Scone Mountain National Park Mountain Bike Trails
Approval of an environmental assessment was required to develop the Mountain Bike Trails network in Scone Mountain National Park to minimise impact on the environment.
The project
Artefact Heritage and Environment drafted the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) environmental assessment for approval from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for Development of the Scone Mountain National Park Mountain Bike Trails (MTB) network.
The Scone Mountain National Park Mountain Bike Trails is a new interconnected mountain bike trail network through Scone Mountain National Park that was the result of Upper Hunter Shire Council successfully receiving NSW State Government 2022 Open Spaces Program - Places to Play grant funding.
-
Bennett Murada Architects &Synergy Trails on behalf of the Upper Hunter Shire Council.
-
Review of Environmental Factors
Solution
The REF included background literature and best practice standards review, and assessment of all environmental aspects associated with the proposed MTB trails activity within the National Park environment and surrounds. The REF considered the potential for protected flora and fauna, and ecological community impacts, heritage impacts and other natural resource impacts associated with construction, use and maintenance and provided appropriate impact mitigation measures. It was prepared in accordance with the best practice guidelines outlined in Guidelines for Division 5.1 Assessments (Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, 2022).
Outcomes
Through the comprehensive assessment of the environmental aspects of the MTB Trails project and the development of effective mitigation measures, the Review of Environmental Factors REF provided NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service with the assurance required to approve the project.
The MTB Trails project delivers an interconnected mountain bike trail network catering to riders of varying skill levels. The trail system was designed and constructed in accordance with International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Guidelines, incorporating sustainable, contour-aligned trail design that responds to the natural topography and gradients.
The project emphasises environmentally sustainable trail construction, minimises environmental impacts through low-impact design principles, and promotes responsible trail use and rider etiquette in accordance with recognised industry best practice.
“The REF verified the MTB trails would provide a much needed sustainable MTB venue to discourage unsanctioned and unsustainable trails, including dangerous “downhill” riding down Scone Mountain Trail.”