Hikers urged not to use sticks as hiking poles when bushwalking

Hikers are being urged not to use sticks as walking aids in a Queensland park, with rangers worried how visitors picking up sticks is impacting the natural environment.

Carnarvon National Park ranger in charge Lindie Pasma has suggested visitors to the park instead use specialise hiking poles sold at camping and hiking stores.

"Specialised hiking poles can be purchased from most camping and hiking stores for as little as $30," she said.

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"Hiking poles not only reduce the need for hikers to remove sticks from the natural environment, but they are also useful for reducing the impact on walker's legs, knees and ankles, can be a valuable safety device, and can be used over and over again."

Pasma said the number of sticks being taken from the park and left at walking track exits had significantly increased since April.

"In April alone, rangers collected 146 walking sticks that had been left at Crossing 1 exit," she said.

"This is only a small portion of walking sticks being picked up daily by visitors to help them across creek crossings or steep sections of the walk.

"Visitors might think it's only one stick, but it can have a very large, accumulated effect over time."

She has explained the sticks are habitat for insects, lizards, birds, fungi and moss.