Track Maintenance
Once constructed and in use, any trail requires ongoing maintenance to keep it safe and functional. Over time, environmental processes and the impacts of use will inevitably cause deterioration in the trail.
For example, fallen timber must be cleared and vegetation growing into the trail ‘corridor’ cut back regularly. The effects of erosion must be anticipated, prevented where possible, and remediated where necessary. Signage must be checked and kept up to date. Campsite facilities must be maintained to keep them in good condition. These are just some elements to track maintenance.
Ongoing maintenance work gives all walkers the best possible experience, now and into the future – ensuring the Track remains well-kept and well-loved.
The Parks and Wildlife Service of the state Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) is the overall manager of the Bibbulmun Track. General and strategic coordination is the responsibility of the Recreation and Trails Unit, based in Perth. See DBCA’s webpage for the Track.
The local maintenance (and management) of the Track is the responsibility of Parks and Wildlife Service staff based in offices in each of the six Parks and Wildlife Service Districts the Track passes through (Perth Hills, Wellington, Blackwood, Donnelly, Frankland and Albany).
The Districts are supported in this role through a very strong and long-standing collaboration with the Bibbulmun Track Foundation. The Foundation’s maintenance volunteers, in particular the Eyes on the Ground Volunteer Maintenance Program, provide essential support to the Parks and Wildlife Service.
Track maintenance is carried out by volunteers ‘adopting’ a section of the Track and looking after it through regular visits; and by other volunteers working on problem areas, strategic remediation or upgrade work, or realignments.
Newmont Boddington is the Premier Sponsor of the BTF and its Eyes on the Ground Volunteer Maintenance Program.
For more information about becoming a maintenance volunteer please see Volunteer With Us.
Volunteering gets you out on the Track, giving back!
Premier Partner of the Foundation and the Bibbulmun Track maintenance volunteer program.
DBCA’s Parks and Wildlife Service is the land manager of the Bibbulmun Track.