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DEPARTMENT Of . § . sc1i:: JANUARY- FEBRUARY 2001 Conservation @. ,Et . AND LAND MANAGEMENT .,

• Awards for CALM • Vear-in-Review • Praise for work volunteers - page 3 - pages 4-5 under pressure at Bluff Knoll - page 7

• Rare orchid named • New Carer's Room • Trip to Gallipoli for after CALM open - page 3 CBR Chenelle volunteer - page 6 Davies - page 7

• Award for Leigh • Sandalwood trial a • Women in CALM Davis - page 3 success - page 6 No 6. - page 7 Ramsar lists more WA THREE more of Western an area of more than 78 million that it is one of the youngest Australia's wetlands have hectares. Australia, one of the systems on the Swan been listed under the interna­ first signatories to the Coastal Plain. These wetlands tional Convention on Convention, has 56 listed were formed only during the Wetlands, commonly Ramsar wetlands of which 12 past 4500 years and conse­ referred to as the Ramsar are in . quently have particular signifi­ Convention. CALM wetland specialist cance in terms of research The listings, which were Jim Lane of CALMScience interest in the evolution of wet­ officially confirmed on World Division in Busselton (with lands. Wetland Day-2 February­ advice and assistance from is habitat for also included 12 additions to Wetlands International­ almost one-third of the world's four existing Ramsar sites. Oceania), had undertaken a population of hooded plovers The new listings are the detailed nomination process to and 10 per cent of the global Becher Point wetlands near identify candidate wetlands. population of banded stilts. It Rockingham, Lake Gore near This had involved consulta­ also is a drought refuge for Esperance and the Muir­ tion with key stakeholders and many thousands of other Byenup complex east of the preparation of the nomina­ waterbirds. Manjimup. The additions are to tion document that contained The Muir-Byenup system the , the details of the features of each includes 'numerous lakes and 0 eel-Yalgorup system, of the nominated wetlands swamps. This complex is also a Jolibin Lake east of N arrogin, along with site maps. natural diversity recovery and the Vasse-Wonnerup sys­ The Commonwealth catchment under the State tem near Busselton. Government provided almost Salinity Strategy. The Convention on Wetlands $50,000 through the National As well as providing habitat is an international treaty that Wetlands Program of the for tens of thousands of water­ promotes the conservation of Natural Heritage Trust for the birds-more than 51,000 indi­ wetlands of international sig­ project. vidual birds have been record­ nificance and the wise use of All three of the areas being ed in a single survey- it has wetlands generally. The con­ nominated are internationally almost 650 species of native vention was first adopted in significant and deserve their plants, many of them rare. 1971 at a meeting in Ramsar, standing alongside other WA now has more Ramsar­ Iran. Ramsar sites both here and listed wetland sites than any It currently lists 1038 sites overseas. other Australian State or throughout the world covering Becher Point is distinctive in Territory.

John Bartle, John McGrath and Richard Harper, "delighted to be part of a CRC chosen for such vital research". Photo by Verna Costello Salinity research funded CALM is part of the Co­ Dr Wally Cox, said the expertise "There could be more than operative Research Centre of CALMScience researchers three million hectares of such which was recently awarded had been recognised in a fiercely land, and suitable plants and $22.5 million by the contested research prize. management systems could lift Commonwealth Government "The commercial value of its productivity by 75 per to investigate dry land salini­ this research has been estimated cent," Dr Cox said. ty management during the at $86 million a year using The CALMScience team next seven years. their research ideas to improve members are Farm Forestry Results of the research could the use of the land," Dr Cox Unit manager, John Bartle; lift the productivity of millions said. principal research scientist, of hectares of WA land by 75 "It shows the level of exper­ Margaret Byrne; senior per cent. tise at CALMScience is among research scientist, Richard Other members of the the best in the country, and will Harper and and Tree Research Centre include the give salinity research an excit­ Crops Group manager, John University of Western ing boost." McGrath. CALM Director of Parks, Jim Sharp (left) and Track Care WA President Doug McKenzie Australia, Agriculture WA, He said flow-on benefits of John Bartle said the aim of prepare to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between CALM and Track Care WA. NSW Agriculture and the projects engineered by the the -based CRC was to Photo by Ernie McLintock Commonwealth Scientific and team would lead to social and develop farming systems that Industrial Research economic advantages for towns mimic natural ecosystems. Organisation (CSIRO). and communities affected by The team will: Mou signed The funding is part of $325 the impact of salinity. • select suitable woody and million allocated to 19 co­ "New field-tested, economi­ herbaceous perennials; FOUR-WHEEL drivers will be delighted WA President Doug McKenzie. (Track operative research projects cally viable perennial crops • develop, test and demonstrate with the signing of a Memorandum of Care is the umbrella organisation for the State's across Australia to develop will be required if we are to farming systems to reduce Understanding that will allow them access recreational four-wheel drive associations.) commercially viable ideas. achieve the scale of planting groundwater recharge; to CALM-managed lands and have more The signing was witnessed by Greg Successful candidates were (measured in millions of • rehabilitate and use salt­ involvement in the management of its Bremner, President of the WA 4WD from industries ranging from hectares) necessary to arrest affected land; tracks. Association, and Jan Scudamore from Tread medical companies to techno­ salinity," he said. • develop options for farmers The signatories to the MoU were CALM's Lightly. logical and agricultural organi­ Farming systems suitable for wanting to use the new farm­ Director of Parks, Jim Sharp and Track Care continued page 2 sations. land already affected by salini­ ing systems; CALM's Executive Director, ty will be developed. continued page 2 Future Directions Trip was eye-opener IT will be impossible for introduction of weeds, me ever again to glance by Lee Patrick I fertiliser drift, and casually at a CALM I vehicle accesses add to reserve. About 28,000 visitors the problem. Increasing That which I have to the area yearly bear soil salinity is a problem taken for granted as an witness to the popularity on agricultural lands easily manageable re­ of this reserve, only 160 surrounding Dryandra. source, now reveals an kilometres from Perth. The complexity of The work of breeding, The results of the election are now known inter-weaving of intri­ survival for the cacies and balance I had translocating and pro­ and we welcome Dr Judy Edwards MLA as the marsupials at Dryandra is never suspected. tecting native fauna at new Minister for the Environment and portrayed in the life of Being a volunteer on a Dryandra is a credit to the Heritage and Water Resources. The agencies the mardo. At 12 months field trip to Dryandra vision and diligence of in her portfolios include CALM, the Marine of age, following a brief, Woodlands (Dryandra CALM. Reserves and Parks Authority, Conservation aggressive mating period, The reintroduction of Commission, DEP, EPA, Kings Park and and Highbury State the males die, making Forests), conducted by bilbies and the western Botanic Gardens Authority, Zoo, Water and way for the females and barred bandicoot is now Rivers Commission, Swan River Trust, Office CALM Woodvale senior future generations. in progress, and I was of Water Regulation, Burswood Park Board technical officer Brent All the marsupials at Johnson has changed all delighted to be part of the and the Heritage Council. Dryandra have a similar trapping and tracking The Forest Products Commission is part of that. story of adaptability to The immediate at­ process to monitor the the Primary Industry portfolio along with environment. My ad­ progress of these animals. Agriculture and Fisheries. traction of Dryandra is miration for them bas the charming woodlands, Life is tough for Initial briefings have already commenced on fuelled a desire to know, undisturbed and peaceful Dryandra fauna. Feral a range of issues including the key issue of old see and experience more. foxes, cats and rabbits not growth forests. amid fertile undulating Subsequent voluntary With camera ready, Lee takes notes on Dryandra only predate but compete The new Government can be expected to farmland. Agriculture work in administration at wildlife. Photo by Paul Hotchkin and conservation work for food and shelter, provide guidance on its policy priorities in the the Woodvale Research together to manage causing damage to native conservation, environment and natural Centre has introduced me diverse in character as the willingness to share their this valuable Wheatbelt plants and habitats. fields they represent.· resource management areas and these in turn to a dedicated team of expertise has made being ecosystem. Fire protection, will need to be reflected in our strategic and experts who are as Their kindness and a volunteer a pleasure. output plans and resource allocation. Resolution of the old growth issue, the creation of new national parks and marine parks and LETTERS . . . LETTERS . . . LETTERS . . . LETTERS Salinity research funded cont'd nomination of additional World Heritage areas could be expected to be amongst the priorities. • hold educational pro­ for emerging industries, A recent visit to the South Coast region and CBRs to Gallipoli Grateful Albany City letter to be placed on each grams so farmers which will have a mar­ Albany District was an opportunity to recog­ The following letter I am writing to express current member of staff's could access and ket in five years, and be nise the contributions of volunteers and partic­ arrived recently from the my sincere gratitude for personal file. apply the research to widely adopted within ularly Eileen Croxford to CALM. State President of The the extraordinary efforts Yours faithfully, their new ventures. 15 years." Eileen, at age 88 is still active in the Albany · Returned Services League that the members of your Craig McKie "We are thrilled to The Director of the Regional Herbarium along with many other of Australia Lieutenant­ organisation demonstrated Floreat Park. be part of a CRC Co-operative Research members of the Albany branch of the WA Colonel K J Bladen over the last couple of chosen for such impor­ Centre is Professor of Wildflower Society. (retired): weeks in assisting the City Memorial seat tant research," John Agriculture and Deputy Volunteers are important to us in many ways I read with interest of Albany during the dev­ Following is a moving said. Executive Dean at the but in my view the most important is that it is a your article regarding the astating fires which letter from Leonie "We will help protect University of WA's reflection of the community's interest and success of your Bush occurred in our region. Christian to Director of existing industries and Faculty of Agriculture commitment to the environment. Their particu­ Ranger Programme in I am continually Parks, Recreation, Plan­ produce new products Philip Cocks. lar interests vary but collectively in coopera­ your September-October amazed at the extent of ning and Tourism Jim tion with CALM our volunteers are working to issue of CALM NEWS. assistance rendered to us Sharp: leave our environment in good condition for The RSL, too, is very by government bodies and I have been wanting to helped in our grieving ciation of staff and man­ future generations. involved in the cadet other organisations far write to you for months process. agement at Woodvale for My Albany visit also provided the opportu­ movement in WA, and wide, and appreciate now, and felt this long I can not speak highly another sterling effort by nity to recognise the performance of Albany embracing all cadets, what a huge task it was to overdue letter could wait enough of the way Alan your professional crews. and Esperance District and South Coast Australian Defence assess, co-ordinate and not a moment longer. Sands, Miles Bovell and The very short response Regional staff in achieving 12 months without Forces, Police, SES and provide support where You will recall the CALM workers time and the high quality a lost time injury. Bush Rangers. needed most. We certainly approached you last year brought this all together. of the response is a credit Collectively, CALM employees have now In fact, together with proved that by working regarding a memorial seat My thanks and best wishes to you and your officers' achieved the best safety result since the estab­ the office of Youth together we really can for Timothy Christian­ go to you all. organisation and pre­ lishment of CALM. The figure of five lost Affairs, we are sending make a difference. Burch my 12-year-old Yours truly, paredness. time injuries per million hours worked pro­ four cadets-plus two Please pass on my son, who drowned at Leonie Christian. It was especially reas­ vides us with the next challenge which is to chaperones-to tour heartfelt thanks to all Matilda Bay on Xmas suring to be told that, reduce it below three over the next 12 months. World War I battlefields in involved; I am proud and Day 1999. The seat, as Firefighters thanked only a few minutes after I encourage all employees to work with their France and Gallipoli in honoured to have you sup­ you are probably aware, CALM firefighters are the fire had started, a safety coordinators to continue to identify risks April 200 I, culminating porting the Albany com­ has been constructed. accustomed to receiving heavy-duty fire unit was in the workplace and ways of minimising those in the Dawn Service at munity. The seat is a beautiful grateful thanks, but it does already on its way to risks. Gallipoli on ANZAC Yours sincerely, memorial to Tim, being in nothing but good for the Woodvale. This, coupled Finally, many CALM employees have been Day. Alison Goode JP his favourite place, solidly rest of us to be reminded with subsequent backup heavily committed to fighting wildfires, many One of the four cadets Mayor built, right out there (in of the considerable time units from CALMFire and in cooperation with FESA. This summer has selected from the 16 final­ front of everything), in an and effort these people FESA, and a solid com­ seen an above average incidence of fires and it ists (and 70-plus nomina­ Behaviour improves ideal setting where you volunteer on our behalf: mitment from our own is a credit to CALMfire and other CALM tions) is Chenelle Davies I wish to congratulate can always hear laughter Here's one thank-you staff, contributed to the employees throughout the State that damage (15) of the Como Bush CALM on the manage­ along with the play of from CALM Wildlife eventual control of the fire has been minimised. Rangers. We thought ment of Lane Poole children. I can't help Research Centre manager before there were major that you may care to pub­ Reserve. thinking that it is so in Grant Pearson to Perth losses. Dr Wally Cox, Executive Director lish this in a future issue of My family and I recent­ keeping with Tim's char­ District's fire co-ordinator I should also comment CALM NEWS.* ly returned to Lane Poole acter. Mike Cantelo: on the high level of CC' The tour will help the Reserve for the first time I want to send you my On December 27, 2000, operation between yoL _ cadets to understand why since regulation was intro­ heartfelt thanks for mak­ the WA Wildlife Research crews and other agencies it is so important to duced. Prior to regulation, ing this all possible. Many Centre was again threat­ such as the FESA. It is MoU signed cont'd remember those who the obnoxious behaviour of Tim's friends and ened by a wildfire origi­ commendable that such fought in wars and made of a few spoiled the camp­ family visit this seat and nating from the Water high levels of efficiency Jim said he was delight­ logging and proposed the supreme sacrifice. ing experience for the remember him I know I Authority property on the and effectiveness can be ed that a workable agree­ burns. The cadets will also see majority. do regularly, in the peace western side of the free­ attained during the fire­ ment to reduce pressures "In the past, many battlefields where soldiers Regulation means that of the sunrise and .moon­ way. The last time a major control process that must on CALM-managed lands CALM tracks weren't not much older than families once again enjoy light. I know it has given wildfire threatened the seem chaotic at times. had been reached between designed for wide recre­ themselves fought and camping in a very beauti­ us all a special place to Centre was in November Please convey to all the parties. ational use by the public, died. ful part of the State, on be with our wonderful 1994. your staff our gratitude for "The Memorandum and this had created man­ This is the inaugural Perth's doorstep. memories of Tim Also, I I wish to express the their professionalism and of Understanding sets agement problems when tour, and will possibly be Regulation would not feel convinced this has sincere thanks and appre- a job well done. out guidelines and regula­ four-wheel drivers began conducted annually under be possible without the tions on the behaviour of to use them. the title 'Spirit of ANZAC dedicated CALM staff CALMNEWS-JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2001 four-wheel drivers in "We'll continue to Tour'. who, with limited Managing Editor: Caris Bailey State forests, national monitor the disturbance to We would be pleased to resources, conduct them­ Editor: Verna Costello parks and other CALM­ wildlife, physical damage see more Bush Rangers selves with the highest Contributing Editors: Nigel Higgs and Sue McKenna managed lands," Jim to tracks, noise and dust nominating for future level of professionalism. Design and Production: Tiffany Aberin said. pollution, any threat to tours. Details for the tour As a public face of CALM Published by CALM Strategic Development and Corporate Affairs Division, "Four-wheel drive Aboriginal and historic in 2002 will be promul­ they are without fail Cygnet Hall, (cnr) Mounts'Bay Road & Hackett Drive, enthusiasts will receive sites, erosion, drainage, gated to all cadet units knowledgeable and very CRAWLEY, Western Australia 6009 information about respon­ water pollution, the aes­ later in 200 I. welcoming. Telephone: (08) 9389 8644 Facsimile: (08) 9389 8296 sible ways to use the bush, thetics, littering, fire risk, *For more on Chenelle Please extend our Story deadline for CALM NEWS is the 10th of the month its plants, animals and health and hygiene, and and CALM Bush Rangers thanks to the relevant preceding the month of issue. tracks, and information the need for facilities," at Como Senior High CALM staff and please Printing by Lamb Print. about closures, openings, Jim said. School, see page 7. arrange for a copy of this PRINTED ON 100°0 RECYCLED PAPER Invitation to volunteers

CALM volunteers who CALM's operations," charge for Boranup, enjoy campground host­ Dave said. Glenn Willmott has ing are flocking to the "Since undertaking the involved volunteers at South West Capes course, the Parks and Conto's campground for District in 2001- the Visitor Services team in the first time in many International Year of the the Capes District has years. Volunteer. worked closely with Marg "Several years of hard As a consequence, the to encourage people to work by Leeuwin­ District's Parks and volunteer as CALM Naturaliste National Park Visitor Services team has campground hosts in the rangers to reduce the benefited enormously, South-West over the busy 'rogue element' and reverse with smoothly operating summer to Easter season," the poor reputation of the District campsites, and a he said. campsite has culminated in minimum of hassles. "With ever-increasing this year's decision to CALM forest ranger numbers of visitors to the invite campground hosts to Dave Whitelaw said that District's seven camp Conto's," Glenn said. CALM volunteers co­ sites, the capacity for staff, "The hosts· are report­ ordinator Marg Buckland rangers, and maintenance ing positive feedback had done a sterling job, workers to service camp­ from campers who appre­ Qrgamsmg uniforms, sites properly as well as ciate their availability to dges and helpful infor- handle visitors' inquiries answer questions, and that 1nation for the camp­ is continually stretched. they are also able to ground hosts. "Several of our forest increase awareness of "Marg and the Park campsites on the other offerings in and Policy and Tourism Blackwood and Margaret around the South West team at Kensington Rivers don't have a full­ Capes District. Headquarters held an time ranger, but CALM To Norm and Gina introductory Volunteer volunteers in uniform Gregory, Bob Walker, Management Course, for help ensure campsites Bernadette Barkley and CALM staff in November comply with the camp­ Nomad, Jim and Anne 2000, which highlighted ground rules and leave Bradshaw, Grantley and the different roles that their fees in the honour Dawn Hutchens, and CALM volunteers play boxes provided." Daniel Coffey-the South and the importance of The Leeuwin-Naturaliste West Capes staff members CALM overseer Terry Coffey (left) with campground hosts Gina and Norm Gregory. Photo by Dave Whitelaw their services to many of National Park ranger-in- salute you. Carer's room now opened

A DEDICATED emergency tains. They also searched for carer's room is now up and by Gavin Wibrow equipment from other CALM functioning at CALM's people and arranged new pur­ Operational Headquarters in accessible to those with a dis­ chases. Equipment scrounged/ Kensington. ability, and is fully functional, donated or on semi-permanent This followed the move of both as an internet-connected loan includes computers and staff to the Forest Products office and as a place where fax (from Stefan Dumitro) and Commission, when Director of family members of all ages TV/video (from Estelle de San Corporate Services John Byrne who require care can be Miguel). seized the opportunity to allo­ accommodated. It has a small Enthusiastic supporters cate space, and ' nailed' fridge and microwave, plus a include John Grenfell, who resources for this worthy pur­ sofa/divan and a TV/video as expedited arrangements for pose. well as a stand-alone PC for much of the refurbishment; The room is available for computer games. John Lee who connected the staff use when they would other­ Anyone wishing to use the computer equipment and Bob wise need to stay away from facility as a carer's room must Merson who provided invalu­ work at short notice to care for sign the Carer's Room able assistance in completing family members or other Agreement, although this is not those many important little dependants, for whose care required for employees using jobs in fitting out such a room. they are responsible when nor­ the room as a temporary office. CALMpeople Services is mal day-care arrangements A working party of volunteer responsible for co-ordinating have fallen through. staff 'checked out' other facili­ the use of the facilities and The facility is not intended ties before fitting out the room. room bookings, most of which to provide for regular care Members included Jennifer can now be done via requirements. Paterson and Melissa D'silva CALMpeople Services home When not required as a (who were the driving force), page on CALMweb. carer's room, visiting CALM Stefan Dumitro, Warwick The room is on a six-month staff may use the facilities as a Boardman, Greg Beange, Hema trial, following which an evalu­ temporary office or quiet room. Krishnan and Gavin Wibrow. ation will be conducted to see The room is on the ground Melissa donated the material what improvements can be floor next to the cafeteria, is and Jennifer made up the cur- introduced. Recognition for volunteers

ONCE a week 92-year-old 12,500 specimens. • Volunteer of the Year for twins Barbara and Margaret The recipients of these and Visitor Services (recreation): Evans carefully drive from other CALM awards (covering Gwen Plunkett. their home in Peppermint three years) are listed as follows: • Outstanding Service Award: Grove to CALM's WA 1997-98: Stanley Webster. Herbarium in Kensington. • Volunteer of the Year for 1999-2000: Recently their journey was Visitor Services (information • Volunteer of the Year for to Yanchep National Park to and interpretation): Eileen Visitor Services (information receive an Outstanding Service Croxford. and interpretation): Fred and Leigh Davis-a good sport Award for a decade of volun­ • Volunteer of the Year Jean Hort. tary work for CALM. (wildlife research and man­ • Volunteer of the Year MEDALS as 'chest furni­ Group, and to many CALM recognises Leigh's volunteer The Evans sisters joined the agement): Tom Hammond. (wildlife research and man­ ture' are fine when the occa­ people he is the man who will work in promoting mature­ Herbarium 's volunteer pro­ • Volunteer of the Year (recre­ agement): Carla Tassone. sion calls for it. It's what's to go to any length to help them age sport, as chairman of gram 10 years ago to preserve ation): David Secker. • Volunteer of the Year for be done with them in the if they need aerial pho­ the State Advisory and mount plant specimens on • Outstanding Service: Bob Visitor Services (recreation): meantime that bedevils tographs, or advice about pho­ Committee. boards. and Barbara Backhouse, John and Thelma Hannaby. their owners. togrammetry or remote sens­ Leigh is also a member of Their award was one of Kevin and Kath Follett (who • Outstanding Service Award: For Australian Sports ing. the WA Olympic Council. For CALM's three Outstanding travel each year from Go! Barbara and Margaret Evans. Medal winner Leigh Donegan And it is this generosity of many years before this, Leigh Service Awards acknowledging Go!, NSW to be campground 1The awards were a timely Davis (above) of the GIS spirit in helping others that was a keen and successful the dedication of volunteers. hosts in the Kimberleys). reminder that we should hon­ Section of Information has been recognised by the yachtsman, his contributions The other recipients were 1998-99: our the 3600 CALM volunteers Management Branch it's not a award. in this sport culminating in his Stanley Webster, whose volun­ • Volunteer of the Year for who freely give time to work problem-he had his medals The Australian Sports Presidency of the W.A. tary work at the Herbarium has Visitor Services (information for love of WA's natural envi­ framed along with his cita­ Medal is one of the Australian Yachting Association. made him one of Australia's and interpretation): Kath ronment. Last year alone, they tion. Commonwealth's Honours Well done, Leigh, and con­ leading acacia authorities, and Napier. contributed 121,000 hours, and Leigh is project leader, Awards, and was created for gratulations. Bob and Barbara Backhouse, • Volunteer of the Year(wildlife in the past 10 years, they have Remote Sensing Applications Services to Sport. The award Photo by Sue McKenna. Herbarium reference curators, research and management): contributed 670,000 hours to who verify the names of its Sally and Harry Kirby. 360 projects. 20Q', • < Fire began and ended Nannup region came in. the year as bushfires by Sue McKenna The public was also asked struck southern and & Jo-ann Lee for suggestions about how northern regions, punc­ to incorporate activities tuated in winter by the South-West In the such as horseriding, abseil­ CALMfire's firefighters ensuing days, firefighters ing, mountain-bike riding, being called to the were kept busy controlling bushwalking, sightseeing United States to extend fires in the Midwest and and wildflower viewing at their expertise in fight­ J arrahdale. the Darling Range ing uncontrollable wild­ By the end of the month, National Park. fires raging through conditions reached the On International mountainous terrain. opposite end of the scale as Forestry Day, WA It was a year charac­ heavy rainfall closed foresters were praised for terised by change, with Walyunga, Fitzgerald forest conservation and the Conservation and River, Stokes and Cape timber industry support. Land Management A­ Arid national parks. The State's biggest mendment Bill 1999 and Two men were charged exporters of woodchips, Forest Products Bill 1999 with taking hollow stems Wesfarmers, pledged to passed by State Parl­ from Crown land near reduce native timber iament. Coolgardie to sell as woodchip exports from It set the stage for the didgeridoos, resulting in a 630,000 tonnes to 270,000 appointment of the new tagging system later tonnes by 2002. Conservation Commis­ in the year. APRIL sion of WA (replacing the A grant was given to the Lands and Forest historic Yanchep Inn at The release of 20 bilbies Commission and the Yanchep National Park at Dryandra Woodland National Parks and Nature north of Perth to enhance near Narrogin marked the Conservation Authority), its tourist potential. end of the reign of the the creation of the Forest FEBRUARY European fox following Products Commission and extensive fox baiting under the separation of CALM's A new timber recycling CALM's Return to commercial and conserva­ industry was established Dryandra program. tion responsibilities in near Mundijong to turn Ecotourism (worth $75 Refinements in the development of a fertility-control vaccine for use in baits was hailed as a significant native forests. marri into high quality million a year in WA and breakthrough by CALM staff involved in the fight to contml feral animals. Pictured in Dwelling up forest is Ecotourism develop­ kiln-dried flooring, wood­ growing) took another CALM research scientist Kathy Himbeck with an echidna, one of the native species expected to thrive following ments flourished, with chips and fibre board. step forward with the cre­ the use of this vaccine. Photo by Peter Garside, courtesy Alcoa World Alumina Australia management plans and Collaboration between ation of a new accredita­ draft management plans CALM, Edith Cowan tion system to license tour construction of a lookout expansion will help to of a new 152,000-ha con­ Park and King Leopold being drawn up to con­ University and the operators' activities. trail staircase. At Parry battle salinity. servation reserve. Ranges Conservation Park. serve and protect popular Yadgalah Aboriginal A $240,000 Regional Lagoons a JUNE CALM conducted Cane River Conserv­ national parks and marine Corporation resulted in a Forests Agreement pro­ bird-hide and elevated planned burns in the ation Park includes land­ areas. The Valley of the dugong study to identify gram created employment walkway were built. June saw WA's conser­ Gnangara, Pinjar and forms and vegetation not Giants Tree Top Walk won habitats and minimise opportunities for former Budget allocations of vation cadet unit, the Yanchep pine plantations found in other conserva­ more awards while the environmental impacts. timber workers. $300,000 to develop CALM Bush Rangers, to reduce the buildup of tion reserves in the Pilbara. number of people walking The plantation forest Management plans for Gnangara Park near Perth highly commended in the pine needles on the forest The Kimberley national the Bibbulmum Track review was released. A Yellagonga Regional and $2 million to imple­ Young Australian Award floor that in summer pro­ parks and conservation doubled. block of remnant Park-rich in Aboriginal ment the recommenda­ for Environmental Achie­ vides fuel for wildfires. reserves cover 540,000 ha Translocations of native Wheatbelt native vegeta­ and European culture­ tions of the Ferguson vement in Schools. The The longest total lunar and feature remnant rai• animals took place in tion was extended to pro­ and the Swan Estuary Report into forest man­ Bush Ranger concept is eclipse for the next 1000 forest, gorges and abm, _ . Shark Bay, Kalbarri tect rare vegetation and Marine Park were released. agement were announced. part of CALM's initiative years happened on July dant wildlife. The Mitchell River National National Park, Dwellingup, help control salinity. MAY Another $3.4 million to create conservation 16. The moon remained New Norcia Dryandra Announcements were was allocated for capital awareness among young completely in the Earth's Park is the world's richest Woodland, Pemberton, made about salinity reveg­ A forest discovery cen­ works, $4.5 million for people. shadow for 107 minutes. area for mangrove birds Harvey and Walpole. etation projects in nature tre featuring public pro­ roads and facilities and Children were involved It was watched by many and takes in the stunning­ reserves in the Narrogin grams and forest activities in ceremonies to celebrate people throughout WA ly beautiful Mitchell Falls. JANUARY $1.3 million for fire fight­ area, including the reha­ for students and adults ing fleet replacement. Arbor Day by planting with expert assistance A management plan for CALM firefighters start­ bilitation of sand and was opened at Wellington Tammar wallabies were thousands of trees. from CALM's Observ­ the Jurabi and Bundegi ed work in the early hours gravel pits. Dam in the Bunbury­ reintroduced into State The creation of atory staff. coastal parks near of New Year's Day as Bushfires hit Watheroo Collie region. forest near Dwellingup as Wellington National Park AUGUST Exmouth and the Muiron bushfires raged through National Park in the Mid­ A $100,000 visitor cen­ part of Western Shield. was announced. The Island Reserves off the forest at Denmark, west. tre was officially opened An announcement was 4200-ha park comprises Two national parks and North West Cape was four conservation parks announced. Nornalup and the Southern MARCH at Purnululu National made to expand the land surrounding the Forests region with a sub­ Park in the Kimberley CALM tree nursery at Wellington Dam near were created. Yanchep National sequent announcement Final entries in the while visitor facilities at Manjimup, enabling 41.5 Collie. Arrangements They were Cane River Park's redevelopment that two water-bombing tourist icon competition Mirima National Park million trees to be planted were made for the return Conservation Park, 100 began with the upgrading aircraft would be based in for the karri forest in the were improved with the on cleared farmland. The of the native mammal, the km south-east of Onslow, of the Yanchep Inn and the woylie, to the area. and, in the Kimberley, the construction of new tea­ Mitchell River National rooms and a cafe. JULY Park, Lawley River Woylies and chuditch The Goldfields Wood­ National Park, Camp were released in the land National Park was Creek Conservation Park, Kalbarri National Park as officially gazetted as part Laterite Conservation part of Western Shield.

Winner of the Volunteer of the Year Award for Recreation was Gwen Plunkett (right). As a CALM voluntee1; she regularly 'walks' the Northern Terminus of the CALM Bush Rangers continued to take on board CALM's animal and plant conservation message-much of it Bibbulmun Track, inspecting facilities for possible maintenance work. Gwen in a hands-on manne,: Here, the Bush Rangers from Mount Lawley Senior High School are building a bats' also works with the Friends of Bibbulmun Track, whose executive officer Becky nest, with encouragement ( and a drill at the ready) from their unit leader Andrew Paul (left). Th ey are Sarah Shrimpton (left) was on hand to congratulate Gwen at the award ceremony in MacFarlane, Gail Myers-Wright and Fern Burgess. Photo by Bronwyn Humphreys December (see p.3). Photo by Ernie McLintock em bristlebird was Park celebrated its cente­ fox-baited areas where between Dalwallinu and translocated from Albany nary with celebrations they had once existed. Coorow was made a nat­ to coastal near marking our forebears' Malleefowl on Peron ural diversity recovery Walpole. The translocated wisdom in setting aside Peninsula-introduced as catchment. birds joined a group land for public enjoyment. part of Project Eden­ The public was asked to released last year to The events began a year set were found to be success­ comment on a set of draft repopulate their former aside as the Centenary of fully breeding, with the regulations allowing peo­ habitats. WA National Parks to discovery of distinctive ple to keep reptiles and Three wetlands areas honour our pioneers' fore­ mound nests by CALM frogs as pets, with the were nominated for listing sight. staff. exception of crocodiles under an international The Valley of the Giants Volunteers were and marine turtles. convention on wetlands Tree Top Walk was acknowledged at a cere­ The year ended, as it known as the Ramsar declared the most signifi­ mony to mark their dedi­ began, with fires burning Convention. They are cant regional attraction in cation to CALM in jobs across the Great Southern Becher Point near the national tourism such as herbarium c·ura­ and South Coastal Rockingham, Lake Gore awards. tors, campground hosts, Regions. During a hot near Esperance and the flora researchers, track co­ month, fires struck Two DECEMBER Muir-Byenup complex ordinators, publishers and Peoples Bay, Manjimup, east of Manjimup. Four Western Shield received flora cataloguers. CALM Kirup, Collie, Margaret existing Ramsar sites­ a welcome boost from has 3600 volunteers who River, Bickley, Moore the Ord River Floodplain, industry when mmmg this year clocked up more River, Woodvale and for­ the Peel-Yalgorup system, giant Tiwest Joint Venture than 120,000 hours. est near Barton's Mill east of announced it would con­ WILDCARE, a CALM Prison on the outskirts of Narrogin and the Vassec tribute $300,000 to bait co-ordinated service for Perth. Aerial fire-fighting Wonnerup system near 100,000 hectares in the the public to report sick, operations were expanded Busselton-were extend­ arid Midwest. The five­ injured and orphaned from Perth and the South­ ed. year sponsorship will con­ native animals, was West to the Great Four-wheel-drive org­ trol feral foxes and cats launched. Operated by vol­ Southern, Avon Valley anisations had the oppor­ and give reintroduced unteers, it was created so and Northern Sandplains tunity to become more native wildlife a better people had an easy way of for more effective fire involved with CALM chance of survival. getting help for animals. fighting and greater pro­ when they signed a mem­ In Harvey, 40 woylies In the fight against tection from inevitable orandum of understanding were re-introduced into salinity, a 140,000 ha area summer wildfires. which will see joint man­ agement and maintenance of CALM tracks. WA and CALM's WA Herbarium became part of the Millennium Seed Bank flora conservation project which, through the British Government's Millennium Commission, aims to collect and con­ serve 10 per cent of the world's seed-bearing Playing a didgeridoo is thirsty work for CALM volunteer Cedric Jacobs (left), plants, mainly from the - ?ictured with Visitor Services officer Wayne Dekke,: They were photographed at world's drylands, by .he new heart of Yanchep National Park-a Nyoongar Wangi Mia ('talking 2010. More than $800,000 place'). It is the axis of several up-graded facilities that include new tearooms was allocated from the and refurbishment of the Yanchep Inn-all officially opened in Septembe,: British Government to Photo by Ernie McLintock CALM, and the Botanic Gardens and Parks Rare western swamp tor­ troduced to Dryandra River was purchased to Authority to fund the WA toises were released into Woodland. Western barred provide a safe haven for component during the wetlands near New Norcia bandicoots were translo­ the critically endangered next l O years. in an attempt to save them cated from Bernier and white-bellied frog. The first batch of from extinction. Dorre Islands in the World A book cataloguing woylies was released in Perth Observatory Heritage-listed Shark Bay every species of flora the Pemberton District, a opened its Millenium area to Roxby Downs in a known to exist in WA was former habitat before its Dome housing a computer­ joint project with the launched at Kings Park. decimation by the controlled Meade tele­ South Australian Govern­ Titled The Western European fox . scope. ment. Australian Flora-A CALM introduced a Six CALM forest fire Woylies and bilbies Descriptive Catalogue, it new tagging and certifica­ Cyclones, rescuing flood-stranded native animals, capturing and relocating managers went to the were released into lists plants' botanical his­ tion system to combat the dangerous beasts on the loose-CALM 's Kimberley. staff took them all in their United States to help fight Francois Peron National tory and flowering months illegal cutting of didgeri­ stride. Here, assistant operations officer Brett Lewis and wildlife officer Ben fires burning uncontrol­ Park in the Shark Bay area as well as other useful doo stems on conservation Tannock have captured a young saltwater crocodile, found in Lake Kununurra lably across the country. under Western Shield's information. lands. some 30 km below the Argyle Dam wall. The animal was later transferred to the They were part of an 80- Project Eden initiative. The National Parks and John Forrest National Wyndham Crocodile Farm. Photo by Shad Nixon strong contingent from The public was asked Nature Conservation Australia and New for help to prepare a plan Authority held its final Zealand, dispatched at the to minimise the impact of meeting before the new request of US authorities. anchors and boat moor­ body, the Conservation The following month ings in Ningaloo Marine Commission of WA, took CALM's fire manager Park in the water around up office. Rick Sneeuwjagt went to Coral Bay. Lightning in the Stirling ~ US to take control of A wangi mia, (Abor­ Ranges caused bushfires, the Australasian team at iginal 'talking place'), which resulted in part of the special request of was officially opened in the Stirling Range senior US firefighters. Yanchep National Park to National Park being An agreement on guide­ focus on the park's closed. The fires burnt lines for the development Aboriginal cultural her­ 30,000 ha, fueled by gust­ of the WA timber industry itage. ing northerly and westerly was reached, and a report CALM's fire managers winds and high tempera­ on the development returned from the US to a tures. strategy released. big Perth welcome. And last but not least, it was the magpie season, SEPTEMBER OCTOBER snake wake-up season and Four CALM field An indicative manage­ the season to watch out for officers acted as volun­ ment plan for the Jurien native animals crossing teers during the Olympics. Bay Marine Park was busy roads. CALM officers at released to collect public NOVEMBER Wanneroo received a comment about the estab­ work safety award for lishment of a world-class The Conservation working in forests 12 marine conservation net­ Commission of WA met months without a lost time work off the WA coast. for the first time. It is an incident. The Nanga pastoral lease independent body in As part of the Return to was purchased to extend which all conservation Dryandra and Western the area of the World her­ lands-national parks, Shield projects, western itage-listed Shark Bay nature reserves, conserva­ CALM's Perth Observatory technical manager Arie Verveer was responsible for the management and much of barred bandicoots, extinct region. tjon parks and State the logistics involved in the erection of a new building (officially opened in August) to house this Meade 40- on mainland Australia Land running along the forests-are vested. cm aperture Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. At present this telescope is mainly used by the public to view faint until recently, were rein- banks of the Blackwood The endangered west- celestial objects during the Observatory's very popular star-viewing ni{?hts. Photo by Ernie McLintock Carolyn's off to CALM marine conservation Carolyn was instrumental in She will be involved in a vari­ officer Carolyn Williams securing a new patrol vessel ety of marine conservation pro­ has left Exmouth District to for Ningaloo Marine Park and jects and commercial activities take on a new job in significantly increased around the Whitsunday Queensland. CALM's presence in the Islands. During her four years in Marine Park and surrounding She and husband Tim are Exmouth, Carolyn was respon­ waters. Her ever-pleasant well known around Exmouth, sible for a wide range of func­ demeanor and professional and took part in many of the tions associated with marine approach to her duties made town's sporting club activities. park and island management. Carolyn a highly respected fig­ They thoroughly enjoyed being These included supervising ure around Exmouth. in Exmouth, and left for their CALM's role in the whale Carolyn is taking up a senior new, somewhat exotic destina­ shark interaction industry, and position with the Queensland tion with some reluctance. supervising the local marine National Parks and Wildlife Tim and Carolyn showed turtle monitoring program. Service, based at Airlie Beach. their true spirit when their home and many of their pos­ sessions were completely destroyed by Cyclone Vance. They just 'soldiered on' in their usual cheery, uncomplaining manner. The beaching of a pod of killer whales was another memorable incident. It created a great deal of anxiety and con­ cern among the local commu­ nity, and attracted widespread media attention. Carolyn's tireless efforts over two days and nights helped some of those unfortu­ nate animals return to the open sea. She has a sound knowl­ edge of marine creatures and Judy and a delicately formed, barely visible orchid (yes, it is there, in front of her knee). Photo by Greg Durell much empathy with them. Many a stranded turtle owes its present existence to the 'out­ side normal hours' efforts of Orchid to bear Judy's name Carolyn and former offsider Adam Meyer. BROOKTON nature enthu­ was time to call in the experts. be named Caladenia Carolyn will be sorely siast and CALM Flora vol­ Orchid enthusiasts John williamseana ms. in honour missed by her ex-colleagues in unteer Judy Williams has and Helen Start were only too of Judy's many years' work in Exmouth, but they realise that done it again! pleased to help Judy with its flora conservation. staff turnover is a fact of life. She has defied the odds by identification, and believed In 1992, Judy was the first CALM will soon advertise finding a new species of spi­ that the orchid was probably a person to spot the presumed for a replacement officer and der orchid on a small nature new species. extinct York gum nancy hopefully, will be successful in reserve near Brookton. Helen and John took a (Wunnbea drummondii), not finding another person with An avid native orchid flowering sample to Perth for officially seen for more than that balance of high-level buff, Judy had been eyeing a confirmation, where CALM's 30 years. knowledge of the marine small patch of spider orchids, orchid botanist Andrew Her efforts have helpeo environment and sound practi­ convinced that they were Brown, confirmed that a new others to discover more popu­ cal skills. Meanwhile, Adam different, and not being able spider orchid had indeed been lations of this plant which is Meyer will fill the position of to find the orchid in reference discovered. now commonly recognised Marine Conservation Officer books, Judy decided it The species is intended to from Dongara to Narrogin. Carolyn with husband Tim. in the Exmouth District. Sandalwood-a lucrative solution to salinity problem TRIAL plantings of sandal­ wood (Santalum spicatum) to by Pat Ryan promote revegetation in the & Jon Brand Wheatbelt, have reached their first harvest, yielding torium can be up to two cen­ 130 trees. timetres in length, and a single CALM established the trial tree can produce hundreds of plantation in 1987 to demon­ haustoria. strate to local farmers that it is At the Northampton site, possible to plant sandalwood CALM planted jam (Acacia and see a financial return in acuminata) seedlings in 1987, one's lifetime. then seeded sandalwood next The trial harvest took place to each jam sapling in 1988 and at Northampton, on a property 1989. owned by Roy Routledge who, The sandalwood seed germi­ together with CALM's then nated quite readily and most sandalwood business unit man­ germinants survived and pros­ ager Peter Jones and forester pered. However, the sandal­ Ben Sawyer, carried out the wood to host ratio (1:1) was task. too high, which caused most of One of the biggest barriers in the jams to die between age persuading farmers to plant five and 10 years. An individ­ sandalwood on a large scale as ual sandalwood tree requires at a crop is the misconception that least two to three host trees to it takes a long time to grow. ensure good host survival. In the semi-arid pastoral Due to the low number of regions, sandalwood requires remaining host trees, it was 50 to 100 years to reach com­ decided that most of the sandal­ mercial size, but given the right wood trees should be harvested conditions in the medium rain­ to determine the amount of com­ fall areas of the Wheatbelt, san­ mercial wood at age 12 years. dalwood can reach the same The exciting aspect of the size within 20 years. Northampton trial was that the Sandalwood is a root hemi­ sandalwood had produced parasite, meaning it can pro­ heartwood and oil at an early duce its own photosynthetic age and was already a market­ products but is dependent on able product. host trees for some of its nutri­ The 0.8-hectare plot pro­ ents and water. duced 520 kg of commercial It needs to grow next to suit­ timber, worth approximately able host trees. Fine feeder $1200. Given the correct host roots attach to host roots ratio, the returns from future through a cup-shaped organ sandalwood plantations are called a haustorium. The haus- expected to be far greater. Peter Jones (near ute) and Ben Sawyer survey one of their loads of sandalwood. Photo by Jon Brand Bluff Knoll fire no match for CALM stalwarts

A LOT of hard work tain when carrying tools goes on continuously and materials up a steep and without fuss to mountain. maintain facilities used "Using handtools, they by visitors to our nation­ laid waterbars and rein­ al parks and reserves. forced large sections of Albany District parks the path that had been manager Martin Lloyd badly damaged and lay tells how over a three­ exposed. week period following the "Starting at 6.00 a.m., highly destructive Stirling they worked well beyond Range wildfire, the Bluff the normal eight-hour Knoll footpath was trans­ day." formed by a band of Commitment CALM stalwarts. "They slogged away, Martin said that without some days with little or their effort and commit­ no protection from the ment, the Bluff Knoll foot­ searing heat," Martin path would not have been - .d. open to the public by the .__ "From day one, I 11 December deadline . expected the task to be "They can be justifiably onerous for all concerned, satisfied that their hard but was astonished to find work went a long way the CALM crew firing indeed to protect and along with bucketloads of enhance one of this State's enthusiasm and energy, most valuable and popular regardless of the condi­ public assets," Martin tions. said. "At each of my site vis­ "Already, our rangers its, I found, not only com­ are rece1vmg positive mitment and pride, but feedback from visitors. good humour-not easy "Well done, guys-and Taking a short break before resuming their toil are, clockwise from left foreground Peter Richardson, Stephen Keen, Geoff Harnett, Martin for most mortals to main- thanks." Lloyd, Allan Clarke and Bill Beach. Centre: David Adams (kneeling) and, seated with hat in hand, Dave Pickett. Photo by John Watson Women in CALM No. 6

WHO can name the CALM teachers. She also manages a grams and is developing Peter Moore, and their two woman who was once a team of contractors who lead others for Wellington Dis­ daughters: Kate (21) and jockey and rode with the nature-based activities for covery Forest. Carissa (19). Among her other Imperial Ethiopian Jockey children from early childhood She was project leader for off-duty interests, Liz lists Club? to Year 12. the development of the . travel to the third world, "it Would you have said it was Liz continues to manage CALM Bush Ranger manu­ reminds me of the imbalances Elizabeth (Liz) Moore? the Exploring The Hills als-a challenge in a tight in this world and the need for But this community educa­ Forest Programs, State-wide time frame. all of us to curb our consump­ tion officer is full of surprises. Western Shield schools pro- Liz lives with husband tion levels," Liz said. She has a passion for giraffes, for example, and once worked in community education at Perth Zoo, "where I had the chance to get close to a giraffe again". (The mind boggles! Did she hug its knees?) Liz was raised in Kenya, where she says she enjoyed a 'wild childhood'. "Our house had no electric­ ity, and I rarely wore shoes," Liz says. ".I spent my formative years in the forests and plains at the base of Mt Kenya, amid an abundance of wildlife. "But in the last 10 years I was there, I saw the impact of the human population explo­ sion destroying the land and its wildlife, and this influ­ enced me to study and seek work in nature conservation. CBRs visit Gallipoli "Living and camping in the Northern Frontier of Kenya CALM Bush Ranger "The rangers also worked and studying for a Master of ':henelle Davies (above), is with Wilson Wetland Action Science on the ecology of the .1e of four West Australian Group, and planting at Kings reticulated giraffe was a fasci­ cadets selected by The Park-Mt Eliza Escarpment nating start to this work." Returned & Services League Rehabilitation, as well as After working on the of Australia and the Office of collecting for Legacy Badge Cockburn Sound environmen­ Youth Affairs to visit World Day. tal study in the late 1970s, Liz War I battle sites in France "In addition, the unit took found that having children and Gallipoli in April (see part in several camps including diverted her from work in Letters, page 2). the inaugural Swan Regional Environmental Science to that A captioned photograph of Camp, making traditional tools of Environmental Education another of the finalists­ with CALM's Aboriginal Unit, (hence her stint with Perth CALM Bush Ranger unit leader also caving, marine communi­ Zoo). Lisa Rogowsky-appeared on ty monitoring, and orienteer­ "I wanted to find a way that page 4 of CALM NEWS ing; Merribrook Adventure my children could become July-August, 2000 issue. Camp, which included team­ aware of the natural environ­ Like Chenelle, Lisa is with work activities and leadership ment and the importance of the CALM Bush Rangers at challenges; and Rottnest Island conserving it," she said. Como Senior High School, Marine Conservation Camp. Liz began part-time con­ which, according to CALM "Only four cadets and two tract work with CALM in Bush Rangers co-ordinator adults will be going on this 1993, leading excursions for Bronwyn Humphreys is a wonderful trip to World War I the Exploring The Hills Forest highly active unit, with both battle sites in France and environmental education pro­ Lisa and Chenelle involved in Gallipoli-and CALM Bush grams in Mundaring. all aspects of its activities. Rangers represent one-third of Since then she has devel­ "Last year, the unit was the contingent! It's a great oped new programs, prepared involved in the construction of honour and an experience resources, and run profession­ a native garden walk at the they' ll almost certainly value al development training for Liz Moore. Photo by Verna Costello school," Bronwyn said. for the rest of their lives." CBRs win accreditation

TWELVE CALM Bush Carleen Edwards from John Rangers and five by Bronwyn Septimus Roe Anglican Instructors from four Humphreys Community School. schools have successfully The Dwellingup District completed a nationally ecosystems with varying fire fire fighters' mobile canteen, accredited Fire Awareness histories. affectionately dubbed course. CALM Bush Rangers and 'Dwellfed', was also put to This is the second time their instructors completing good use, and CALM health CALM/ire has offered this the course were Simon Martin and fitness instructor Linda course, which was held at and Phil Cooper and instruc­ Gilbert set the rangers a series the Dwellingup Training tor Terry Yates from of activities to demonstrate Centre. Rossmoyne SHS; Ricky the importance of managing The Bush Rangers success­ Pitcher, Whitney Boardman fire fighters' health. fuly completed a written and Colin Hansen, and The CALM Bush Rangers exam and a practical burn instructors Glenda and Paul would like to thank Linda, as around the Dwellingup Forest Huisman from Roleystone well as senior fire training Heritage Centre. They made SHS; Tony Flinn, Brendon officer Ross Meade, fire breaks, lit the fires, moni­ Anthony from Newton Moore CALMfire principal fire train­ tored the burn and then SHS; Louisa Coppens and ing officer David Rawet, and mopped up. Matthew Walsh, and instruc­ Dwellingup District forest Another important compo­ tor Israel Austin from Ursula ranger (now Katanning nent of the course that the Frayne Catholic College; Ben reserves officer) Kris rangers completed was a bio­ Marson, Jasmine Hastie and Narducci for making the diversity study of Dwellingup Leah Moore and instructor course possible. John amid the 42 balloons. Photo by Sue McKenna A hot air greeting for John

TO say that John Hunter's 'flabber was gast­ of CALM NEWS with the humorous, and some­ ed' when he showed up at the office on Friday times bizarre occurrences John has witnessed or December 15, would be a gross understate­ experienced first hand. Here are some examples: ment. One of John's current tasks is to respond to Inflated the evening before by the powerful emails arriving via NatureBase. One was from lungs of several colleagues, 42 balloons-one the owner of an 'Arts and Nature' company in for each year of service with the Government­ Dubai, United Arab Emirates, asking if we filled and overflowed from John's office, and would sell or rent live penguins to him for a met him at the door as he arrived to begin another month-long 'event' in July. day's toil. Another emailed message was from a man in John is public affairs officer with the Strategic Haifa, Israel, pleading for someone to look for Development and Corporate Affairs Division, his son who was motorbiking solo in the located at 'the other Crawley office' in Cygnet Kimberley-and his parents had not heard from Hall (popularly known as The Boatshed). him for two weeks. John promptly contacted the He joined the Public Works Department as a Police, and the young man was soon located via junior clerk in 1958, cutting his teeth on duties records at backpackers' hostels. He had been so relating to mechanical and plant engineering besotted with the country, he forgot his regular CALM Bush Ranger Louisa Coppens from the Ursula Frayne Catholic College Unit programs such as construction of the first 'phone home' duties. obviously enjoys the heat! Photo by Bronwyn Humphreys Narrows Bridge and the Ord River Dam. One of John's hairiest experiences occurrp,., In 1972, John joined the WA Fisheries and when a resident tramp was soaked by Wildlife Department as assistant public relations Matilda Bay sprinklers. Armed with a broken officer, and in 1979, he moved to the National bottle, the enraged man attacked a national park Parks Authority as its publicity and publications ranger, and John, with three burley 'coppers', Turtle-tagging on Muiron officer. He was among those who transferred gave pursuit. The culprit was caught as he clung when that Department was absorbed by CALM to a Swan River pylon-after sinking a rescue A SMALL team of CALM vol­ ported to their camp on South tagged, thirty-five were logger­ in 1985 . boat a11d its crew. The crew had to swim to unteers, supported by the Muiron Island on Jeff Bubb's heads and the remainder were We probably could have filled all eight pages shore, dragging their quarry behind them. Department's marine reserves charter vessel Ocean Quest, green turtles. The relatively officer Adam Meyer and oper­ backed up by CALM's patrol small number of 'greens' made ations officer Arvid Hogstrom, vessel Ningaloo One. it easier for the loggerheads to has been engaged in an annu­ Very hot conditions pre­ find suitable nesting sites. al turtle-tagging program. vailed during daylight hours, Twenty-eight of the total Norm's garden a memorial Volunteers David Waayers with heavy falls of rain occur­ had not been tagged previously NORM Maxwell was not the and Patsy Wootton came from ring mostly at night. Needless and the other fifteen were sort of person to leave a job Perth while Michelle O'Mara to say, the volunteers and returning migrants. half completed. So when he and Peter (Sal) Salinovich trav­ CALM officers experienced The volunteers also explored died before he could finish the elled down from Karratha to damp and uncomfortable con­ much of the South Muiron new garden beds at CALM's join the program. ditions throughout the tagging Island, taking notes on the Pemberton office, his col­ Much of the tagging pro­ program, but witnessed some indigenous wildlife, including leagues decided they would gram has focused on the spectacular lightning shows. many lizards, migratory birds take over the job and create a Muiron Islands, as there are A typical night of tagging and ospreys. memorial garden. very small numbers of turtles saw the volunteers patrolling They even made friends with Norm died unexpectedly from nesting on our mainland the beaches two hours before a small python, and helped two an asthma attack just over 12 beaches this year. high tide and continuing the groups of turtle hatchlings to months ago. He had worked for Scientists had predicted a search until two hours after avoid predators as they made CALM and the Forests smaller number of turtles this high tide. their way to the sea. Department since 1964, with a year and this is thought to be The beaches on the Muiron In spite of the sometimes short break working at the timber related to higher seawater tem­ Islands are important logger­ difficult living conditions, the mill in Pimelea. peratures and the poor physical head turtle nesting sites and volunteer tagging team He left work on a Friday after­ condition of potential breeding they were the species mostly emerged in great spirits, and noon with plans to finish the edg­ animals. tagged this nesting season. expressed an eagerness to take ing around the new beds on the The volunteers were trans- Of the forty-three turtles part in the program again. following Monday, but died on the Saturday. Tom Lindley, who worked with Norm since the mid-1960s, took over the job of establishing the flower beds and maintaining the garden, with help from Phil Keeble and others. r Many of the staff helped plan the memorial garden and a col­ lection raised money to buy a plaque and rose bushes. "Norm's garden" is now marked with a brass plaque strategically located to stop peo­ ple cutting across the corner of the flower bed on their way to the back door of the office-a habit that particularly annoyed Norm. The garden was dedicated on 5 February by CALM staff and N01m Maxwell, a well liked and respected colleague, CALM volunteers Patsy Wootton and Michelle O'Mara inserting a tag during their stay on members of Norm's family. fondly remembered by all his workmates at Pemberton. South Muiron Island.