I refer to the issues of the supply of firewood in national parks as raised by Ronald Woodland-Blanch. This issue was recently raised by the same correspondent in another publication however, I am happy to reiterate the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) policy on this matter.

Campfires are only permitted outside total fire ban restrictions – and the Service asks visitors who wish to light them to bring their own wood with them as unregulated timber foraging clearly impacts upon the ecological balance of the area where it is removed.

Dead and fallen timber not only provides important habitat and protection for small mammals, reptiles and invertebrates, but is also important in providing nutrients for other flora as it decays.

To assist visitors with their cooking arrangements, gas and electric barbecues have been installed in many parks for public use free of charge to ensure visitors can enjoy a hot meal and reduce impacts upon the natural environment. Alternatively, visitors are encouraged to adopt other minimum impact cooking techniques such as fuel stoves.

While it is pleasing that an increasing number of people are enjoying camping and day use facilities within national parks, it is important to ensure a balance is maintained between enjoying these recreational opportunities and protecting the conservation values of the parks.

To help ensure the continued protection of these magnificent areas and to improve the quality of visitor experiences, the NPWS recently reviewed its visitor services and charges. From 1 November 2000 the

Funds raised through the collection of day entry fees will stay in the local area and be used to improve visitor facilities and services such as toilets, picnic grounds and better management of camping areas. This will help free up more NPWS funds for pest, fire and weed management and for other programs to protect threatened and endangered species.

Charging for entry into national parks is not new. Indeed, fees have been charged for entry into some parks in NSW since the early 1960s when community-based trusts sought to raise funds to provide for conservation and visitor facilities within the parks.

The NPWS regularly undertakes maintenance work on NPWS estate throughout the State both to improve visitor facilities to ensure all visitors gain the most from their visit, and to reduce environmental impacts.

Media Enquiries: Warwick Brennan (02) 9585 6500 or pager 9214 9832

More  Responses to letter from Ronald D. Woodland-Blanch

Mr Ronald D Woodland – Blanch asks "Is the National Parks Service Failing the Public ? " ( The Bushwalker November ) I believe that the question all bushwalkers should ask themselves is "Am I contributing to the degradation of the National Park Estate ? " The honest answer is yes because every park user has some impact on the park environment and the only differences are the magnitude of the impacts, What you and I can do is to practice Minimal Impact Bushwalking and to volunteer for maintenance work in the parks.

I guess that I am about 15 years younger than Mr Woodland- Blanch. I too regret that it is no longer possible to camp wherever I choose, to enjoy yarning and singing around a campfire or to drink water from creeks in National Parks

The problem for NPWS Managers is whether it is better to concentrate the impacts of camping, for example, at two locations in Royal NP and four in Heathcote NP where toilets can be installed and maintained, or to spread the devastation more thinly but more extensively I don’t know the answer but I believe the cause of the problem is associated with the population growth in Sydney over the past 50 years. . During WWII my suburb of French’s Forest was a few scattered houses, a large army camp, a primary school and a post office. Since then five completely new suburbs have been carved out of the bushland surrounding Middle Harbour The Scouts of Northern Suburbs District (Milsons Point to Waitara ) used to hold their annual competition camp at the Cascades at the end of Douglas St St Ives, Mosman District had a similar undeveloped bush camp site on Oxford Creek near the end of Dawes Rd Belrose. Who would drink from those creeks today ? Camping practices that were acceptable in our youth are not necessarily acceptable now.

I find that I disagree with many, but not all, of Mr Woodland- Blanche’s other comments but I support his right ( and duty ) to criticise the NPWS when he considers it necessary. It he cares to contact me through the Editor I can send him my written reasons. Name supplied

Regarding the vitriolic and negative letter by Woodland-Blanch in the November issue criticising the National Parks and Wildlife service.

We should keep in mind that National parks were founded by far-sighted people to protect out unique flora and fauna. If we can get an extra bonus by walking through these magnificent areas, then that is great.

Let us keep our eye on the main game and be positive. It is later than we realise, the many things we took for granted as "our inalienable right" in the old days are no longer acceptable. Few people now will chop down the nearest sapling for tent props, and many people, like myself, who enjoyed the log fire, now realise that it is necessary for our wildlife to have forest litter. Some parks that are well patronised are in danger of being ‘loved’ to death.

To consider the NPWS as merely a supplier of firewood and a cleaner up of other peoples rubbish is a very sad view. And as for ‘everybody’ wanting to see the staff wielding the brushcutter and chainsaw, it makes me think the author does not appreciate the Australian bush.

The NPWS needs our support in protecting our dwindling stock of native animals and their habitat, they may have a bigger budget, but they have a much greater area to service

Len Outram.

Copies were also sent to the NPWS and Minister for the Environment.