The Reserve 31165 is 125,000 hectares bordering the eastern and southern shores of Lake Argyle. Through the Ord Final Agreement (OFA), Reserve 31165 was jointly vested in a management body consisting of MG Corporation and the Department of Water (DoW).
As required by the OFA, a Joint Management Committee (JMC) was established comprising representatives from DoW and representatives from the four Dawang groups which have traditional connection to the land in the reserve. The four Dawang groups are Bilbidjing, Mandangala, Yunurr and No Name.
An interim management plan was completed in 2008 which guides the programs and management initiatives for the reserve.
Current initiatives
Ranger training program: a four-year training program for young men, one from each Dawang group in conservation and land management activities. The trainee rangers are actively involved in land and water management activities such as weed control, flora and fauna surveys and protecting special areas through fencing.
This program is hosted by the Department of Environment and Conservation and is funded through the Australian Government's "Working on Country" program.
Infrastructure development: two permanent camp sites, one on each side of the Ord River, will be established to be used as a base for cultural and land management activities.