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AnonymousJust copied this from a bike site that copied it from a 4WD site :laugh:
7.2 TRACK AND TRAIL CLOSURE
The NPWS is committed to sustainable visitor use and enjoyment that is compatible
with the conservation of the reserves’ natural and cultural values. Watagans NP and
Jilliby SCA provide an opportunity to balance conservation priorities with recreation.
45In order to reduce environmental impacts and maintenance costs, access that is not
essential for private property, recreation or management purposes will be closed and
allowed to regenerate naturally. These are classified as dormant trails and can be
reopened for fire fighting purposes. No public access is permitted on dormant trails,
including cycling, walking, horse riding and private vehicles.
Other roads will be downgraded to a state that is negotiable for 4WD, fire
management and emergency access. Primary access roads in the reserves will be
maintained to an all weather 2WD standard and the NPWS will aim to maintain all
other park roads and management trails to a standard suitable for small 4WD fire
fighting units. Road classification in the reserves is shown in Figures 5a and 5b(inside back cover of plan).
In Watagans NP the Congewai Link Track (3.4 km), Slippery Rock Link Track (2.0
km) and Bowmans Link Track (1.3 km) will be closed to motorised traffic for
environmental protection and to improve safety. Alternate vehicle access to the park
exists and the tracks will remain open to walkers, horse riders, cyclists and
management vehicles.
Congewai Link Track follows the Congewai Creek from Congewai Road, crossing the
creek and rising steeply up the escarpment to Georges Road joining the Great North
Walk. Considerable damage has been done to this track by vehicles, including trail
bikes. Closure of this track from the national park boundary adjacent to Congewai
Creek to Georges Road will protect the natural values and water quality of the
Congewai Creek catchment. Alternative vehicular access to the park from the
Congewai Valley is from Congewai Road via the Click Creek fire trail to Rope Road.
The Slippery Rock link track runs between Slippery Rock Road and the Watagan
Forest Road. 4WD and trail bike use has resulted in erosion and drainage problems.
Slippery Rock is a European Heritage Site identified in section 4.5.2 / Table 8 and will
be managed accordingly. Alternative vehicle access to the park from the Martinsville
Valley remains available via Slippery Rock Road.
Bowmans Link Track is a very steep track which runs from New Mill Road on the
boundary of Watagans NP, across Watagan Creek, and up to Bowmans Road.
Overuse by 4WD vehicles and motorbikes has caused steep steps and rock damage
on the track. Deep rutting has also occurred on the creek crossing. New Mill Road
links with Watagan Forest Road which is a major access road into Watagans NP.7.3 SPECIFIC TRACKS AND TRAILS
7.3.1 Watagans NP
Bowmans Road / Harris fire trail
These roads provide 4WD access between the Corrabare and Watagans SF and the
Watagans NP. About 1.6 km of the Harris fire trail is located on private property and
the permission of the owners is required to use this trail.
46Click Creek fire trail
This road links Rope Road and the Congewai Valley and sustains vehicle damage
after rain. Drainage culverts will be installed at the northern end of the track.
Slippery Rock Road
This road provides access from Owens Road to Watagan Forest Road. Vehicles and
trail bike damage following wet weather has necessitated numerous closures. It is
proposed to erect gates to restrict traffic while road work is in progress and to permit
temporary closure to allow the road to dry out and minimise damage. Should
continued damage occur, the road will be permanently closed.
Quorrobolong area
Tracks reopened along Barraba Lane during fires in 2002 / 2003 have allowed
access to the northern portion of the Watagans NP. Illegal activities such as trail bike
riding and firewood collection are occurring in this area. It is proposed to continue to
erect boundary fencing, with the co-operation of neighbours, to exclude vehicles and
to rehabilitate these tracks.
Owens Road
It is proposed to link Owens Road with fire trails on neighbouring properties south of
Gap Creek in Martinsville, to enhance fire protection.
Turners Road
It is proposed to close Turners Road between Watagan Road and the Watagan
Forest Headquarters. The trail will be retained as a walking track linking to Boarding
House Dam.
White Mahogany Ridge Road
Will be closed to public vehicle access. The road will be retained as a walking track.7.3.2 JILLIBY SCA
Dooralong Area
Whitemans Lane – side tracks off the eastern end of this road in the vicinity of Lowers
Gully will be maintained as walking tracks only.
Lemon Tree Area
Trails emanating from Lemon Tree Road will be closed to reduce repair costs from
vehicle damage. Yambo Forest Road will be maintained as a through link to
Mandalong Road.
Phil Tunks Fire Trail will be maintained as 4WD access only. Side tracks will be
closed to vehicles.Some quality tracks effected there. Bugger
:angry:
Anonymous
AnonymousWell, they are only talking of a few tracks and the Watagan’s is a big place, but one can’t help but wonder what they will turn their attention to after they have ‘closed tracks’, ‘restricted traffic’ and ‘minimised damage’ in the aforemrntioned areas
There aren’t many bike shops on the Central Coast either unless you get the Hunter involved too. As pessimistic as it sounds, I can’t see it making any difference even if they were to speak up
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