Current National State of the Environment Report THEMES as related to Baw Baw National Park and Surrounding area

Theme Positive and improving Negative and declining aspects Why they have occurred What can be done to help the situation
And aspects
Evaluation
Atmosphere High quality of fresh, Some vehicle fumes in the car park on a busy day in Back-burns are gaining popularity Back burns are seen as less polluting to the
Ambient air clean breathable air in peak snow season. as a safety measure to manage the atmosphere than intense bushfires.
quality this undeveloped and forest from dangerous bush fires. .
Very good natural environment. At times back burning and bush fires may reduce the air
condition quality.

Atmosphere Global warming is a threat to this alpine environment: Increase in greenhouse gases Renewable energy must replace fossil fuels to
and CO2 Reductions in snow depth, length of snow season, and causing atmospheric warming, now protect Australia’s Alpine environments
emissions elevation of snow have been noticed. attributed to accelerated human use
causing of fossil fuels The frequency of extreme events are expected
Global Increased temperatures will also reduce the extent of to increase
warming alpine flora and fauna due to their limited opportunity to An overall warming and drying of
Poor condition retreat to higher altitude for survival. the environment is anticipated.

Extreme weather is becoming more common. The most

concerning of these are heatwaves and a subsequent
increase in bushfires
Fewer rainfall days (with heavier rainfall and storms)
altering ecosystems due to flooding

Biodiversity Large area with a diverse Invasive plants, animals and pathogens are currently a Vegetation species biodiversity is Prevent or contain the spread of Chytrid
range of Subalpine major threat to biodiversity across the parks excellent in National Park due to Fungus to protect the Baw Baw frog from
Conservation species, communities, protection by law, no development extinction
zone in the habitats and ecosystems Weed invasions by willows, broom species, and and only minimal impact activities. Minimise the impact of controllable threats,
National Park protected by law. Snow blackberries a major threat to biodiversity such as frog habitat loss and degradation and
Gum Woodlands and The park has recovered from past retain high-quality, connected frog habitat in
Subalpine Shrublands in Chytrid Fungus is threatening survival of Baw Baw Frog cattle grazing surrounding areas.
Very good: abundance. (considered at high risk of extinction)
however likely Many species and Human population increase in Protect nearby Leadbeaters possum habitat
to decline communities are rare, Feral rabbits competing for food and habitat nearby Melbourne means more including old growth tree hollows
endemic and iconic such visitors to this area.
as leadbeaters possum, Deer degrade/ damage the fragile bogs and creeks. Hunting season allowed and extended in the
Baw Baw Frog and Deer have few predators and as park to contain new populations of feral deer.
sphagnum moss bogs. Hikers and skiers can also create damage expanding hunting has not previously been
Nesting boxes provided tracks or trampling sensitive vegetation. allowed in the Baw Baw National Remove and control feral weeds such as
to help with Leadbeater Park, deer are easily able to willows and broom
possum numbers increase in population.

Intense landscape modification due to clear fell logging The forest structure is Promote responsible deer hunting
Biodiversity homogenized into a uniform age of
Old growth and multi-age forests are reduced as a result trees. (Monocultures) Remove and control feral weeds such as
Bordering State of clearfell logging operations willows, broom and blackberries
Forests Natural habitat destroyed by
Poor Significant areas of the recognised zone - Site of Global clearfell logging Laws to limit clear felling in water catchment
 Zoological Significance – are also logged Soil biodiversity destroyed by clear
fell logging and burning
Nearby water catchment forests are logged diminishing
biodiversity services of water filtration and quality Laws such as the FFG Act protect
logging of some habitats
areas
Protect the habitat of endangered species
Minimise logging of the bordering native State
Forests

Land Good condition Increased visitors numbers has caused erosion on some Vegetation protected by law Feral weed and animal removal
Conservation Good quality soils with walking tracks
zone in the abundant and dense Minimal fire scars noted due to no camp fires allowed The lush expanses of ferns and trees
National Park multileveled vegetation support wildlife such as the lyrebird
The lack of motorised show high levels of health of the
Excellent access above the snow land
condition line prevents compaction
Protected from A high number of these native
landforms/ landscape species also indicates a healthy
alterations environment
Baw Baw Relatively small ski runs Compaction due to commercial operation of a ski resort Baw Baw resort has experienced Revegetating any eroded areas
Alpine Resort Native vegetation areas Clearing for car parks, infrastructure and down-hill ski little growth as its snow fall is Track erosion maintenance
Land between roads and ski runs marginal and ski runs are short and
Fair to good runs limited.
Land Logging coupes are Lower and middle forested slopes of Mount Baw Baw The state forest surrounding Mount Creation of the Great Forests National Park
Surrounding monitored and have been have been subjected to extensive and unsustainable Baw Baw is highly valued for its
Mount Baw scaled back in the clearfell logging operations for over the past 20 years. close proximity to some of Scale back logging operations in Mountain
Baw immediate area the largest pulp and timber mill Ash Forests in this area to protect habitat and
protecting the Thompson Some areas of surrounding State forest are highly facilities operating in Victoria. water catchment
Poor to fair Dam Catchment values. impacted with “extensive” clear fell logging coupes,
some now at various state of regrowth.

Inland waters Snow melt in the Clear fell logging in catchment areas increases turbidity The absence of urban centres, large The water catchment role of the park requires
protected National Park in some nearby creeks populations or high density living protection and restoration to cope with
Mount Baw forming lakes and pools on Mount Baw Baw means better climate change impacts
Baw and and trickling down Some human contaminants in the immediate camping quality creeks and streams
surrounding streams. Sphagnum moss areas
area bogs and abundant native Remote and high altitude area rich
Very good to vegetation riparian zones in vegetation for filtering water
excellent filter the water.
Water stored in Drinking quality water indicates a
Thompson reservoir and healthy environment
piped to Melbourne
areas.