Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve
What we're doing
Park management activities
Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve has management strategies in place to protect and conserve the values of this park. Visit the OEH website for detailed park and fire management documents. Here is just some of the work we’re doing to conserve these values:
Understanding landscapes and geology
Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve values the protection and conservation of biodiversity, land and native vegetation. Ongoing initiatives are carried out within this park, and are designed to deliver important landscape connectivity conservation outcomes.
Conservation program
Karst area management guidelines
Damage to karst environments, including caves, gorges and sinkholes, means damage to our geodiversity. Comprising 4 critical documents, the NPWS karst area management guidelines work with the objective of preserving numerous karst environments in NSW, while mitigating human impact
Preserving biodiversity
Biodiversity is integral to Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve, and the reserve’s native flora and fauna communities – including threatened species – are carefully protected. Pest management and weed control programs are in place in this park and are implemented with minimal disturbance to the area’s special karst environment.
Conservation program
BioNet
Uniting technology with the vast collection of information on biodiversity in NSW, BioNet is a valuable database open to any user. From individual plant sightings to detailed scientific surveys, it offers a wealth of knowledge about ecology and threatened species in NSW.
Managing weeds, pest animals and other threats
Pests and weeds have a significant impact to the ecosystems within Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve. NPWS carries out risk assesments for new and emerging weeds as well as wild dog control to protect biodiversity in this conservation reserve.
Conservation program
Wild dog control program
Wild dogs can have significant impacts on other animals and are regarded as pests. Our wild dog control program operates in many NSW national parks and reserves. When carrying out wild dog pest control, we aim to minimise the impact that they have on livestock and domestic pets, while maintaining dingo conservation in key areas.
Developing visitor facilities and experiences
NPWS is committed to providing its visitors with clear, accurate information. The directional signage and interpretive material displayed in Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve is regularly reviewed, ensuring the public is aware of the unique requirements of visiting this delicate area. NPWS regularly maintains its visitor facilities, and management programs are ongoing in this reserve.
Conserving our Aboriginal culture
Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve ensures all Aboriginal sites within its borders are protected and preserved. NPWS collaborates with the Pejar Local Aboriginal Land Council on Aboriginal site management and interpretation, and sites are regularly inspected and maintained. Development decisions are made with the goal of minimal impact and least proximity to Aboriginal sites. Research into Aboriginal culture is ongoing in this park.
Managing fire
NSW is one of the most bushfire prone areas in the world as a result of our climate, weather systems, vegetation and the rugged terrain. NPWS is committed to maintaining natural and cultural heritage values and minimising the likelihood and impact of bushfires via a strategic program of fire research, fire planning, hazard reduction, highly trained rapid response firefighting crews and community alerts.
Conservation program
Hazard reduction program
Managing fire-prone NSW national parks requires a three-pronged approach, including fire planning, community education, and fuel management. When it comes to fuel like dead wood, NPWS conducts planned hazard reduction activities like mowing and controlled burning to assist in the protection of life, property and community.
Contact
- in the Country NSW region
Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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- Wombeyan Caves office
02 4843 5976
Contact hours: 9am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day. - Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve, Wombeyan Caves NSW 2580
- Email: wombeyan.caves@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Wombeyan Caves office
Get involved
Wombeyan Caves volunteer weekends
Volunteer for bush regeneration weekends at Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve to help NPWS and Landcare maintain the natural ecosystem of Wombeyan Caves. Over one or two weekends each year, fight the spread of weeds threatening the biodiversity of this Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.
Donate to NSW National Parks
Valuable conservation work is being done in our national parks through the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, a not-for-profit organisation with the mission to care for Australia’s native plants, animals and cultural heritage.
