The Bimberi Wilderness Area and western Namadgi Park will close their doors for two weeks from 3 – 14 May to control the roaming feral deer and pigs in the area.
The operation will commence to assist with Namadgi’s ecosystem during bushfire recovery and is to facilitate a natural regeneration of the park by managing threats from invasive plants and animals.
To achieve this, it is important that threatened species and ecological communities can recover without being impacted by feral deer and pigs.
“For over 15 months our teams have been hard at work to make sure Namadgi National Park is in the strongest position for recovery following the Orroral Valley bushfire,” ACT conservator of Flora and Fauna, Ian Walker said.
“Although we have made significant progress and have been able to open the park to visitors ahead of schedule, it is still in a vulnerable state”.
The feral deer in Namadgi can damage already endangered plant and animal species due to their grazing, antler rubbing, trampling, trail creation and wallowing.
The deer can also affect the areas that are key to the ACT’s water supply, such as the Upper Cotter Catchment of Namadgi National Park.
“While we understand these closures might affect some plans Canberran’s have to get into the park, this program will help the park continue to recover,” Mr Walker said.
“There are still many areas of Namadgi open during this time and I encourage to community to still get out and enjoy those areas.
“The community’s safety is our priority, which is why we have closed these areas. Our team will also implement extensive safety precautions during the aerial control program, such as buffer zones and clear signage.”
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