West Cape Howe National Park Management Plan launched

21/7/95

Western Australia's south coastal community has played an important role in formulating a blueprint for the future of one of the region's most scenic national parks.

Environment Minister Peter Foss, in Albany today to launch the West Cape Howe National Park Management Plan, said the future looked bright for the most southerly part of the State.

"West Cape Howe is blessed with some of the most ruggedly scenic coastline in the country and boasts a tremendous diversity of native flora and fauna," Mr Foss said.

"The management plan has been a community effort, prepared by the Department of Conservation and Land Management for the National Parks and Nature Conservation Authority, in close liaison with park users and other interested parties.

"It covers a huge range of conservation, recreation, community and commercial issues, but above all it provides responsible management and restoration of the natural environment."

West Cape Howe National Park, located on the coast between Albany and Denmark, is home to almost 500 plant species, 19 mammal species, 126 species of bird and 13 species of freshwater fish.

While best known as a fishing area, the park is also a popular recreational spot with arguably the best hang-gliding and rock-climbing sites in the State.

Key issues covered in the management plan include vehicle access, dieback control, fire management, recreational and walking access.

Mr Foss said the biggest restoration challenge centered on track degradation which resulted from uncontrolled use of 4WD vehicles.  In a joint community and corporate sector effort, action had been taken to define and stabilise tracks and close for rehabilitation those rarely used.

"Some of the plan's recommendations will require behavioural changes on the part of the users, both local and visitors, and the only way that is going to happen is if there is a strong local ethic to enforce it," he said.

"I believe that community involvement is an essential part of developing that strong local ethic.

"Park access was also a factor in the measures considered necessary to control the spread of dieback."

"Vehicle access to one part of the park around Lake William has been closed to prevent the spread of the disease through infected soil."

The management plan also detailed a program of patch burning and a northern buffer zone for the park which has a long history of wildfires.

"Protection of native flora and fauna, as well as the preservation of park features with archaeological, historic and scientific interest are also important," Mr Foss said.

"The community's continual input has also been a crucial factor in the plan's success."

Media contact: Stacey Molloy (018) 953 891 Pgr: 480 9999 # 261 660