Parts of Namadgi National Park and the Molonglo and Murrumbidgee River corridors are closed from today for a feral deer and pig cull.
ACT Conservator of Flora and Fauna Ian Walker said the animals can damage already endangered plants and animals through grazing, trampling, trail creation, wallowing and antler rubbing.
“They can also affect the areas that are key to the ACT’s water supply,” he said.
“It is important that as responsible land managers we implement programs that will reduce the impact that invasive animals like feral pigs and deer have on our environment.
The aerial deer and pig cull (shooting) will take place over five days.
“Our team will also implement extensive safety precautions during the aerial control program, such as buffer zones and clear signage.”
Mr Walker said while the Government has made progress with the bushfire recovery program over the past 16 months, Namadgi National Park is still in a “vulnerable state” following the Orroral Valley bushfire.
“We have made significant progress, but the ecological and cultural values are still at risk following the fires. Our approach to bushfire recovery is to facilitate a natural regeneration of the park by managing threats from invasive plants and animals.
“It is important that threatened species and ecological communities can recover without being impacted by feral deer and pigs.”
The closed areas include: Shanahans Mountain walking track; Bicentennial National Trail through Naas Valley; Mount Clear Campground; Centenary Trail between Kambah Pool and Pine Island; Tongs Trail; and access to Brandy Flat and Horse Gully Huts.
The affected areas will be closed while the deer and pig cull is carried out, until 11.59pm Thursday 24 June.
The annual kangaroo cull is underway too in parts of the Territory, with affected areas closed in the evenings while the cull is carried out.
