Agreement to improve environment and access in southern forests

ENVIRONMENTAL protection and recreational access in the southern forests will be improved following a community agreement signed between Forestry Tasmania, 4WD Tasmania and the Huon 4WD Club.
Forestry Tasmania managing director Bob Gordon said the new community agreement was the first of its kind in southern Tasmania.
Gordon said the agreement would put four wheel drivers firmly in the driving seat in relation to responsible use and ongoing management of tracks in the area.
He also said incorporating non club members into the maintenance and awareness program would be crucial to the success of the agreement.
“Four wheel drivers not associated with clubs have been increasingly using Forestry land after the closure access to Research Bay and Black Swan Lagoon,” he said.
“The use of national parks for four wheel driving had been an ongoing concern for Parks and Wildlife for some time.
“It is pleasing their land is no longer being used. However it has led to increased use, degradation and adverse environmental outcomes on Forestry land in the Weld Valley and on the banks of the Weld and Huon Rivers which is being used by thousands of recreational drivers from all over southern Tasmania.
“A major advantage of the agreement is that it encourages four wheel drivers to use agreed Forestry Tasmania tracks and assume responsibility for them.”
Gordon said it was the first such community agreement signed in southern Tasmania with aim of achieving better environmental outcomes for the State forest.
“Through the agreement 4WD Tasmania and the Huon 4WD Club will manage the nine tracks and trails and non-members will also be encouraged to participate in the ongoing maintenance and recreational use of the tracks,” he said.
“In return they will be able to use the designated tracks which will give them access to suitable recreational areas.
“The cooperation of the clubs and responsible drivers means the state forest will also be a welcoming and enjoyable place for recreational users of all kinds, including mountain bike riders, fishermen, bush walkers, horse riders, and the general public.”
4WD Tasmania Access and Environment officer Pat Murray said the agreement had been developed over 12 months.
“The outcomes, from both an environmental and recreational perspective, will be beneficial to all members of the four wheel drive fraternity,” he said.
“The agreement creates an awareness in the four wheel drive, quad bike and trail bike communities that there are major environmental issues associated with driving in forests.”
The agreement is for a 12-month trial period, to be followed by six monthly reviews.