Bushwalking Clubs and the Victorian National Parks Association provide information on how to protect the environment when walking, camping or cycling through natural areas. Also photography groups and BirdLife provide guidance on ethical photography.
Vegetation
Where possible keep to designated tracks/paths and do not enter seasonally closed roads
Do not interfere with native plants and minimise trampling or compaction of vegetation and soil.
Do not pick flowers or collect seed unless you have a written permit from the relevant authority.
It is possible to spread diseases such as Myrtle Rust (Austropuccinia psidii) an introduced plant pathogen, seeds of weed orchid (Disa bracteata) and spores of introduced fungi when walking through native vegetation. Please make sure that your clothes, coat, hat, bags, shoes and equipment are clean and dry.
Clean soiled equipment between sites, using methylated spirits (70% is recommended), household bleach ( take care it may bleach your clothing too) or biocide solutions such as Phytoclean. These solutions need at least half a minute to fully work on Phytophthora and many mosses, fungi and bacteria.
On returning from the walk, shoes and other soiled equipment should be scrubbed with a brush to remove dirt, thoroughly cleaned, and left to dry. Clothes, hats and bags should be regularly cleaned and dried in sunlight. The sun’s UV rays should be enough to sterilise.
Refer to; https://fungi4land.com/working-with-fungi/problem-fungi/
Avoid known areas of dieback (Phytophthora) particularly during wet periods or when soils are damp, and minimise the risk of spreading infestation by cleaning shoes, walking poles etc. immediately on completion of your bush activity. Yellowing and /or collapsed grass trees is usually evidence of this.
Birds and Wildlife
Remember that our native fauna is protected by law throughout Australia regardless of whether they occur in national parks, reserves, local government administered areas or private land.
Avoid the use of a radio, tape recorder or other sound or amplifier system may cause
unreasonable disturbance to an animal such as birds (eg call playback);
Avoid disturbing or interfering with nests and do not a flash;
Do not walk or drive off designated tracks or roads;
Avoid removing native vegetation to get a clearer photo of an animal;
Do not feed wildlife.
Photographers MUST keep an appropriate distance from nesting birds
Human Waste
It helps to have access to a trowel. Faecal waste and toilet paper must be buried at least 150mm deep and 100m away from water sources and campsites.
Consider the effect of ground seepage and potential water runoff into watercourses.
Use unbleached, undyed toilet paper that breaks down more quickly than those containing dyes. Tampons, sanitary pads and nappies should be carried out in press-seal plastic bags.
Detergents and Soap
Detergents and soaps are often unnecessary – except for a small cake for hand washing after toilet and before cooking.
Get someone to pour water over your hands to rinse, well away from water sources.
Plates etc. can be washed with sand and gravel or a non-plastic scourer. Avoid greasy food to minimise washing.
Do not put food wastes, wash-up water or toothpaste spit into water sources, but dispose of them on soil at least 50mfrom water.
Fires
Some picnic areas may have electric BBQs and others may have a designated fire pit. Take your own firewood, paper and matches.
Before visiting an area, check with local Forest Fire Management Victoria and the CFA websites whether campfires are allowed and the conditions that apply.
If a fire is to be lit and is not required for emergency purposes, use only existing fireplaces in areas where appropriate wood can be obtained.
Fallen and decayed wood is significant to the ecosystem as it is an important habitat and provides nutrients back into the soil and habitat for small creatures.
When camping in recognised camping areas that have constructed fireplaces, keep the fire small and in the fireplace provided.
Consider carefully the lighting of a fire on days of high temperatures and/or strong winds. Note fire ban days and be aware of which Fire District you are visiting.
Ensure your fire is out before you leave or go to bed. Extinguish with water and do not cover with soil or burn rubbish.
Rubbish
Many places do not have rubbish bins so be prepared if you can carry it in, carry it out. This includes orange peel, apple cores and eggshells; they all take a long time to degrade or may seed and produce fruit.
Don’t burn plastic, foil or plastic-coated paper products. Consider the most appropriate type of food packaging when preparing food for the trip.
Carry out any rubbish you come across, if possible. Small skinks and lizards may be trapped inside glass bottles or cans.
Consider carrying a spare plastic bag for collecting rubbish dropped by previous walkers
The Field Naturalist Ballarat 