Matilda Bay Reserve - Department of Environment and Conservation

22. RESEARCH AND MONITORINGRESEARCH AND MONITORING GOALPromote and undertake studies on the Reserve's social values and natural processes, and monitor theimpacts of visitor use and management.The objective is to develop and maintain knowledge regarding the social values and naturalprocesses of the Reserve.Recreation is the Reserve's principal value.Social monitoring that determines visitor satisfaction and impacts is receiving increasing attentionfrom park management agencies throughout Australia. The impact of recreation on the naturalenvironment also needs to be monitored so management actions can be evaluated.It would be appropriate that research projects and monitoring programs involve as wide a range ofpeople as possible. The involvement of volunteers, educational institutions and individual researcherscan reduce research and monitoring costs, and assist to provide information to the broadercommunity.CALM currently coordinates and promotes research undertaken within the Reserve.ACTIONS1. Implement an integrated program of survey, research and monitoring (including socialmonitoring) based on the actions in relevant sections of this plan.2. Encourage the participation of volunteers, educational institutions and other organisations inresearch projects within the Reserve, and promote research programs and findings that addresskey issues.47