Kanangra Boyd Trail Maintenance

[TomPom]

So I'm gauging what the appetite is for some form of informal get together to conduct some trail maintenance on tracks in the K-BNP. Mainly the Uni Rover Trail. As many know, the post fire regrowth is pretty intense - I recently did a trip out to tuglow with the intention of exploring Chardon Canyon. Most of the mapped trails and even part of the 4x4 tracks are completely overgrown. And from what I've heard, most of the Uni Rover Trail is a jungle.
I've previously seen volunteer Trail maintenance conducted in the Kosciuszko NP and was wondering if anyone would be keen for the same in this regard? As I believe NPWS probably doesn't have an appetite for it.
Thoughts?

[Xplora]

So I'm gauging what the appetite is for some form of informal get together to conduct some trail maintenance on tracks in the K-BNP. Mainly the Uni Rover Trail. As many know, the post fire regrowth is pretty intense - I recently did a trip out to tuglow with the intention of exploring Chardon Canyon. Most of the mapped trails and even part of the 4x4 tracks are completely overgrown. And from what I've heard, most of the Uni Rover Trail is a jungle.
I've previously seen volunteer Trail maintenance conducted in the Kosciuszko NP and was wondering if anyone would be keen for the same in this regard? As I believe NPWS probably doesn't have an appetite for it.
Thoughts?

Welcome to the forum Tom. Informal and unsanctioned track maintenance is probably not something you should be sprouting on this forum. Land managers do work with volunteer groups regularly but better going through peak bodies such as BW NSW. Hannel's spur is an example of collaboration between NPWS and volunteers. Victoria has many examples as well. You cannot legally work on public land without authority from the land manager and there is a risk of a severe fine if you do. Uni Rover would be a good track to petition for some work and I would encourage you to pursue it. I can't help you with NSW connections but there will be someone here who can.

[TomPom]

Hi Xplora,

I was unaware of the formalities regarding track maintenance. Whilst out on my last walk I talked to a group of NPWS field officers working on the Kowmung River crossing. I asked about volunteer trail maintenance being run by NPWS and whether they knew of any intentions for NPWS to do anything regarding it. They knew nothing of it but commented on the condition of the Uni Rover Trail (amongst other trails) and suggested I buy a machete. So i figured this was the best place to ask how to go about such things! (Legally).

[ribuck]

Wilf Hilder used to get away with doing his own track maintenance. He was happy to use secateurs within sight of NPWS staff. He put it to the rangers that if NPWS designated a track they had an obligation to maintain it as a track, and that NPWS couldn't possibly fine him for helping them to fix their shortcomings.

I wouldn't have the confidence or chutzpah to get away with this, but he did.

My approach would be to organise enough bushwalks on the affected tracks that a clear path developed. After all, our hobby is about bushwalking and not about cutting down the bush.

[Xplora]

Hi Xplora,
Whilst out on my last walk I talked to a group of NPWS field officers working on the Kowmung River crossing. I asked about volunteer trail maintenance being run by NPWS and whether they knew of any intentions for NPWS to do anything regarding it. They knew nothing of it but commented on the condition of the Uni Rover Trail (amongst other trails) and suggested I buy a machete.

Not unusual for workers not to know about these things unless they have been involved. Bushwalking Vic have a track clearing arm and some of the members of this forum are involved with that. Parks will send a couple of people to help with the work and oversee the clearing but the volunteers pretty much run the show from what I have seen. It took a while for Hannels spur to get any traction. The local crew at Khancoban thought people were dreaming when it was suggested to them. I think you just need the right contact in NPWS and being part of an affiliated group helps.

So the question would be, does Bushwalking NSW have the equivalent to the Vic BTAC crew?

[DavidB]

The short answer to that is no. Some BNSW-affilated clubs have been helping with track maintenance for some years in various places in partnership with local NPWS staff. Pre-COVID BNSW contacted what was then NSW Crown Lands to undertake maintenance work on the Great North Walk. This was intended to be a pilot project and it was hoped to eventually expand it to other tracks and trails. We got one working bee completed before lockdowns arrived and the whole thing had to shut down. Since then BNSW has attempted to get a restart but has hit a brick wall. We need a champion within senior levels of the NSW Government to get behind it.

In the meantime we are looking for a member of an affiliated club (NSW or ACT) to join our Committee to take on Tracks and Access work. Anyone interested can contact me at president@bushwalkingnsw.org.au

David Bell

[roopass]

Can give current report on bluedog ridge and yellowdog ridge trails, overgrowth really bad , wasn’t an enjoyable hike to splendour rock campsite, by the time I got to the junction for the climb up to SR, with a 12kilo pack on,..I was exhausted , first time hiking I’ve felt fearful that I really might take a fall.