Protected area classes

Protects places or species with exceptional scientific value.

Entry is by permit only, and limited to authorised persons undertaking scientific research or monitoring; or management activities.

1. protect the area's exceptional scientific values and, in particular-
   1. ensure that the processes of nature continue unaffected in the area; and
   2. protect the area's biological diversity to the greatest possible extent; and
2. allow controlled scientific study and monitoring of the area's natural resources.

If threatened wildlife is a significant natural resource for the area:

• ensure the wildlife's habitat may be manipulated; and
• threatening processes relating to the wildlife, including threatening processes caused by other wildlife, may be controlled.

Provides for a high level of protection while still permitting nature-based sustainable uses.

1. provide, to the greatest possible extent, for the permanent preservation of the area's natural condition and the protection of the area's cultural resources and values (this is the cardinal principle of management); and
2. present the area's cultural and natural resources, and their values; and
3. ensure that the only use of the area is nature-based and ecologically sustainable.

Contain areas of degradation which require manipulation of natural resources to restore conservation values.

Sometimes referred to as a 'national park in waiting'.

1. protect or restore, to the greatest possible extent, the park's natural condition and protect its cultural resources and values so that it can be dedicated as a national park;
2. provide for the manipulation of the park's natural resources to restore its conservation values;
3. ensure any commercial or other use of the park's natural resources to restore its conservation values is consistent with an approved regeneration plan for the park;
4. ensure any other use of the park is nature-based.

Though the primary purpose is still conservation, a greater range of activities can be undertaken than on national parks. Nature-based educational activities and recreation may be appropriate.

Can be managed or co-managed by trustees, such as local government.

1. conserve and present the area's cultural and natural resources and their values; and
2. provide for the permanent conservation of the area's natural condition to the greatest possible extent; and
3. ensure that any commercial use to the area's natural resources, including fishing and grazing, is ecologically sustainable.

Declared over land that has high conservation value but cannot be reserved as national or conservation park. For example, areas subject to fossicking or mining.

Trustees can be appointed to manage a resources reserve.

1. recognise and, if appropriate, protect the area's cultural and natural resources;
2. provide for the controlled use of the area's cultural and natural resources; and
3. ensure that the area is maintained predominantly in its natural condition.

Felling of timber for a commercial purpose must not be conducted in a resources reserve.