Have you ever wondered why some Parks and Reserves have different classifications? I have. So I asked our Perth Hills Nature Conservation Officer, John Snowden, to explain why this is so. He directed me to this explanation on the DEC website.  I hope you find it useful and interesting.

 
National Parks

 
National Parks are of national significance for scenic, cultural or biological values. They are managed to conserve wildlife and the landscape, for scientific study and to preserve features of archaeological, historical or scientific interest. National Parks also provide for recreation that does not adversely affect ecosystems.

Conservation Parks

Conservation Parks have regional or local significance. They are set aside to conserve wildlife and the landscape, for scientific study, and to preserve features of archaeological, historical or scientific interest. Conservation Parks also provide for recreation that does not adversely affect ecosystems.

Nature Reserves

 
Nature Reserves are set aside for the conservation and restoration of the natural environment, the protection, care and study of indigenous flora and fauna, and the preservation of any feature of archaeological, historic or scientific interest. Only low-impact recreation may be permitted, and this only providing it does not adversely affect ecosystems.

 
Marine Parks

Marine Parks allow for recreation that is consistent with conservation and restoration of the natural environment, the protection of indigenous flora and fauna and the preservation of any feature of archaeological, historic or scientific interest.

Marine Nature Reserves

Marine Nature Reserves are set aside for the conservation and restoration of the natural environment, the protection care and study of indigenous flora and fauna, and the preservation of any feature of archaeological, historic or scientific interest. Only low-impact recreation may permitted and this only providing it does not adversely affect ecosystems.

 
State Forest

State Forest is managed for recreation and nature conservation, to protect water catchments, and to provide for sustainable resource use (eg timber production, wildflower picking).

Timber Reserves

Timber Reserves are set aside primarily for timber production.

Ref: Department of Environment & Conservation website. http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/management-and-protection/land-management-planning/tenure-descriptions.html