The department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) has announced that Julimar State Forrest has been permanently closed to four wheel driving after serious degradation of the tracks. According to John Carter of CALM (Mundaring), "Many of the tracks have been driven on in the wet and they have been ploughed up. Some of the worst places where the tracks are deeply rutted are in the wandoo flats and creeks, and the route known as the Julimar Jaunt"

I personally have been driving in this area for some 15 years and in this time there has been minimal changes to the condition of the tracks, especially given the huge increase in the number of 4WD's visiting the area. The existing tracks within Julimar State Forrest are in reasonable condition, with the exception of the deeply rutted tracks in areas prone to flooding in the wet. Even in these locations, any environmental damage is limited to the immediate area of the track and in places at the side of the tracks. Of the 4WDrivers I have spoken to who are familiar with the area, the tracks in the flood prone areas have always been ploughed up and their actual condition has not deteriorated over the years.

The very nature of having a track in a Forrest destroys the virgin nature of the environment. The fact the track is in poor condition has no affect on the Forrest, just an affect on how passable the track is. If 4WDrivers are driving off the track and damaging virgin Forrest, then I believe that CALM has a legitimate argument for track closure. However, 4WDrivers to this area are looking for a challenge and driving off the muddy or rutted track defeats the purpose of their trip, hence they are unlikely to venture off the existing tracks. Groups that I have been involved with act responsibly while 4WDdriving. Most importantly, they do not venture off the established tracks. 

The most recent closure is the Julimar State Forest. Many 4WD enthusiasts like myself have driven the tracks in the Julimar State Forest for the last 15 years, and I can confirm with no doubt the tracks are no different then, than they are today.

Here are a few of photo's of how the tracks in the Julimar Forest looked 10 years ago.

I would like to remind CALM officers that they are public servants and as such have an obligation to make the public aware that they do NOT own any land and that they are only caretakers of OUR State Forests and National Parks. This is in reference to the article in the Saturdays West Australian, the 3^rd of May 98' Motoring Lift-out page 9. "CALM recognizes that vehicular recreation is a legitimate use "of CALM lands" and will always encourage people to enjoy the many beautiful areas of WA, whether on foot or in a vehicle." Since when has CALM as a Government Department owned Australian land?

Other 4WD track closures have been the Summer Time Track and Fish Creek. An area that has been devastated by CALM is the Warren River Beach Track that backs onto the popular Calcup Hill in the Pemberton area. They sent down a huge front end loader destroying much of the track and the flora on either side of the track.

CALM needs to be accountable to somebody!!! As a 4WD club (West Coast 4X4) we have had a few correspondences with Cheryl Edwards, (Minister for the Environment and holder of CALMS portfolio). The closure of Julimar Forest seems all our good work has been in vain, we are now chasing public support.

West Coast 4X4 is not member a of the Western Australian Association of 4WD Clubs. West Coast 4X4 believe the Association is doing a fine job but should also take on the role of being the 4WD recreational users watch dog on CALM's activities. CALM does not recognize 4WD recreational users should have the legitimate privilege of using, "they say their lands" State Forest and National Parks. We can only use them when they say we can.