The beauty of the recent record-breaking snowfall in the Central West and Blue Mountains region of New South Wales was celebrated but it has come with a cost.
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The State Conservation Area is left with a massive clean-up on Mount Canobolas.
The weight of the snow means trees, branches and limbs have fallen across walking tracks and bridges in the area. The area will need to be cleared for it to be safe for visitors again.
Ranger Steve Woodhall, said the covering of snow was the biggest the area had seen in a long time but we are now seeing the effects of it.
"It was the biggest dump of snow we had seen on the mountain in decades and, as a result, the damage has been surprising" he said.
"There is timber down across walking tracks, trees have been uprooted and limbs are hanging precariously".
He estimates there are over 200 trees and large limbs which need to be cleared before it will be safe to be reopened to the public.
"We have had to close the Federal Falls camping area and all of the walking tracks in Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area while we undertake the massive clean up,"
The Summit area, Orange View Picnic area, The Walls picnic area and the Tea House picnic area are open to visitors."
"We have National Parks and Wildlife staff arriving from Griffith, Forbes and Peak Hill as well as arborist contractors so that we can have the tracks open again as quickly as possible" he said.
Mr. Woodhall wanted to emphasize the NPWS are working as quickly as possible to have the park reopened.
"Public safety is our priority and we will work as quickly as we can to have the tracks and camping area reopened. Some of the work is weather dependent, so we are hoping for good conditions" he said.
Information on track opening and closures will be updated regularly at: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
