Unit of competency details

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Editorial update to Guidance information for assessment.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

1. Identify the nature of the outdoor recreation activity and its relationship to natural resource management.

1.1. Identify the types of outdoor recreation users , their motivations, skills and expectations.

1.2. Establish key aspects  of the outdoor recreation activity  which might impact natural resource areas .

1.3. Determine the parameters of the activity and the most appropriate natural resource area for its implementation.

2. Identify natural resource areas where outdoor recreation may be conducted.

2.1. Identify the different classifications of natural resource areas  for relevant outdoor recreation activities according to relevant legislation .

2.2. Analyse management issues  arising from the classification of particular natural resource areas and the use of those areas for outdoor recreation.

2.3. Identify natural resource managers , their management priorities and outdoor recreation services they may provide.

2.4. Establish a process for the selection of natural resource areas within a specified geographic area or region where outdoor recreation activities can occur, according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures .

3. Implement natural resource management to plan an outdoor recreation activity.

3.1. Identify the potential impacts  of outdoor recreation on the natural resource area.

3.2. Assess the implications of key ecological concepts  on the conduct of outdoor recreation in natural resource areas.

3.3. Identify natural resource management strategies  used to manage outdoor recreation activities.

3.4. Develop a resource management plan for the activity according to relevant legislation

3.5. Implement management strategies  to minimise potential impacts for the outdoor recreation activity.

3.6. Liaise with relevant natural resource managers according to cultural protocols to monitor potential impacts on a specific natural resource area.

4. Review the potential impacts of outdoor recreation activities on natural resource areas.

4.1. Collect information on the impacts of relevant recreation activities on the specified recreation area.

4.2. Assess evidence of change in the nature of a particular setting due to outdoor recreation impacts.

4.3. Modify aspects of the resource management plan according to information received from natural resource managers and the monitoring process.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• language and literacy skills to:

• research and access appropriate legislation and information regarding the zoning and planning by-laws that apply to specified natural resource areas
• read and analyse information about environmental management practices, organisational policies and procedures in relation to environmental management requirements
• develop a resource management plan for relevant activities
• interpret and apply information arising from review processes

• communication skills to:

• liaise with natural resource managers and other caretakers to assess potential impacts of outdoor recreation activities on natural resource areas
• consult with outdoor recreation users to identify expectations

• problem-solving skills to:

• develop sustainable solutions to potential environmental impacts as identified in the planning process
• assess evidence of change in the nature of a particular setting due to outdoor recreation impacts
• apply modifications to planning for improvements to future activities.

Required knowledge 

• land management practices and strategies to minimise environmental impact
• legislation that impacts on the management of specific natural resources
• organisational policies and procedures to consult all relevant stakeholders to develop, implement and evaluate strategies to manage natural resources
• methods and instruments for monitoring impact and usage employed by natural resource managers such as:

• written or visual surveys
• photographic surveys
• soil and leaf litter surveys
• water quality monitoring
• feedback from clients
• usage data from permits

• the interrelationship between the natural resource, natural resource managers stakeholders and the public within the legislative context of relevant state or territory resource tenure to inform the development of an effective resource management plan.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• plans and designs outdoor recreation activities which incorporate natural resource management plans for the natural resource areas
• monitors the effect of the outdoor activities on the natural resource areas and makes adjustments to the activities where necessary.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure management of natural resources during specific outdoor activities on multiples occasions to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• documentation such as organisational minimal environmental impact procedures and practices and relevant environmental protection legislation
• an outdoor environment or site appropriate to outdoor recreation activities in own work environment
• relevant personnel.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• a portfolio containing natural resource management plans for a natural resource area where specific outdoor recreation activities will be conducted
• third-party reports from a supervisor or manager detailing evidence of the candidate's implementation of management strategies to ensure impacts on natural resources are minimised during an outdoor activity
• written and or oral questioning to assess knowledge of key legislation which impacts on the management of natural resources.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• SISXRES505A Achieve sustainable land management

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Outdoor recreation users  may include:

• individuals
• clubs
• educational institutions
• commercial operators
• research organisations
• government organisations.

Key aspects  may include:

• nature of the experience
• equipment
• location
• environment.

Outdoor recreation activity  may include:

• bushwalking
• sailing
• kayaking
• canoeing
• hiking
• bushwalking
• camping
• abseiling
• skiing
• snorkelling
• snowboarding
• trail horse riding
• mountain biking
• yachting
• caving
• rafting.

Natural resource areas  may include:

• forest
• body of water
• waterway
• open space.

Classifications of natural resource areas  may include:

• economic
• social
• environmental
• wilderness areas
• special use areas
• freehold land.

Relevant legislation  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• permits or permission for access
• environmental regulations
• marine regulations.

Management issues  may include:

• changing demographic patterns
• changing technologies
• social behaviours
• human resources
• local political and social contexts
• cultural protocols
• competition for access
• biophysical carrying capacity of the land
• litigation.

Natural resource managers  may include:

• indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• public sector agencies
• private sector organisations
• landowners
• non-government organisations (NGOs).

Organisational policies and procedures  may include

• occupational health and safety
• consultation processes
• staff responsibilities
• monitoring.

Impacts  may include:

• biological
• social
• cultural
• economic
• managerial.

Key ecological concepts  may include:

• energy flow
• community
• diversity
• change
• adaptation
• biosphere
• interrelationship
• cycles.

Natural resource management strategies  may include:

• dispersal of use
• concentration of use
• site hardening or shielding
• permits
• fees
• seasonal limitations
• activity restrictions.