Of significant cultural heritage value, the islands once had a sustainable harvest of button birds and seals. However, the prior exploitation of the island natural resources by Europeans, as well as the degradation of the land by grazing, has seen the island suffer. Mutton birds numbers were further reduce as a result of weed incursion, predation by cats, competition with Cape Barren Geese and sheep, and burning by graziers to promote grass growth for their sheep.

Current projects on both Badger and Mount Chappell Islands are focussed on weed and feral animal control, revegetation and the development of jetty/landing facilities and shelters. The upgrade of access and the establishment of shelters enable work crews from the Aboriginal community to take equipment to the island and to stay on the island whilst undertaking a range of conservation and rehabilitation works. A small nursery is being established to enable local species propagation for revegetation activities.

Source: Dept of the Environment and Heritage - Mt Chappell and Badger Islands

Also see Badger Island.