nghenvironmental recently prepared rehabilitation guidelines for the NSW ski resort areas, on behalf of the NSW Parks and Wildlife service. Australia's ski resorts are located within alpine and sub-alpine environments, which make up less than 0.15% of Australia's landmass. They are of huge significance to us. For example, while they occupy a very small part of Australia, these areas harvest nearly one third of the run-off of south eastern Australia.
The objective preparing the Rehabilitation Guidelines was to provide a benchmark for "best practice" rehabilitation and the information required for resort managers to achieve these kinds of standards. In order to achieve this, the Guidelines were developed in close co-operation with the Kosciuszko ski resorts and other important stakeholders, through a steering committee.
A key aspect of the Guidelines is an emphasis on using native species in rehabilitation. The advantages of using natives include the potential for ensuring that a high level of soil protection is possible, while also providing for ecological function, fauna habitat, aesthetics and economic and environmental sustainability. While we currently have the knowledge base to undertake best practice rehabilitation, a number of limiting factors have meant that the majority of rehabilitation in high altitude areas within Kosciuszko National Park has been carried out using introduced grasses.
The Rehabilitation Guidelines for the Resort Areas would be of interest to anyone involved in rehabilitation of Australia's alpine areas.
