Natural Areas and Reserves

Over the past 150 years the Greater Geraldton landscape has been modified by European agriculture to the point that there is less than 15% of pre-European vegetation remaining. There are 65 conservation reserves in the Midwest region managed by the 91ÊÓƵAPP¹ÙÍø. The most significant remaining areas are in the Chapman and Greenough River catchments, providing and important habitat for native species. The Moresby ranges are also an important landform and natural resource of the region.  They are under consideration for management for conservation and community recreation.

Geradlton Wax White Flowers Pink FLowers

Managing Natural Areas and Reserves

The 91ÊÓƵAPP¹ÙÍø takes part in regional natural resource management (NRM) activities and is well positioned to promote NRM integration through the provision of local expertise and facilitating on-ground actions. The City is also a significant land manager in its own right and manages its lands within an NRM framework. Local planning laws are integral to sustainable NRM.

The Northern Agricultural Catchments Council has developed a regional natural resource management strategy.  More

Firewood Collection

Firewood collection from nature reserves, Crown land and National Parks is not allowed. Please source your firewood from an approved supplier.

 

Types of Natural Areas and Reserves

Conservation reserves are areas of Crown land set aside for the protection and conservation of biodiversity and/or natural or cultural heritage values. There are three main types of conservation reserve in WA – nature reserves, national parks, and conservation parks.

Nature reserves are established for wildlife and landscape conservation, scientific study and preservation of features of archaeological, historic or scientific interest. Recreation that does not harm natural ecosystems is allowed, but other activities are usually not permitted.

National parks are also established for wildlife and landscape conservation, scientific study, preservation of features of archaeological, historic or scientific interest, but are also able to be used for enjoyment by the public. They have national or international significance for scenic, biological or cultural values.

Conservation parks have the same purpose as national parks but do not have the same national or international significance (though they have significant local or regional value for conservation and recreation). Land is usually reserved as a conservation reserve rather than nature reserve or national park when there is a potential competing land use.