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Yellomundie and NPWS
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Does anyone know anything about if there is a problem at Yellomundie between riders and NPWS?
I have seen a few mentions here and there about negotiations between WSMTB and NPWS. On the Rocky Trail site I recently read something like "this could be the last big event at Yellomundie" referring to one of their events.
I cant work anything out from the WSMTB site, but does anyone know if Yellomundies future is in doubt?
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I overheard a couple of the guys talking about the issues of doing any actual trail work, its fine for them to maintain the trial with respect to the trimming of anything that's needed, but they're not allowed to move any dirt around, apparently before they're allowed to do anything like that they're supposed to undertake a geological survey/study, which was ridiculously expensive $50k or there abouts!
There was never a mention about trial access though
Yellowmundi has always been a funny thing. It's not a full blown NP it's a regional park that takes in reclaimed quarry and farm land,
WSMTB relationship with Nps at the site ebbs and flows depending on the stance of the current head ranger.
At the moment things are goign through some changes and the club is very limited as to what they can do maintenance wise. Being hand tied limits their ability to control the damage of big races which in turns earns the ire of NPs.....
I'm not in on all the internal politics but doubt it's all the doom and gloom as it appears from the out side
Hi all,
Relationship between WSMTB and NPWS is good. We have recently both gone through a period of negotiation and working out what exactly is required for a commecial Consent (ie like a licence) to use the Park for the Chocolate Foot 7 Hour. Chocolate Foot have been very helpful in this process. There is still further work to be done, and this will occur along with Rocky Trails soon.
The Yellomundee (no "w") Regional Park has significant aboriginal archaeological heritage value - and a survey of the park must be done before any work is done to effect the Plan of Management (which does include MTB). In the mean time we are limited to clearing track edges etc, ie no new work which could involve any clearing or digging. We have been able to do quite a bit of work in repairing erosion damage caused by the heavy Feb rains. This involved bringing in 8 tonnes of clean crushed sandstone to fill some areas.
For those that were at the CF race, they would have seen that NPWS have fenced the parking area so as to delineate it - and allow for bush regeneration. This is a positive move.
NPWS have concerns about the sustainability of the tracks at YRP, and this is leading to discussions on overall usage. Therefore, responsible MTB usage and riding at YRP is a must. So please:
- no unauthorised work. There are some big fines for this. See www.wsmtb.com for when our Track Work Days are on.
- reduce your impact. No off track riding please. Don't widen the track. If you can't ride it - then please walk. No riding if its too wet.
- no dogs or pets in YRP
- report any trail bikes or damage to NPWS. Take a photo if you can.
Thanks
Ray Rice
XC VP WSMTB
(PS: I hope there is no need to remind viewers that NPWS are avid readers of a wide range of MTB web sites)
Thanks Ray, that clears things up nicely.
Yellomundie is an interesting place with its mix of bushland and remains of past uses. It would be great to see a strategy for bush regeneration, considering the level of weed infestation in parts of the track, even though the lantana tunnels are a feature of Yellomundie.
To reduce the weed infestation wouldnt be a short intensive effort, but would need to be carried out over a period of 30-50 years so that the local fauna is not affected. The important part is a plan put together by a qualified person but maybe NPWS could help. It would be very long term but this alone is not a reason for not doing it, and the work could be so incremental so that it might not require huge amounts of labour.
Hopefully next track day I can make it so I can do my bit. I think also the fact that mtb riders regularly use it means reduced impact from motor cycles, with so many eyes out there to report illegal riding. It is so important to look after this site considering its only one of 2 venues for racing in Sydney.
Cheers,
Al
As many of you may have heard, the NPWS have imposed a limit of 250 riders for an event at Yellomundee Regional Park (YRP). This new rule came quite suddenly after the CF 7 Hour out there, and was despite earlier indications that greater numbers would be OK.
This has neccessitated Rocky Trails to move their 12 hour to Dargle Farm (see http://www.rockytrailentertainment.com/ ). Western Sydney MTB Club will still be supporting this event.
We will still be using YRP for club events. Note that our next club round on 25 July will be held at Blue Gum Lodge at Springwood - see www.wsmtb.com
Ray Rice
XC VP WSMTB