Issue 33 December 2008

Wildcare 's Island Summer If you're interested in longer term from around the lighthouse and using this volunteering this summer and spring then material sl h to lay on the ground and it seems Tasmania's off-shore islands are promote revegetation elsewhere on the island. the places to be. Volunteers travel by chartered fishing boat Whatever it is about islands it seems that and stay in ex-lightkeepers' quarters. Wildcare volunteers and CARes groups move On Maria Island it's weeding again, but what a there en-masse each year about now. Over place to weed! 8 lucky volunteers from Friends the next 2-3 months there are large scale of Maria Island will travel by PWS workboat to projects on each of Deal, Maria, Schouten, Haunted Cove on South Maria Island over the Tasman and Maatsuyker Islands. You may be period 11-16 December to continue control In th issue already too late for most of these programs (see article in this edition) of Spanish Heath this year but if you like the look of them keep (Erica lusitanica). This work is funded by PWS ildcar an eye on the Wildcare Calendar of Events and NRM South. Projects (see the web at www.wildcaretas. org. au) and On Tasman island volunteers wilt travel by make sure you have nominated as members of helicopter to the island for the period 8-16 Gift Fun the appropriate groups November to carry out a broad range of Bill Forsyth Mere's a few details about what's happening general maintenance activities, including some Staff this summer, just to wet your appetite weeding, mowing, roof and building repairs. On Maatsuyker Island in November Friends of On Schouten Island pairs of volunteers will Volunteers at Haunted Bay Maatsuyker Island will continue their Envirofund stay for 14 day periods as part of the summer Idcare Book Rev weed control project. 10 volunteers will be Campground Host Program. Volunteers for on the island 18-20 November, travelling to this program will provide a visitor information and from by helicopter. Participants will be service for boat based visitors to this little corner continuing a weed survey of the island and of paradise, staying in a purpose built standing when weather permits, primary control of the camp on the north coast at Moreys Bay. invasive shrub Hebe elliptica. Add to these working bees longer term On Deal Island over the period 22 November volunteer caretaker programs on Deal, Tasman to 8 December 7 Friends of Deal Island and Maatsuyker Islands and you can see where volunteers, funded again by Envirofund, it's all happening this summer. Newsletter of will be clearing vegetation as a firebr ak Craig Saunders WILDCAREInc Tasmania's largest incorporated volunteer organisation, canng for wild places, wildlife and cultural heritage

C/oGPO Box 1751 Hobart TAS 7001 Australia

Ph- 03 6233 2836. Fax: 03 6224

E-mail general: '[email protected] E-mail newsletter articles: wildtimes@wildcaretas. org. au

Web: www.wildcaretas. org. au Volunteer Transport Arrives At Maatsuyker Island 2 - WILDTIMES - December 2008 Wildcare Board Supports Local Projects A simple measure of the health of healthier and so the tap has started to that interest earned from their Wildcare finances has always been flow, if not gush. investments will be allocated to the the amount of money available above Wildcare Internal Grants Scheme. normal administrative commitments At present the Wildcare Board of With currently over $150, 000 invested to support projects run by our own Management (BOM) has a standing this offer is likely to make the project sub branches or Community Action policy of contributing one quarter list for 2009 even longer. in Reserves (CARes) groups through (25%) of our membership income The projects supported in 2008 are Wildcare's own Internal Grants to this scheme. Funding requests shown in the table below. Sch me. to a maximum of $2, 000 (plus GST) can be made using the simple form Craig Saunders In recent years money has been a available on the Wildcare w bsite. bit thin and so few projects have been supported but over the last 12 More recently though, the Wildcare months things have looking a bit Gift Fund committee has determin d Wildcare Inc Internal Grants Scheme Projects Supported in 2008 CARes Group Amount Project

Friends of Tasman Island $570 To replace missing and rotten timber on the fascia and soffit boards of Oil Store Shed

Southern Cave Care $1, 165 To upgrade cave abseil anchors in Midnight Hole cave in southern Tasmania

Friends of Maatsuyker Island $700 To assist with the purchase of original drawings of the Maatsuyker Island Light Station

Friends of Coningham NRA $300 To provide personal protective equipment for volunteer weeding working bees

Total for 2008 Projects $7, 801 agleha eck Rare & Heirloom

Backpackers &1- 3 Non-Hybrid 13 Non-GMO 3 Lots of Heritage Varietfes ^ Close to: E3 Open. PollinatBd ^ Cape Raoul, Cape Hauy and

.\'aets. Cape Pillar (Highest sea cliffs in the .w Southern Hemishere), Walking tracks. Tasman National Park Contact us today fw your FREE Mail Older Catalogue pfe 03 6491 1000

Eaglehawk Neck emati; nnail'^thstostsaed. cor Phi(03) 6250 3248 www.thelostseed.com.au 5% Discount for Wtldcare Members when $2 discount per night for WILDCARE members placing order by phone only December 2008 - WILDTIMES - 3 PWS Nominates Wildcare as Preferred Gift Fund In June 2008 Peter Mooney, General PWS) to identify projects to match to new arrangement. The advertisement Manager of the Parks and Wildlife donations and further down the line shown with this article illustrates the Service, approved the nomination of our own Internal Grants Scheme will theme PWS will be using in this the Wildcare Gift Fund as Preferred benefit from the interest Gift Fund campaign, funded of course by PWS. Gift Fund to be used f r any donations holdings attract Craig Saunders for the purpose of reserved land PWS ar now also working with their management in Tasmania. advertising gurus to promote this This nomination recognises both the PWS requirement to establish a relationship with appropriate DGRs l! (Deductible Gift Recipients) to manage donations it received and the existing close partnership between PWS and Wildcare Inc. There s no point b^itiT^ Fuund the bush And what does this new policy mean whfin k cofnes ic pr[?tecdr(g7asmania s for Wildcare? It means that our unique natural environment We iieed your help. By making a contribution to Gift Fund is likely to be managing the Wildcan-Gift Fund,you'll be iissi'.tin more donations, especially those larger corporate donations such as as the animal! living in diem. To find received earlier this year from Dick out how yoti can make 4 dJffemncfi, Smith ($1, 000,000 over 10 years) /Esrtwwwwildcar^caa. or^gu and Bruny Island Charters ($40, 000 fShqre ongoing). In turn our Gift Fund w*m({tart3^l. ECTVw

Committee will be busy working - Tasmania. with appropriate agencies (principally Wildcare Gift Fund Donors Wildcare acknowledg th f llowing Tasmani (Ingrid McGaughey), Pamela Fenerty John Hunter, donations to the Wildcare Gift Fund Local Government Association of Catherine Blackmore, Craig Hilder, Donations f $100 or mor Tasmania, Peter Fleming ichelle Gofton, Paul Cantell, Simon Curtis, Caroline Bendixsen, ICS Multimedia Pty Ltd, Peter Donations up to $100 Peter Davis, Mary Bainbridg , and Bunty Jackson, Phil Wyatt, Andrew Smith, Oma Rodger, Denise Chris Arthur, Michael St Henry, Schuitz, Nick Giil, Jimmy Bigelow, Paul Chiron. Kellie Wright, Rehabilitation Martin Hudson, Kym Corfield,

WILDTIMES scovenru publication schedule An exciting union of cutting- dge design, plantation wood and technology with principles of Issue Article Publication sustaingbility. The EcoCentre is the # Submissions Date first of its type in the Southsrn Hemisphere, Due combining forest tourism, regionai promotion and Forestry Tasmania's offi

Discover Tasmania's north-esst forssts. 34 1 March April From coast to mountain, past to present sncl 2009 2009 from traditions! bush skiils to world-class wood design. 35 1 July August Open: 7 days a week, except far 2009 2009 Christmas Day, at King St. Scottsdale. General enquiries: (03) 6352 6466 10% Cafe bookings: (03) 6352 6<58 36 1 November December ^Discount to C WILDCAM 2009 2009 members 'VSy '"."SSSS"" BMyTmmia g 4 - WILDTIMES - December 2008 Spurging on the South and Southwest Coast Last summer saw 26 volunteers from the Wildcar SPRATS (Sea Spurge Remote Area Teams) group dropped into various sections of the southwest 't', coast by helicopter, float plane and boat. to tackle the invasive weed sea spurge (Euphorbia paralias). Working mainly in teams of four, they walked more than 200 kilometres of coastline, tackling everything from isolated seedlings to large established infestations. One of the volunteers, Jon Marsden-Smedley, was a member of three consecutive teams and thereby spent 36 days n the coast. A 27th volunteer, Julie Marshall, 'spent five weeks taking regular communications from the teams, making sure all was well in the field. Volunteers Jan Marsden-Smedley and Peter Barrett traversing a tricky section It was all made possible by the group's of shoreline (photo Clive Curson) success in winning a $50,000 two-year program needs to finish in early remains scope for bushwalkers who Australian government Envirofund February before the spurge sets a new are interested in doing less walking grant late in 2007. (See Wildtimes July crop of seeds. Planning for safety and but more weeding. They will still have 07 for the history of the group.) to cover the logistics of transferring and to be self-reliant bushwalkers, and tracking so many volunteers in such may find themselves walking a few The results of the summer's remote country is complex. SPRATS kilometres 'to work' each day. compr hensive program exceeded have a forma] organisational structure expectations. While it was and operate to tight planning. As with If you are interested in becoming disappointing to find small outbreaks many volunteer groups it is hard, but involved, log on to www. wildcaretas. of sea spurge in unexpected locations, often enjoyabl work that gets the org. au, pin Wildcare if yo have not such as Port Davey, the results show things done. already done so, and tick your interest that the group's approach is working. in the SPRATS group. In nearly all cases no flowering plants were found a ites which had been treated in the previous season's program. The group has now removed all mature sea spurge from 95% of the wild coastline between Cockle Creek and Cape Sorrel. New plants will arise from existing seed banks and future sea-bom invasions, so the work will be ongoing at these locations, but less intense.

But this is not all. The remaining 5% of the coastline contains some of the densest infestations. Wildcare SPRATS are working in partnership with the PWS at Strahan and Huonville. The Strahan staff will spray hese areas from quad bikes flown in by helicopter. SPRATS will then follow Weeding sea spurge at Meerim 3each (Nick Fitzqeraldi up and remove the survivors. The aim Like Louise Shepherd in the For enquiries about membership and for this year is to complete the removal accompanying article, most of the becomingaSPRATthissummer, contact of all seed producing spurge from the participants thoroughly enjoyed their Sarah Truscott at reachsezza@hotmdil. target coast and much depends on experience last year and are keen to corn or 0408 254 508. For more the success of the spraying rogram. be involved this summer and beyond. general enquiries contact Geoff There are still some places left. While Luscombe on geoffl@hermes. net. au Planning is well advanced. So far 40 'hard-core' bushwalkers are being or 0427 334 240. volunteers have stepped forward. deployed on most of the coast, there Commencing in late December the December 2008 - WILDTIMES- 5 A WiIdea re group to combat sea spurge on the East Coast? Many Wildcarer's will be familiar with Many community groups on the east the amazing work and outstanding coast are already doing a large amount effort put in by the SPRATS group of work to combat this weed, however controlling sea spurge along our it's a big job, and we need to be rugged west coast. It now seems vigilant and keep up a continuous that sea spurge is getting a hold on effort-never let our guard down! This the east coast - s mething we are is why we need to form a group on the desperate to prevent, so we are keen east coast - to support and assist the to start an east coast group to help groups already doing the work and to purge the spurge. fill in the gaps that they can't get to. Sea spurge (Euphorbia paraiias) is This group is not all aboutjust walking originally from Europe and is spread beaches and pulling out sea spurge widely throughout southeastern (although there is a lot of that. ) We Australia. It is particularly bad, as it also need to map and record the sea is invasive on beaches and in dune spurge, to help with future strategic plant communities, displacing native planning - so if data management species and altering the structure of is more your thing, we need you Sea Spurge (Euphorbia paralias} the beach. It is one of the few plants too. Community education could be that can grow on sand spits and along another role if it is your interest. If you would like more information or the back of the beach - right where Boogie boarding and snorkelling at to become involved, please contact the sea birds nest, including Hooded the end of the day have also been Jackie Bice, PWS Volunteer Facilitator Plovers and Fairy Terns. If that wasn't mentioned as one of the bonuses of - South East, on 6214 8107 or email enough it also contains a toxic sap that walking all day on a beach, pulling jacqueline. bice@parks. tas. gov. au. may burn the skin on some people. the spurge.

Threatened Orchid Conservation in Tasmania

With close to 500 types of native direct support to Matt, while others plant in Tasmania listed under the are distin 've initiatives of TPT. The Threaten d Species Protection Act grant will enable TPT members to: 1995, theresourcesoftheDepartm nt . search for new populations of of Primary Industries and Water threatened orchids in recently Threatened Species Section (TSS) are burnt and other priority habitats stretched. near Hobart, Coles Bay and at Tasmania's new Naturecare group Surrey Hills in the north-west of the

.Threatened Plants Tasmania (TPT) State; Monitoring a population of Caladenia (formerly Threatened Plants Action orientalis: a threatened spedes in . effectively monitor priority Group) aims to harness the knowledge Victoria (photo by Phil Collier) populations over several seasons. and support of the community to threatened orchid populations; Dr Fiona Coates is running two assist the T5S with enhancing the worksh ps for members in this activity is to be conducted by wellbeing of Tasmania's threatened November to introduce techniques professionals. species. that she has applied successfully for Reference TPT has recently been awarded a over 10 years in Victoria; Threatened Species Section (2006), Threatened Species Network . mentor other members and Flora Recovery Plan: Tasmanian Community Grant with a focus community groups to monitor Threatened Orchid 2006- 010. on threatened orchid conservation additional threat ned rchid Department of Primary Industries, in Tasmania, for which there is a populations in their local areas Water and Environment, Hobart, high level of enthusiasm amongst www. environment. gov. au/ members. . create Tasmanian Bushcare Toolkit resources concerning (1) planning biodiversity/threatened/publications/ Matt Larcombe, the TSS Orchid project and burning for conservation pubs/tasmanian-orchid. pdf. officer responsible for implementing purposes; and (2) monitoring of Phil Collier, President of Threatened aspects of the Flora Recovery Plan: threatened plant populations; Plants Tasmania Tasmanian Threatened Orchids 2006- together with 2010 (Threatened Species Section Email: [email protected]. au 2006), has helped to define the aims . a controlled burn of a property of the grant. Some activities provide near Hobart airport to enhance 6 - WliDTIMCS - December 2008 What's happening on Deal Island? - a newsletter to FoDI Members Friends of Deal Island (FoDI) held a very the Deal Island story alive in the media successful general meeting at Ross on through the calendar promotions and the 4th October 2008. Twenty-six we m maintain the momentum. members attended and 17 apologies Does anyone know an entrepreneur were received. Thirty-two agend who also loves lighthouses and would items were addressed and these were like to be loved by lighthouse lovers? circulated in the minutes. A special The plans for the remote power supply thankyou is extended to those who on Deal are progressing through the were able to attend, especially to tender process and several companies Ethel and Wes Ford who ferried across have visited the island to gain first the ditch from Victoria. hand information. Let's hope the Friends [sl and The Deal Island calendar is continuing campaign is su sful so that the omplete the memorial plaque to sell and we are approaching the rush up the compound to start the installation on the 1943 aircraft crash 1000 mark. Another thankyou to generator to receive that fax or turn site. Hopefully we can "stir" this the members who have put long on the washing machine etc will be a along before Christmas. hours answering phone calls, talking thing of the past. The committee attended the launch to book shops and negotiating with The spring caretakers Gayie, John and of Trauti and David Reynolds book friends etc to acquire the "perfect" David have been experiencing a dry "Reflections" at Brookfield Vineyard Christmas present. This collaborative season with only 5. 5 mm of rain in on Friday 31st October. This day- project with Friends of Tasman Island SepVOct. but have started November by-day account of their three-month (FoTI) will help establish a healthy well with 27mm on the 2nd. The caretaker stint on D al is interlaced bank balance for FoDI. Club Cadet (6 wheeler) has been with photos and drawings and is The Island Cookbook being put "grounded" because of mechanical an exceptional memory trip of the together by Shirley Baker continues to problems so shank's pony is the order many faces and moods of this special seek recipes old and new and Shirley of the day. The replacement vehicle place. would appreciate more "interesting?" is landlocked at Prospect awaiting a FoDI has applied for a pull behind recipes so talk to your grannies, mums, mir de to transfer it to Deal Island. mower through the Volunteer Grants and aunties etc for that secret delight Does anyone have access to a Chinook Program to ease the burden n that triggers memories and sets the helicopter or a motorised landing caretakers as they toil to maintain the barge? The newly constructed taste buds to quiver, tracks and lawns on Deal. Hopefully, in these times of financial garden (by winter caretakers Angus Let's hope the Wildcare application is uncertainty the federal heritage and Alison) is producing its first vegies successf I f r ALL applicants. grants will emerge and we can plead and things look good for the summer Dallas Baker the case for the preservation of the caretakers. President, Friends of Deal Island lighthouse. We have been keeping We are still waiting for State funding

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Prepare yourself for adventure More information 10% discount* to WILDCARE members www.dpiw. tas. gov. au/fox (Just quote membership number when making a purchase.) "Does not apply to Kayaks, Chavo sandats and scouting. December 2008 - WILDTIMES - ^ Wildcare Whale Rescue First Response Team The Wildcare Whale Rescue First Response Team Is a newly formed group, with the aim of creating a network of trained, dedicated and equipped volunteers located around the state who can provide effective first aid to stranded whales prior to the arrival of specialists and assistspecialists whenever needed at an ev nt The group is administered from Hobart and has sub groups around the state A key factor in the success of rescuing stranded whales is a quick response. Around 80% of Australia's whale stranding; occur in Tasmania, many Dolphin Stranding, Christn-ias Eve 2007 in remote locations, such as King, Response team is provided free of sit a hauled out elephant seal. Hinders, Maria and Bruny Islands, charge by the Tasmanian Parks and The group also gets together regularly Stanley and Strahan. Wildlife Service at several locations for meetings, BBQs and, coming up, The remoteness of these areas can around the State each year in a whale watching trip off the Tasman result in delays of many hours before partnership with Wildcare and DPIW. Peninsula. If you would like to join the specialists and their gear arrive. Trained volunteers are then invited First Response Team, please contact Having trained and keen locals in to Join our First Response Team your local PWS Volunteer Facilitator these areas with access to the right through Wildcare which maintains the to arrange training: database. These are the volunteers equipment, and acting under direction Jackie Bice, South East - 6214 8107 of specialist staff from the Wildlife and called out to strandings. Pip Gowen, South West - 6264 8463 Marine Conservation Branch of the In the past 10 months the First Caroline Shemwell. East Coast - 6256 7080 Department of Primary Industries and R ponse Team members have been Jo Haining, North - 6336 5328 Water (DPIW) is vital to the success of called out to be on standby to assist Steve Mansfield, North West - 6429 8727 a rescue in th areas. with three olphin strandings, one Jackie Bice and Ingrid Albion Training f volunteers for the First minke whale stranding and to beach Wildcare Wecomes Financial Wizard to the Board Moo Wildcare has recently welcomed Tim Turner to the Board of Management to provide advice on financial matters. Tim completed a Bachelor of Business-Accounting at the Charles Washable, reusable, products S urt University in Wagga Wagga in help you reduce waste, save 1980 and held several appointments nwney and support in financial management in both local small business! Environm nt, Parks Heritage and the i/ Moon Pads® 100% cotton menstrual the private and public sector Arts(DEPHA), theparentdepartment pads hand made in Tasmania through the 1980s and 1990s. Tim for the Parks and Wildlife Service, as ^ The Keeper®a ^mall natural gum also spent two years away from a budget analyst. rubber cup used in place of tampons the 'money business' running his When not counting on his fingers South East Cape, mechanisms are kept in good working to our first glimpses of the other Precipitous Bluff, South Cape and the order. We wound up the weights, Iron Bounds as cameras recorded a side of the island: the Needles, the which rotate the prism, and took a turn feast of sea and sky. To the south we keepers' houses and the lighthouse. caught a glimpse of Pedra Branca and Mar aret and Malcolm opened up around the gallery as did lighthouse Quarters 2 for us to have lunch and then our attention turned west to our keepers of the past at regular int rvals a cuppa and we organised parties first si htings of the M wstone and during their night watch. Maatsuyker. We passed close by Flat to tour the lighthouse, Quarters 1 and the Met. Station. Marina and I Then it was time for a quick walk Top and Round Top and peered into -sculpted tunnels. paused on Ma quarie Slopes to re- back ar nd the island and down to acquaint with the Mewstone before NeartheGulch we anchored below th th boat (where some got wet feet going on up to the 'Ke per's Tree'- a scrambling back into the inflatable). lumin us green slopes of Maatsuyker gnarly old eucalypt where plaques Island. Conscious of entering seal have been placed by the keepers who Dave took us past Walker Island for a territory we waited in the inflatable once manned the light. This tradition brief and exhilarating encounter with to allow some seals to dive into the has continued with caretakers placing the wild sea beyond the protection of water. A superb female Elephant seal their plaques on the tree. I was chose to stay put near the derrick as the islands and rocks. We passed close photographed with the Blackwell we disembarked. to the rugged side of De Witt Island to plaque placed there by my Dad to I was first off the dingy, full of emotion, mark time spent on Maatsuyker by marvel at geology exposed by the sea returning to the island after 31 years. members of my family, the last in and explained by geologist Matt. Tired Everyone climbed quietly and carefully, 1977 when Peter Blackwel! was a light and utterly satisfied we settled in for observing the guidelines that FOMI keeper. I spent time on Maatsuyker in the journey back as albatross soared has developed in partnership with 1968, 71 and '77. above the waves and the setting sun PWS to access Maatsuyker safely. The Marina was also keen to show off island's volunteer caretakers, Malcolm lit up the western slopes of Tasmania's some of the achievements of the rugged south coast. and Margaret, monitored the seals' workin party she had been involved behaviour from higher up the track and in earlier in the year - 10 volunteers Thank you Ailsa for juggling weather, then welcomed us as we approached. spent a week on the island in February people, and arrangements to make They had been busy clearing the track working to remove the invasive shrubby the day possible, to Mike Gamer of debris after the big storm during weed Hebe. FOMl has undertaken which the Maatsuyker weather station for representing PWS, to Margaret an extensive weeding program in recorded a wind speed of 169 kph recent years, assisted by funding from and Malcolm our hosts on the island before the anemometer blew away. Envirofund, Australia Post, the Huon and to Dave and Matt for our safe Later Margaret showed us a photo of Valley Council, Landcare and PWS. and comfortable boat ride there and the barometer when the needle fell argaret and Malcolm were generous below the page! back. with their time showing us through A stiff climb brought us to the Whim Quarters 1 - their home for four Gwen Egg for Friends of Maatsuyker shed - missing part of its roof and Island December 2008 - WILDTIMES - 9 Volunteers at Haunted Bay! On 19 September a team of 8 boated in to Haunted Bay. Were they ghostbusters? No, they were weedbusters. In this particular case they were about to undertake primary control of a large patch of Spanish Heath (Erica lusitanica) located on the eastern slopes of Middle Hill on south Maria Island. This remote patch was discovered some time ago and has been the subject of surveys by Richard Koch and more recently by Ranger MargieJenkin and Anne B th of the Friends of Maria Island. Following discussion with the contractor involved with the Spanish Broom control program on the island it was decided to undertake control Volunteers at Haunted Bay, South Maria Island, from left Vicki Campbell, Dave using a Wildcare team of volunteers. Harris and Christine Hams Thus it was that Captain Craig and his crew in PWS (Parks and Wildlife Ship) from base camp at the small beach. experience. Mention must be made Solen picked up Margie, Anne and The plants were mostly large with very of the cooperation of PWS and Margie husband Peter Booth, Vicki Campbell, few small seedlings, and required saws in particular, her food, planning and David and Trauti Reynolds, and David and large loppers. The infestation was leadership was first class! and Christine Harris from Triabunna taped and the team worked along the Funding was provided by a grant from and transported them and their gear tape lines to ensure the control was as NRM South, which also covered the to the small bay. Earlier in that week effective as possible. The patch was appointment of a contractor to work PWS had transported wat r, food and so large and dense that we estimate on the Canary Broom in Bernacchis other gear to the bay. another 6 days to complete the job Valley and to act as a consultant on Over the next 5 days the team cut nd Haunted Bay is a Fairy Penguin colony the Spanish Heath, pasted a huge infestation of heath, and c re had to be taken around We will be back to finish the job. walking to and from the site each day camp, but it is a wonderf I place Anne Booth and Dave Harris and we horoughly enjoyed the BaI my Summer Nights in National Parks with Discovery Rangers Imagine catching a fantastic slide show at a national park, staying the evening for free in parks accommodation and waking up to a bird watching activity. In January 2009 the Discovery Ranger program requires volunteers to do just that,... and a little more! We hope that volunteers will be administering a survey designed by he CRC for Tourism. The survey is intended to gain feed back from participants in Discovery Ranger activitie . The Discovery Ranger program requires volunteers o spend Discovery Rangers out and about in Parks this summer a few days at various national park and reserves around Tasmania. We'll ne d volunteers to be on-site be provided. The selected Wildcare "Evaluation is a vital part of the before and after an activity, over a volunteers will need to participate in a Discovery Ranger program, wewantto number of days. They will be handing day's training course in Hobart in late have the most comprehensive project out survey forms to randomly selected December or early January. we have undertaken in years" Jen Fry, participants and collecting the forms Please contact Jen Fry, 0429 822 the project coordinator said. "We afterwards. Volunteers will work in 338, if you would like to spend some need as many Wildcare volunteers as teams of two. Where possible; free summer nights in a national park or possible to help us get there." accommodation in parks housing will reserve this January. 10 - WILDTIMES- December 2008 Parks Staff I've Met

(from Bill Forsyth. one of Wsldcare's them as time goes most widely travelled volunteers) on. This is a lead up to several articles Kathy van about Park staff, statewide, Dullamen was that I have worked with since I stationed at Cradle commenced volunteering. for several years I will be talking about Hank Schenkel, and was connected who was Senior Ranger and then with the Overland Track Program as Manager at Cradle Mountain. Cathie supervisor and Plowman will feature in stones from enlisted volunteers the early days. Both were involved at when at Circular the start of the Overland Track Hut Head, t. Helens Warden Program. In fact the program etc. More about was Hanks' idea following his time her too. in New Zealand. He Snd Cathie were talking about the age old Parks Melaleuca was problem of how to get things done also a place that without money. Their great ideas I volunteered kicked off the program and it is still in at, with the OBP operation twelve years later. Program, as well as several stints Next comes Krissy Ward, a Ranger on working bees. stationed at Strahan, who had a lot to Craig Saunders do with the volunteers on the Orange- Bill Forsyth volunteering with PWS somewhere, was a Ranger Bellied Parrot Program at Birches Inlet sometime!! I had a lot to do and later with the Overland walkers with in the South, aiong with of being with Mark. Mark is like a giant survey at Narcissus Hut. At present course, the king'pin of the OBPs' wombat who charges thru' the scrub Krissy and her partner are in Ethiopia Mark Holdsworth. I shall tell you and creeks as if it were a paddock. He collecting additions to their family. how he had me down there prior to fancies himself as a chef. He brought Krissy already has a daughter about the nesting season, gathering nesting steaks, wine and sauces and herbs eight or nine, from Africa. material from Claytons area. He He ate alone. As I said, 1 was stuffed, Of course, at Cradle more recently I scaled the trees to inspect the nesting So, you will hear much, much more of met Ted Bugg and Eddie Firth. They boxes and replenished the nesting these Rangers as time goes on. have served the area a good many material, while I was in charge of years and I shall tell you more about ground operations! I was stuffed after

^ }J/ r {

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Ph: 03 6288 1013 Cnt George sind Ca.meron Streets 13^ 1 ^ r,. i Fax: 03 8288 1341 Ph6334 4355 .Fax 6331 3496 §BraP-C BUSINESS CENTI^ Mob: 0408 128 325 recepdon@branchoffice, com, au www. somethingwild. com. au December 2008 - WILDTIMES - 11 A Walk on the Weedy Side - Weeding Tasmania's World Heritage Area of sea spurge and marram grass. A few years ago, I sailed to the remote Jon had walked and rock scrambled when we walked in sporadic rain. Deal Island in Bass Strait. Walking up the entire west coast several times We reached Bond Bay on Port Davey, from the jetty towards the lighthouse, (which accounted for his precise and by fortuitous coincidence we I saw three or four people further up knowled e of every crayfish crevice). the slope wearing rubber gloves and ran across a team of PWS staff and with their bottoms in the air. At first Our sector had long hauls of rock Wildcare volunteers surveying the hopping and scrambling in between I suspected that the is lation of Deal endangered orange-bellied parrot, beaches and coves. Other sectors Island had driven them to desperate And so it was that we had a boat measures for entertainment. further north had more walking on sandy beaches but they also tended ride out to Melaleuca, instead of My suspicions were n t far from the to have heavier we infestations the planned helicopter trip back to truth. Deal Island, like much of co I Strahan The trip across Port Davey south-eastem Australia, is infested The west coast is geographically and Bathurst Harbour was an varied, and indented with inlets, with sea spurge. Part of the caretakers' unforgettable finish cobblestone coves, beaches and role is to control weeds. Indeed, the The Port Davey cirque was rimmed path was piled high with large piles of tannin-stained creeks. A gruelling few hours of rock scrambling requiring with storm-scoured quartzite rock, sea spurge, evidence of days of hard total concentration would be gleaming white in the late afternoon labour. But it seemed a hopeless task. rewarded with marvellous vistas from sun. Above the white stripe of rock Acres of sea spurge remained, waving headlands. stretched the lush green of the in the breeze, along the beaches southwest forests. Below, the deep and all the way up the path to the Every day turned up something novel ocean blue, rolling in rhythmical caretakers' cottages. the skull and vertebrae of a pilot swells. Fast forward to January 2008. "Would whale, a dead leatherback turtle, Aboriginal middens and hut sites, Three horizontal stripes of blue, white you like a cray for dinner?" asked and green-perhaps a flag for the Jon Marsden-Smedley, the leader f tiger and whip snakes basking in the southwest. our littl group of walkers. "It'd be sun, the rusting hulk of the Svenor at Wreck Bay, superb camping sites on no problem at all". This was in Elliot Louise Shepherd - 5PRATS volunteer Bay, on day two of a 12 day off- marsupial lawns, and the stunning track bushwalk in the remote west crimson berry. This coastal shrub up coast of Tasmania's southwest, with to 3 metres high was fruiting while 1 Gordon Gateway we re there, and it was covered en a helicopter drop-off and pick-up. Sound like heaven? masse with small fleshy pink berries. *>- -*- L 1-/ ^ There was a catch. Our mission was The only detracting aspect on the walk -» Strahan to eliminate every sea spurge and was the amount of rubbish washed up on the shores by the same currents marram grass tussock on our walk. Some groups of weeders had many that bring the weeds. I guessed that thousands of weeds in one patch, 95% of it was non-biodegradable which took them days to pull up. plastic or nylon from fishing vessels: fishing nets, craypots, bait savers and We were fortunate, having only light softdrink bottles. patches. However, asjon emphasized, 10% disaOLmt on dbor prices for each adult spurge can produce up to Like the rest of T smania. thesouthwest accommodation to WILDCARE 50, 000 salt-tolerant seeds per year. was in drought. We experienced blue members The currents off Tasmania' west skies and 25 degree maximums n nm"»l-C^ Q,^ disperse the seeds down the coast almost every day of our trip. where, without control, they will Because of this, and because our infest the wilderness coast. Hence it sector was light-on for weeds, we had was crucial that we actually walk into extra time up our sleeves. We decided every remote cove and check it out for to extend our walk and finish at Port both adult and juvenile spurge plants. Davey instead of Wreck Bay, We had The bushwalking was no picnic. There no maps for the unplanned section, were no tracks. The organizers had but Jan assured us that he knew the selected the team for our sector partly area like the back of his hand. for our rock climbing experience. Peter We had one slight diversion from the The Espianade, Regatta Point, Strahan, Tasmania, 7468- Australia, had done rock climbing through his optimal route, but Jan shimmied up a Ph: 1300 134 425 Ph: 03 6471 7165 course at Charles Sturt University, and tree and scouted for a way out of the Fax: 03 6471 7588 Clive and I have been rock climbing Email: [email protected] eucalypt jungle and onto the open Web: www.gordongateway. com. au for 30 years. button grass. It was also the only day 12 - WILDTIMCS - December 2008 New Team of Parks Volunteer Facilitators

Regional Volunteer Facilitators (RVFs) 'South Sea Porn' - that is born in England 5 minutes after they agreed to this. a employed by the Parks and Wildlife and raised in New Zealand. It wasn't Humpback Whale surfaced in front Service (PWS) are key people in until I was with my husband Chris of our kayaks, showed us its fluke and the ongoing partnership between driving down the western seaboard then dove for the depths of the ocean. Wildcare and PWS. It is therefore very of USA migrating with the Humpback This moment for me as an educator encouraging to see that PWS has this whales between work in Alaska and was precious, looking around to see year employed new staff to fill long Baja Mexico for the National Outdoor tears rolling down the checks of one term vacancies in this area. Leadership School, that we realised of my students. RVFsdo many things but generally they having been working under the stars Everything I o now relates to that are acting as a 'bridge' between PWS for 10 years, we really wanted to make moment and many other heartfelt staff and partnership organisations a h me closer to family. moments I had the privilege to such as Wildcare. They can assist Chris then said, "You write on a bit of experience. I am passionat about new roups build a relationship with paper where you want to live and I' ensuring I contribute in some way to PWS, advise on funding options and write on a bit where I want to live, then looking after our natural environment grant applications, provide training, over a bottle of nice wine, we'll open and also in providing similar plan and supervise on ground projects them to see where we are going"... opportunities for people of all ages and even sometimes muck in with the Well, when the pieces of paper were and abilities. volunteers getting their hands dirty! opened they both said... 'Tasmania' Tasmania has been home now for 26 The RVF program has been running The time away leading remote 3 years. Work in Tasmania has included now since 2002 and now boasts 5 month expeditions was centred on developing and running Leadership RVFs across the state. 4 of these have environmental education, leadership, and Risk Management Training been appointed in 2008 with Caroline pers nal development through the courses for Outdoor Leaders, heading Shemwell at Freycinet being the sole natural environment. (Wilderness) As up the Tasmanian Outdoor Recreation survivor of the original intake. a trained teacher this was a most Council and managing the Greening Australia and then CVGT State Green At a meeting recently I asked the 4 new fantastic opportunity, one I absolutely orps program, which partnered with appointees to introduce themselves to loved. I loved moments in every day Wildcar members: like... the day I managed to get the PWS on many occasions. Family, friends, kinfolk, vege and native Pip Gowen replaces Craig Saunders at group, who were talking away loudly gardening, birding, the ocean under H onville looking after that half of the about everything BUT where they and on in various vessels including the Southern Region west of th Derwent were ie movies they had seen, to favourite T smanian Timber Cutter River. In Pip's words: paddle in silence for a change, to see what they noticed. called I am what some might describe as a 'Wild Honey' and Little Bear, playback theatre, singing and just starting the Saxophone are amongst the things that feed my soul in addition to my work.

&.* 1\ lie Jackie Bice works from Seven Mile Beach Field Centre and looks after the Range of pre-visit other half of the Southern Region east information relating to of the Derwent River. Tasmania's National Parks & Reserves Ja kie hails originally from Adelaide but now lives in Taroona with partner Parks Passes and two small children Ishmael (3)and . Maps Ava (5). Books - Adult and Prior to this job I was in Mozambique, Children's Range working part time for the Ministry Australian Animal of Tourism on the Great Limpopo Puppets Tran frontier Park, producing a * Jigsaws monthly newsletter for all stakeholders 24 to 2000 piece, (Mozambique, South Africa and including Southwest National Park Zimbabwe) Prior o that I was the indigenous Protected Area coordinator « Souvenirs in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands in Clothmg ~ fieecy northern South Australia. I worked jackets, vests, ponchos, in threatened species research and ratncoats, t shirts 10% discount management in arid zone SA for . Posters to WILDCARE members 15 years. I started my career as a . And more zookeeper in Adelaide Zoo. I have a science degree in Natural Resource December 2008 - WILDTIMES- 13

Management and a graduate diploma in Aboriginal Studies. I've always loved being an ecologist and focussing on flora and fauna, but people are really what is shaping the environment, therefore I decided to change direction and focus on people. Volunteers are the creme de la creme of people working in environment and conservation - they are doing it because they genuinely care, not just because it pays the bills! When not at work I enjoy Taiko drumming, travelling (anywhere/ everywhere), music festivals, taking kids to swimming lessons, taking kids to dancing lessons, taking kids to birthday parties, taking kids to festivals, taking kids to the beach/ Pip Gowen, Andrew Smith (Manager, PWS Community Programs), Jackie fi/ce, playground/mountain/etc, etc, etc Stephen Mansfield, Jo Hainsng - this is why you won't see me at very was advertised, Steve said it seemed and Wildlife Service Northern Region many working bees on weekends! like a great way to get involved and in October this year. Jo has more than Stephen Mansfield works from employ the skills he had gained. fifteen years experience in emergency Ulverstone and has responsibility 've been just amazed at how service response operations, including across the entire North West Region. committed PWS people are to the task five years managing volunt r with The following is reprinted from and the volunteers I've met so far have the NSW SES. Stephen's introduction to PWS staff been amazing. All of them are giving a Jo was previously with the Royal in a recent news article. huge number of hours, " he said. Children's Hospital Foundation Recently appointed Northwest Region "My goal is to have all our volunteers Queensland, where she developed volunteer facilitator Steve Man field is feel they are well supported by Parks and implemented a best practice one of a growing number of staff who and appreciated and I'm also aiming model for management of volunteer have come to the Parks and Wildlife to develop more opportunities for services across the range of operations S rvice seeking a major change after volunteers to b involved." within the hospital complex. decades in another, often unrelated Steve is married to Jan. who's a A self-confessed n m d with profes i n primary school teacher. They have an insatiable travel bug, Jo has Steve admits he was always attracted two boys 20 and 18, Tom and Sam, bushwalked and backpacked in the Middle East, Scandanavia, North and to the idea of being a ranger or a Jo Haining works from Launceston Central America, Central and Eastern similar job, but that things never quite and is responsible for RVF matters in worked out that way. the Central North. Europe, Asia and the Pacific. Craig Saunders can remember thinking at high Jo is the newest Regional Volunteer (recently departed PWS Volunteer school that the main criteria for any Facilitator, having Joined the Parks job would be that I would work Facilitator) outdoors, but it didn't work out very well considering I spent the next 28 years in an office, " Steve said, The 'office' was in financial service and Steve was qualified as a Certified Financial Planner. His most recent position in the finance industry was with the Commonwealth Bank as Investment and Insurance Division m nager for Tasmania. After that he spent four years managing a project for a community group on the Central Coast. Bruny Wildlife "Thefocus was on improving retention rates post-compulsory educationyears. Natural beauty, extraordinary wildlife and I reduce I worked with businesses and schools merge fo creaie the ultimate Tas itson to develop initiatives that helped to keep kids in school and helped them Fh: 1300 137 919 plan their future directions." www. brunywildlifeadventure. com. au SIWEIINE When the volunteer facilitator position 14 - WILDTIMCS - December 2008 WILDCARE Book Reviews

Reflections by David and Trauti Thirsty Country, Options for Australia Reynolds (Forty Degrees South 2008) ^s> bv Asa Wahlauist (Alien and Unwin 2008) 'Reflections' is best described by David and Trauti's subtitle, 'A diary One of the first things I of a memorable experience on Deal do when a book comes Island, Spring 2006'. into my hands is to ask the question, "What The book i a classy reproduction does this writer know of the journal Trauti kept on the T?»cT< t Ss'. 'id itCi-fw(k and what qualifications island while acting with David as does he or she have?" volunteer caretakers over the period Asa Wahlquist has been about a September to December 2006. The looking. To beat the weather w do text, reproduced as it appeared in fair whil in the writing business. our jobs early vid is taking down She became interested in he water the original journal, is beautifully some old, rusty wire fences - myself, illustrated with Trauti's own drawings problem in 1991 and has won several weeding the strip where the new awards for rural writing. She writes and Trauti and David's photographs. allocasuarinas have been planted. for The Australian newspaper. Trauti's journal describes in fascinating And on Wednesday 8 November a In this book she writes about detail the many ordinary and not so special treat, "We treat ourselves to Australia's climate and where the rain ordinary duties of an island caretaker a visit to Winter Cove, always a comes from. Yes, out of the sky, I as the seasons unfold around them. wonderful and rewarding experience. know, but from which direction? Her Duties range from normal domestics The colour of the water in this cove section on urban water use and what such as cooking and cleaning, to makes my heart leap, happiness at happens to water in the five big cities regular building and garden such exquisite beauty, enhanced by is extremely informative. maintenance nd on the better days the green hills and the warm colours And what can we do about the exploring the island. of the rocks." present water shortage? Not so much In his forward to Reflections Warren On Friday 20 October he writes, in Tasmania. We are the best off of "When we wake it is calm, dull, moist Boyles (editor of 40 Degr es South all the States. She stresses that a must magazine) writes of the dream of for individual homes is to install rain escaping to a remote island lighthouse, water tanks to ease the pressure on and of David and Trauti living this larger community w ter storages. P typjisP dream. He concludes with, "You All in all a must read for everyone, may never find the time to escape to and a great m tivator for action. "' uritey Retreat a remote island lighthouse. Read and enjoy this journal and you can in some Bill Forsyth measure live this dream; you will be the richer for it." David and Trauti Reynolds are regular Wildcare volunteers, seen working \^A / in many of our reserves, especially v our island National Parks. Their Deal Island journal Reflections is available in most bookshops or direct from them at reynoldsfamily@netspace. et. au for $70. 00 (RRP). minerals - crystals - gemstones Craig Saunders fossils .. . and from around the world

Country Hospitality by the Seaside 175 Lune River Rd, Lune River Open most days 9-5 Ada Street, Bri d port, Tasmania 7262 (near Hastings Caves) Ph: 03 6356 1873 ALSO Fax: 03 6356 0173 Our resident robin is a little Saturdays at Salamanca Market Web: www.platypuLspark. com. au busy-body (drawing by Trauti Ph: (03) 62983182 Email: pkrtypuspark@tassie. net. au 10% discount to WILDCARE members 15% discount to Wll.DCARE members. Reynolds) December 2008 - WILDTIMCS - 15 Wilmot Heritage Trails (Wildcare) Works Warrawee As the fire crews of Forestry Tasmania production equipment. This led to a (FT) Mersey District worked to suppress GreenCorps project in cooperation an intense bushfire two summers ago with Wilmot Heritage Trails Cares (a in the Warrawee Reserve just south Wildcare branch), Forestry Tasmania of Latrobe they found evidence of an and Latrobe Landcar . industry that had been there almost a The young people we work with century ago. njoy the hands-on work. The project Several vertical ventilation shafts of includes the construction of a safe six to seven meters in depth were pedestrian 2 1/2 km trail showing found spread over the area and the production equipment associated with fire crews also found mining tunnels the mine, evidence of old buildings with heavy wooden framing still in and eventually leading to an old fair to good condition. After more tramway. An interpretation shelter exploration and research, FT found has been constructed at the start of Green Corps team working with ou h t there had been two periods, the trail as, well as signage to direct Wildcare Volunteers at Warrawee Forest several years each, of extensive shale- people and explain the overall history Reserve mining in Warrawee up to 1936. of the area. These will facilitate to share their learning and growing Warrawee is managed for recreation interpretation of the historic relics confidence. Pam Skurulis of Latrobe and as a flora reserve under the relating to the shale-mimng industry is an exceptional team leader. She Regional Forest Agreement. The of the early 20th Century. provides care, good humour and a Latrobe Landcare Group has put in The Green Corps team is also building rich learning environment. This makes great efforts over the past decades to a large picnic shelter next to the the day-to-day working atmosphere create and maintain walking tracks, Platypus Pool (Hedditch Lake). The between the Green Corps team and lookouts, picnic facilities, and the crew members are involved in every WHTC enjoyable and productive. beautiful Platypus Pool close to the step, from the environmental review, The project will end officially on the Mersey River in the Reserve - which is planning, risk assessments, surveying 2nd of January 2009, by then all the worth its name... we've seen platypus and site preparation, material new facilities should be in place. We many times over the last months. transport, post setting and concrete invite everybody to have a look at the Interest from the local community work up to the roofing and general Warrawee Reserve when you happen increased with the re-discovery of construction of the shelter It is to be in the area. the shal mines and associated inspiring to h ir enthusiasm and Jerry Kreger i-ivlm Wilderness Tours

For enquires and bookings Phoni (03)6248-539 A deeply moving experience Fax (03) 6248-5117 Lake St. Clair Wilderness Resort promises you a truly unique wilderness experience. Right on the shore of Australia's Flights to Tasmania's South West National Park deepest freshwater lake, the resort is far more than a place to rest your head. World Heritage Area. The resort includes a gourmet restaurant, cafe, bar, convenience store, internet access and equipment h're Award winning ParAvion can take you to this including canoes. The ferry that meets the famous Overland pristine and remote region allowing you the Traci"; also leaves from here To keep you on track, the opportunity to experience Tasmania's inspiring National Parks Visitors Centre is right next door. And don't forget to say hello to your nearest neighbours - the wilderness. Pademelons and Bennett's Wallabies. Fish, hike, canoe, climb or just relax at the resort. The choice is Tours range from half to full day World Heritage yours. Whether you are campi ng, caravanning, backpacking Flights to overnight camps as well as luxury cruis- or looking for a more luxurious hideaway, staying with us is es aboard MV Southern Explorer. better in even/sense. Special 10% discount on accommodation for WILDCARE members. Please present your valid WILDCARE membership 1995, 1996, 1997 card. Depends on availability Tourism Award Winners. Lake St. Clair ^ ^t-»< 10% discount to WILDCARE members resort Tasmania (Just quote membership number when making a booking.) www. lakestclairresort. com. au 16 - WILDTIMES - December 2008

WILDCARE Inc wishes to thank the following sponsors for their continuing support, especially... . Parks and Wildlife Service for providing office space and support for the WILDCARE Office, . Staff of Parks and Wildlife Service and the Resource Management & Conservation Division (DPIW), local councils and others who work alongside and support our volunteer members. . The WILDCARE Board of Management, WILDCARE Office volunteers and Group Presidents who all contribute to keeping WILDCARE Inc active, exciting, productive and worthwhile. . 0 rm m rs, extra rdinary people doing extraordinary things to benefit Tasmania's natural and cultural environment.

Natural Partners The following organisations have, as a result of their passion and significant commitment to iving, inspired WILDCARE to create Natural Partner Funds, allowing everyone to contribute donations, large or small, to specific nature conservation and reserve management objectives. Links to our Natural Partner Donors web sites can be found under 'Our Sponsors' on www.wildcaretas.org. au If you would like to discuss opportunities for becoming a Natural Partner to WILDCARE Inc contact acochair@wildcaretas, org. au or phone 0419 361 876. . Bruny Island Charters/Tasman island Cruises Tasmanian Coast Conservation Fund (Reserved coastal land management, marine and seabird conservation) . Leishman Associates WILDCARBON Fund (Re-vegetation on reserved land)

Sponsors Bruny Wildlife Adventure - Category 3 ($1, 000+) Supporting WILDCARE Inc to give hands on help for reserve management, nature conservation and cultural heritage conservation

Business partners The following organisations have contributed services and product at a discounted rate r as in-kind contribution to proj nd ken by WILDCARE Inc. Links to our Business Partners websites can be found under 'Our Sponsors' on www.wildcaretas.org. au If you would like to make a business discount offer plea^p contact acochair@wildcaretas org. au or phone 0419 361 876 . Internet Tasmania - internet services . White Dog Green Frog - internet host . Kemp and Denning Mitre 10 Hobart - account discount card

Discounters The following organisations offer discounts to members, on presentation of a valid W!LDCAREmembership card. Links to our discount sponsors websites can be found under 'Our Sponsors' onwww.wildcaretas.org. au Also check advertisements in this newsletter. If you would like to become a discount sponsor contact [email protected]. au or phone 0419 361 876 . Wildtimes Safaris of Distinction, Kenya - 5% discount on tour prices . The Lost Seed - 10% more seeds . The Branch Office - 15% discount, . Something Wild , Tyenna - 15% discount at shop . Snowgum - 10% discount (does not include kyaks), . Platypus Park Country Retreat Bridport - 15% discount . Parks and Wildlife Service, Tasmania - $25 discount on Annual and Two Year Park Passes, . Par Avion Wilderness Tours - 10% discount on tour flights, . Moonpads-10% discount . Lunaris Gemstones-10% discount . Lake St Clair Wilderness Resort- 10% discount on accommodation . Gordon Gateway Strahan - 10% discouht'on accommodation door prices, . Eco-Discovery Centre Scottsdale- 10% discount, . Bruny Wildlife Adventure - 10% discount on eco-crulses