Co-ordination of activities in the McMurdo Dry Valleys Antarctic Specially Managed Area is set out in a Management Plan. You can view the full management plan (PDF) or just sections of interest using the links below.

Guidance for all visitors to the Dry Valleys is provided in the Environmental Code of Conduct for the McMurdo Dry Valleys (PDF) and specific advice for scientists is given in the Guidelines for the Conduct of Scientific Research.(PDF)

The Management Plan designates different parts of the Area for different purposes so they can be managed appropriately. These are:

Facilities Zones

Camps, structures such a radio repeaters, storage of materials and equipment and helicopter landing sites are concentrated in twelve Facilities Zones.

Guidelines for Facilities Zones (PDF)

Photos relating to Facilities Zones

Maps of Facilities Zones

Special Features

Nine features such as boulder pavement, vulnerable lakes and ponds, and sand dunes have been designated. Others are likely to be added in the future.

Guidelines for Special Features (PDF)

Photos relating to Special Features

Tourism Zone

One site near the Canada Glacier in Taylor Valley has been designated for tourism. Parties can land by helicopter and walk around key features.

Guidelines for the Tourism Zone (PDF)

Photos relating to the Tourism Zone

Maps of the Tourism Zone