Preview

PDF (Whole thesis) Whole-Hilsendag...pdf | Download (813kB) Available under University of Tasmania Standard License.

Abstract

Compared to the other Australian states, Tasmania has a high proportion of land reserved in
protected areas. Despite this, many ecosystems are poorly represented in the public reserve
system, due to the fact that they were some of the first areas to be come under private ownership
and utilized for grazing and agricultural purposes. In order to meet Comprehensive, Adequate and
Representative (CAR) reservation targets in Tasmania, protection of land within these privately
owned areas is vital. There are many Private Forest Reserve Program (PFRP) sites throughout
Tasmania that were established to help address this issue. However, little research evaluating
management effectiveness within the program has been done up to this point.
This research evaluates management effectiveness for IUCN (The World Conservation Union)
category VI sites within the PFRP. It attempts to assess how well IUCN category VI objectives
are being met within the program. It also evaluates whether land uses within PFRP sites are
consistent with IUCN category VI management prescriptions. In addition to this, suggestions are
made as to how management could be improved within the program.
Four techniques were utilized to collect data for the evaluation. Firstly, a review of the operations
plans and terms of covenant documents was done to assess how well plans accounted for specific
management issues. Next, a questionnaire was distributed to landowners with questions focusing
on ecosystem management and sustainable production. Interviews were then carried out with
landowners. The interview questions were also related to ecosystem conservation and sustainable
production. However, landowners were given an opportunity to go into more depth than the
questionnaires. Site visits were also conducted in order to gain first hand knowledge about
management issues and practice.
Overall, the study found that the sites included in this investigation were managed effectively,
according to IUCN management objectives. Highlights include extensive management documents
and long-term protection for each site. Many landowners within the program also seemed to be
fairly knowledgeable about techniques for maintaining healthy native bush. However, there were
areas where improvements could be made. There were areas where management prescriptions in
operations plans could have contained more detail. Additional support from DPIW could also
improve management capacity in some areas, most notable exotic plant and feral animal
management. Better communication between landowners and DPIW could help to ensure that
management and production activities are conducted in a way that maintains natural values within
each reserve.

Item Type:	Thesis - Coursework Master
Authors/Creators:	Hilsendager, K
Keywords:	protected areas, management effectiveness, private forest reserve, land management, protected area management
Additional Information:	Copyright the Author
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

Actions (login required)

Item Control Page