Balancing the future of the long paddock
Unique parts of the working and living history of rural NSW are emerging as invaluable conservation sites and popular recreation destinations according to Rural Lands Protection Boards (RLPBs).
The state’s 500,000 hectares of Travelling Stock Reserves (TSRs) are enjoying a resurgence of public interest with a wider section of the community using them for a variety of purposes.
This was one of many points highlighted at a conference convened late last week by the National Parks Association of NSW to discuss their future.
It also focused on preserving the high conservation values of TSRs and looked at funding options to further recognise their environmental value and better reflect their importance to the wider population.
State Council of Rural Lands Protection Boards TSR Manager, Tim Seears, said the conference was a great opportunity to discuss the future of TSRs and help strike a greater balance between grazing, environmental and recreational needs.
"TSRs are a vast and diverse network of crown land managed by RLPBs which provide invaluable fodder reserves for travelling and grazing stock.
"They are also recognised as significant habitats for threatened and endangered species and are often the only source of unspoilt native vegetation in their respective regions.
"The diversity of these areas in different climatic conditions and landforms provides a special range of environments which are being shared with the whole community.
"From pony clubs to bird watching groups, and even for major festivals, the use of TSRs across the state are being extended and changed," Tim Seears said.
RLPBs manage and invest heavily in improving reserves with the installation and maintenance of dams, holding yards, fencing, mills and troughs as well as conservation work such as removing weeds and regeneration projects.
In 2007 more than 1.24 million sheep and 1.22 million head of cattle used TSRs, highlighting their importance particularly in times of drought.
During the past few years RLPBs have noted a rise in recreational usage as well as an increasing awareness and understanding of environmental issues associated with TSRs.
"The conference clearly demonstrated the substantial public support that TSRs have and the number of organisations and agencies with an interest in their future," Tim Seears said.
For further information, the locations of TSRs and to obtain a permit contact your local RLPB.
Permits are required for the movement or grazing of stock, the establishment of apiary sites and for use by organised recreational or sporting group activities such as gymkhanas. Other recreational activities such as bushwalking, horse riding, bird watching, picnicking, swimming and push bike riding don’t require a permit.