AUSTRALIAN ALPS NATIONAL PARKS news 44 from the

alpsTHE ALPS PROGRAM. WORKING TOGETHER BEYOND BORDERS. WRAP SPLIT AND RECYCLE Dotted throughout the Australian Alps, huts are tangible links to lives lived in this land- scape during earlier times. Valued on so many levels, huts are well loved and visited. Maintaining and protecting them appropriately is a complex process. Luckily there’s a pool of skilled people - hailing from parks agencies, the historic huts associations and other groups - to do the job... The very fact that huts are out in the land- “During the mid January fires at Mount Parks Victoria had heard about and sourced scape is a major part of why they are val- Feathertop where the fire was moving a material for wrapping up structures to pro- ued but it makes them vulnerable. During slowly, we took the opportunity to get tect them from fire. In rolls, the aluminized the recent fire season, Parks Victoria went some crews up in front of it, to wrap up and glass fabric significantly reflects to the usual great lengths to protect these some of the huts in its path.” This may radiant heat. cultural assets, some of the methods being sound bizarre, but as one of the many Prior to this fire season the testing of more spectacular than others, as Ranger benefits of exchange programs with other the material was more a practical hands-on and Team Leader Kevin Cosgriff explains. agencies on the North American continent, exercise in gift wrapping - planning how

The Mt Beauty Fire Crew (Andy Kromar, Rhys Leigh, Alastair Hodgson, Steve Shuttleworth and Ryan O’Connell) in action protecting a cultural asset in the likely path of fire - here wrapping Spargos Hut and reducing the vegetation around it. It’s welcome... and goodbye Like so many other Program Managers before me, as I prepare to move on to make way for the next Alps program manager, I can’t help myself rolling out the old chestnut - where did the last three years go to? Clearly we’ve all been busy. My aim was always to continue the great collaborative work and strategic thinking done by previous program managers and Alps staff over the last 26 years. But, if there was a particular focus that I wanted to put front-and- centre, it was the operational aspects. The Alps Program provides such a great platform for teams would approach each hut when the being passed on, (and a tidy store of managers from different agencies to collectively Late last year, the Currango Home- container in Canberra. Like sleeping pise walls sit nearby, serving both as an look at how they tackle challenges and to work pressure was on. Then the opportunity stead in (NSW) materials being prepared for future use), beauty it waited for a catalyst to bring it example of alternate building methods of together to improve the outcomes. By capitalis- arrived in January which allowed enough was a hive of activity. Not only were there but these young men gained a sense of to life - which arrived posthumously via the era but also to support the interpretive ing on this more recently, I hope the Program time for three separate teams to head why the huts and the landscape they oc- has become additionally relevant to all staff but over sixty 16-year-old boys hiking in the Charles McKeahnie who some believe materials which tell the story of the hut, particularly to those who are field or operation- off and cover five huts in the path of the area, but at set intervals, groups of them cupy is special. Handling the tools and the was the original inspiration for Banjo Pat- the homestead, and explain how it was ally based, because they are at the forefront of oncoming fire. were coming into the homestead to do timbers while hearing the stories often has terson’s Man from . A growing originally constructed. A Kosciuszko Huts on-ground implementation. “The Mount Beauty crew walked a long-term effect. From a broader perspective the Alps Pro- some serious restoration work. Megan interest in preserving artefacts linked with Association-driven oral history project gram is a powerful tool from so many perspec- into Spargos and Derricks; the DSE Bowden, NSW Parks Ranger explains. As for the more immediate future, McKeahnie helped generate the necessary already completed is the basis of a motion tives. It allows the Alps to be seen as a single Ovens Repel Crew flew into more remote “For many years, year ten students from the slabs and shingles will be part of the funds in 2010 to explore the options. Two sensor sound track so that visitors can entity; it brings together staff to tackle common Dibbins and Westons; and the Orbost reconstruction of Witzes Hut, south of challenges in a consistent way; it allows the Cranbrook School have made good use major factors helped shaped the final plan: hear people describe their memories of Alps to be promoted to visitors as a complete crew wrapped up Blairs. The aim wasn’t of the Alps for their outdoor education Tantangarra Reservoir - a vertical slab hut, closer inspection revealed that through living in and around these huts. package; it allows agencies and Traditional Own- to cover the huts completely but to stop program. Several years ago, a group was built in 1952 by a Clarrie Butler to func- attrition and decay there was not enough “It’s adaptive conservation. It gives ers to meet and look at issues without being ember attacking the walls and where the tion as a grazing outstation for Gooandra restricted by those relatively recently introduced caught in bad weather, emerging from the material to reconstruct the complete hut, visitors a taste of the huts, and helps show state and Territory borders; it provides an easy structures meet the ground.” (Westons experience with a new appreciation for Station. The original slabs are up to six and; rebuilding it near its original site them how they could experience more pathway to develop initiatives such as the Na- was burnt in the 2006 fires having been huts.” As a result, the school approached metres long and were recycled form the would place it too far for most people to huts out in the Parks.” tional Landscapes and National Heritage listing; set alight by embers that travelled up to remains of a nearby 1880s homestead, it allows for a different level of investigation on NSW Parks ultimately to support the visit and appreciate. overarching issues such as climate change and six kilometres.) 70-odd huts in the park, taking on the some with newspaper remains dating from “So the ACT Heritage Unit decided catchment management. The fires didn’t reach the wrapped challenge to provide it in financial or their original position. to create an interpretive feature based on It is quite simply fantastic that the Alps huts (happily) but there was evidence of hands-on form. partner agencies of NSW, Victoria, the ACT the original hut using much of the original Clockwise from top left: burnt leaves at some of the sites so it’s “To begin with, they raised $3,000, when despite the materials.” Post fire surveys provide invaluable information for and the Commonwealth recognise the value of There are times future fire management - Kevin Cossgriff logging all this, and continue to support the Program likely it offered protection from embers. then offered to spend time during their an- best intentions, a hut cannot be rebuilt - Just completed, heritage architect damaged assets from the air. despite these less than optimal financial times. “And when we don’t have one or two days In closing, I must thank the NSW National nual camp to learn some traditional timber which is the case of the original Gudgenby Phillip Leeson’s design has been crafted Federation Hut, on Mt Feathertop (Alpine National in advance to wrap an asset, when it’s a skills. So we organised late last year for by two local construction companies Park), treated with fire retardant from the air: a good Parks and Wildlife Service for hosting the Station homestead. Louisa Roberts, Senior option when time is tight ahead of an advancing fire. Program; Steve Horsley, for his work as the matter of hours, we drop retardant from Stuart Garner, (Caretaker at Currango) and Ranger with ACT Parks and Conservation together with master-craftsman Myles Australian Alps Liaison Committee convenor; The remains of old Gudgenby Homestead brilliantly the air. Four huts and a number of other Peter Neyland, (Parks Carpenter) to work Service, tells the story. Gostello and the highly skilled and expe- re-presented as an interpretive shelter (Namadgi and both Joanne Knowles and Raelene National Park). Nicholson for their support to me and the Pro- assets were treated this way in January; with groups of ten at a time, teaching them “Gudgenby Station sat in the middle rienced ACT Parks works crew. Visitors gram over the past three years. I would also like the fire went through, and the retardant was how to handle traditional tools to split of what is now known as Namadgi Na- wandering along Namadgi’s woodlands’ Farsighted thinking in 1964 meant the dismantled Gudgenby Homestead would one day be made avail- to thank Michelle Stirzaker from ACT Parks for effective.” No huts were lost in the fire. her assistance in the Newsletter mailout. slabs and shingles.” tional Park and the original slab home- walk (just near the Visitor’s Centre) now able to new generations - in a new format. And now I suggest a quick browse This scenario is a great way to stead was built by Charles McKeahnie in come across the replica facade of the through the magazine to catch up with goings- achieve much of what Parks staff feel is original hut which stands free beneath the Stuart Garner (Currango Homestead Caretaker) shares 1845. It was lived in by various families, his timber artisan skills with year ten students from on before you head out to walk, ride, climb, ski, Cranbrook School. drive and appreciate the beautiful landscape important. Not only are authentic skills each altering it to suit their needs until it pitched roof that gives it shelter. Several which sits at the core of the Program and is at was demolished by Bill Bootes in 1964 to our back door. make way for the existing brick homestead Anthony Evans that sits on the site today. program manager & editor “Luckily he had the foresight to give the materials to a historian and collec- Published by Australian Alps national parks, Program Manager and Editor: Anthony Evans: NPWS office tor who stored the materials in a shed in Jindabyne (PO Box 2228, Jindabyne, NSW 2627). in where thanks to a ACT [email protected]. For more information about the Alps, including government heritage grant and the efforts information about the Parks, other publications of the Kosciuszko Huts Association, the and news, visit the Australian Alps Web Page: materials were bought and a conservation www.australianalps.environment.gov.au Design and artwork by Tom Sapontsis. Editorial sup- plan was put together - the ultimate plan port by Elizabeth DeFriest 03 9534 7970. Printed being to rebuild the hut in the future.” on ISO 14001 Environmental Accredited paper. A big thankyou to those who have made time to This is the point where the old home- be interviewed; and to the photographers for their stead became known as Gudgenby-in-a- images. Without this support, news from the alps box, following its move to an old shipping would not be possible. 3 3 after the fires With the recent fire season now past, we take stock with help from Ian Dicker (NSW Parks), Peter Jacobs (Parks Victoria) and Neil Cooper (ACT Parks)...

Ian Dicker describes the NSW fire Of course how a fire season affects In Victoria, Peter Jacobs describes season in the Alps as being quite active assets - the plant communities, land- this last fire season as prolonged. but nothing like the monster seasons of scapes, tracks, roads, huts and other Despite the decent rainfall which 2002-03 or 2006-07. Despite 22 fires built structures - is greatly affected by preceded it, late spring and early sum- being recorded this past summer, none of fire management carried out during the mer were very hot and dry, allowing fuel them got larger than 350 hectares thanks previous year. This is pre fire-season in forested areas to quickly dry off. On to some quick response and highly effec- work. It involves the deployment of a suite January 21, lightening ignited the Har- tive strategies. of people, expertise and equipment, in rietville Alpine Fire, which would prove “Following the Victorian Bushfire a constantly adjusting timetable which to be a significant, demanding challenge Royal Commission, NSW National Parks is responding to a living landscape. It’s stretched out over the next six weeks. has been given funding to enhance our complex, but highly effective. Other fires in both in the Alpine and bushfire mitigation. In practical terms for In most cases it’s about strategically Baw Baw national parks also made their example, in the Southern Ranges Region reducing the next fire season’s poten- demands on resources. (Kosciuszko National Park and surround- tial fuel through slashing and cutting “By the end of the season, thirty-six ing areas) this has meant we now have 14 around huts, hazard reduction burning or thousand hectares of the Alpine National fire specialist staff where previously there maintaining an existing one. Most of the Park were burnt at Mount Feathertop, the were three. And we now have access to the burning program is carried out in Autumn Razorback and into the Mt Hotham Resort. new Rapid Aerial Response Team (RART) when conditions are more predictable. Tragically two DSE fire fighters were killed: aircraft on standby.” And given the weather will eventually a deeply saddening event.” This past season when bad fire close in to stop work, any tool that speeds These fire fighters were part of those weather was forecast, RART aircraft were things up during this limited window is gathered together from resources within brought into Tumut or Jindabyne to be very welcome. Victoria, interstate and New Zealand. This ready to meet the effects of the lighten- Seemingly small shifts “We’ve been involved in trialling a support was essential given the drawn-out can have a big impact, impact of frequent fire given this species The fire season in the Australian hazard reduction burning. As a result, the ing storms. “Both January and February new technology, a vehicle-based incendi- time frame, and the fact that much of the like the new nomex fire fighting pants worn only regenerates from seed which is not Capital Territory was thankfully programme covered more than 12,000ha were particularly hot and dry and we made by ACT staff - light ary launcher developed in Canada known fire front was often inaccessible and yet produced on trees until they are around 20 described by Neil Cooper as ”nothing too and included over 7,000 located in the use of the helicopters in eight fires. All enough to be worn as the Green Dragon. Mounted onto a two poised - given blow up conditions - to everyday as part of the years old. We’re currently flying over burnt severe” although ACT Parks crews spent Namadgi National Park in the Alps. of these RART-attacked fires were kept standard uniform and seat UTV, it launches incendiaries up to 60 launch itself towards Mt Hotham and over a major improvement areas to make an assessment and most over 2400 man days crewing fire vehicles Many months of careful planning to around five hectares, apart from one metres and we’ve been using them exten- the Great Divide into Gippsland. on the traditional, heavy kit. of the forest is looking ok. However there in readiness. And although there were underwrote these burns in the ACT, using 350-hectare fire which could easily have sively on our fuel reduction program.” “Because it was quite difficult to get are some places where the position and over 50 recorded fires during the summer all the available research-based models spread to thousands if we hadn’t been able Another highly effective and time- to the active fire front we were often forced distance to the closest seed source will in the ACT, the largest was kept to only for managing vulnerable landscapes and to get there quickly. It was a fantastic new saving device has been the Toro Pro-Force to attack indirectly through back burning make regeneration less certain.” 25ha by experienced and skilled Remote threatened species. The ACT section of innovation for National Parks, and at the blower which clears leaf litter, powerfully with a massive amount of aerial support The rehabilitation phase - the stabilis- Area crews. As well as this, ACT resources the Alps is rich in bogs which function as State debrief, the six regions agreed that clearing a mineral edge to function as a to keep the fire front quiet. Despite that, a ing of impacted tracks & trails and remov- were actively assisting elsewhere with four a major water-catchment. “Research from they were very happy with the new system. containment line. “We’re very impressed big day came with low humidity and high Managing the landscape ing risks such as dangerous trees - jumps separate significant interstate deployments the Bushfire Co-operative Research Centre Spending the money up front for aircraft prior to the fire season because it travels up to 10 kilometres an winds and the fire spotted into the resort.” in during the fire and continues post fire. to Victoria, NSW and Tasmania - support is crucial as it underpins our actions in is a complex task. NSW and more staff on standby has clearly Parks staff Lindsay hour as it clears a two metre-wide line. Looking back at the season, there The phase to follow - recovery - imple- which is part of a formalised agreement to the field. We must take the full range of Sirett (standing), Jason made a big difference in an active fire were some successes. Mt Hotham and Laird and Ben Fleming It reduces the need for earthworks, and it ments plans to help the landscape heal share resources for fire related activities. various values into consideration as we make good use of new season.” does the job with no soil disturbance. All Harrietville fared well. The built as- methods and equip- in the longer term. “We’ll be rebuilding “The interstate agreement came plan and monitor the effects of controlled ment - a Toro G Force we need now is another unit so we can sets - the alpine huts for example - came burns. It’s very challenging.” blower unit and (under damaged assets and focusing on weeds from the understanding that no single the canvas) a Green have two crews equally well-equipped.” through unharmed (see cover for more) and feral animals to reduce the threat to agency can cover a worse-case scenario. As an example of just how sophis- Dragon. thanks to a two-pronged approach. Those biodiversity as landscapes recover. It’s Therefore, under the agreement, assistance ticated the science of controlled burning immediately-at-risk, such as the recently also about re-opening areas that have is available throughout Australia and New can be, the weather must offer a window of rebuilt Federation Hut, were protected by been closed all this time out of neces- Zealand. We all use the same Incident opportunity, and the moisture present in laying fire retardant from the air as fire en- sity. It’s a priority to get visitors back into Control System; we share the same the fuel needs to be within a predetermined croached. Those with more time available these areas when safe to help communi- common training and we can all benefit range. To achieve a mosaic or patchy burn were literally wrapped in fire-reflective ties recover economically - for example, by keeping our skills current. In terms of (which offers shelter to species), planners material and left to face the fire alone re-opening the walking track to Mount NSW and the ACT, we routinely exchange make the most of the natural gradient in given fire crews were needed elsewhere - Feathertop sends a clear message.” resources, meeting during the year to com- the landscape - the dry ridges and moist at Harrietville and Mt Hotham. pare plans and assist each other in burns.” gullies. Post burn, monitoring feeds However this 2013 season has The fuel management programme in information back into the loop so that the punched some areas of Alpine Ash for- the ACT this year is the largest in at least process does an even better job of what is est possibly one time too many. “There the last 30 years. There are now 10 years ultimately the goal across the landscape - are sections of forest which burnt in of accumulating fuels, and the vegetation to enhance and protect the Alps. 2003, and again in 2006 and now this which was affected in 2003 is reaching the year again. We’re concerned about the age that it can survive carefully planned 4 5 A great deal of effort goes into bog, wet heath, sub alpine grasslands it offers and who are happy to take bites sections of the track which would benefit is an easy three day walk.” Over two sea- track news offering visitors opportunities to and more. Not only will it give visitors at it, time and time again - many, many from the support.” As is always the case, sonscliick contractors have re-graded& look the track, head out into the Australian Alps a sense that they could be a long way people feel very connected with this Track. the less structured moments of the meet- created water bars to manage drainage, via a network of tracks, some of from anywhere, thanks to some informed Managing it is complex, which is why ing offered the best opportunities for this built rock steps, assembled steel bridges, which follow pathways existing design, walkers, bike riders and people it has been allocated its own manage- broad group to share information and constructed the fibreglass tent platforms at long before there were national using wheelchairs or with lower mobility ment group, currently convened by Kevin views about a Track that Kevin sums up the new campsites and improved the toilet parks or settlers. With such an will all make good use of it. Cosgriff. Every two years, the group meets very well. “It offers challenges - it’s big, facilities. expansive resource, it seems like “At this point we’ve completed a with representatives of those connected long, difficult - but it’s rewarding. Even “We expect usage of this section of there’s always work being done on seven kilometre section which includes to the Track, at a different location each over a smaller section of the Track, it’s the Track to increase, so the works were three of the bridges which form major Anti-clockwise from top time so that everyone can gain different rewarding.” designed to improve not only its appeal a track somewhere across the Alps... left: Matthew Zagorski One of the newest projects on the crossings of the . Work- (top) and Thor Deleger glimpses of what makes up the whole. but its longevity and ease of maintenance. (below) working on books is the Thredbo Valley Track, a me- ing in this inaccessible terrain, and in the refurbishment of “There are around nine management One of the best slices of the Austral- We’ve also taken the opportunity to trial a sensitive riparian vegetation, has been one of Victoria’s four units linked to the parks agencies involved ian Alps Walking Track is the wonderfully few different surfaces - the natural surfac- andering 17 kilometres running alongside icon walks, The Falls the Thredbo River from Thredbo Village to a challenge; at times we’ve made use of to Hotham Alpine as well as the many walking associa- scenic 37 kilometre section known as The ing, imported gravel, and rubber track tiles Crossing; every two the Ski Tube at Bullocks Flat. One look at helicopters to set up the new suspension years the Australian tions and groups. We’ve also the national Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing, one (a New Zealand product) - and we’ll be Alps Walking Track the first completed section shows this is bridges with minimum disturbance. The management group parks associations, the tourism opera- of Victoria’s four icon walks - The Great monitoring their performance.” bridges themselves are a mix of grey gather to do business tors and the authors who’ve published Ocean Walk (open), Grampians Peaks Trail Reducing impact on the landscape not a simple project; that there must have at some point along its been very good reasons to build some- cabling and rusted steel towers, floored 650 kilometre length, work centring on the Track. So when we (at planning stage), and the Coastal Wil- is always an aim: work on the Crossing this time at its southern thing like this in a tricky site. NSW Parks with fibreglass mesh, all set high enough most end - Walhalla; meet, representatives from each of these derness Walk (planning stage). Thanks to should keep walkers from wandering off above the river so that canoes and kayaks and camping platforms are there to get an update on the Track’s combined funding from the 2009 Victorian the path; and the camping tent platforms Area Manager Pam O’Brien explains. suspended above the “This new track was the obvious missing can pass beneath during times of flood.” vegetation (this one condition and the works that have taken Bushfire Recovery program and Tourism allow the alpine flora to continue to thrive occupied by Mt Beauty link, bringing everything together. It’s also a Ranger, Stuart Camp- place since we last met. Australia through T-QUAL, the Crossing beneath them. bell), are a key part of combined-use track specifically designed Of course the ultimate Alps tracks must the Falls to Hotham “At this latest gathering at Walhalla has been transformed. Megan Graham This outstanding stretch of Austral- for both walking and mountain bikes.” surely be the 650 kilometre-long Australian refurbishment. we reviewed the Track’s strategy, look- from Parks Victoria tells how. ian alpine scenery is ready for anyone to To tick both these boxes, the track has Alps Walking Track. Its iconic status is not Creating a meandering ing closely at the operational section “The existing Track was already well come and enjoy. 17 kilometre long track been set below the , and when just based on its length but on the true running alongside the updating it where necessary to respond to designed to take in the iconic views. Our wilderness areas it traverses. From com- Thredbo River involves changes in the environment and available task was to carry out significant refurbish- completely finished (in 2015), it will pass a series of cabled through pristine Alpine Ash forest, Snow mitted adventurers who take it on as a timed bridges floored with resources. We also laid the foundation ment and to construct two new camping fibreglass mesh to suit Gum & Riverine woodlands, montane challenge, to those who love the landscape foot and mountain bike for a volunteer program to help maintain sites to provide places to stay during what traffic.

6 7 During the Forum, a shared pool who was there... of respect grew: researchers noted the Frazer Muir (Operations Coordinator, NSW NPWS), Graeme Worboys (IUCN WCPA Alps the hub calibre of experience and skill which the Consultant), John Wright (Knowledge and Many years ago, when the very first land managers brought with them, while Management Effectiveness Branch Parks Science Management Forum was land managers spotted some very useful Victoria), Mark Taylor (DSEWPaC Heritage & held, it was thought to be shock- collation, modelling and analyses being Wildlife Division Assistant Secretary, Parks ingly innovative and daring. The proposed via the Hub. Of course it was and Protected Areas, Parks Australia Division), very thought of bringing senior likely to be a quick falling-into-stride Michael Lockwood (UTAS and Hub Project scientists together with the people given the goal of both parties is ultimately Leader), Michael Mitchell (UTAS and Hub Re- the same (from different perspectives): to searcher), Sarah Clement LaP Hub (Murdoch who managed the Alps day-to-day, University and Hub Researcher), Steve Horsley conserve biodiversity at landscape scale. park managers and rangers, was in (NSW NPWS and Convener Australian Alps those days a very fresh idea. This session, and others that are Liaison Committee), Sue Moore (Murdoch History shows it was a brilliant one, planned with the help of the Alps Program, University and Hub Project Leader). Andrew providing invaluable support for land form only part of the Hub’s agenda which Harrigan (NSW NPWS Resorts Division), John managers whose job it is to maintain spans two case study areas, Tasmania’s Tisdell (UTAS and Hub Project Leader), Peter and protect the diversity of the Alps. And Midlands and the Alps. Looking at the Jacobs (Parks Victoria Chief Ranger Alpine & Alps, the Hub is researching around the Mt Buffalo National Parks), Sara Quon (CEO of this is why the Australian Alps Program Tourism North East), Sayed Iftekhar (UTAS and continues to leap at opportunities to bring factors which are at play every day. (With input from Alps managers it’s no sur- Hub Economist), Ted Lefroy (UTAS and Hub these two groups together - in November Director). Bec Harris (UTAS and Hub Climate last year the Alps Program hosted the prise to learn some of the factors being Research Fellow), Greg Lee (UTAS and Hub most recent Science Management Forum. discussed are very familiar - fire, climate Climate Analyst), Kåren Watson (DSEWPaC, In this instance the scientists present change, invasive species, threatened spe- Recovery Planning and Implementation), Ken are currently working on a research cies etc etc.) Green NSW NPWS Region program, federally funded and dubbed When the program of research draws Principal Research Scientist), Nathan Bindoff (UTAS and Hub Project Leader Climate Fu- the Landscapes and Policy Hub: they to its close, the Hub will present its tures). Chris Johnson (UTAS and Hub Project were understandably keen to meet and ex- findings at the Federal level. It will have helped to define what we need to know to Leader), Dan Brown (Parks Victoria, Environ- change information and discuss research ment Land Water & Flood Recovery), Duane needs with Alps managers from across the inform appropriate actions to conserve Shawcross (NSW NPWS Pest Management), three states. As for the land managers tak- biodiversity in the face of human and Iris Curran (Parks Victoria Ranger Alpine ing part, they’d recognised an opportunity natural drivers of change. It will also have Parks), Jethro Bangay (Parks Victoria Ranger to work with an impressive suite of names developed tools, techniques and policy Omeo), Nick Beeton (UTAS and Hub Ecosys- - leaders in their fields of study and as the options to support regional scale bio- tems modeller), Pam O’Brien (NSW NPWS Area Manager Snowy River), Rob Hunt (NSW Forum progressed, with obviously war- diversity planning - something which is NPWS Ranger/Vertabrate Pest Management ranted reputations. relevant to both land managers and State much more than moths and Federal policy makers. Unit). Brett Murphy (University of Melbourne Research Fellow and Hub Vegetation & Fire), For more information visit http://www. If you stood in the street and of a body of existing material. And they will be the best collection to date, of all Dan Jamieson (Parks Victoria, Fire & Environ- will head out to speak with people to nerplandscapes.edu.au/ ment), David Bowman (UTAS and Hub Project randomly asked someone about types of cultural treasure, fleshing all this Leader Vegetation and Fire), Fiona Coates Aboriginal connections with the gather more material - more stories out in more detail. It’s early days yet, but (DSE Arthur Rylah Research Institute Senior Australian Alps, there’s a good and documents - thanks to the support when complete, this particular project’s Plant Ecologist), Grant Williamson (UTAS and chance they’d mention the Bogong of the members of the Australian Alps end result will be an invaluable resource Hub Eco Spatial Analyst), Phil Zylstra (Univer- Moth feasts. And while they’d be Traditional Owners Reference Group. The for everyone. sity of Wollongong Research Fellow, Centre for spot on, there are many, many ultimate aim is to end up with a short, For further information contact either Environmental Risk Management of Bushfires). more cultural and spiritual aspects sharp document which clearly describes Chris Smith (Parks Victoria, 03 86274714, Charlie Pascoe (Parks Victoria Manager, Envi- which are - to be honest - less the relationship between Traditional Own- [email protected]) who is on ronment Land Water & Flood Recovery), Mel Schroder (NSW NPWS Environmental Monitor- widely understood. ers and the Alps. And accompanying this the project’s control group. ing Management, Kosciuszko National Park), Which is one of the reasons why work Reg Magierowski (UTAS and Hub Stream has begun on a Cultural Heritage Refer- Ecologist), Peter Davies (UTAS and Hub ence Group sponsored project which will Project Leader Freshwater Ecocyctems), Roger provide us all with an accessible, user- Good (Private Consultant & Alps Specialist), friendly resource. When finished it will not Simon Nally (DSEWPaC Heritage & Wildlife only help capture the cultural and spiritual Division, Recovery Planning and Implementa- Above: Jida Gulpilil from Dhudhuroa significance of the Alps among Aboriginal tion). Brendan Mackey (Griffith University and conducting a Welcome Hub Project Leader Bioregional Futures), Gary to Country for the peoples, but it will include a special side recent Australian Alps order - a brilliant literature review. Above: Among those at the many Saunders (NSW NPWS Manager, Reserve Traditional Owners science management forum tables Conservation Planning and Assessment), Lu- Reference Group meet- Of course thanks to previous work were (L-R) Frazer Muir (NSW ing at Wallace’s Hut NPWS) Michael Mitchell (The Hub) ciana Porfirio (ANU and Hub Researcher), Sue in the Alpine National in this area, the specialist team won’t be and Mark Taylor (AALC), together Park, Victoria. working to conserve biodiversity at Berwick (VIC Department of Sustainability and starting from scratch or working unsup- landscape scale. Environment Regional Manager Biodiversity Right: Thanks to the Alp’s ported. Heritage expert and historian Chris Left: A field trip was a great way North East), Sue Gould (Griffith University and Traditional Owners, for forum participants to gain an interpretive totems have Johnston, archaeologist anthropologist understanding of the complexities Hub Researcher, Tobi Edmonds (NSW Office of been placed around of managing parks landscapes Environment and Heritage Conservation Plan- the Alps like this one Maddy Maitri, and Andrew Sneddon (of inhabited by, e.g. the threatened pictured with Paul the University of Queensland’s Culture Mountain Pygmy Possum (Bur- ning Officer, Landscape & Aboriginal Heritage McLeod, Traditional ramys parvus). Protection) Owner, Janathung. and Heritage Unit) will also make use 88 9 a dangerous daisy

It was 2007 when people really as provide everyone who came with the noticed the shift. Keith McDougall, opportunity to share their weed manage- botanist with the NSW Parks Serv- ment highs and lows. At the end of the ice, nearly ran off the road. Elouise two days, everyone there had been fully Peach, Kosciuszko National Park briefed and able to swap some priceless Ranger had only been in the job on-the-ground advice. a year, but she like most people, Elouise Peach was there. “On arrival could see that it had become an I gave a quick intro to the workshop and issue. And pretty as it looks to the then Ranger Megan Bowden gave us unknowing, to those in the know a brief history of the homestead where the carpets of snowy blooms were we’d be staying overnight. And then Keith almost sinister... opened up the weed topic - what is a Of course we’re talking about weed, what are the potential problems for the apparently innocent Ox Eye Daisy the alps, which ones have emerged as (Leucanthemum vulgare), pretty enough priority weeds.” Currango was an ideal for someone to pop it into their garden, location because it allowed in-the-field not realising it would eventually escape moments and quick access to Kelly’s Plain to spread into, and threaten, a natural which Elouise describes as, “heartland of landscape. the ox-eye daisy”. Most people working across the Aus- In fact Kelly’s Plain is probably where tralian Alps - in parks agencies, catchment the sudden boom in daisy numbers was management authorities, local councils - initially most noticeable. Fire had travelled understand the weed issue. They also ap- through here along with drought. And while preciate that it’s a constantly shifting issue the woodland wasn’t affected by fire, the thanks to fire, drought, human impacts daisy was growing equally well through and climate among other factors. And if both which is one of the reasons why it you then focus on each of the different was worth going to take a closer look. weed species, they each behave differently. The workshop group was split into Pull this all together and you begin to see two. “Keith took one out onto the plain, that the only way to effectively deal with a subalpine grassland dotted with bogs. them would be to have the botanists and Both are threatened communities and park managers working side-by-side. he’s set up test plots to assess the daisy’s suggestion, we’ll likely trial an alternative Not surprisingly, that’s the approach potential to out-complete endangered herbicide.” the Australian Alps Program took when native species, such as the mauve burr And to balance the challenging and it brought around 30 people together in daisy (Calotis glandulosa) and the newly slightly grim aspect of weed manage- Top L and R: Getting early February for the latest operational discovered vulnerable species clover ment, the stay around Currango was made into weed-infested sites can be a challenge field day. Looking at the group who were glycine (Glycine latrobeana). The others especially hospitable. From the glorious unless you have access to a helicopter equipped setting up camp at the historic Currango came with me up into the woodlands meals eaten outdoors in perfect weather to with a tank and spray Homestead in Kosciuszko National Park, it the night time entertainment provided by nozzle. where we looked at the herbicide trial was a perfect mix - rangers and field staff plots and looked at management options. NSW National Parks Officer Tony Stubbs’ Left: Keith McDougall, botanist with the NSW from the three parks agencies plus techni- There was a good discussion about how outdoor slide show of his peregrine falcon Parks Service, took those at the recent cal experts. And the aim was simple, to best to re-vegetate weedy dozer lines (cut studies - it all helped remind us why operational field day offer up what is known about the dreaded through the landscape as part of ongoing we go to such efforts to look after these literally out into the field. ox eye daisy and its side effects as well fire management), and at another agency’s landscapes.

ox eye - at a glance • Leucanthemum vulgare aka Chrysthanthemum leucanthemum • Native to Europe • Classic daisy-like flowers on generally upright, unbranched stems • A showy garden escape which aggressively invades grasslands and open woodlands, forming dense clumps that exclude other vegetation • Spreads by seed (individual plants can produce up to 26,000 seeds, around 40% percent are viable after 10 years) and by creeping roots (stolons) • Current estimated of areas affected within northern Kosciuszko alone equals 3700 ha 1010 11 no borders here If you stop to look at the Australian Alps Program, it’s immediately obvi- ous that it’s a neat, no-waste package. In fact it’s had brilliant motives, bones and methods since it was put in place close to 30 years ago, always working to achieve best practice in co-operative management. Three parks agencies responsible for the management of the Austral- ian Alps each take turns hosting the Program - the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, ACT Parks and Conservation Service and Parks Victoria. Not only does this method unite the agencies and help fuzz the geographical boundaries drawn over the landscape, but it fosters a shared participation in Alps-wide action. The master stroke is in the way this is administrated, ever-so leanly but with continuity - via reference groups*. Read on to find out where to go to find out more...

The Natural Resource Management Refer- The Climate Change Reference Group’s ence Group works to gather and share focus is on supporting all efforts to work information on how best to manage fire in alongside the effects of climate change in the Alps, as well as pest animal and plant the Alps through information gathering species. This support comes from creating and sharing. opportunities for the right people to meet, Convenor: Karen Watson from organising helpful research to be [email protected] carried out, and from making every effort to spread useful information to everyone The Water and Catchments Reference managing these issues. Group supports all efforts to manage water Convenor: Charlie Pascoe catchment areas set within the Alps so that [email protected] the health of these ecosystems is boosted and maintained for both their aesthetic Which is more likely to burn - an older Snowgum forest (L) The Cultural Heritage Reference Group’s value as for their production of quality with its canopy separate from the forest floor; or its recently burnt equivalent (R) with no distinct break between canopy aim is to help people to understand water, and its effects down stream. it’s all about canopy and understorey? and appreciate the rich culture that is Convenor: Graeme Enders enmeshed in the Alps. Achieving this in- [email protected]. Marking the tenth anniversary of at the symposium were very supportive common belief that a long unburnt forest volves encouraging those best positioned gov.au the 2003 fires with a symposium of the revised view. “Most people who’ve would burn more readily, the map data to contribute their knowledge - of the past on fire was an almost inevitable worked in the Alps have already come to suggested that it couldn’t in fact be the lives of Indigenous people and settlers, The Stakeholder Engagement and Com- decision for the Australian Insti- that conclusion by various means.” case. “The data validates the model and lived in this landscape - and developing munications Reference Group offers tute of Alpine Studies*. One of In basic terms, Phil’s report is based offers empirical proof. We can see that ways to share this information to all. anyone with a connection with the Alps the presenters at the symposium, on asking which is more likely to burn Snowgum forests burnt up to 14 years Co-Convenors: Adrian Brown - visitor, resident, business operator - ac- Phil Zylstra (Research Fellow at when set alight by natural causes - an previously are 2.3 times more flammable [email protected] cess to information about the Alps’ natural the University of Wollongong) put older forest of Snowgums, which has than mature forests.” and Chris Smith landscapes and cultural values and how it thus, “There’s no indication of a matured to the point where its canopy is Of course this isn’t to suggest that [email protected] they are being collectively managed and fire of this scale in the few centu- quite separate from the forest floor; or hazard reduction burning does not have a protected. ries prior to European occupation. an area of the same type of forest which place in managing these landscapes, but The Visitor Experiences Reference Group Convenor: Andy Gillham Quite possibly it’s the first natural has been burnt some time recently and rather that a greater understanding of for- not only works to make people aware of [email protected] fire of that scale in modern times.” where there is usually no distinct break est type and its response to fire is useful what the Australian Alps have to offer, but Apart from its almost iconic status, between canopy and understorey growth. information to have. also supports ways to host visitors sus- *Other topic-specific reference groups the 2003 fire season has become a Earlier work by Phil used a fire behaviour Spending time and resources to gain tainably. Many of these new approaches are formed as needed from time to time, reference point for the study of fire in model he had developed based on physics a clearer picture of fire behaviour is obvi- have been achieved with much collabora- such as the Wild Dog, Feral Horse and the the Alps. There’s an opportunity to look and the geometry of the forest to predict ously worthwhile. Organising opportuni- trends in flammability for this forest type, ties for the right people to have access to tion with a range of stakeholders from Fire Science sub-groups, as well as the back from here, through fifty years of data suggesting that the most flammable period findings like this, via organised moments across the Alps. Australian Alps Walking Track Manage- on fire behaviour. It’s equally a place to was in the younger stages. such as this symposium, is key to adjust- Convenor: Kevin Cosgriff ment Group. look forward at a new era of fire which is clearly influenced by Climate Change. Phil “I looked at the map data gathered ing the thinking and methods employed by [email protected] Zylstra’s current work** has made good since 1957 relating to Snowgum forest parks managers. use of those fifty-odd years of data, and over the two States and Territory to see For more information, contact Phil he was able to present the essence of his if fire did favour one fuel age rather than Zylstra, [email protected] another. I was looking to validate the findings at the symposium. *The Australian Institute of Alpine Studies is an He debunks a commonly held belief model; I was looking to see if the model umbrella organisation for alpine researchers of all From top: disciplines. For more, visit: http://www.aias.org.au/ Charlie Pascoe, Adrian - that the older the forest, the more readily could predict the trends.” Brown, Kevin Cosgriff, And that is exactly what as hap- **The historical influence of fire on the flammability Karen Watson, Graeme it burns. And while the wider community of sub-alpine Snow Gum forests & woodlands, due Enders, Andy Gillham may still believe otherwise, those present pened over the last 50 years. Despite the out in the August edition of the Victorian Naturalist. 13 alps e-map

That’s right. If you’ve an much-loved, but dog-eared copy of the Australian Alps Touring map it’s now officially a vintage item. If you’ve been waiting for the latest re-print, it’s now out but in a new gorgeous, friendly, electronic form... No longer available on paper, the e-map is now ready to download onto almost any portable device - which for most of us will mean our very clever mobile phones. It’s free. It’s paperless. It’s easily updated. It offers more information - more huts, walking & 4WD tracks, locked gates etc. And it’s a breeze to use anywhere because once you’ve downloaded it onto your phone (use the scan block) you don’t need an internet connection to use it. Getting it onto your phone (or what- ever) is simple. Visitor Centres will soon be set up to support the process which is a basic download combo (reader software is recommended). Or you can get the same instructions and links set out on the Australian Alps site: www.australianalps.environment.gov.au

as localas Jindabyne and as far away as Canberra, Tawonga, Delegate, Bega and anyone for adventure? Henty. Added to this mix of experienced and novice volunteers were some staff It’s taken ten years, but thanks to an sections of the Colo and other rivers and volunteers and some local professional assault on weedy, introduced willows waterways close to free of willows river guides. on the Snowy River in Kosciuszko and other weeds by paddling in with the “For this trial we’d selected a fairly National Park, the job’s virtually right kit and know-how. The obvious next straight-forward section of river with easy complete and everyone involved - step was to set up a similar deal with local access, but it did have some class two and NSW Parks and the Southern Rivers involvement along the Snowy River. three rapids for some fun and a challenge. Catchment Management Authority - Working together, the Club and NSW We gave everyone training in willow agree the results are spectacular. But Parks gained funds from the Caring for control work then we moved out onto the no-one is thinking it’s a done deed, Country Federal grant scheme, with the river to build everyone’s river safety and in fact monitoring and follow up spot proviso that the grant be used to involve paddling skills. It was designed to be a control of willows, blackberries and volunteers in rehabilitation of the Snowy good opportunity for everyone to judge other weeds along the 186 kilome- River while also raising awareness of the their interest in future sessions.” tres of the river between the Jinda- River and 10 year rehabilitation program The weekend was a great success, byne Dam Wall and the Victorian generally. dealing with over 80 isolated willows that border will always be on the agenda. Ranger and ’Adventurous Volunteers’ had the potential to reinfest the water- The trick is to make this happen, project co-ordinator Rob Gibbs explains. way - and it was fun. Ultimately those effectively and cheaply. What if it “The funding came through in late 2011, driving the idea hope that not only will a Top L: NPWS Ranger could be fun as well...? then the Sydney based willow warriors made program like this invigorate local interest and ‘Adventurous Volunteer’ program This is the point where you have two low key reconnaissance trips through in paddling the Snowy, but that a growing coordinator Rob Gibbs tackling a section of to admire people’s creativity to solve a before Parks called a community meeting pool of recreational paddlers will routinely the Snowy River in a pack-raft to access and problem, and drive, to care for something in Jindabyne in October last year. It was head out onto the river, with support from treat willows. that’s clearly valued. The Rivers Canoe then that we invited local people to join in ongoing funding, to help stop willow from Below L: The volunteers Club of has a sub group a trial run, paddling and treating willows re-choking the Snowy River. getting some dryland training from river guide known as the ‘Willow Warriors’. These along an 18 kilometre stretch of the River.” For more information: Rob Gibbs on Rob Gant-Thompson largely Sydney based paddling enthusi- A diverse group turned up in March to take 6450 5577 or 0427 703 494, or email rob. before tackling the whitewater. asts currently help keep remote and wild part, from 15 to 60+ years old and from [email protected] 141412 15 land of the thunder dragon

Two weeks in Bhutan was clearly high and sometimes quirky standard of mountainous landscape is amazing and the local people who are very charming the ideal journey for Odile Arman, accommodation; and all meals includ- the Buddhist culture is rich with history. and dressed in traditional dress, being Manager, Community and Visitor ing hot picnic lunches with chilli cheese. What made our trip special was the blend blessed by a monk using a phallus (the Programs with the ACT Parks and Our trip was organised by Pat Darlington, of the natural and cultural – it was a Bhutanese have a fascination with these Conservation Service... whom many of you knew as the Education great ecotour experience. Our handsome and they are everywhere), walking up to If you ever want to go to a heavenly Officer for Kosciuszko National Park for so guides, Kelzang and Jamyang were very the Tigers Nest Monastery hanging off a place on earth then Bhutan is the place many years. For many months leading up knowledgeable and nothing was too much cliff, seeing Golden Langur monkeys in to visit. Bhutan is a small landlocked to the trip Pat worked closely with Bhutan trouble. Whilst we learnt much from them, the wild, tasting the local beer, Ara and country located in the Himalayas and is Gayul Tours to develop a tour that suited it worked both ways and they learnt a lot Gin Lime (some of us overindulged in the bordered by Tibet in the north and India our interests and provided opportunities about the natural history of their country latter and a hangover is not a good thing to the west, south and east. With about to visit parks and meet with staff from the because being eager naturalists we wanted to have at 4,000 metres!), visiting Dzongs, forty per cent of the land reserved as Bhutanese equivalent of a park agency. to identify every plant and animal we came former fortresses that are now religious protected area, and over sixty percent Twenty-nine people signed up for across. Even the drivers, Pala and Tsher- and administrative centres, walking along forested, Bhutan is one of the world’s the tour and we were divided into two ing were very knowledgeable and on the pilgrim trails with breathtaking views over

biodiversity hotspots and home to 5400 mini buses. Our bus had all the ‘parkies’ constant lookout for wildlife as they were Clockwise from top: the valleys, driving narrow sections of plant species, 770 bird species and 200 (mostly from across the Australian Alps) driving along the roads which seemed to Pat Darlington flanked road high up in the mountains that are by guides Jamyang mammal species. and people working in the natural resource have a bend every 100 metres. Dave and (L) and Kelzang (R) in often blocked by landslides, and seeing traditional dress for the We were fortunate to travel there management field. It was wonderful Pat Darlington also provided a valuable Thimphu Tsechu annual Mt Everest in the distance on the flight out for a two week tour in late 2012. The travelling with a great bunch of people insight into Bhutan based on their experi- festival. of Bhutan. Bhutanese Government has an ecologi- (many who knew each other) and who were ence gained from numerous visits as part Australian Alps Liaison Bhutan is extremely picturesque and Committee veterans cally sustainable approach to tourism. like-minded in terms of interests such of the cooperative arrangement between Dave Darlington, Odile has much to offer. You can’t help walking Arman, Peter Jacobs, They require visitors to pay a daily fee as hiking, birdwatching, spotting wildlife Bhutan and Kosciuszko National Park and Virginia Logan and Gill away without being enamoured by this of $250 and travel in a tour group. The and identifying plants, not to mention private trips they have undertaken to visit Anderson at the Tango amazing country. So if you are thinking Monastery. fee included our visa, a well educated appreciating the cultural aspects that were to visit their many Bhutanese friends. about a place to visit that isn’t overrun Fungi on the walk to the and informative guide who attended on offer. The highlights of our trip included Trongsa Dzong. with tourists you may wish to consider to our needs; a bus driver to drive the You cannot help but get totally im- the amazing flight down the narrow valley Bhutan as your next travel destination - Dancer at Thimphu narrow mountainous roads as well as mersed in the Bhutan experience. The to the landing strip at Paro, experiencing Tsechu - an annual reli- you won’t be disappointed. Bhutan landscape: gious Bhutanese festival Terrace rice fields in organising our luggage; a reasonably people are friendly and welcoming, the two religious festivals, interacting with held in Thimphu, the Punakha, Bhutan. capital of Bhutan.

161614 17 • An e-map (or interactive pdf) has been At the recent forum for visitor centre Assessment of the impacts of feral program developed for visitors to the Australian staff,• held every one to two years, frontline horses• on high elevation waterways in the Alps, bringing the Alps Program well-and- staff across the Alps are given the opportu- Alps has taken several years to complete update truly into the digital age (see page 15). The nity to see first-hand some of the wonderful due to the large number of randomised project has converted the Australian Alps aspects the Alps has to offer. Not only does plots selected to scientifically assess the Touring Map into a superb looking Interac- this enable visitor centre staff to promote impacts on waterways and bogs by feral tive pdf. It includes additional information experiences beyond their immediate area horses. The assessment included areas such as more detailed maps and useful of expertise, they gain an appreciation of currently free of feral horses as well as ar- In its 26th year of operation, the information for visitors – both location being part of a much larger, yet connected eas where they do occur, which has allowed Alps Program remains a model specific and of a general nature, plus the landscape. a thorough comparison to be undertaken. for landscape-scale cooperative 10 Best drives and walks across the Alps. management across agencies and Whilst the paper version of the map was • For the past three years the Alps Pro- • An analysis of the long-running Aus- state & Territory borders. It em- popular it could not compete with other gram has run operational field days, which tralian Alps Fire Plots Study has been com- phasises sharing information and online products and new technology. provide the opportunity for operational staff pleted, gathering valuable information over to increase their knowledge and under- a period of 16 years. A final report on the co-ordinating Alps-wide issues to • A project is currently underway to standing of how other agencies are dealing plots has now been compiled, presented improve management outcomes. develop a Statement of Significance on with specific operational issues within the at the Ecological Society of Australia’s The achievements in recent years Aboriginal spiritual and cultural values Alps. The theme for this year was ‘New and December conference, in Melbourne, and is speak for themselves: playing a of the Australian Alps. This project, well Emerging Weeds’, and the program brought available on the Alps website: http://www. important role in the National underway and expected to be competed staff to northern Kosciuszko National Park australianalps.environment.gov.au/ Heritage listing of the Alps, the in late 2013, will involve a combination of where a weed previously thought to be literature reviews and consultation with cur- relatively insignificant (Oxe-Eye Daisy) has One of the aims of the Australian Alps commencement of the National rent Aboriginal Traditional Owners across invaded large areas and has the potential Traditional• Owners Reference Group is to so important, so special, Landscapes program, the estab- the Alps. The aim is to highlight the com- to have a major impact across the entire seek recognition for Aboriginal Peoples lishment of the Australian Alps mon values and connections Aboriginal Alps. Current and potential methods of and their connections to the AlpsAs part of so worth visiting Traditional Owners Reference Peoples, both past and present, have with management of this weed were discussed this process, the Group sought to recognize Group and the partnership with the Alps. Aboriginal Peoples have always as well as ways of preventing infestations Aboriginal Rangers working in the Austral- It’s a subtle message, intuitively the Landscapes and Policy Hub felt a special connection to the Australian in new areas. In addition to this specific ian Alps and have chosen to do tis with a understood by anyone working in Alps and the aim of this project is to begin weed, NPWS weeds expert Keith McDou- badge which can be worn alongside their and around the Australian Alps. through the Commonwealth NERP to tell this story – a story which will be program (a landscape approach to gall provided information on more general agency logo. These badges have just been And the message is this: that available to the public via the Alps website threats posed by other new or emerging produced and will be distributed to all state borders aside, the Alps form assessing biodiversity across the (see page 9). weeds - what to look out for and how to Aboriginal staff working for park manage- Alps). identify the weeds which pose the greatest ment agencies within the Alps. a distinct region with a shared • The rehabilitation guidebook for the threats (see page 11). landscape and culture. Helping The Alps Program relies an a three-year Australian Alps is a soon-to-be-released • Continue with the rollout of the alps others to understand and appre- Strategic Plan (last revised in late 2011) operational user-guide to assist operators • In cooperation with the IUCN, the Alps interpretation panel replacement project, ciate this is the challenge... to set priorities and direction. As of July, and field staff across the Alps in the difficult Program regularly hosts Science Manage- where old outdated Australian Alps signs Which is why the Australian Alps Pro- hosting of the Program is to shift to Victoria task of rehabilitating damaged high eleva- ment forums. The aim of these forums is in key visitor areas such as Mt Buffalo are during which a new program manager and tion ecological systems. The booklet will to being Alps managers and scientists/ upgraded. gram goes to the effort every few years host agency will make their contribution to be a practical how-to guide covering topics technical experts together to discuss the to take a good look at what’s available to the strength and diversity of a four-agency like erosion control, species selection, most current cutting edge information • Work is currently underway to improve help visitors gain a greater understand- supported Australian Alps Program. Some competition control and mulching. available for a specific area of management. design of the proposed Alps-wide feral ing - of why the Alps are so important. of the projects over the past 12 months Past topics include fire, bogs, manage- horse population survey. This survey has Thanks to the most recent review a include: • Research into the social and ecological ment effectiveness and evaluations, and been undertaken three times over the last impacts of feral deer, a three year project climate change. In November 2012, a 12 years and provides the best informa- series of new brochures and banners just commenced, investigating the impacts science management forum was held in tion on what changes in population are is now available. Pop into one of the of deer across the Alps. With the significant cooperation with the National Environment occurring on a broad scale. It is proposed larger visitor centres in the region and increase in the deer population over the Research program (NERP) Landscapes and to conduct another survey in 2014 and with you’re likely to see the new un-missable past few years, there remains little scientific Policy Hub. The Hub is a federally funded ever improving methods a specialist group banners. There are three versions, all research on the social and ecological government research program investigating is working on ways of maximising accuracy impacts of deer within the Australian Alps. ways of improving biodiversity manage- and effectiveness. portable, each picking a theme and This project will carryout an assessment ment within Australia at a landscape-scale. communicating its essence at a glance. (both desktop and field based) of the eco- The Australian Alps has formed a strong • A collaborative research project with One showcases the pleasures to be had logical assets in the Australian Alps poten- partnership with this research group as Charles Sturt University is being carried moving through the landscape. Another tially at risk from feral deer and undertake the Alps are one of two study areas for this out into the establishment of ground- where cultural connections are cel- field monitoring to determine if detrimental research program (the Tasmanian midlands based methods to assist park managers in impacts are actually occurring. The project being the other) estimating feral horse density in a particular ebrated. And finally a banner to explain will be coordinated by Dr Andrew Claridge area (eg a valley). the natural treasure that is the Alps. from NSW NPWS. Andrew has commenced • Engagement with Aboriginal Peoples is Also in visitor centres you’ll find preliminary work on Stage 1 of the project one of the key responsibilities of the Alps • And for a great overview of the two new brochures - one which pulls (a desktop assessment). Program, the aim being to ensure inclusion Program, the Annual report for 2011/12 together the banner themes into a in park management decisions as well as has been completed and is available on • Stakeholder engagement was renewed receive appropriate recognition. In addition the Australian Alps website: http://www. handy all-about-the-Alps introduction. through the recent Australian Alps Walking to discussions on the cultural significance australianalps.environment.gov.au/ The second is more of a users’ guide, Track forum, a biennial meeting with staff of the Alps project, the Australian Alps stepping through all the wonderful ways and stakeholders, held most recently in Liaison Committee (AALC) regularly meets people can enjoy the alps, and the steps November at Walhalla, which is at the with the Australian Alps Traditional Owners they can take to protect the landscape Victorian en of this 650km iconic trek. The Reference Group (AATORG) to discuss meeting acts as a forum to discuss current ongoing business. The AATORG has re- while they are there. issues with the Australian Alps Walking cently met with the Landscapes and Policy It’s now all about making the most Track and through this process the AAWT Hub research group to get their views on of these tools. For more information on Strategic Plan is reviewed and updated (see landscape-scale biodiversity management. how to get hold of a banner kit or copies pages 6,7). Their feedback will be fed into the research of brochures, contact the Alps Program project. Manager. 18 19 paperless news Stop press (literally): this is likely to be the last paper copy of the news from the alps. The next issue you receive will be familiar but there will be no paper involved, not even as we gather all the necessary email addresses for its distribution. To make sure you keep getting your copy, email your details to [email protected] Just pop your email address in the subject line after the words alps e-news.

Hendersons Hut, on Great Alpine Rd, near Mt Hotham, coated by air with fire retardant in a bid to protect Alps built assets during the fire season just past.

people working AUSTRALIAN ALPS together A NATIONAL HERITAGE for the LISTED SITE www.environment.gov.au/heritage Australian FIRST PEOPLES Alps The statements made in “news from the alps” are those of the various individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian, New South Wales, Victorian or ACT Governments or their agencies.