Large areas of the ACT’s parks and reserves will be temporarily closed from May 11 to June 12 as part of the government’s annual aerial pest control program.

The ACT Government says sections of Namadgi National Park, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, the Murrumbidgee River Corridor and Molonglo River Reserve will be shut at various times during the period, along with some adjacent forestry land.

Closures will be staged, meaning not all areas will be inaccessible at the same time.

Dr Rosie Cooney, of ACT Parks and Conservation Service, said the measures were necessary to protect public safety during the Thermal Assisted Aerial Control program.

“Vertebrate pest species such as pigs and deer can threaten native ecosystems and the habitats of threatened species in the ACT’s parks and reserves,” Dr Cooney said.

“This program has been running in the ACT since 2021 and focuses on reducing the impact of vertebrate pest species on our natural environment.”

The program uses aerial shooting supported by thermal imaging to detect animals, which the government says improves effectiveness and animal welfare outcomes.

“Extensive safety precautions will be in place, including buffer zones, signage and sweeps prior to all operations. The community should also be aware that aircraft may be operating within the closed areas,” Dr Cooney said.

Key closures include parts of Namadgi National Park across several dates in May and June, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve from May 13 to 14, and sections of the Molonglo River Reserve from May 25 to 29.

Several walking tracks will also be affected. The Australian Alps Walking Track will be closed between the Mt Tennent summit and the NSW border from May 15 to 29, while the Murrumbidgee Discovery Trail will shut between Pine Island and Casuarina Sands during the program.

The ACT Government says feral pigs, deer and goats remain widespread across the territory and require ongoing control.

In 2025, the program resulted in 247 feral pigs, 527 deer and 69 goats being culled across key conservation areas.