Lower Grose Valley area

Park management activities

Biodiversity conservation

Blue Mountains National Park plays an important role in conserving NSW’s biodiversity by protecting its vulnerable, threatened and endangered plants and animals. Rare species in this area that are a focus of the Saving Our Species program, include the giant dragonfly, koala, yellow-bellied glider, sparse heath, and Gordon’s wattle.

We manage the risks associated with introduced plants and animals, along with the impact of climate change. We also work closely with the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury councils, Blue Mountains Conservation Society, and local partners on conservation activities. As part of the Blue Mountains Koala Project, NPWS and Science for Wildlife are encouraging visitors and the local community to report sightings of koalas across the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains on the Koala Project website or Koala Spotters Facebook page.

Managing fire

NSW is one of the most bushfire prone areas in the world due to our climate, weather systems, vegetation and the rugged terrain. We’re committed to reducing the likelihood and impact of bushfires by doing fire research, fire planning, hazard reduction, tracking weather patterns such as lightning storms, and community alerts. This helps to reduce property risk while also recognising the important role of fires in the lifecycle of native plants. The Enhanced Bushfire Management Program (EBMP) is in place in the Lower Grose Valley area. Under this unique fire management program, response teams of highly trained rapid response firefighters respond to 100% of remote wildfires within 30mins of detection. Greater Blue Mountains NPWS staff account for around 25% of NSW wildfire suppression and hazard reduction activities.

Developing visitor facilities and experiences

We’re committed to developing first-class facilities for the enjoyment and safety of visitors to Blue Mountains National Park, one of Australia’s most visited parks. Visitor feedback and environmental sustainability are important in this eco-certified park. Maintenance and upgrades to roads, tracks, trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, lookouts and signage are ongoing. We regularly review the park’s recreational opportunities to identify areas for improvement or addition.

Blue Mountains National Park has achieved Ecotourism Destination Certification which recognises best practice sustainable tourism and visitation in protected areas.

Managing weeds, pest animals and other threats

Pests and weeds have a major impact on the ecosystems and habitats in Blue Mountains National Park. Reducing introduced species, such as wild dogs, deer, and carp, is an important part of our work to protect the integrity of water quality and our native plants and animals.

Report illegal dumping

It's illegal to dump rubbish, household waste, green waste, construction waste, tyres, or vehicles in NSW national parks and reserves. You can help by reporting it anonymously. If you see illegal waste that has been dumped, or is in the process of being dumped, please take a photo and report it through the Report Illegal Dumping online form, or phone 131 555.