Victoria's national parks, like those in other states and countries, are areas of land permanently set aside from sale or development to protect their natural and cultural values for the benefit of people now and in the future. They are places where, to a large extent, nature rules.

To protect these areas, park management agencies draw up regulations governing the use of the parks, and appoint rangers to enforce these regulations. The regulations have legal force, and infringing them can result in a fine or other penalty.

Most park users, however, want to do the right thing not just to avoid punishment but from a pride in their parks and a desire to protect them. This is for the benefit of everyone, now and in the future. For in an ever-changing world it is a great reassurance for many people to know that at least some places around their nation will not be cleared, built on or otherwise spoiled, but will remain substantially the same.

Just as Wilsons Promontory and Mount Buffalo National Parks, which celebrated their centenaries in 1998, are not very different now from the way they were in 1898, so people want our parks to be still basically the same in 2098. That, after all, is why they are national parks. Natural changes may occur. There may be only nine Apostles instead of the twelve at Port Campbell National Park by 2098, or severe bushfires may alter the vegetation in some areas. But change caused by people will be strictly limited.

In addition, park regulations are designed to ensure that visitors can enjoy their time in a park without undue disturbance from other people.

State forests and other public lands have slightly different regulations, but the overall aim of protecting their natural features is the same.

The main regulations governing national parks and other reserves are straightforward and commonsense rules that many people are brought up to follow from childhood. Thee are sometimes summarised as 'leave no trace of your visit' or 'Tread Lightly' - the latter the name of an organisation devoted to sustainable use of the outdoors. These rules are listed in italics, with explanations following.

The Park Code

All native plants and animals, all geological features and all historical and cultural remains are protected by law in parks and must not be disturbed or removed.

'When I was young we used to bring home great armfuls of wildflowers from the bush,' sighed the old lady nostalgically. This is partly why some of them are rare or endangered today! Every native plant and animal has its place in the ecosystem. Admire and photograph them, but don't be tempted to take a souvenir home. The same applies to rocks, shells, fossils, Aboriginal artefacts, historical features such as old machinery or ruins, and so on.

An important aspect of protecting fauna, apart from not deliberately harming animals, is not feeding wildlife. As well as being hazardous for people (for example, risking severe injury from a kangaroo's powerful kick), giving native animals human food upsets natural balances and can lead to disease and death for animals.

Fires may be lit only in fireplaces provided, or as directed by signs. No fires at all may be lit on days of Total Fire Ban. Gas or fuel stoves have less environmental impact and are preferred. Fires are not permitted in some parks.

We are fortunate in Australia to be still able to have campfires in many of our parks. Overseas this is often not the case, because of the number of park visitors or the potential damage to the environment. To keep this privilege, we need to use campfires responsibly.

Keep fires small, whether in fireplaces provided or, as permitted in some large and remote parks, in a trench in an appropriately cleared area.

Don't light a fire on hot windy days.

Use only fallen dead timber - and remember that this is habitat for insects and spiders, and a source of soil nutrients as it breaks down.

Chainsaws are usually not permitted in parks.

Make sure someone stays near the fire at all times, and make sure that it is completely out (cool to touch) before you leave.

No fires at all (including gas or fuel stoves in tents) may be lit on days of Total Fire Ban.

Such bans do not necessarily apply to the whole State; it's your responsibility to find out which Fire Ban district you're in, and whether a Total Fire Ban has been declared on a particular day.

Keep to the track, for your own safety and to protect soils and vegetation.

In terms of protecting the environment, this is vital for both people and vehicles. Wheel marks can last for years in some environments such as in the Alps or the Mallee, and can lead to severe erosion and weed invasion. In the Mallee the soil is held together by mosses and lichens, fragile plants easily destroyed by wheels and feet. Short cuts made on tracks anywhere by vehicles or feet soon become ugly erosion scars.

In some parks the root pathogen Cinnamon Fungus is a major problem. Causing the dieback and death of many native plant species, its spores are spread on tyres and people's shoes. The best way of preventing its spread is by keeping to tracks.

Unfortunately people do become lost in national parks and other bushland areas, sometimes sadly with fatal results. Stay on tracks to minimise the chance of getting lost, and plan walks and other activities carefully.

Drive carefully when travelling on roads to or through parks.

Native animals (eg kangaroos, wombats, magpies) cannot predict the movements of cars at speed, with the result that many are injured or killed. Reduce your speed and give them a chance to live.

Remember that walkers, bike riders, horse riders and 4WDs may share the same road or track. Show consideration for other visitors.

Leave dogs, cats and other pets, and firearms, at home.

Apart from guide dogs, national parks around Australia with few exceptions do not admit dogs, cats and other pets. This is mainly to protect native wildlife. Dogs and cats are not native animals. If they escape in a national park they prey on native animals and birds. Feral (ownerless) cats and dogs cause havoc as it is. Even the scent and sounds of dogs and cats are enough to scare off native wildlife. In addition domestic animals may spread diseases to native ones, and vice versa.

As well, many people do not like the disturbance, danger and droppings associated with dogs.

There are parks where dogs are permitted, generally on leads and under control. These are parks other than national and state parks - regional, metropolitan and reservoir parks. Many local councils are also working with residents to identify areas where dogs may be taken, both on and off leash.

The reason for the ban on firearms in parks is obvious, but it should be noted that there are a few areas in national parks - such as in Alpine and Lake Eildon - where deer hunting with guns, under strict conditions, is permitted.

Take all rubbish out with you or dispose of it appropriately.

The old rule of 'burn, bash and bury' is well and truly dead and buried. Everyone is aware of the Keep Australia Beautiful campaigns of recent years, and recycling has gained widespread community acceptance.

However, not everyone realises that in quite a few parks, especially those near the city, there is now a 'no bins' policy. People are asked to take rubbish away with them. This is because park bins tend to be used to dump household litter, they attract wildlife which maybe harmed by the rubbish, and it takes park staff time and money to dispose of the rubbish. Far better for visitors to sort and dispose of their own litter.

In parks with camping, bins are usually supplied, but people are asked to minimise rubbish and, increasingly, to sort it out for recycling.

In remote and wilderness areas bushwalkers and other visitors are asked to 'carry out what they carry in'. They may feel thankful that in areas where there are no toilets they are still (so far) permitted to bury toilet wastes (at least 100 metres from any campsite or watercourse). In wilderness areas in the USA and elsewhere, carrying everything out means everything - including human wastes!!

Care for the Alps - leave no trace

Huts Code - Australian Alps National Parks