The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is calling on people to have a say on proposed horse-riding opportunities in south east Wollemi National Park.
Director of NPWS, David Crust said the draft management plan, Draft Horse Riding Management Plan South East Wollemi National Park, proposed a number of recreational tracks in the Wheeny Creek/Mountain Lagoon area and was developed following strong local community interest over many years.
“This Draft Plan proposes how we will assess, rationalise and formalise horse-riding trails in this area,” Mr Crust said.
“There is a long history of horse riding in the Wheeny Creek – Mountain Lagoon area and under this Draft Plan riders continue to have a strong connection to this landscape,” he said.
“We’re proposing to formalise a series of low-impact riding trails that essentially follow existing park management trails.”
Mr Crust said formalising the tracks would minimise impacts on threatened species and the conservation values of the area, as well as tie into NPWS’s existing track maintenance program.
“The Draft Plan will ensure we have management arrangements in place to support unique and enjoyable horse-riding opportunities for the community,” he said.
“The Plan refers only to a 28,000-hectare section of Wollemi National Park, an area in the south east that was not heavily impacted by last summer’s bushfires.”
Mr Crust encouraged members of the public and interest groups to make a submission via formal channels before 14 March so that all comments could be recorded and considered.
The NPWS 33-page Draft Plan, including information on how to have a say, can be accessed at this PS News link.
