As a result of the 2019 bushfires, a biohazard was identified on the reserve. Crown Lands have now completed the remediation work. The contractors did an amazing job removing the biohazard with minimal damage to the flora.

Dargans Creek Reserve is managed by volunteers, we have a small band of residents and climbing enthusiasts who want to ensure that the site stays open to the public, while being sensitive to the ecological impact of recreational activities. We are always on the look-out for others to assist, if you would like to assist, please Contact Us

Dargan Creek Reserve is located in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales between the towns of Clarence and Dargan, approximately 15 km east of Lithgow.  The Reserve has an area of approximately 591.5 ha and falls within the Lithgow City Council Local Government Area (LGA).  
The Reserve is defined by Bells Line of Road / Chifley Road to the north, Dargan Creek to the southeastern boundary and residential areas to the northwest and east.  The southern section of the Reserve is contiguous with large areas of vegetation including Blue Mountains National Park World Heritage Area to the east.   
The Reserve is Crown Land apart from the western railway, which runs through the north of the Reserve, with the railway corridor and a network of easements owned and managed by RailCorp.  There are also two freehold lots within the Reserve.  The current purpose of the Crown Land in Dargan Creek Reserve is for public recreation and is managed by the Dargan Creek Reserve Land Manager which is a statutory appointment of volunteers. 
This Plan of Management (PoM) has been prepared for the Dargan Creek Reserve Trust in accordance with the requirements of the Crown Lands Act 1989 (CLA).  The Reserves values and threats have been identified, along with objectives and actions for the long-term sustainable management of Dargan Creek Reserve.  The plan has been produced in consultation with community and relevant stakeholders.   
The Reserve is comprised of largely intact native vegetation with the main areas of disturbance in the north-east associated with two disused concrete dams.  Disturbance includes littering, soil erosion and sedimentation, and vegetation disturbance primarily from visitors to the dam and illegal vehicle use throughout the Reserves management access tracks and railway easements. 
Key values of the Reserve include: 
• Recreational value of the Reserve for various active adventure sports including bushwalking, rock climbing, canyoning and passive recreation activities.  
• Commercial value for operators running adventure sports guided tours. 
• High ecological value due to the Reserves large intact size, low levels of weed invasion, proximity to Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, presence of several upland swamps (endangered ecological communities and key habitat for a number of threatened species), overall good condition of vegetation and varied habitat features. 
• Recreational opportunities covering both active and passive activities with a number of commercial operators wishing to utilise  Reserve. 
The Reserve is threatened by rubbish dumping and environmental degradation, particularly from vehicular access to the dam, which has widened and eroded the tracks and spoils the visual amenity of the area and threatens the endangered upland swamp communities.  Previous attempts to keep vehicles out of the Reserve have been met with vandalism of gates, bollards and locks. 
This PoM identifies opportunities for Dargan Creek Reserve to be managed in a sustainable way through a series of recommended actions.