Motorbike+riding+in+nature+reserves+along+the+Murray+River.

= Sustainability Science =

Motorcycle riding in nature reserves along the Murray River.
This is the second area for debate of how to best manage environmental resources sustainably.

__Topics for debate__ are:
 * 1) National Parks are needed along the Murray to preserve river redgum forests for the future: (Affirmative: AB, LB | Contra MM, DM).
 * 2) Motorbike Riding should be banned in state forests and parks : (Affirmative: B, CH | Contra JF, DE).
 * 3) Hunting should be allowed in state parks and national parks: (Affirmative: MB, AK | Contra CS, J).
 * 4) Wakeboats should be banned between Echuca and Torrumbarry : (Affirmative: JO, CMcG | Contra AP, HK).

Motorbike definitions.
We began our lesson by defining what a motorbike actually is. Students found it difficult to find a clear definition in an Australian context, but in the end decided that a motorcycle was a two wheeled, motorised vehicle capable of speeds at, or above 50km/hr.



Registration type.
The second area to clarify before deciding whether motorbikes should be allowed to be ridden in nature reserves was to look at what the law says. We found that there are two types of registration (recreational and road). Recreational licences permit riders to be able to ride on designated motor cycle tracks. Road licences allow riders to ride on roads.

Who rides motorbikes?
Motorcycle riding is popular with both locals and tourists alike. More males than females ride motorbikes. It is a popular recreational activity for kids on farms, teenagers before they get their licence, families camping and adults touring, or practising moto-cross.

Students identified points pro and contra as per the mind map below. They also identified areas of conflict and potential solutions.



Consider, discuss and take notes about your thoughts on the following factors:
 * What are the needs of different forest users?
 * When are these needs compatible and when not?
 * What is the history of motorcycle riding in the forests?
 * What damage can be done to the environment through motor-cycle riding?
 * Under what conditions is the forest most susceptible to damage?
 * Are some areas and habitats more susceptible to damage than others?
 * Does motorcycle riding disturb breeding activities of some animals?
 * What does responsible riding look like?
 * When do users ride irresponsibly?
 * What contribution does motorcycling riding in the forest make to the economy?
 * What contribution do other forest users make to the economy?
 * Any other points that you consider may be relevant to resolving this area of contention.



Resources
> "The river red gum forests and the industries and social systems they support are in decline due to river regulation, over-allocation of water and drought. This decline is predicted to worsen under climate change".
 * 1) Victorian National Parks Association downloadable report detailing the value of the river redgum forests in terms of tourism and estimated value to the community.
 * 2) This balanced report identifies everything from duck hunting and grazing through to tourism. Its focus on the contribution of redgum forests to the employment of people in small towns on p52 is particularly relevant.
 * 3) Nature Conservation Trust: endangered animals. (Sugar glider).
 * 4) Report on biodiversity of the Riverina Redgum and woodland forests...
 * 1) Flora and fauna in the Murray Darling Basin.
 * 2) [|Motorcycling Australia] [|NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CODE AND MANAGEMENT PLAN]
 * 3) [|Motorcycling council of NSW: minimal impact riding advice.]
 * 4) [|South East Queensland] [|Trailbike Management Forum: Solutions to Unlawful Trail Bike Riding in South East Queensland]
 * 5) [|Motorcycling Australia: Motorcycles and the Environment: policies and advice].
 * 6) [|DSE: trail riding website.]
 * 7) [|SA gov: South Australian Off Road Motorcycling strategy]
 * 8) Keith Stockwell: Barmah Forest