Following the trail of his passion
by Amelia Mulcahy
Nick Bowman is living proof that work doesn’t have to be dull and dreary. After all, he is helping to make his passion a sustainable past-time.
Bowman works for the City of Mitcham Council as a trails officer, implementing its Mountain Bike Strategy.
Passionate about mountain bike riding and bush walking from a young age, Bowman knew he wanted a job which allowed him to work outside, but also one that helped conserve the environment.
Bowman graduated in 1998 from UniSA with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Conservation and Park Management (now known as Bachelor of Applied Science in Biodiversity, Environmental and Park Management). Since 2002, Bowman has been working to help ensure mountain bike riding is environmentally sustainable. This experience has led him to the position at Mitcham.
The Mitcham Mountain Bike Strategy is a plan to develop legal mountain bike trails within Mitcham’s Hills Face Zone, a development free area that is reserved for conservation and recreation.
In the past, mountain biking has had significant environmental impacts on conservation reserves but Bowman said that prohibiting mountain bikers from using the reserves isn’t helping.
"If a trail is not designed for bike use, increased erosion is the biggest impact," he said.
"In the past, illegal trail building in conservation areas caused significant damage to vegetation and soils.
"So, it’s about catering to the demand for recreation. If you give people somewhere to participate, in appropriate areas with the right facilities, it’s easy to minimise the negative impacts associated with that type of recreation."
It’s this reasoning that prompted the City of Mitcham to develop purpose built trails.
"Modern research indicates that, if managed effectively, mountain biking can be compatible with conservation strategies," Bowman said.
"Mountain biking can also promote healthy lifestyles, encourage clean transportation and involvement in the community and its facilities.
"And world class, sustainable mountain bike trails have the potential to boost tourism in South Australia."
Bowman said he often draws on the information he learnt from his degree and it was actually a major project at UniSA which introduced him to the science behind bike trail design.
"The degree gave me a sound understanding of conservation management techniques, land management policies and processes and conservation biology, all which allow me to design trails in the best areas and minimise any impacts," he said.
"Knowing both the theory and policies also helps me to liaise with government departments and conservation groups, because I can see their views and am able to propose solutions which satisfy their concerns."
Bowman was introduced to this as part of his major project in the final year of uni, where he designed a mountain bike trail network to encourage visitation to the Snowy Mountains, in New South Wales.
"Now, constructing bike trails has become a highly specialised field, and I usually have plenty of work offers on the table at any one time."