Snowy River
1. River is used for canoeing and rafting. Impacts include vegetation damage and erosion on banks.
2. River is used for fishing. Impacts include trampling of vegetation and use of native invertebrates for bait.
3. Nearby resorts and their sewage treatment facilities the river becomes polluted. (Also teachable moment if we see a resort)
Cycling tracks
4. Mountain biking is the most popular form of cycling in the park. Impacts include erosion and rock scarring. Managed by closing tracks in wet conditions.
Cliff faces / Climbing.
5. Although there isn't much climbing in the area. Any cliff face could give the oppurtinity to talk about climbing impacts. Bolts in the rock, trampling of vegetation for access.
Pollution
6. Seeing litter on the track gives me an oppurtunity to talk about how all forms of recreation have resulted in an increase in pollution.
7. Light pollution - At night we may see well lit developed areas. Impacts nocturnal animals. Many insects are drawn to light.
Trampling
8. Muddy sections of the track show how tracks erode, also show how the tracks extend sideways as people avoid the mud.
9. Bare tracks / Soil compaction - "Soil that has been compacted becomes unable to support vegetation because the number of macro-pores in the soil. "
Hardened Tracks
10. Steel Mesh Walkways - the richness of native species is not affected, and few exotic species are recorded in the area.
11. Gravel tracks - resulted in extensive bare patches as well as exotic species in the area .
12. Paved tracks - similar impact as gravel tracks.