Our Environment
The Environment and You
The South-West Forests form a large part of the Southwest Australia biodiversity hotspot, being one of just 36 regions from across the world that is recognized for its rich diversity in flora and fauna. It is recognized that this region is exposed to significant threats, such as invasive species, habitat loss, changed fire regimes, a warming and drying climate and altered hydrology all contributing to significant declines in species. More information on the wildlife and ecosystems found in the Southwest Forests here.
Riding in the Southern Forests region is a privilege, with the routes of this project meticulously planned to ensure we do the right thing by the environment and do all we can to protect it for future generations.
Before setting out on route, you should observe the below guidelines and strictly adhere to them while out riding. The future of this project, current and future routes, depends on riders like you doing the right thing…
Cultural Heritage Sites
Our forests surrounding Manjimup are not only unique for its trees, plants and wildlife which can be found nowhere else on the planet, they are also home to the oldest culture on Earth, that of Australia’s Noongar Waradandi and Bibulmun/Piblemen people, who have lived in the region for at least 40,000 years before the first European contact. There are thousands of culturally significant sites surrounding Manjimup, many of them not readily apparent. Additionally there are many European significant sites that can be easily damaged.
Our routes have been planned to respect these sites.
Do your bit to preserve our cultural heritage, trails and their surroundings:
- Stay on track and on the published routes.
- Abide by all signage.
- Avoid unnecessary trail damage – no donuts, cutting up or roosting on graded gravel roads, don’t break traction
- Cross creeks only at designated crossing points, where the track crosses the creek and check levels and water flow speed before crossing.
- Reduce rutting – go easy on the throttle to avoid wheel spin, especially on soft terrain and hills.
- Don’t disturb plant life or wildlife.
Disease Risk Areas
Dieback (Phytophthora dieback) is a serious plant disease which is severely impacting our local forests.
It remains one of the most significant threats to the unique biodiversity of the South-West forests of Western Australia, and is spread when infested soil is moved from one location to another, such as on tyre or boot treads.
The entire South West region is considered vulnerable to Dieback and the consequences of further spread would be dire.
MTBH has worked very closely with our forest managers to ensure our routes avoid known Disease Risk Areas (DRA) and minimising disease risk is one of the reasons the MTBH Project has come together.
It is up to all of us to preserve the state of the trails and their surroundings so that we can continue to ride through one of the most unique forests in the world, which means:
- Stay on track and published routes and
- Wash your bike thoroughly between rides to avoid the spread of dieback, weeds and other
diseases. - Wash your boots and bikes before leaving the area – The Hub Trails Centre has rinse off facilities for this purpose.
Endangered And At-Risk Fauna
The Southern Forests region is home to an abundance of flora and fauna unique to the Southern Forests. Unfortunately, much of these plants and animals are at risk or endangered.
Minimise the impact of your presence :
- Stay on track and published routes and abide by all signage.
- No unnecessary trail damage – no donuts, cutting up or roosting on graded gravel roads, don’t break traction
- Cross creeks only at designated crossing points, where the track crosses the creek and check levels and water flow speed before crossing.
- Reduce rutting – go easy on the throttle to avoid wheel spin, especially on soft terrain and hills.
- Don’t disturb plant life or wildlife.
- Should you come across sick or injured wildlife, contact the Wildcare Helpline or call them on (08) 9474 9055.
Drinking Water Catchment Areas
Water is a very valuable resource in a drying environment. Our routes are carefully planned to avoid any impact on water catchments. Please keep to the designated routes and obey all signage so that we can all continue to enjoy the forests.
Invasive Species
From time-to-time measures are taken to reduce the impact of introduced and invasive species (also known as feral animals). Invasive animals are well adapted to the climate of the Southern Forests, often found across vast areas and inaccessible terrain. Without natural predators, fast population growth, and high mobility, invasive animals remain a significant threat to the unique native flora and fauna of the region. Measures to manage this include:
- Baits
- Hunting
- Reporting
Riders visiting our region should be aware that these methods are in use, and should take extra precaution when traveling with pets or children. Information relating to locations where baiting locations are currently practiced, and what to do if your animal comes across it can be found here.
More information on threat management practices can be found here.
National Parks
A number of our trails will pass either through or are adjacent to a National Park. If you are planning on entering a National Park, it is essential to:
- Ensure you purchase a valid National Parks pass and display it on your bike at all times whilst inside the park (this can be done online prior to your visit OR at user-pay stations at various locations)
- Adhere to all regulations to ensure proper protection of flora and fauna
- For information about our national parks visit the WA Parks and Wildlife Service’s website here.