OZ ATV :: The Australian ATV Forum

[fpcwa]

Firstly - I thought it best if we say hi & hello after joining up - specially since I represent a Government agency and want to make sure you know we come in peace.

I'm Michael H, and I'm Web Administrator and Social Media Coordinator for the Forest Products Commission (FPC) of Western Australia. If you don't know who FPC are, we're the WA Government's commercial arm responsible for the management and harvesting of State Forests in WA.

We've joined these forums because from time to time our activities take place in or around off-road vehicle areas in WA, and we'd like to do everything possible to ensure we play our part in communicating with you and helping you to enjoy these areas (specially before, during and after any of our harvest operations).

Now let's get to the meat of this post - the Gnangara ORV & an upcoming partial closure.

Partial closure of Gnangara ORV during August & September

• Full information: http://www.fpc.wa.gov.au/content_migration/environment/harvesting/gnangara_orv.aspx
  
• Fact sheet with map of closed areas: http://www.fpc.wa.gov.au/content_migration/_assets/documents/environment/harvesting/gnangara_orv/gnanagra_orv_information_flyer.pdf
  

The Forest Products Commission (FPC) will harvest sections of the Gnangara off-road vehicle (ORV) area between August and September 2010. The harvesting operation is expected to take up to eight weeks.

A second harvesting operation is to be conducted in winter of 2011.

During harvesting operations, sections of the ORV area will be closed temporarily to ensure the safety of all riders. Areas designated as off-limits during harvest will be clearly demarcated by No Unauthorised Access signs around the perimeter.

Entering declared work site areas is a criminal offence. Trespassers may be prosecuted. They may also be exposed to hidden dangers within the area.

Machinery working hours will be restricted to weekdays only. No operations are planned for weekends or public holidays.

The parts of the ORV area not affected by harvesting operations will remain open. The Pinjar ORV area opposite Barbagallo Raceway can be used as an alternative option.


If you have any questions relevant to our work, operations, or closures within ORV areas related to us which you love and enjoy - please don't hesitate to drop us a line as we're always ready and willing to respond.
_________________
Kind regards,

Michael H
Forest Products Commission

[tez700xx]

Cheers Michael

Thanks for the heads up , great idea too . can't say as we havn't been warned. You guys are alot more civil than you used to be.(tongue in cheek)
This is an area we have been thinking of taking the family for a days ride, is their any camping their, how many acres available for riding is their approx.Does the councils or government dep's plan on opening any more riding areas.

Thanks in advance
Tezza

[fpcwa]

tez700xx wrote:

Thanks for the heads up , great idea too . can't say as we havn't been warned. You guys are alot more civil than you used to be.(tongue in cheek)

And thank you for the feedback, we appreciate it.

We always try and do our best when it comes to communicating with the public. This may sound a little marketing-like - but being on relevant forums like this helps us get important information out to ATV owners & drivers, and hopefully you're all as welcoming & ready to ask questions we may be able to help with.

tez700xx wrote:

This is an area we have been thinking of taking the family for a days ride, is their any camping their, how many acres available for riding is their approx.Does the councils or government dep's plan on opening any more riding areas.

FPC doesn't actually have control over the lands in these areas, this remains with the Department for Environment & Conservation. Our business in areas around Gnangara is the harvesting of the plantation timbers.

Having said that, from a quick web search this morning here's some answers to your questions:

* ORV area size: 350 Ha
* More riding areas: According to the Recreational Trailbike Riders Association (RTRA), The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has endorsed Management Guidelines for the area that recommend the development of a series of zones and one way trail networks, proper delineation of the area and facilities. RTRA understands DEC is reviewing funding options. There is also another facility nearby in Pinjar, and more info is available from the RTRA website.

I can't confirm at this stage if camping is allowed in the area, so it would be best to give the relevant DEC regional office (Swan District, based in Wanneroo) that manages the area a call. They're contactable on 9405 0700 or pop in and visit them at 5 Dundebar Road, WANNEROO 6065.
_________________
Kind regards,

Michael H
Forest Products Commission