and overlays 62 Summary of recreation activities 143 Management of roads and vehicle tracks 154 Visitor facilities 175 Walking tracks 196 Priority management strategies 24

APPENDIX

1 Rare or threatened flora 26

FIGURE

1 Management zones and visitor facilities End of Plan

Introduction

Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park 1

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Location and planning area

Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park(18 400 ha) is approximately 420 km north-eastof Melbourne, close to the upper reaches of theMurray River. The Park lies about25 km north-west of Corryong, extending 30km north-east from the Murray ValleyHighway to the Murray River (figure 1).

The Park consists of two distinct areas: the PineMountain Block to the north and the BurrowaBlock to the south. These blocks are linked bya narrow stretch of land.

The management plan covers (figure 1):

• Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park,which includes:

• the Jemba (1030 ha) and Pine Mountain(480 ha) Reference Areas;

• the Mount Burrowa Remote and NaturalArea (6200 ha*); and

• two proposed additions to the Park - RiverRoad Block and Wermatong Track Block.

[*This area is incorrectly stated in the National ParksAct and LCC (1991) as 10 500 ha.]

1.2 Regional context

Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park is oneof a series of parks extending eastwards fromLake Hume to Corryong and across the NewSouth Wales border into the Australian Alps.To the south is the Alpine National Park, and tothe east Kosciusko National Park.

There is a variety of recreational opportunitieswithin the Upper Murray area, including:

• Mount Lawson State Park and MountGranya State Park - these parks arerelatively undeveloped and offeropportunities for day use, walking andinformal camping;

• Mount Mittamatite Regional Park(proposed) - used for hang gliding, walkingand nature study;

• Alpine National Park and KosciuskoNational Park - both offer a diverse range ofvisitor experiences;

• Wabba Wilderness Park - a wilderness arearelatively free of influence by Europeansettlement;

• Murray River - attracts many people forfishing and camping holidays.

1.3 Significance of the Park

Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park makes avaluable contribution to Victoria’s parkssystem, which aims to protect viable,representative samples of the State’s naturalenvironments occurring on public land. Parksprovide opportunities for visitors to enjoy andappreciate natural and cultural values, andmany make important contributions to tourism.

The Park is listed in IUCN Category II(National Parks) of the United Nations’ List ofNational Parks and Protected Areas. CategoryII areas are managed primarily for ecosystemconservation and appropriate recreation.

The Park is listed on the Register of theNational Estate in recognition of its significantvalues and its importance as part of ourheritage.

The Park has a high floristic diversity includingmany species of conservation significance, abroad range of faunal habitats, high landscapequalities, panoramic views, a range ofrecreation opportunities for visitors and a largearea recognised for its remote and naturalqualities, including a virtual absence ofvehicular tracks.

Significant features of the Park are summarisedbelow.

Natural values

• Highly diverse vegetation, includingValley Grassy Forest and Black Cypress-pine Woodlands.

• The occurrence of numerous rare andseveral endangered plant species.

• Natural rugged beauty dominated by theprominent massifs of Mount Burrowa andPine Mountain.

Introduction

2 Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park

• Pristine streams, waterfalls andcatchments.

• Significant areas free of vehicle tracks.

Cultural values

• Remains of a fluorspar mine near PineMountain.

Tourism and recreational values

• The spectacular Bluff Falls.

• Opportunities to experience naturalsettings without significant intrusion bydevelopments or high visitor numbers.

• Opportunities to walk and camp in remoteareas, including challenging walkingopportunities.

• Spectacular views of the Park, theAustralian Alps and the Murray Rivervalley from lookouts within the Park.

1.4 Creation of the Park

Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park wasincluded in Schedule Two of the NationalParks Act 1975 (Vic.) on 16 May 1978 as aresult of the National Parks (Amendment) Act1978 (Vic.). It was created followinggovernment acceptance of Land ConservationCouncil (LCC) Final Recommendations for theNorth-Eastern Study Area District 1 (LCC1973).

Three hundred hectares were added to theeastern side of the Burrowa Block in 1984, anda further 800 ha was added to the southernsection in 1989.

1.5 Legislation, LCCrecommendations andguidelines

Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park isreserved and managed under the provisions ofthe National Parks Act. The Act requires theDirector to preserve and protect the naturalenvironment of the Park, and its natural andother features, and to provide for its use by thepublic for enjoyment, recreation and education,and for research.

The Mount Burrowa Remote and Natural Areawas established as a result of the LCCWilderness Special Investigation (LCC 1991)and proclaimed on 30 June 1992. The area ismanaged under the provisions of the NationalParks Act relating to Remote and NaturalAreas (sections 21B to 21D) and relevant LCCrecommendations. These generally precludenew or incremental developments.

The Jemba and Pine Mountain Reference Areasare proclaimed under the Reference Areas Act1978 (Vic.) and managed in accordance withMinisterial directives and the relevant NREguideline. Within these areas, which provide areference for comparative study purposes,natural processes will be allowed to continueundisturbed.

The LCC (1973) recommendations for the Parkinclude the protection and conservation of thenatural ecosystems, with particular emphasis onthe Pine Mountain flora.

In 1986 the LCC recommended that particularattention be given in the management plan tothe restoration of diversity in understoreyvegetation within the 800 ha block which wasadded to the south of the Park (LCC 1986).The LCC also recommended that a portion ofthe frontage to Cudgewa Creek, including partof the disused Cudgewa railway alignment andan historic timber trestle bridge, be added to thePark (LCC 1986).

The Park is managed in accordance withDepartment of Natural Resources andEnvironment guidelines for the management ofParks (NPS 1995) and with other Departmentalguidelines and procedures. Other plans whichwill operate in conjunction with this Planinclude:

• North East Region Fire Protection Plan(DCE 1990);

• North East Regional Landcare Plan(Landcare 1993).

Introduction


1.6 Park management aims

Sections 4 and 17 of the National Parks Actprovide the main basis for management of thePark. The following management aims arederived from those sections, and as suchbroadly govern all aspects of park management.

Resource conservation

• Preserve and protect the naturalenvironment.

• Allow natural environmental processes tocontinue with the minimum of disturbanceand maintain biodiversity.

• Conserve features of archaeological,historical and cultural significance.

Park protection

• Protect water catchments and streams.

• Protect human life, the Park and adjacentlands from injury by fire.

• Eradicate or otherwise control introducedplants, animals and diseases.

The Park visit

• Provide opportunities for appropriaterecreation and tourism.

• Promote and encourage an appreciation,understanding and enjoyment of the Park’snatural and cultural values and itsrecreational opportunities.

• Encourage appropriate park use andbehaviour, and foster a conservation ethicin visitors.

• Take reasonable steps to ensure the safetyof visitors.

Other

• Provide for and encourage scientificresearch, surveys and monitoring that willcontribute to a better understanding andmanagement of the Park.

• Co-operate with local, State and interstategovernment authorities, the communityand other interested organisations to assistin the management of the Park.

Strategic directions


2 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

2.1 Park vision

A future visitor to Burrowa-Pine MountainNational Park finds a largely undeveloped Park,renowned for its spectacular scenery and highconservation values. Visitors enjoy the Park’sremote settings but also the more readilyaccessible features such as Bluff Falls.

The Park is visited as one of a series of naturalattractions in the Upper Murray area, where itplays an integrated role in the nature-basedtourism industry of the area. The mainactivities are picnicking, camping, bushwalkingand nature study. High-quality visitorexperiences are offered which focus on thePark’s distinctive remote character and whichcomplement those in other parks and reserves inthe area.

Low-key developments which are appropriateto the setting and sensitively managed arelocated on or near the edges of the Park, wherethey are readily accessible and removed fromthe largely undeveloped core areas of the Park.

Careful and sensitive management by NRE,assisted by a Friends group and other volunteergroups, ensures that the Park’s values aremaintained for future generations.

2.2 Management directions

Major management directions for the Park areoutlined below.


• Significant features will be given specialprotection.

• Significant species and communities willbe monitored, and threats to those speciesand communities will be identified andmanaged.

• The Mount Burrowa Remote and NaturalArea will remain undeveloped.

• Ecological burning will ensure appropriatefire regimes for plant communities wherethis information is available.

• Several small adjoining areas of Crownland are proposed for addition to the Park.

Park protection

• Fuel reduction burning will be managed inaccordance with the North East RegionFire Protection Plan and Code of Practicefor Fire Management on Public Land.

• A pest plant and animal strategy whichidentifies key sites, target species andmethods of control will be prepared.

• Degraded sites will be rehabilitated.

• Seasonal restrictions on vehicle access willcontinue, where required, to protectvehicle tracks.

The Park visit

• The Park will be promoted as one of aseries of parks and visitor attractions inthe Upper Murray region.

• Surveys will be conducted to betterdetermine visitor needs and expectations.

• Interpretation of the Park’s key featureswill be improved.

• Existing facilities will be upgraded withoutsignificant expansion.

• Existing vehicle-based camping areas willbe clearly identified and well maintained.

• A proposed addition to the Park adjacentto the Murray Valley Highway will bedeveloped as a visitor contact point.

• New facilities including picnic areas, awalking track and a nature trail will beestablished.

2.3 Zoning

A Park management zoning scheme has beendeveloped to:

• provide a geographic framework in which tomanage the Park;

• indicate which management aims havepriority in different parts of the Park;



• indicate the types and levels of useappropriate throughout the Park;

• assist in minimising existing and potentialconflicts between uses and activities, orbetween those and the protection of Parkvalues;

• provide a basis for assessing the suitabilityof future activities and developmentproposals.

Two principal management zones apply to thePark (Reference Area, and Conservation andRecreation). In addition, overlay designations(Remote and Natural Area and SpecialProtection Area) are used to summariseadditional requirements to those of theunderlying primary management zones.

Table 1 specifies the management zone andoverlay characteristics and figure 1 shows thelocation of these areas.

Special Protection Areas

Special Protection Areas have been designatedsurrounding the following locations:

• Bluff Falls - a major focus of the Parkwhich has high visitor use;

• Black Cypress-pine Woodland - occurs onthe dry north-western slopes and isparticularly fire sensitive;

• Valley Grassy Forest - as a result ofclearing for agriculture this vegetation typeis poorly represented in parks and reserves.



TABLE 1 PARK MANAGEMENT ZONES AND OVERLAYS

MANAGEMENT ZONES MANAGEMENT OVERLAYS

REFERENCE AREA CONSERVATION AND

RECREATION

REMOTE AND

NATURAL AREA

SPECIAL PROTECTION

AREAS

AREA/LOCATION 1510 ha (8% of Park). Jembaand Pine Mountain ReferenceAreas.

16 890 ha (92% of Park). Mount Burrowa Remote andNatural Area (6200 ha),encompasses part of JembaReference area.

Bluff Falls area, BlackCypress-pine Woodlands,Valley Grassy Forest.

VALUES Relatively undisturbed landtypes and associatedvegetation.

Important natural values andscope for low impactrecreation opportunities.

Large and essentiallyundisturbed area.

Discrete significant areasrequiring special attention.

GENERAL

MANAGEMENT

AIMS

Protect viable samples of oneor more land types that arerelatively undisturbed forcomparative study withsimilar land types elsewhere,by keeping all humaninterference to the esentialminimum and ensuring as faras practicable that the onlylong term change results fromnatural processes.

Protect less sensitive naturalenvironments and provide forsustainable disperedrecreation activities andsmall-scale recreationfacilities without significantimpact on natural processes.

Protect remote and naturalvalues and preclude new andincremental development.

Protect specific natural orcultural values in specificareas and sites where specialmanagement focus isrequired.



3 RESOURCE CONSERVATION

3.1 Geological and landformfeatures

The major geological features of the Park arethe Burrowa and Pine Mountain massifs.Although similar in appearance these areas areof different origin.

The Pine Mountain massif (1060 m) consists ofLower Devonian red and grey granite, intrudedby dykes of quartz porphyry. A number ofsmall perched basins occur at variouselevations on the massif.

The Mount Burrowa massif (1280 m) consistsof steep montane slopes with occasionalperched basins and small high-level plateaux atelevations of 1000-1200 m. Most of the MountBurrowa massif comprises Jemba rhyolite, anacid volcanic rock of Devonian age.

Steeply graded ephemeral streams radiate fromthe centre of the massifs, resulting in severalwaterfalls such as Bluff Falls. Alluvial fansand terraces of Quaternary origin are found atthe bases of the massifs. The cliffs around theBurrowa massif have given rise to the popularname of ‘The Bluff’.

A range of soils occur throughout the Parkdepending on bedrock material, topography andelevation. Weakly bleached gradational soilspredominate on the steep montane slopes andplateaux, while undifferentiated sandy loamsare found on the steep dry slopes. The basinsand plateaux consist of friable reddishgradational soils; red duplex soils form on theundulating slopes.

Aims

• Minimise impacts from visitors on sensitivegeological features, including Bluff Falls.

• Prevent or control soil erosion caused byvisitor and management activities.

Management strategies

• Monitor the impact of visitors on sensitivegeological features, especially those closeto high use areas, and implementappropriate management as required toprotect these features.

• Prevent erosion of tracks during wetweather by closing roads and tracks on aseasonal basis as required.

• Ensure adequate drainage of tracks toreduce the potential for erosion.

3.2 Vegetation

Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park containsa particularly diverse range of vegetation typesincluding Granite Hills Woodland and HeathyDry Forest on the dry northern slopes, andmontane forests dominated by Mountain Gumand Broad-leaved Peppermint. Beauglehole(1988) recorded 458 native vascular plantspecies for the Park.

Much of the Park has remained relativelyundisturbed by human influences, and thusmost vegetation communities are in anessentially natural condition.

The Park contains several significant areas ofValley Grassy Forest. This vegetation type,which consists of scattered eucalypts with asparse shrub cover and a diverse range ofgrasses, herbs, lilies and sedges, has beenextensively cleared for agriculture in Victoria,and is poorly represented within parks andreserves.

The Park contains a number of rare orthreatened plant species of National and Statesignificance as listed in appendix 1. The slopessurrounding Pine Mountain in particularcontain many rare and vulnerable species,including Green Grevillea and Phantom Wattle.The Park is recognised as an importantconservation reserve for many other specieswhich are localised or at the limit of theirdistribution.

Previous timber harvesting, mining and grazingactivities have altered vegetation structure andspecies composition in a few small areas of thePark. Vegetation in the Pine Mountain Blocknear Sandy Creek Track and the southernaddition to the Park (LCC 1986) in particularhas been degraded by grazing. There is aparticular requirement to restore the



understorey diversity within the latter area(LCC 1986).

Aims

• Conserve native plant communities in theirnatural condition and maintain geneticdiversity.

• Provide special protection for significantplant species and communities.


• Manage Flora and Fauna Guarantee listedplant species and communities according toapproved action statements.

• Encourage surveys and research onsignificant flora and plant communities inthe Park to improve knowledge of theirmanagement requirements.

• Ensure significant plants and communitiesare adequately protected from managementactivities, including fire protection works,where necessary.

• Rehabilitate the area around the PineMountain fluorspar mine site.

• Prepare a strategy to restore theunderstorey vegetation of the southernaddition to the Park.

3.3 Fauna

The range of vegetation, topography andclimates within the Park has produced a varietyof faunal habitats. There are three main habitattypes: wet open eucalypt forest, dry openeucalypt forest and dry rocky Black Cypress-pine Woodlands.

No threatened species have been recorded inrecent times, although a comprehensive faunasurvey of the Park has not been undertaken.

At the turn of the century, there were reports ofthe endangered Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby inthe area, but no recordings have been madesince.

Sambar and Fallow Deer, which althoughexotic fauna, are recognised as protected

wildlife under the Wildlife Act 1975 (Vic.),inhabit the Park in small numbers.

Aims

• Protect native fauna from management andvisitor activities, and maintain geneticdiversity.

• Enhance the long-term survival prospects ofthreatened or significant fauna.


• Carry out an extensive faunal survey of thePark and identify any significant speciesand their habitats. In particular survey thedry rocky northern slopes for reptilespecies. Encourage university orcommunity groups to participate.

• Increase knowledge of the managementrequirements of the Park’s fauna, anddevelop management actions for itsprotection as required.

• Manage Flora and Fauna Guarantee listedspecies identified according to approvedaction statements.

• Develop a monitoring program whichfocuses on significant species and theirhabitats. Encourage university andcommunity groups to participate.

• Minimise visitor impacts on sensitivefaunal habitats through carefulmanagement of visitor access.

3.4 Landscape

The rugged Mount Burrowa and Pine Mountainmassifs characterise the landscape of the Park.They are dominant features of the surroundinglandscape, their exposed rock faces and steepslopes graduating to rolling hills at lowerelevations. Bluff Falls are a spectacular featureon the eastern side of the Park.

The landscape of the Park is a major attractionfor most visitors. Panoramic views of the Parkand its surroundings can be obtained fromvantage points within and outside the Park, onMount Burrowa and Pine Mountain, and alongthe Murray River Road.



Aim

• Protect and preserve the landscape values ofthe Park, especially areas of greatest scenicquality and viewer interest.


• Ensure that maintenance, developmentsand fire protection works are designed tohave minimal impact on the Park’slandscape qualities.

• Monitor and assess activities ordevelopments proposed on adjoiningfreehold land and take appropriate actionto ensure that the landscape qualities of thePark are not compromised.

3.5 Cultural heritage

Aboriginal heritage

Little is known about Aboriginal use of thearea, but it is believed to have been minimal,activity being confined to the river valleys.

Studies of archaeological sites in Victoriasuggest that upland areas such as the Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park were lessintensively occupied than the riverine plains.Surface artefact scatters may be located onspurs, ridge lines or river terraces. Rockoutcrops within the Park may contain rockshelters supporting evidence of human activitysuch as floor deposits, art or human remains.

The Shepparton Aboriginal Arts Council Co-operative Ltd is the relevant authority forcultural heritage in Burrowa-Pine MountainNational Park under the Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islanders Heritage Protection Act 1984(Cwlth).

European heritage

By the 1840s Europeans had settled in the area,bringing large numbers of cattle which grazedfoothill areas of the Park. Several huts oncestood around the cleared areas, families livingat Hinces Clearing and Thornes Clearing and inTragedy Gully.

Before 1978, most of the Burrowa Block was aTimber Reserve, yielding local supplies ofsawlogs and bridge timber. The most sought-

after species was Blue Gum; small amounts ofother species including Narrow-leaf Peppermintand Black Cypress-pine were taken. Littleevidence of logging operations remains today.

Mining activities in the area were restricted to asmall amount of alluvial gold mining in the1860s, and the operation of a fluorspar mine.This mine, situated south of Pine Mountain,operated intermittently from the early 1920suntil 1980. Tailing heaps remain around thesite and adit openings are currently exposed,posing a risk to Park visitors.

The disused Cudgewa railway line adjoins thesouthern boundary of the Park. The addition tothe Park of a portion of this line, including anhistoric timber trestle bridge, as recommendedby the LCC (1986), is to be further investigated(section 7.2).

Aims

• Protect archaeological sites and significanthistoric sites from potentially damaginghuman activity.

• Provide opportunities for recreation, andwhere appropriate foster the use of historicsites as a cultural, scientific and educationalresource.


• In consultation with the SheppartonAboriginal Arts Council Co-operative Ltdand Aboriginal Affairs Victoria investigateand document Aboriginal history, andprotect identified sites as appropriate.

• Record and catalogue the location of relicsand significant sites as identified. Identifyany threatening processes and takeappropriate action, in consultation withHistoric Places Section, to ensureappropriate protection.

• Determine the appropriate use of fencingor other methods to prevent the public fromentering adit openings of the PineMountain fluorspar mine site.

• In conjunction with the Historic PlacesSection, and other heritage agencies whereappropriate, survey relics at the Pine



Mountain fluorspar mine site, and developa strategy to protect significant features,and rehabilitate and interpret the site.

• Encourage further research as a basis forthe management and interpretation offormer hut sites.

• Investigate the addition to the Park of aportion of the Cudgewa railway line,including an historic trestle bridge (section7.2).

• Investigate the significance of the stonetrigonometric cairn on Black Mountain,and use this information in interpreting thesite.

Park protection


4 PARK PROTECTION

4.1 Fire management

The National Parks Act requires the Director ofNational Parks to ensure that appropriate andsufficient measures are taken to protect parksfrom injury by fire.

Current fire protection measures are inaccordance with the North East Region FireProtection Plan (DCE 1990). This planprovides for fire prevention and suppressionactivities in order to protect life, property,assets, and natural and cultural values, withinthe Park and surrounding areas.

Most of the Park is designated as priority 3 and4 burning zones, which have a relatively lowburning frequency. The remainder of the Parkis planned to exclude fuel reduction burning.Priority 1 and 2 burning zones, which have ahigher burning frequency, are not located in thePark. The Park’s fire protection strategy willbe reviewed in association with any review ofthe Fire Protection Plan, or as new informationbecomes available.

The Jemba and Pine Mountain Reference Areasare to remain unburnt. The dry north-westslopes, particularly those around PineMountain, support Black Cypress-pinecommunities. These fire-sensitive communitieshave been designated as Special ProtectionAreas and should not be burnt.

Research is required into the fire ecology of thePark’s flora and fauna, especially fire sensitivespecies and communities, threatened speciesand significant plant communities. Ecologicaland other controlled burning strategies may benecessary to ensure conservation of certainplant communities.

Aims

• Protect human life, property and Parkvalues from injury by fire.

• Maintain the natural influence of fires onecological processes within the Park.

• Minimise the adverse effects of fires and firesuppression methods.


• Undertake prescribed burning inaccordance with the North East RegionFire Protection Plan (DCE 1990) and theCode of Practice for Fire Management onPublic Land (CNR 1995).

• Ensure the continued exclusion of fuelreduction burning from the Jemba and PineMountain Reference Areas.

• Review burning zones in conjunction withthe review of the North East Region FireProtection Plan. Where practicable,priority 1 and 2 burning zones will not belocated in the Park, particularly the MountBurrowa Remote and Natural Area.

• Avoid prescribed burning in BlackCypress-pine Special Protection Areas.

• Ensure that prescribed burning within theHeathy Dry Forests on the dry northernslopes does not exceed a frequency of 8-10years.

• Give preference to using the followingsuppression methods whenever practicablein the Mount Burrowa Remote and NaturalArea and the Jemba and Pine MountainReference Areas:

• use of hand tools and aerialsuppression;

• use of existing roads and tracks andnatural features as control lines;

• backburning;• allowing wildfires to burn out to

appropriate control lines, outside themain fire danger periods and whereconditions allow.

• Avoid, as far as practical, earthmoving andother suppression operations in sensitiveareas including scenic areas, sites ofsignificance and recreation areas, orexercise extreme care to minimiseenvironmental disturbance if operations insuch areas are essential.

Park protection


• Rehabilitate any areas of the Park whichmay be disturbed by control lines and othersuppression activities as soon aspracticable following fire suppressionoperations, in accordance with the Code ofPractice for Fire Management on PublicLand (CNR 1995).

• As research brings a better understandingof fire regimes, ensure that this informationis included in any ecological firemanagement strategy, and in the review ofthe North East Region Fire ProtectionPlan.

• Undertake an analysis of the rocky areas inthe Park and map these as areas to remainunburnt. These areas have low fuel levelsand are unlikely to achieve satisfactoryresults from prescribed burns. Seek toamend the North East Region FireProtection Plan accordingly.

• Incorporate information on fire regulationsand the role of fire in the Park into Parkbrochures, guides, display boards andinterpretation programs.

• Ensure that grassed picnic areas areslashed regularly to protect visitors to thePark.

4.2 Pest plants and animals, anddiseases

A number of pest plant and animal species arepresent within the Park. Blackberry, PatersonsCurse, St. Johns Wort and Radiata Pine occurin small quantities, mainly around the fringes.

Although accurate numbers of pest animalshave not been obtained, wild dogs, feral cats,goats, pigs, foxes and rabbits are known to bein the Park. Feral cats and foxes are believedto have caused a significant reduction inground-dwelling native mammal numbers.Stray stock also wander into the Park fromadjoining freehold properties because of thelack of stock-proof boundary fences, and theyhave caused some damage in localised areas.

A detailed study of pathogens within the Parkhas not been conducted.

Aims

• Control, and where possible eradicate, non-indigenous plants and animals.

• Minimise the impact of control programs onnative flora and fauna.

• Protect the Park from other threats, inparticular new infestations of non-indigenous plants and diseases.


• Prepare and implement a pest plants andanimals control strategy for the Parkwhich:

• identifies key target species andlocations;

• identifies particular conservation areaswhere special efforts may be required tocontrol pest plants and animals (e.g.rare or threatened plant locations);

• specifies appropriate control methodswhich ensure maximum protection ofnon-target species and which minimisetheir impact on the naturalenvironment;

• gives initial priority to the control ofBlackberry and Patersons Curse.

• Reduce the risk of new infestations bychecking sites of potential weed sources(e.g. cleared areas, recent roadworks) andimplementing an appropriate controlstrategy.

• Identify and record the presence of anypathogens which occur in the Park, andtake appropriate action.

• Monitor the presence of invasive specieswithin the Valley Grassy Forest SpecialProtection Areas, and take appropriateaction to prevent weed invasion.

The Park visit


5 THE PARK VISIT

5.1 The Park visitor

Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park offersvisitors opportunities to enjoy a largelyundeveloped natural area with impressivescenery in a relatively remote corner ofVictoria.

Local usage of the Park appears to be fairlylimited, the majority of visitors being fromelsewhere within the State. Interstate andoverseas visitors occasionally visit the Park.Visitor use of the Park is estimated to bearound 10 000 visitor days per year from atraffic counter located on Falls Road. Use hasremained fairly stable for the last few years.The majority of visits occur during the warmermonths, the Christmas and Easter schoolholidays being particularly busy periods.

Future use of the Park is expected gradually toincrease as the tourism potential of the UpperMurray area is realised. This will result inincreased use of walking tracks and the mainvisitor destinations, including Bluff Creekcamping area and Bluff Falls.

Providing for the visitor

Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park offersopportunities for three distinct visitor types:

• day visitors who enjoy accessibleattractions, particularly Bluff Falls;

• self-reliant visitors who camp and enjoy avariety of features, particularly the longerwalks, or specialised activities such asnature study;

• groups involved in organised educational orrecreational activities.

Future management will continue to focus onexisting visitor types and activities, and willmaintain the essentially remote andundeveloped setting. Picnic and camping areaswill be confined to the existing sites and twopicnic sites proposed for development in thisplan.

Aims

• Develop an understanding of visitornumbers, profiles, attitudes, expectationsand needs.

• Provide for visitors in accordance with theabove overview of future management forvisitors.

• Ensure that visitor use of the Park is notdetrimental to the Park’s natural values.


• Permit recreational activities inaccordance with table 2.

• Provide facilities and services whichhighlight, but are in keeping with, thearea’s distinctive character (sections 5.2and 5.3 and tables 3, 4 and 5).

• Conduct visitor surveys to assess visitornumbers, profiles, patterns of behaviour,expectations and preferences.

• Establish a program to determine levels ofrecreational activity consistent withprotecting recreational experiences andpark values.

• Encourage all visitors to adopt minimalimpact techniques and to adhere to codesof conduct appropriate to their activity.

• Monitor visitor use to ensure adequateprovision of facilities consistent withappropriate types and levels of use.

• Monitor the impacts of visitor use atpopular visitor destinations, and takeappropriate action as required.

The Park visit


TABLE 2 SUMMARY OF RECREATION ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITY REFERENCE AREA

ZONE

CONSERVATION &RECREATION ZONE

SPECIAL

PROTECTION AREAS

Picnicking No Yes Yes

Camping - designated sites(with facilities)

N/A Yes Yes

Camping - dispersed(no facilities)

No Yes Yes

Camping - horse based No No No

Walking No Yes Yes

Vehicle touring No YC (5.2.1) YC (5.2.1)

Bicycle riding No YC (5.2.1) YC (5.2.1)

Horse riding No YC (5.2.4) YC (5.2.4)

Orienteering and rogaining No No No

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)

Fishing No Yes Yes

Dogs No No No

Fossicking No No No

Yes AppropriateNo Not appropriateYC Conditional - refer to relevant section for detailsN/A Not applicable

5.2 Visitor recreational activitiesand facilities

5.2.1 Vehicle access

Public vehicle access is important for parkmanagement and for enabling visitors to useand enjoy the Park.

The Cudgewa North-Walwa Road, whichpasses through the Park, and Falls Road, whichleads to Bluff Falls, give all-weather 2WDaccess to some parts of the Park. Other roadsand tracks give access to the major visitorfeatures and trail heads.

Some parts of the Park, in particular the MountBurrowa Remote and Natural Area, arerelatively free of vehicle tracks. These areaswill remain undeveloped to preserve theirremote and natural values. The existing smallnetwork of 2WD and 4WD tracks (table 3 andfigure 1) provides adequate vehicular access forboth recreation and fire protection purposes.

There are some opportunities in the Park fortrail bike riding and mountain bike touring; thelatter in particular is increasing in popularitythroughout Victoria.

The Park visit


TABLE 3 MANAGEMENT OF ROADS AND VEHICLE TRACKS

ROAD OR TRACK CLASS COMMENTS/USES STATUS MANAGEMENT

PRIORITY

Wild Goat Track 3 Borders private property.Fire protection.

O NRE track.Medium priority.

Bush Rat Track 3 Access to Black Mountain.Fire protection.


Black MountainTrack

2/3 Main access to Black Mt. Fireprotection. Links to BlackMountain Walking Track.

O NRE track.High priority.

Hinces Creek Track 3 Access to Hinces Ck Camp.Links to Hinces CreekWalking Track.


Pines Track 3 Access to Victorian PineCorporation land.Fire protection.

O NRE track.Low priority.

Pine MountainTrack

2/3 Links to Pine MountainWalking Track.

O NRE track.High priority.

Wermatong Track 3 Park management.Fire protection.


Upper and LowerDogman Track

2/3 Borders private property.Fire protection.


Ross LookoutTrack

3 Access to Ross Lookout. Linksto Ross Lookout WalkingTrack.

O NRE track.Medium priority

McNamaras Track 3 Access to Thornes Clearing. O NRE track.Medium priority.

Cudgewa North-Walwa Rd

1 Main access through Park. O Towong Shire road.High priority.

Falls Road 1 Main public access toBluff Falls & facilities.

O NRE road.High priority.

Hamiltons Track 3 Fire protection. O NRE track.Low priority.

Mt Burrowa Track 3 Access to walking tracks.Links to Mt Burrowa WalkingTrack.


Sandy Creek Track 3 Park management.Fire protection.

O NRE track.Low priority.

Class 1 All vehicle - all weather Status O Open to public vehicles2 All vehicle - dry weather3 4WD - dry weather only

Aims

The Park visit


• Provide an appropriate network of tracks for2WD and 4WD vehicles for both recreationand management purposes.

• Minimise the impact of vehicle use on thePark’s natural and cultural values, and onopportunities for remote experiences.


• Manage roads and tracks in accordancewith table 3.

• Continue to liaise with the Shire of Towongto ensure a co-operative approach to roadmaintenance of Park access roads and theCudgewa North-Walwa Road.

• Apply temporary or seasonal closures toroads, if required to minimiseenvironmental disturbance and ensurepublic safety.

• Liaise with the Victorian Association ofFour Wheel Drive Clubs over temporary,seasonal and any necessary permanentpublic road closures.

• Permit trail bike riding on all roads andtracks in accordance with table 3, but noton walking tracks.

• Permit cycling on all roads and tracks inaccordance with table 3, but not on walkingtracks.

5.2.2 Day visits and camping

The Park’s main day visitor attraction is BluffFalls, but visitors also enjoy attractiveuncrowded areas throughout the Park forwalking, picnicking, nature study, pleasuredriving and camping.

Day visitors also horse ride, trail-bike ride androck climb. Bird watchers and botanists havebeen frequent visitors for many years andcontinue to have a strong interest in the Park,particularly in the Pine Mountain area.

The limited availability of water is aconstraining factor throughout much of thePark, particularly in the west of the BurrowaBlock and in the Pine Mountain area. Camping

and picnic facilities are concentrated around theeastern side of the Burrowa Block where wateris available. The Park contains threedesignated camping and day visitor areas, atBluff Creek Camping Area, Blue Gum Campand Hinces Creek Camp.

During holiday periods, existing campsites areoften full. Future requirements for campingfacilities within the Park may increase beyondits current carrying capacity.

The River Road Block adjacent to the MurrayRiver Road is proposed as an addition to thePark. This area is suitable for development asa picnic area, providing a low-key visitorcontact point for touring motorists.

There is a need for a picnic area and small carparking area on Pine Mountain Track at thepoint where the track standard changes from adry-weather 2WD road to a 4WD track. Thiswould allow visitors to turn around, or parkand walk to the start of the Pine Mountainwalking track.

Table 4 and figure 1 show the location andtypes of existing and proposed facilities in thePark.

Aim

• Establish and maintain day visitor andcamping facilities which enhance visitorenjoyment of the Park and are consistentwith protecting Park values.


• Provide and manage low-key unobtrusivepicnic and camping facilities in accordancewith table 4 and figure 1.

• Monitor use of the existing camping areasand determine desirable visitor limits.

• Encourage dispersed camping within thePark by bushwalkers only, with guidancefrom NRE staff.

• Develop a picnic area and nature trail atthe River Road Block.

The Park visit


TABLE 4 VISITOR FACILITIES

SITE CAMP

(SITES)TOILET PICNIC

TABLES

FIRE

PLACES

WATER WALK

TRACK

CAR

PARK

PARK

INFO.MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

AND COMMENTS

Bluff Creek CampingArea

l (10) l l l l l - l Requires regular slashing ofgrass and maintenance offacilities.

Blue Gum Camp l (2) l l l l l - - Requires regularmaintenance of facilities.

Hinces Creek Camp l (2) l l l l l - - Requires regularmaintenance of facilities.

Bluff Falls - - - - - l l - Requires regular grading.

River Road Block - - m m - m - m Develop this site for dayvisitor requirements,including nature trail.

Pine Mountain PicnicArea

- - m - - m m - Develop this site for dayvisitor requirements andparking.

l Existing facilitym Proposed facility- Not available

The Park visit


• Develop a small picnic area with carparking on Pine Mountain Track.

• Investigate the development of additionalcamping areas at Thornes clearing orKeelangie Creek if additional campingareas are required.

5.2.3 Bushwalking

The Park caters for a wide variety of walkingopportunities, ranging from short nature walksto challenging three to four day hikes. Interestis kept high by the diversity of vegetation,landforms and views in the Park.

Bluff Creek Camping Area is a major visitordestination and is the start of the nature trailleading to Bluff Falls. Walking tracks to TopFalls, Campbells Lookout and Ross Lookoutstart from the Bluff Falls car park. Extendedwalks to the summits of Mount Burrowa(through the Remote and Natural Area) andPine Mountain can be accessed from otherpoints within the Park.

The existing walking tracks give good access tovarious notable points within the Park, althoughcurrent access within the southern end of thePark is somewhat limited.

Aim

• Maintain the range of walking opportunities,from short easy walks to multi-daychallenging walks, while minimising impactson park values.


• Provide and manage walking tracks inaccordance with table 5.

• Investigate the possibility of installing arain-filled water tank in the Burrowa Blockoutside the Remote and Natural Area toenhance walking opportunities.

• Encourage the use of fuel stoves forcooking and heating, particularly bydispersed campers.

• In response to visitor surveys, review therequirement for any further walking tracksover the next few years.

5.2.4 Horse riding

A commercial tour operator currently conductshorse trail rides within the Park. Althoughhorse riding is not a significant use of the Park,precautions must be taken to minimise soilerosion and the introduction of weeds.

Aim

• Provide opportunities for recreational horseriders while minimising the impact of horseriding on Park values and other users.


• Permit horse riding on roads and tracks inaccordance with table 3, but not on walkingtracks. Do not permit horse camping in thePark.

• Encourage riders to adopt minimal impactpractices in accordance with the NationalParks Horse Riding Code.

• Monitor the impacts of horse ridingactivities in the Park to establish carryingcapacities for each track, and modify usageaccordingly.

5.2.5 Rock climbing and abseiling

Some areas of the Park, including MountBurrowa, offer opportunities for challengingrock climbing in a remote environment. Asmall rock face near Bluff Falls is easilyaccessible and has been used for rock climbingand abseiling. Interest in the Park for rockclimbing and abseiling appears to be increasing.

Aim

• Provide for rock climbing and abseiling inthe park while minimising impact on parkvalues.


• Permit rock climbing and abseiling in linewith NPS guideline 6.2.9P.

The Park visit


TABLE 5 WALKING TRACKS

NAME DIST.(ONE

WAY)

CURRENT

STANDARD

ADDITIONAL WORK

REQUIREMENTS

FUTURE

STANDARD

Bluff Falls Track 30 m D: Moderately steep. Drain and reform. C

Campbells LookoutTrack (includingTop Falls Track)

700 m D: Steep and rocky. Drain and reform. C

Ross LookoutWalking Track

3 km D: Steep and rocky insections. Track ill-defined along ridge tops.

Install additional markers todefine track along ridge tops.

D

Bluff Falls NatureWalk

2 km B: Track on flat groundand well drained.

Upgrade and maintainnumbered posts.

B

Hinces CreekWalking Track

3.5 km D Nil D

Pine MountainWalking Track

6 km E: Steep and rocky.Track ill-defined inplaces.

Install additional markers todefine track. Re-route trackaround Phantom Wattlecommunity.

E

Black MountainWalking Track

2 km E: Steep and rocky Nil E

Mt BurrowaWalking Track

4.5 & 7kmoption

E: Steep and rocky.Track ill-defined insome sections.

Install additional markers todefine track.

E

River Road Block -Pine MountainTrack

5 km Proposed Construct track and providemarkers. Avoid PineMountain Reference Area.

E

River Road BlockNature Trail

1 km Proposed Construct track; providenumbered posts and notes.

B

Standard (NPS guideline 17.5R)

Grade B Track well defined and drained and surfaced where necessary.Grade C Track well defined, benched and drained where necessary.Grade D Track defined through use, usually drained and cleared.Grade E Track defined through use but with no basic construction.

The Park visit


• Promote the use of minimal impact rockclimbing and abseiling techniques inaccordance with the rock climbing code ofpractice.

• Do not permit the use of fixed equipment,(pitons, bolts, chains etc) within the BluffFalls Special Protection Area.

• Monitor the impacts of rock climbing andabseiling in the Park, particularly nearBluff Falls, and take appropriate action toensure that usage does not impact on thenatural values of the Park.

• Liaise with local rock climbing groups andthe Victorian Climbing Club.

• Encourage climbers to concentrate theiractivities at the adjacent Mount MittamatiteRegional Park (proposed).

5.3 Visitor information,interpretation and education

The provision of information, interpretiveservices and environmental education will helpto orientate visitors, foster an understandingand appreciation of the Park’s features andvalues, encourage appropriate visitor use,reduce management problems and contribute toa broader understanding of naturalenvironments and management objectives.

The Park offers opportunities to develop themesrelated to the Park’s diverse environments,rugged scenery and spectacular views.Information and interpretation should build onthese themes as well as emphasising the needfor minimum impact practices while visiting thePark.

A self-guided nature walk has been establishedat Bluff Falls. There is an information board atBluff Creek Picnic Area. Visitor interpretationprograms are conducted during the Christmasand Easter school holidays and are wellattended. These activities include spotlightwalks, guided bushwalks and slide nights. Theranger provides other interpretive services asrequired.

A general information board outliningrecreation opportunities available around

Corryong, including reference to Burrowa-PineMountain National Park, is located in theCorryong township.

Aims

• Provide visitors with information andknowledge about the values of the Park.

• Provide educational opportunities forschools, tertiary institutions and communitygroups.


• In conjunction with other Parks in the area,develop a Park Interpretation Plan to guidePark managers and staff in developing,maintaining and evaluating interpretiveand education services in the Park.

• Provide adequate visitor orientationinformation and safety messages at keyvisitor nodes.

• Establish and implement monitoring andmaintenance schedules for all interpretivefacilities.

• Conduct a range of interpretive activitiesduring high use periods including theEaster and Christmas holidays.

• Provide Park information for tourismoutlets in the region.

• Update information boards andpublications produced for the Park asrequired.

• Develop basic interpretive material aboutthe operations of the Pine Mountainfluorspar mine.

5.4 Commercial tourismoperations

The Park is a ‘mid-level’ attraction in theUpper Murray area. Long travel times frommajor centres mean that most visitors to theregion will be attracted by the better knownfeatures of the Australian Alps, using Corryongfor accommodation.

The Park visit


Nevertheless, there is scope to promote the Parkas an en route attraction for such travellers, oras one of a series of natural attractions in theUpper Murray area including nearby parks andthe Murray River.

Commercial tour operators so far have shownlittle interest in using the Park. However, therehave been some recent enquiries, and there ispotential for nature-based tourism.

Contact with the Park by people travellingthrough the area is currently low because,although the Park is highly visible from majorroads, it is largely surrounded by clearedfarmland and does not adjoin major highways.This situation will be improved with theaddition of the River Road Block linking thePark to the Murray River Road. This additionwill allow the establishment of a highlyaccessible visitor contact point.

Aims

• Provide opportunities for sustainablecommercial tourism services.

• Realise the Park’s potential as a regionaltourism attraction consistent with parkmanagement objectives.


• Promote the Park as an en route attractionfor Victoria-New South Wales travellersand as one of a series of natural attractionsin the Upper Murray area.

• Encourage applications from commercialtour operators to provide a range of tourscompatible with Park values.

• Assess the Park to identify opportunities fornew tourism experiences, itineraries,themes, services, etc., and make theseknown to local tourism bodies andpotential operators.

• Liaise with VicRoads and the Towong Shireto improve signage of the Park in thesurrounding area.

5.5 Public safety

The climate and topography of the Park presentinherent dangers and risks to some Park visitorsand these are increased in parts of the Parkowing to their remoteness and lack of access.High cliffs, unstable rocky slopes and exposedmining adits present potential hazards tovisitors.

Aim

• Promote and encourage safe practicesamong staff and visitors to the Park.


• Encourage visitors to seek information onany activities they intend to undertake inthe Park and the risks associated with themby reading available information orcontacting the NRE Corryong office.

• Regularly inspect facilities to ensure theyare maintained in a safe condition.

• Include appropriate information aboutpotential hazards, including wateravailability and dangerous topography, inrelevant park literature.

• Ensure that staff are sufficiently trained toassist in emergency situations.

Community awareness and involvement


6 COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT

6.1 Friends and volunteers

Currently, there is no Friends of Burrowa-PineMountain National Park group, although anumber of groups have expressed interest inparticipating in volunteer work. Interestedgroups of volunteers could make valuablecontributions to several Park managementprojects, and their assistance will beencouraged.

Aim

• Encourage volunteer involvement inmanaging the Park.


• Assist volunteers in forming a ‘Friends’group for the Park, and support such agroup once established.

• Develop and evaluate a long-termvolunteer strategy for the Park that uses theskills and interests of volunteer groups inundertaking appropriate park managementactivities.

• Encourage studies which assist indeveloping knowledge relevant tomanagement of the Park.

6.2 Community awareness andPark neighbours

Neighbours to the Park are primarily involvedin agriculture and, to a minor extent, the timberindustry where the Park abuts VictorianPlantations Corporation (VPC) land to thesouth-west. Their main interest in the Parkrelates to the management of fire and pestplants and animals.

Aims

• Increase public awareness of managementactivities, including fuel reduction burningand pest plant and animal control.

• Encourage adjoining landholders toparticipate in the Park planning process.

• Encourage conservation and sound landmanagement practices on private landadjoining the Park.


• Maintain liaison with local communitygroups and landholders, and asappropriate involve them in relevantaspects of planning and management of thePark.

• Apply, and encourage the application of,the Good Neighbour Policy to managementof issues on or near the boundary of thePark.

• Encourage a co-ordinated pest plant andanimal control program with Parkneighbours.

• Improve community awareness of thedamaging effects of grazing on Parkvalues.

Other issues


7 OTHER ISSUES

7.1 Authorised uses

Defence Force Units make occasional use of thePark for small scale adventure trainingexercises such as bushwalking.

There are several gravel pits within the Park,although these are not currently in use.

Aims

• Allow for appropriate training exercises bythe defence forces and emergency services.

• Minimise gravel extraction within the Park.


• Continue to allow level 1 Defence Forceand emergency services training in thePark in accordance with the NREguideline.

• Obtain gravel from sources outside thePark when practicable. Futurerequirements for gravel pits to providegravel for use within the Park will besubject to environmental and landscapeassessment. Gravel will not be providedfor use outside the Park.

7.2 Boundaries and adjacent usesThe majority of the Park is surrounded byimproved freehold pasture, with the exceptionof the western side of the Burrowa Block whichadjoins VPC land (Koetong Plantation), and asmall area of public land on the eastern sideadjoining Crown land.

Small private pine plantations adjoin the Parkin several places. Many freehold propertiesadjoining the Park do not have stock-prooffencing, and wandering stock, particularly ofthe southern part of the Park, is of particularconcern. Clear identification of the Parkboundary would assist in the management ofthis problem.

It is proposed to include several adjoining areasof Crown land in the Park to improve visitoraccess. The River Road Block and theWermatong Track Block are currently managedas part of the Park and are proposed to be

included within the revised Park boundary. TheRiver Road Block will link the Park to theRiver Road (section 5.3). The WermatongTrack Block, consisting of two allotments nearWermatong Track, was not included within theoriginal park boundary.

A narrow section of Crown land along thesouthern boundary of the Park, incorporatingthe disused Cudgewa railway and an historictimber trestle bridge across Cudgewa Creek,was recommended for inclusion in the Park bythe LCC (1986). Including this land would linkthe Park to the Murray Valley Highway. Thearea also currently provides access to privateproperty.

Aims

• Exclude grazing from the Park.

• Rationalise Park boundaries.


• Conduct a survey to determine accurate on-ground Park boundaries, particularlyalong the southern extension to the Park.

• Prepare a strategy to establish stock-prooffences on Park boundaries, includingencouraging Park neighbours to upgradeand maintain fences adjoining the Park.

• Seek to include in the Park:

• the River Road Block (CA 14A,Section VI, Parish of Walwa);

• the Wermatong Track Block (CA 12D,Section I, Parish of Cudgewa andCA 10B, Section 5, Parish of Tintaldra)(figure 1).

• Further investigate including in the Parkthe Cudgewa Creek Block (consisting of thewater frontage along Cudgewa Creek andthe public purposes reserve [CAs 1B and1C (part), Section 2, Parish of Wabba])(figure 1).

Implementation


8 IMPLEMENTATION

A three-year rolling implementation program will be prepared for the Park to ensure efficientimplementation of the Plan. Priorities for management are identified in table 6 as an initial step in thisprocess.

TABLE 6 PRIORITY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

MANAGEMENT STRATEGY SECTION IN PLAN


Prepare a strategy to restore the understorey vegetation in thePine Mountain Block near Sandy Creek Road 3.2

Seek to include the Wermatong Track Block and River RoadBlock within the Park, and further investigate including theCudgewa Creek Block. 7.2

Park protection

Implement the North East Region Fire Protection Plan. 4.1

Prepare and implement a pest plant and animal strategy for thePark. 4.2

The Park visit

Develop a picnic area on Pine Mountain Track. 5.2.2

Develop a day visitor area at the River Road Block. 5.2.2

Develop a nature trail at the River Road Block. 5.2.2

Develop a walking track from the River Road Block to thesummit of Pine Mountain. 5.2.3

Investigate installing a water tank for walkers. 5.2.3

Develop a Park Interpretation Plan. 5.3

Monitoring and research

Monitor the impact of visitors on Park values. 3.1, 5.1

Encourage surveys and research on significant flora. 3.2

Undertake fauna surveys to identify any significant species. 3.3

Investigate and document Aboriginal history. 3.5

References


REFERENCES

Beauglehole, A.C. 1988, The Distribution andConservation of Vascular Plants in theNorth East area, Victoria, A.C. & H.M.Beauglehole, Portland.

CNR 1995, Code of Practice for FireManagement on Public Land, Departmentof Conservation and Natural Resources,Victoria.

DCE 1990, North East Region Fire ProtectionPlan, Department of Conservation andEnvironment, Victoria.

FIS 1996, Flora Information System databaseof Victorian plant distribution records,Department of Natural Resources andEnvironment, Victoria (unpub.).

LCC 1973, Final Recommendations: North-Eastern Study Area District 1, LandConservation Council, Melbourne.

LCC 1986, Final Recommendations: North-Eastern Area (Benalla-Upper Murray)Review, Land Conservation Council,Melbourne.

LCC 1991, Wilderness Special InvestigationFinal Recommendations, LandConservation Council, Melbourne.

NPS 1995, National Parks and ConservationReserves: Guidelines and ProceduresManual, Department of Conservation andNatural Resources, Melbourne.

Landcare 1993, North East Regional LandcarePlan, Landcare, Victoria.

Appendix


APPENDIX 1 RARE OR THREATENED FLORA

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME STATUS*VICTORIA AUSTRALIA

Acacia phasmoides Phantom Wattle Vulnerable VulnerableAsplenium trichomanes Common Spleenwort RareAustrofestuca eriopoda Lanky Fescue RareBrachyscome ptychocarpa Tiny Daisy RareBulbine glauca Bluish Bulbine-lily RareCyperus flavidus Yellow Flat-sedge VulnerableDampiera purpurea Mountain Dampiera RareDipodium hamiltonianum Yellow Hyacinth-orchid EndangeredDodonaea boroniifolia Hairy Hop-bush RareDodonaea rhombifolia Broad-leaf Hop-bush Rare RareGrevillea jephcottii Green Grevillea Rare RareGrevillea ramosissima Fan Grevillea RareLeucopogon microphyllus var.pilibundus

Hairy Beard-heath Rare

Olearia adenophora Scented Daisy-bush Rare RarePimelea treyvaudii Grey Rice-flower VulnerablePrasophyllum patens Broad-lip Leek-orchid RarePterostylis hamata Scaly Greenhood RarePultenaea vrolandii Cupped Bush-pea RareSpirodela polyrrhiza Large Duckweed RareSporobolus creber Rat-tail Grass RareTripogon loliiformis Rye Beetle-grass Rare

* Status: FIS (1996).

burrowa-pine mountain national park management...

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