Protected Area Management – Principles and Practice

Graeme Worboys, Michael Lockwood & Terry De Lacy

Oxford University Press, hb, $75

This book is a substantial compendium of information on topics ranging from the history of protected area establishment in Australia to the dilemmas facing managers today.

The snapshots and case studies include some fascinating insights from people who have been at the heart of early achievements. We have certainly come a long way since Neville Gare at Kosciuszko sought to establish – with the first four park workers – a creditable management under the State Park Trust back in 1944. Sadly, some of the local hostility is still evident today despite the increased staffing and funding, as well as greatly increased pressures for visitor facilities especially from the skiing industry, but also from horse lovers, pigshooters, and just the sheer number of people who wish to experience the wonderful wild high country.

Written primarily for managers of our protected area systems, the acknowledgements reflect the range of contributions from past and present agency staff and academia, particularly in NSW where the principle author served many years with the NSW NPWS before moving on to become a consultant.

There is disappointingly little about the important contribution of the non-government sector in the struggle for a tenured protective area network and ongoing management to retain the ecological integrity of reserved areas.

One innovative aspect is the cross-referencing to additional material available on the web site www.nrsm.uq.edu.au/iucn. Hopefully this site will be constantly updated as information is overtaken by modifications to the protected area system around Australia through changes in legislation, additions and classifications, such as the notable listing of the Blue Mountains under the World Heritage Convention.

This is not a book for light bedtime reading but rather one to keep handy for reference.

Steve Anyon-Smith

NPWS, 60pp, pb, $8.25

(available from NPWS at Audley)

This book is just the one many have been waiting for. A cheap, practical guide to birding locations in Royal and Heathcote that is brimful with information. You can easily fit this into your pocket and take it out into the field.

The book is not an identification guide. There are others that do that effectively. Do not buy this if you want pictures that will solve all your problems in field identification. However, if you are unfamiliar with birding and want to know just what you are likely to find and where to find it in Royal and Heathcote, then this is the book for you.

It opens with a general introduction on birds and their habitats, then moves into the types of habitat within the parks. And for those not yet familiar with our oldest park this habitat is varied indeed! Next there is a full list of the status and distribution of native birds with a summary of records and likely locations.

The rest of the book provides site profiles and to me this is the section that makes it well worth the price. Here Steve’s knowledge is evident and his hints as to where birds can be seen and how best to see them should be applied. I thought I knew this park and its birds. With Steve’s book beside me I think I will get to know it even more.

Highly recommended. It is so nice to encourage activities in our beloved Royal that do not damage and are so in keeping with its essential purpose.

Sven Klinge

New Holland Publishers, 352pp, hb, $59.95

This comprehensive and beautifully illustrated guidebook is an ideal reference to some of the best bushwalks throughout Australia. Over 180 walks ranging from easy family walks to challenging distance walks are featured in the coffee-table size publication.

Classic Walks of Australia gives a detailed description of the walking conditions to be found in each State and highlights travel arrangements, climatic variations and notable geological and historical features. Each walk is illustrated with a coloured map and listed with a summary of attractions, distance, time, fitness ratings, topographic maps required and contact details for further information (including campsites and equipment). Walks include those in deserts, rainforests, alpine areas, tropics, coastal paths, mountainous regions and islands.

This book is a very beautiful and motivating gift for any bushwalk enthusiast from anywhere in the world.