Gas Stoves Only

[anotherwalker]

Hi guys,

I've been finding that a lot of the national parks and regional parks on the "great north walk" route are now "Gas Stove Only". I understand the idea of maybe "Fuel Stove Only" to prevent people from destroying the native vegetation to make a simple fire just like the rule that the blue mountains and kananga NPs have, but was wondering what the advantages of having a "Gas Stove Only" policy is or do the people that create and enforce these rules simply have shares in gas companies ? I've quite happily been using a metho stove for 10 years with no dramas or flare ups. I also find that in these Gas Stove Only parks there is always fresh remains from wood camp fires even though there is a possible $3300 fine so obviously the policy isn't working anyway.

Some questions I'd like to discuss.

Why do some National and Regional Parks have such policies ? Is it just to make Gas companies rich or are there really some advantages?

Which National Parks on the "Great North Walk" are Gas Stove Only (seeing its 250 kms and it crosses numerous national and regional parks) and they all seem to have there own special set of rules. Alternatively any ideas where I would be able to get such information ? Maybe it should be included in the GNW guide from the department of lands.

How do people dispose of the canisters when walking on long trails ?

And finally any recommendations for Gas Cannister Stoves ?

Thanks
AnotherWalker

[Maelgwn]

I suspect "gas stove only" and "fuel stove only" are used interchangeably?

Last edited by Maelgwn on Sun 08 Jan, 2012 11:29 am, edited 1 time in total.

[forest]

I have found most parks mean "fuel stoves" (Not a confirmed answer though so don't take it that way)
They just are not keen on open fires.

Recently I emailed the Larapinta info address to find out about bush buddy use.
They were happy to approve it's use but I have to clear any debris around it and bury the small amount of remaining ash.
Same again, they just don't want fire scar's everywhere which is completely understandable.

My guess would be when in doubt about the policy just call or email the NP involved for further details.

A lot of the GNW does pass through NP's but there is a lot that goes through State Forest and I'm yet to see a gas only stove sign in there.

[sthughes]

I imagine the terms are interchangeable to.

Having said that I, having seen a stupid number of flare ups and generally out of control shellite stoves I could understand to some extent trying to discourage their use. I know most people use them just fine, but plenty on inexperienced (I assume) users seem to struggle. And in huts they can be a bit obnoxiousness.

As for the advantages of gas over metho - that has been covered plenty elsewhere on the site. But reasons for banning metho and not gas are a bit harder to understand.

My guess would be when in doubt about the policy just call or email the NP involved for further details.

Same way they do shellite or metho bottles - they carry them out.

[tomh]

Yes, there were not many established New Zealand huts on the popular tracks that didn't have the tell-tale black flare of burnt wall wood rising above the food bench somewhere along its length.

[wildwalks]

Yes it is any fuel stove.
There seems to be some brilliant legal mind suggesting that 'fuel stove only' would suggest you could use wood fired stoves. Although, yes technically correct it is a confusing change in terms.
So you can use you gas, metho, shellite or I guess nuclear stove. Just don't burn stuff you find in the park, and don't leave a scar.
General rule of thumb on the GNW, is that if you are in a NP or Regional Park then assume fuel stove only (even if there is an established metal fire place). Usually state forests allow you to light a campsite.
Where I could find out I have noted Fuel Stove only areas in the campsite info boxes in the tracknotes here
http://www.wildwalks.com/bushwalking/general/list-of-walks.html?groupid=20

Enjoy the walk, it is a fun journey.

Matt

[anotherwalker]

Thanks Matt for the extra info.

I checked with the NPWS and the Environment Department and these are the 2 answers they provided for future reference.

Hi,

Our park management policy section has advised the following:

The gas fuel stove signs are most likely out dated and need to be changed in accordance to our new park signage manual which incorporates a no wood fire symbol sign with the words no wood fire / fuel stoves.

Pending on available funds in the long-term we will be looking to update these signs in the parks.

If in doubt it is always wise to check with the park first and you can use this link for contact numbers: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/natio ... fault.aspx
Regards
Information Centre
Office of Environment and Heritage

Hi,
As long as there are no fire bans in place you’re fine to use your metho trangia in BVRP & KCNP – the signage is aiming to prevent the use of any solid fuel BBQs in these areas. During fire bans you are only permitted to use the fixed electric & gas BBQs provided by NPWS.

Kind Regards
Coordinator Customer & Information Services
National Parks and Wildlife Service
Metro North East Information Centre