Walpole-Nornalup National Park - Department of Environment and ...

KEY ISSUES AND MANAGEMENT ACTIONS
All strategies and actions in this plan aim to protect and enhance the Park's features, and to resolve
and manage the following issues.
Plant Diseases
Dieback disease is present in the Park and could have a devastating effect on the Park's flora and
associated fauna. It is the most important management concern in the Park. Factors contributing to
the spread of the disease, such as 4WD access in coastal areas and other activities that involve the
movement of soil, are targeted in the plan. Disease-free areas will be identified and protected. Other
plant diseases such as Armillaria luteobubalina and windborne leaf attacking fungi are also serious
threats to the Park's flora.
Zones
The Park has been divided into four zones to provide an overall framework to ensure the long-term
protection of the Park environment (particularly sensitive areas) and to meet the varying needs of the
Park visitors. Six areas have been designated 'special conservation' and access will not be encouraged;
the Wilderness Area remains designated as 'wilderness'; low density use is catered for in 'natural
environment' zones, which include much of the coast and the forest area between Hilltop and the
Valley of the Giants; 'recreation' zones cater for medium and high-use areas, with Valley of the
Giants and the Knoll as the high-use and Tinglewood Drive, Hilltop and Conspicuous Beach as
medium-use areas.
Access
A variety of levels of access exist in the Park (foot only, bicycle, boat, 4WD and 2WD) contributing to
a range of experiences for the Park user. The range of access will remain. Coastal access tracks will
be rationalised and improved to single, good quality tracks. Sections of track infected with dieback
disease will be upgraded and parking will be provided in sustainable areas.
Protection of Native Fauna
The presence of cats and foxes are a major threat to the fauna of the Park, while pigs can spread
dieback disease and destroy fauna habitat. Programs to control feral animals in the Park will be
continued and, if possible, increased.
Fire
A fire management plan has been compiled that aims to achieve a balance between the need to
protect the Park, neighbouring towns and properties from wildfire, while also ensuring the needs of
the Park's flora and fauna are met.
Weeds
Weeds are a major problem in the Park with more than 60 species being identified. The plan aims to
control or, if possible, eradicate weeds that have the potential to cause major environmental problems.
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