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Volume 40 number 1 March 2003 NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION (ACT) INCORPORATED

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From fire to the future NPA BULLETIN Volume 40 number 1 March 2003

CONTENTS

From the president 3 Gudgengy Bush Regeneration 13 Kevin McCue Syd Comfort International Year of the Mountains conference 3 Joint Management Arrangements for Namadgi NP 14 Di Thompson Conference paper

Fire in the mountains—journey from fire to future 4 PARKWATCH 16 Len Haskew Compiled by Len Haskew

Bush fire damage in Namadgi 5 The Larapinta Trail—Alice Springs to Mount Sonder 18 Brindabellas revisited 6 Timothy Walsh et al Ian Fraser Our 'Ol Man River 20 Mt Franklin Chalet photographs 7 Reg Alder

Reg Alder and lan McLeod Kosciuszko huts 21 Damage to cultural heritage places in the Brindabella Range8 Barrie Ridgway

Matthew Higgins A look at the woodland in East O'Malley 22 Christmas party 2002 9 Eleanor Stodart

Adrienne Nicholson Meetings and Calendar of events 24 Siesta, smoke and a quick escape from Pretty Plains 10 Judy Kelly A constitutional matter—NPAACT members to vote 12

National Parks Association of the ACT Incorporated The NPA ACT office is located in MacLaurin Crescent, Chifley, Inaugurated 1960 next to the preschool. It is staffed by volunteers but. at present, not on a regular basis. Callers may leave phone or email messages at Aims and objectives of the Association any time and they will be attended to. Mail from the post office box • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the protection of is cleared daily. fauna and flora, scenery, natural features and cultural heritage in the Australian Capital Territory and elsewhere, and the Phone/Fax: (02) 6282 5813 reservation of specific areas. Email: [email protected] • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation areas. Address: PO Box 1940, Woden ACT 2606 • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment of, such natural phenomena and cultural heritage by organised field Internet: outings, meetings or any other means. http://www.users.bigpond.com/npaact.ht • Cooperation with organisations and persons having similar m interests and objectives. • Promotion of, and education for, conservation, and the planning Subscription rates (1 July to 30 June) of landuse to achieve conservation. Household membership $40 Single members $35

Office-bearers Corporate membership $30 Bulletin only $30 Concession $25 President Kevin McCue 6251 1291 (h) Vice-President vacant Advertising

Secretary vacant The Bulletin accepts advertisements and inserts. The standard cost Treasurer Steven Forst 6251 6817(h), 6219 5326(w) of an A4 insert is $310 but some concessional rates may be arranged. Committee members

Chris Emery 6249 7604 (h) NPA Bulletin

Rod Griffiths 6288 6988 (h) Contributions of articles, line drawings and photographs, including David Large 6291 4830(h) colour prints, are welcome and should be lodged with the office or Lyndall Young 6286 3277 (h) Syd Comfort (02) 6286 2578.

Immediate Past President Deadline for June 2003 issue: 1 May 2003. Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592 (h) Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect association 040 778 3422 (mob) opinion or objectives.

Convenors

Outings Sub-committee David Large 6291 4830 (h) This Bulletin was produced by the NPA Bulletin Working Group. Bulletin Working Group Syd Comfort 6286 2578 (h) Environment Sub-committee Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592 (h) contact 040 778 3422(mob) Cover photo: After the bush fires—looking to Gibraltar Peak, Tidbinbilla.. Photo Tony Wood

ISSN0727-8837 Printed by Copy-Qik, Canberra, ACT. From the President

The January 2003 firestorms caused and Territory Ministers urging the enough of them to recolonise the parks. inconceivable and unforeseen damage in establishment of a scientific advisory An immigration program will have to be the southwestern suburbs of our bush committee for coordinated rehabilitation initiated for the koalas. capital, destroying more than 500 of the Australian Alps national parks. Without the obscuring bush, homes, including three rangers' homes Some NPA members have already Aboriginal heritage sites can now be in Namadgi. Their devastating impact oil visited Namadgi and Tidbinbilla with examined and mapped. Indeed a marked Namadgi National Park, Tidbinbilla park rangers and Environment ACT tree was rediscovered in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and the rest of the planners to see at first hand the extent during our visit, only metres from the Alpine national parks in NSW and and intensity of the damage and to start access road. So there is work aplenty. Victoria has set the agenda for NPA the renewal with seeding of one of the We need volunteers for the working ACT over the next few years. burnt Boboyan pine plantation areas. groups, and group leaders to liaise with Our focus now is to help The fires burned swamps and ridges, Environment ACT staff to manage the Environment ACT with the restoration grasslands and forests, sweeping over work. We need more committee of Namadgi, politically and physically: some areas that remained almost members to strengthen the NPA, to write surveying, replanting, preventing the untouched, others that were turned to letters to the media and governments, influx of weeds and feral animals and ash. Three weeks later we could see the and commune with our neighbouring rehabilitating the bulldozer tracks. Work first new shoots of life, epicormic buds national parks associations in Victoria parties will also be needed to repair our bursting from the trunks and branches of and NSW. The work is most rewarding cultural heritage: the huts that were not leafless trees, mainly stringybarks that and even pleasurable. totally destroyed. had not been scorched through. We saw Please help! that some birds, mammals and reptiles Jointly with the National Parks Kevin McCue Associations of Victoria and NSW, had indeed survived, from wedge-tailed NPA ACT has written to Federal, State eagles to diminutive robins, hopefully International Year of the Mountains conference The NPA was represented at the an issue of great significance to into wilderness management Celebrating Mountains Conference held conservationists. Members are asked to regimes; in J'tndabyne, 25-28 November 2002, by explore the issue further. The Malimup • direct management of places and Di Thompson, her attendance being Communique (signed in a town in matters of Indigenous significance funded by Environment ACT. In this Western Australia) is a good place to by rightfulIndigenou s people; start. "The Communique advocates joint article Di sets out some ideas about • sustainable hunting and gathering; management of wilderness by rightful • limited vehicular access along wilderness generated during the Indigenous communities in decisions existing management tracks; and conference. that affect their rights and the • the need for accommodation where One of the main points for NPA maintenance of their cultures. It this is required in order to maintain members to consider, which was also addresses key issues for Indigenous their culture. raised by the Executive Director, communities including: The Communique is a step towards Environment ACT, Dr Maxine Cooper, • involvement in relevant policy marrying social justice and cultural when she spoke at our general meeting formulation, management plan survival with the long term protection of last year, concerns the debate on options preparation and day-to-day some of our most cherished wild for either removing or redefining the management; places." term "wilderness" in the new Namadgi • incorporation of Indigenous Di Thompson Plan of Management. Obviously this is knowledge and land use practices

New President News is just to hand that Kevin McCue has accepted the position of President of the association. Members congratulate him and wish him every success in his new office.

New members The association extends a warm welcome to new members Christine and Michael Goonrey, of Kambah.

E-mail addresses of members It would be appreciated if members with an e-mail address, who have not notified this to the association, ^jfe could do so through: [email protected] Fire in the mountains—journey from fire to future

Paul Higginbotham and David Scott, with many other culturally significant January! 8 was extreme. Consequently guest speakers at the general meeting of heritage sites throughout Namadgi and there is a distinct mosaic pattern of 20 February 2003, addressed the largest Tidbinbilla. Fortunately the Yankee Hat varying fire intensity. This can be easily gathering 1 have seen at a National Parks rock paintings were relatively seen from the Namadgi Visitor Centre Association meeting. The new venue, undamaged and the Rendezvous Creek which Paul suggests is one of the best the Uniting Church Hall in O'Connor, site has been covered to prevent damage places from which to view the effects of was packed and extra seating was from dust. the fire. The burning partem has left required, but the hall was adequate for The sub-alpine forest suffered some pockets of vegetation that could the task. intensive hot burning—Coree-Lees provide opportunities for fauna to Paul is the District Conservation Creek, Aggie-Franklin and the upper survive. Officer, Parks and Conservation and Cotter were severely burnt. The Both Paul and David believe that David is the Coordinator of the Bushfire magnificent alpine ash along the much of the landscape will restore itself Recovery Process 2003. over time. The Parks Service Together they reported on the is anxious that public access devastating fires of January should be allowed as soon as this year and discussed the possible. When we are able plans for recovery in to visit we will be appalled Namadgi National Park, not only by the effect on the Tidbinbilla. the Murrumbidgee natural environment, but also Corridor and Canberra Nature by the numerous bulldozer Park. Their well-prepared, trails that were blazed to illustrated and coherent fight the fire and the presentation was a thought- incredible amount of liner provoking mix of frightening that is now in clear view. statistics, the personal They believe we will also reactions of both themselves realise the intensity of the and other Parks staff and a fires when we sec melted tempered but heartfelt metal road signs and the optimism that in many distorted armour/guard instances the area would railings along the roads. The recover of its own volition, main barrier to public access but also with the provision of at the moment arc hazards large doses of resources, and such as trees falling every with commitment by the day and the structural Government, land managers hazards of damaged and enthusiastic volunteers. infrastructure. SixTy-six per cent of the The burnt areas are now land area of the ACT was under threat from weed destroyed and this figure invasion (particularly on included the loss of 9! per disturbed soil sites), feral cent of Namadgi and 99 per animals (dog movements cent of Tidbinbilla. Five seem to have increased and Parks staff members lost their spread, goats have been homes, most while fighting sighted as well as pigs), and fires elsewhere in the park contamination from and many of them lost all hazardous waste (such as their possessions as well. In burnt treated pine logs). It is Tidbinbilla 95 per cent of the worth noting that the former captive wildlife was log barriers are to be Devastation above the Boboyan Road near Giendale destroyed, including species replaced by barriers of rock Crossing. Photo Reg Aider connected with captive supplied from local quarries. breeding programs such as the And on top of everything else Brindabella Road have all been burnt. brush-tailed rock wallaby and freckled there is the threat of contamination to The Ginini wetlands are devastated and duck. Infrastructure in the various parks Canberra's water supply from erosion, the fire was severe at other wetlands and reserves was also destroyed. Ail that ash contaminated run-off and the run-off remains of some constructed walking including Snowy Flats, Cotter Flats, from hazardous waste. The undesired tracks is a row of nails in the ash. Mt Rotten Swamp and Nursery Swamp. The run-off will also adversely effect flora Franklin Chalet, which was in what is fate of the corroboree frog, already and fauna. The effect of the current now the most devastated part of the endangered, is of great concern. drought is a great unknown. Alps, was totally destroyed together The fires of early January were not very intense but the firestorm of Bush fire damage in Namadgi

The following summary of bush fire Gudgenby Homestead & the Pine Island facilities damage in Namadgi National Park was Hudson Ready-Cut House Murrays Comer facilities provided by the Environment A CT Brandy Flat Hut Kambah Pool facilities—some Recovery Team on February 17, 2003. Rendezvous Creek Hut, Gudgenby damage. Frank & Jacks Hut, Gudgenby The fires have burnt out approximately SAVED: Hospital Creek Hut, Gudgenby 95 per cent of Namadgi (95 OOOha of Uriarra Crossing Picnic areas Horse Gully Hut, Naas River 106 OOOha). The only unburnt area is a (damaged) Demandering Hut, Naas River strip between Naas Creek/River and the Cotter Pumping Station (minor All structures south of Naas border inclusive of Sentry Box Hill damage) Creek-Left Hand Creek-Mt Clear through to Mt Clear. Casuarina Sands Picnic Area Summit including Lutons, Low intensity fires are still burning Cotter (Murrumbidgee River) Waterhole, Westennanns and Bridge on the ridgeline between the Gudgenby Brayshaws Huts Valley and Naas Creek (Boboyan) Cotter Campground Valley, however these are within The condition of Max & Berts Hut, Cotter Reserve Picnic Areas containment lines and subject to a major Booth Range is unknown but it is (damage including loss of deterioration in weather conditions are believed to have had a containment line suspension bridge, playground expected to burn themselves out in the put around it earlier. equipment and at least one WC near future. The condition of facilities across block) Namadgi, Tidbinbilla and the Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre and The following historic sites within Murrumbidgee River Corridor is as Depot (minor damage) Namadgi have been CONFIRMED follows: Tidbinbilla Deep Space LOST: Commumcations Complex Franklin Chalet CONFIRMED LOST or badly damaged: C19th Homesteads including Slalom Hut, Mt Frariklin Mt Coree Firetower Congwarra, Booroomba, Braeside, Arboreta—Stockyard Creek, Paddys River Slab Building Lambrigg, Lanyon, Snowgum, Picadilly (severely Bendora Dam Rangers House Cuppacumbalong damaged). Reids Pinch and (Allan Bendall) Lanyon & DeSalis Cemeteries Bluodells. Blue Range has not Glendale Rangers House (Amanda Point Hut Crossing Picnic Area been inspected directly but lies Carey) Mt Tennent Firetower within a heavily burnt out area. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Cotter Hut, Upper Cotter Valley Bendora Dam Barracks/office Facilities—Education Centre, Namadgi Campgrounds (Mt Clear, Bendora Explosives Store Animal House, Wildlife Orroral, Honeysuckle) degrees of Tennent Homestead. Enclosures and three staff cottages (including that of Brett damage The following historic sites across McNamara) There are major safety issues from Namadgi have been ASCERTAINED Rock Valley and Nil Desperandum dead and damaged trees overhanging AS SAVED: pise homesteads, Tidbinbilla roads throughout the reserves and Bendora Hut & Arboretum Nature Reserve Cottages adjoining forestry lands, and the presence of Pryors Hut & Scots Pine plot, Mt the Cotter Pumping Station (all but asbestos and arsenic compounds (from Gingera one) burnt treated pine) around damaged Orroral Homestead & Shearing Cotter Parks Depot (Casuarina sites. Therefore public access is likely to Shed Sands) badly damaged be restricted for some weeks yet. Cotter Pub and adjoining bridge

Fire in the mountains continuedfrom page 4 A four-phase plan has been designed for volunteers from organisations such as days off to assist with getting Namadgi rehabilitation and restoration: ours. Volunteers could be expected to back to normal. Phase 1—douse fires and reestablish work on such projects as seeding, Both David and Paul were services and facilities {almost weeding, hut restoration, removal of questioned very closely after their completed) hazards to fauna such as partly presentation. They gave frank and full destroyed fencing and there has been a answers extending our knowledge and Phase 2—Audit and Stabilisation suggestion that some members would appreciation of the severity of the fires. Phase 3—Consolidation and Repair have the skills to undertake ecological Their obvious concern and dedication as Phase A—Rebuilding - probably monitoring. (Please contact Kevin well as their informed optimism that the from the urban area outwards (July McCue if you are able to help in any mountains would recover both in the 2003-2006) way). Former rangers at Namadgi and short and the long run impressed Tidbinbilla have set a wonderful everyone present This plan will depend heavily on example in this regard, coming back adequate resourcing and will have to be Len Haskew from their present employment on their supplemented by the assistance of Brindabellas revisited

Ian Fraser, well-known naturalist, There are potential positives. sufficiently protected underground conservationist and broadcaster, has a Sections downslope of the Mount shoots. particular affinity with the Brindabellas. Franklin Road between Bulls Head and Riverine vegetation along the Cotter His broadcast, made just after visiting Aggie Gap, on both sides, have intact River below Bendora Dam: burnt to this fire-ravaged area, captured the green canopy. This suggests some hope ground level and to the water line. for arboreal animals in these areas. I impact of the devastation with rare Mount Franklin: the Chalet doesn't emphasise the "green" because in vast resemble a burnt building—the closest I force and immediacy. The text, areas dead leaves persist, but leaf fall can come to it is like a section of a rural reproduced below with his kind has begun. rubbish tip. The ancient snow gums are permission, will remain a stark In addition, I saw and heard more in tatters, some just held up by a ribbon reminder of the reality of January 2003. bird species (in very low numbers) than of trunk. Today (3 February) I accompanied I'd have expected in the conditions. In Ginini Flat: one of the worst shocks Environment ACT officers into the particular, a source of amazement to us of the day. The earlier reports are now Brindabella section of Namadgi all was the number of lyrebirds seen obsolete; obviously another fire front National Park. Our planned trip last (close to 20 altogether); how the hell arrived, or perhaps a smoldering peat Thursday was called off due to the (literally!) did they survive? Where? I fire persisted. Perhaps 25-30 per cent of appalling weather conditions. This was have to assume that somewhere there are the swamp vegetation remains in the the first time anyone had been up there gullies that the fire leapt over. Most of sections we visited, and saw from the since the fires. I was asked along in those seen seemed to be foraging in top of Franklin. Of the rest, up to 30cm order to improve my ability to report roadside soaks, presumably the only of sphagnum is burnt. This represents accurately to the community (eg, you!), source of ground surface invertebrates? centuries, perhaps a millenimn or more, both directly and via the ABC. How long will these areas be able to of growth. I don't even want to support them? Next most widespread speculate on the impact of the already A disclaimer to start with. I am very were white-throated treecreepers; greatly diminished corroboree frog aware of the importance of reporting against the odds, invertebrates must be population. "objectively" and non-sensattonally, but surviving in bark crevices. Also more I doubt that I am able to do that. For Lees Creek area: I had hopes that this brown falcons than I've seen in over 20 years the Brindies and Namadgi lower area (ie, without a fire roaring up Namadgi; I'm aware of their reputation have been my "back yard" and my work to it) may have been spared. Instead it is as fire "associates". Also in the high place. Through the books that I (and of close to the worst that 1 saw at burnt snow gums, gang-gangs, crimson course Marg) wrote about them, and Tidbinbilla. In a few places (eg, where rosellas, spotted quail-thrush, flame through 18 years of Environment Tours, Warks Road descends from the west into robin, striated pardalote, brush cuckoo, I think that 1 know and "feel" the area, Bulls Head Creek) diere are some kestrel, pair of wedgies, white-browed especially between Coree and Gingera, shrivelled but intact tree ferns; these will scrubbie: lower down (including better than many. I always felt that one reshoot. Elsewhere though, down Bulls Bendora) pied currawongs, sacred of the more useful things I did with my Head Creek, Blundells Creek and Lees kingfisher, yellow-faced and white-eared life was write a report which bad a Creek, the tree ferns have essentially honeyeaters, common bronze wing. In (minor) influence on the inclusion of the vaporised and the fishbone fern beds are each case, one or very few. northern Brindabellas [in the Namadgi just blackened stumps. We have little National Park] in 1991. All of this is just Higher up were red-necked experience of this I think: perhaps there to explain that this is very personal to wallabies, lower were swampies (ie, are some records from the Dandenongs me, and you must take that into account black, black-tailed, depending on your from the '39 fires? in this report. origins!). I can't imagine what they've Not much more I can add, especially As with the Tidbinbilla fire {same been living on, though along the lower in the way of good news. We must just fire actually, of course) both the extent burnt creeks Carex (a sedge) is shooting. trust that this must have happened many and intensity of the blaze are quite Murrumbidgee (at the Cotter): river times before, though not, I think, in shocking. oaks Casuarina cunn'mghamiana are all European times. It will recover, though I Today we drove (and walked) along burnt; does anyone know of their longer- for one will not see it. I am so sorry to Brindabella Road and Mount Franklin term fire response? I'd guess that they be the bearer of such grief; I don't for a Road to the Ginini Gate, down to Ginini die. and reseed, but it is a guess. moment think that my love for this place Flat, down to Bendora Dam and out I am sure that most of the 1939 is unique. along Warks Road. In all that I would stan ds o f alp ine ash Eucalyptus Now for a valerian and a very large not have seen a square metre of unburnt delegatensis will die, and reseed. In brandy. ground. (Prior to that, too, from the road some areas (eg, past Bulls Head) many Ian Fraser closure on Cotter Road near Weston to of them will survive. The fate of the the ranges, everything is scorched.) regrowth from 1983 is a real worry That is actually not quite true; the though; they may well not be able to gully across the road from The Boulder seed at this age. on Bendora Road contains a ribbon of We don't know much, I think, about tree ferns about a metre wide. And this sno w gum Eucalyp tus pauciflo ra is really ALL there is left that 1 saw, recovery. My guess (again!—this is very though as 1 shall explain there are frustrating) is that most in the variations in the intensity of burning. widespread, intensely burnt areas will die. I'm hoping that the largest will have Mount Franklin Chalet

This early photo of the chalet was taken by Reg Alder during a ski trip from Sydney in 1939, just a year after the chalet was opened. Reg notes that over 60 years the trees have looked substantially the same, particularly the one on the left of the photo.

The photos of the chalet site after the fire were taken on 7 February 2003 by Ian McLeod, an association member, who as a member of the Canberra Alpine Club has been involved with the chalet for many years. Damage to cultural heritage places in the Brindabella Range Historian Matthew Higgins who has blazes were dry, dead timber in the trunk wire around tree trunks, and the extensively researched the cultural of the tree. In the worst cases (eg 18 'shadows' of burnt rails on the heritage of the Brindabellas has kindly Mile), the fire has burnt right through ground. given permission for this report to be the tree, leaving a hole through and out The other, better known site, Tom reproduced. the other side. The 11 Mile tree was not Gregory's wire yard of the 1960s, the best example as it was already located just down Harrys Spur from the Yesterday, Thursday 13 February 2003, damaged when found in 1996, but now Ginini summit, has survived. It is in the company of Namadgi ranger it is the only easily accessible mile tree damaged (two corner trees have Allan Bendall, I made a field trip along with inscriptions on this section of the disappeared, the remaining corner trees part of the Brindabella Range to gain a border. Although the 19 Mile had lost its are damaged, and other posts have burnt better idea of the fires' impact on inscriptions many years ago to bases). The stability of the whole yard is historic heritage places in this area of weadiering, the blaze was visible prior questionable and the yard will require Namadgi. The trip was essentially to the fire and some chisel cuts could be stabilisation; options on this were vehicle based, with only relatively short discerned, but it is now just a deep black discussed by Allan and I on site. wa Iks be ing ma de to si tes. M ore scarred wound. extensive surveys on foot will need to The ruin yard a short distance behind await a later opportunity. The trip was The timber survey marks that we Pryors Hut has mostly disappeared, with undertaken as a co-operative exercise visited have nearly all gone. They have a handful of charred rails lying on the between the Australian Heritage been completely burnt out, leaving just a ground, and some wire nearby. Commission and Environment ACT. hole in the ground. Included, Interestingly, we found a stash of empty My observations are as follows: unfortunately but not surprisingly, is the beer and other drink bottles, and the one mark just below Franklin Chalet which checked was dated 1955—precisely the was one of the best examples of this time the yard was used. So these bottles, Arboreta type of mark on the Brindabella Range previously hidden in the vegetation, are The Arboreta have been very severely section of the border. The only survivor no doubt related to the site (and cast hit. Blundells. one of the best examples, that we saw was the split, loose mark more light on the nature of brumby and the best interpreted, is destroyed. lying on the ground surface at the south­ running trips!). Reids Pinch North is destroyed, and western comer of the fence around the Snowgum is destroyed. There may be Mt Ginini air navigation installation. Spottswoods Hut Ruin some surviving trees at Reids Pinch This was a very poor example, but like The vestigial ruin of this late 1940s ski South. There are survivors at Piccadilly the 11 Mile, it is now the only one along hut just west of Stockyard Gap has Circus. Bendora, and its shelter hut, is here. survived with surpnsingly little loss of known to have survived intact and will The rockspits at the marks (naturally, fabric. Given that there were structural obviously be the best Arboretum for given that they are stone) have survived. timbers lying on the ground, I thought future interpretive purposes. The metal and concrete marks that we that the only surviving elements would visited (these were all of the concrete- be the metal ridge-capping and the one filled downpipe variety) have all or two sheets of corrugated iron. But the ACT Forests Workers Huts survived, as would be expected. Condor Camp and Laure! Camp are small amount of timber, though charred, remains, and in fact the timber base logs destroyed. I understand from Allan that Mt Franklin Road Survey Trees Blue Range has survived. All of these for the walls are now more evident than camps reflected the past history of We visited both the known standing previously. working in the ACT pine plantations, reference trees associated with the when transport difficulties dictated that original survey of the Mt Franklin Road Mt Franklin Chalet workers live out in the forest, in in the 1930s. The 7'A Mile Tree just It is already well known that the Chalet comparison with the gradual south of Bendora Hill is damaged but is was destroyed, and this is clearly the centralisation of operations to Stromlo. still legible, however damage to this ancient snowgum could see the tree worst of Namadgi's cultural losses in the collapse in the not too distant future. fires. Discussions will take place ACT-NSW Border Survey The other tree {which from memory was between the Park and stakeholders about Marks the 9 Mile Tree), located further south, what to do with the site, but 1 would like to suggest at the outset that original The impact on the timber-made border has Lost its blaze and inscriptions. fabric be retained at the site for survey marks, and on the hand-inscribed mterpretation/cornmemoration purposes reference trees, has been great. We Brumby Yards as much as possible. This fabric could visited the 11 Mile, 13 Mile, 18 Mile Probably the most significant include the brick piers and stone and 19 Mile trees. Only the 11 Mile surviving brumby trapyard in the woodshed walls which would be left in retains its inscriptions, and is slightly Park was the 1930s/40s yard a little situ, and other items such as the kitchen fire damaged. In the case of the others, north of Stockyard Gap. Despite the stove, parts of the brumby tow, and and all the other general border relatively cool fire through here, this other elements as they are retrieved from reference trees that we visited, the yard has been destroyed. The site is the site. Whether the steel ladder (which surveyors' blaze itself appears to have identifiable by remnant pieces of been an entry point for fire attack as the S Christmas party

Given the extremely hot weather at the The picnic area proved a good place this is not the case for other places time, it was a select group of members for the gathering and should be kept in which NPA has frequented for its and visitors that enjoyed the NPA's mind in years to come. Christmas parties over the years.) Christmas party at Orroral Valley last (It is a relief to note that the Adrienne Nicholson December. We settled ourselves at the homestead has been spared from the shaded picnic tables and on the grass at devastation of the recent fires. Sadly, the old tracking station and set up a selection of nibblies—many of the group had brought starters and drinks for snaring. Eleanor conducted the now traditional auction of miscellaneous articles with her usual panache, realising some remarkable prices for select items, including a prototype camping stove (no doubt by now the subject of a patent application!). Various luncheon delicacies appeared, including some epicurean barbecues, whi le chatter continued unabated. A post-prandial excursion was made to the Orroral Homestead to see how it fares since its restoration; some participants travelled in style in their automobiles, while the more plebeian of us ambled off along the track, wondering at the need for the boardwalk sections as everywhere was so dry. Partygoers who visited the Orroral Homestead at the NPA's 2002 Christmas party. Reg had brought some of the Back row (I to r): Adrienne Nicholson, Myrene MacDonald, Allan Bills, Mike Smith, pictures and records of the homestead Reg Alder, Norm Morrison, Steven Forst, Clive Hurlstone, Phyl Goddard. before, during and after that long drawn- Middle row (I to r): Lyndall Young, Sonia Lenz, Max Lawrence, Annette Smith. out part of NPA's history. A very Front row (I to r): David Kelly, Frank Clements, Judy Kelly, David Large, Fiona entertauiing and interesting outing. MacDonald Brand, Eleanor Stodart, Jenny Morrison, Beverley Hammond. Photo Kevin McCue

Damage to heritage places in the Brindabellas continued from page 8 provided access to the wind generator the Slalom ruin will remain, the Wombat Bendora Dam Precinct and doubled as a fire escape) could be Walk could be re-instituted so that In addition to Allan's ranger house, the mounted in the ground to indicate the walkers can experience the precinct via former Dam Site Office and the height of the building might be another a loop track as before. Of course this weatherboard residence were also idea worth considering. The most idea would only be viable if the question destroyed. This means that apart from pressing issue is dealing with the of danger from damaged trees along the the toilet block which is understood to asbestos risk from the collapsed Walk was resolved. It is good to hear be part of the original Amenities Block, corrugated fibro roof. that the Canberra Alpine Club is already there are now no surviving buUdings The Austin A40 is almost unscathed negotiating with the ACT Heritage Unit from the Bendora Dam Construction and survives as the major intact built about using an already-awarded grant Camp. One element of the Site Office element of the Franklin precinct (not intended for re-stumping, for which was of particular interest was the including the toilet!). Allan advised that interpretative purposes instead. collection of drill core samples, stored Slalom Hut was destroyed; I believe that in timber trays under the building, which it should be left as it is, as a ruin which Pryors Hut were from the exploratory drilling phase can be visited in the future as part of the prior to construction of the dam. These precinct. Loose iron, etc could be As has been reported, Pryors was saved cores are now broken and scattered secured to the ground if there is a through a combination of a bulldozer along the site. proven public safety risk. break and particularly, backburning by Given that some sort of installation Parks and volunteer firefighters. The Matthew Higgins will be created at the Chalet site, that the stand of Scots Pine adjacent to the hut is ski runs and the A40 survive, and that also undamaged. Siesta, smoke and ... January in 2001 and 2002 had been hot and dry. January 2003 was also hot but even drier, conditions not exactly auspicious for bushwalking. Our walk had been informally arranged at the NPA Christmas party in the shade of an oak tree which provided surprisingly cool shelter at the Orroral picnic site. We had six takers: Annette and Mike Smith, Max Lawrence, Ross Walker, Judith Webster and Muriel Edwards. Dave Kelly had planned the route from Snakey Plain fire trail to Wheelers Hut, on to the Tooma River and Pretty Plains Hut, then to near Grey Marc Hut, up to Jagungal and out to Round Mountain via Farm House Ridge fire trail between January 7 and 12. On January 6 at the rude hour of 10.30 pm, Dave tapped into the Bureau of Meteorology's website, then rang the group to warn of a total fire ban for the Muriel Edwards. Judith Webster. Annette and Mike Smith. Ross Walker and David next 24 hours in the South West Slopes Kelly in front of Pretty Plains Hut ("we did not collect the firewood.'"). district. He asked people to bring non- Photo Judy Kelly cook dinners for the first two nights. At Adaminaby, we met the rest of Next morning we set off promptly at were going to fish at the Tooma River the party, then headed for the start of the 8.00 am, hoping to avoid a hot walk before heading to Wheelers Hut. Snakey Plain fire trail. Although it over Pretty Plains. The cool change had Ughming strikes to the south were seemed hotter than the 25 degrees that come in with lower temperatures and spotting the sky as we sat on a rocky knoll had been forecast as Cabramurra's cloud, but as we walked, conditions peering down to where wc could see Pretty maximum, it was pleasant to walk in the became muggy. Plains Hut poking out from the trees. We shade of the majestic alpine ash and We set off north-cast, past the old reached the mellow old log hut at about 1.00 gum trees festooned with ribbons of Toolong gold diggings, crossed the pm, pitched our tmls and had lunch iaside the bark. A treecreeper hopped and tapped creek, then ascended a scrubby ridge hut while wind, thunder and lightning and a its way up a huge bole. Pink trigger where we caught our breath before splatter of rain performed an erratic plants and yellow pea flowers dotted the wading through bushes and descending symphony. side of the undulating fire trail. in a south-easterly direction to the Very hrae had changed since I'd last seen About half way along to Wheelers Tooma River where Mike had spotted a the hut except for one diing: the hut's Hut we came to a saddle and open area platypus on a previous walk. We treated chimney had been badly damaged in May with a sea of white flowered bushes, ourselves to another rest. Thunder when a party had woken up at 2.00 am to probably Epacris, and views of forested reminded us that a storm was brewing realise the chimney was on fire! I enjoyed hills. At about 4.00 pm we descended to and we finally hit the track heading sitting in the log and hessian chair, good old a creek and trudged up the incline to south to Pretty Plains Hut. Nearby, on a bush furniture that Joliffe used to portray in Wheelers, a lovely old timber hut buift snowgrass flat near the Tooma River, his Saltbush Bill cartoons. Ancient skis, a in the early 1900s with a very tranquil we saw a tent with two campers. tennis raquet and two enamel basins hung air and a welcoming verandah. It was It had been a good 30 years since I'd from the walls; the hi-tech world of computers clean and tidy inside and out, with a walked the track which had become very and answering machines seemed far away. bunch of everlastings hanging near the well defined and easy to follow. Feral After lunch, wc dispersed to snooze, wash front door. pigs had dug up patches of snow grass or rearrange packs. A helicopter flew Oh for a cuppa. Quelling those and we saw horse droppings, overhead at a fairly high altitude fromnort h to thoughts, we pitched our tents and presumably feral, because recreational south. All of a sudden, the usually gathered water from the nearby creek. horse riding is not allowed in the imr>erturbable Max shot out of his tent, saying After disturbing a long black snake in Jagungal Wilderness where we were "I can smell smoke!" the grass near the creek, Max returned to walking. The earth along the track Max hurried up the Mil behind the hut but his tent "walking on air" as he put it. I seemed particularly dry and dusty. could see nothing because of the trees. He and spotted a red breasted robin and a few Stopping for a break near a fence Ross, both conditioned by country iiving in blue wrens flitting about. line, we saw the remains of Pugilistic Yass, were on tiieirmettl e and hurried off to We had all felt the effects of the heat Hut, reduced to wooden supports and view the fires from a vantage point along the and sat back on the verandah in the cool part of a galvanised iron roof. track. When they returned, their report caused evening air for our meal with a distant About half way to Pretty Plains Hut, concern. They'd seen four fires to the west, view of Jagungal and Round Mountain wc met a father and his two sons, whom south-west and north-west, and a spot firei n bathed in purplish light. No noisy Judith knew from near Bowral. They an area through which we'd walked. choofers was an additional boon. ... a quick escape from Pretty Plains They'd taken compass bearings and We were all back together at 6.30 pm. germination and growth. If wildfires had started to pinpoint the fires on the The tragic realisation of what has occur more frequently because of map inside the hut when we heard the happened is seeping through my mind climate change, ecosystems as we know sound of a helicopter flying low down now but will not completely sink in until them will be destroyed, or will change the valley. It was about 5.30 pm. We ran I see the devastation in real life and that dramatically, with untold consequences outside and watched the helicopter is something Pd like to delay for as long on certain species of plants and fauna circle and come down to land. The pilot as possible. that are already close to extinction, such stayed at the controls while a tall figure in orange overalls extricated liimself and came towards us. Ian Dicker, Chief Fire Officer for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, told us we'd have to leave straightaway. A fire 4 1/2 kilometres to the west was moving in our direction. He gave us two options: walk out along a route that he indicated on a map, or else we could be helicoptered out in twos and threes. The second seemed the better option. Because the chopper had a full fuel load, only two passengers plus their rucksacks were to go first. Annette and I were candidates. I raced into the hut, packed my rucksack in minutes and headed for the helicopter. We clambered aboard, strapped ourselves in, were shown how to open the door in an emergency and how to cornmunicate with the crew using an awkward toggle that resembled an old-fashioned light switch. We were Ross Walker and Mike Smith leaving the helicopter near the road south of Tooma also instructed not to leave or approach Dam, 8 January 2003. Photo Max Lawrence the helicopter from the rear. Rather like a horse. After an unsuccessful attempt to as the corroboree frog. We were off. From behind we could have dinner at theAdaminaby Bowling Staff with both NPWS and see Ian Dicker's helmet with his name Club, Max and his passengers headed Environment ACT have been under and blood group but the pilot, Ian for Canberra while the Kelly car stayed enormous pressure during January with Harris, had no such identification. We in Adaminaby where we experienced the several ACT staff losing their houses in headed south, and banked over Pretty strange nuances of a small counhy town fire. As the backlash against Plains, trees looking green and the facing a few night time dramas. conservationists grows, Ministers with plains reasonably healthy. Most people would be familiar with environment portfolios and Parks staff Then we were over patches of smoke the aftermath of the Kosciuszko fires will come under increasing pressure to which were building up with the help of which continued and gathered strength allow logging, grazing and more fuel wind. I caught a brief glimpse of flames. on January 8. Roughly half of hazard reduction to keep ground The Tooma River winked from below Kosciuszko National Park has been vegetation down. but there was no sign of the tent and two burnt and the lovely old Pretty Plains For those who want to find out about campers. Tooma Dam shimmered hut went. NPWS staff bombarded the burning off, the chapter on fire briefly. The helicopter tilted and turned hut with flame retardant but a stray management in the Independent a tight circle, making me feel queasy. ember slipped in and the hut caught fire. Scientific Committee Interim Report, I gave directions for where the car Wheelers, so far, is safe. written by Bruce Leaver, Environment was parked and we landed 100m away The beautiful forest along the Australia, with input from Roger Good on a grassy patch next to the road after Snakey Plain fire trail has probably been from NPWS, provides an excellent the crew checked that there were no burnt along with subalpine areas. The summary of the complex variables that power lines in the vicinity. The flight alpine areas are relatively unscathed; need to be considered in burning off. had taken about 10 minutes. We thanked some parts, relative to altitude, have If burning off is too frequent or the two Ians who set off to ferry the rest been burnt in small mosaics. The higher intense, removal of vegetation cover can of the party out and to locate the three altitudes were less affected than the lead to soil erosion and siltation of men at Wheelers Hut. For the entire lower alpine areas. The Main Range is watercourses. Both Kosciuszko and saga, they were patient, professional and largely unaffected. Namadgi include vital water catchment good humoured and had been quick off Although fire is part of the areas. It can also result in regrowth that the mark in locating and evacuating us. Australian bush life cycle, it is very hard is more of a fire hazard than before. Annette had the presence of mind to to face such large-scale devastation. Although the mterim Report was sign us off in the log book at the start of Vegetation regrows, but species like the written for the new KNP Plan of Snakey Plain trail before we returned to alpine ash need a high intensity fire just photograph the rest of the party's return. once in their life cycle, at a frequency of continued on page 12 about 100-150 years for seed 11 A constitutional matter—NPA ACT members to vote

Notice is given that at the general meeting of the National Parks Association of the ACT inc. to be held on 15 May 2003 the following special resolution will be put to the meeting for a vote: That this general meeting of the National Parks Association of the ACT inc. nominates the National Parks Association of NSW inc. to he the organization to which the assets of the Association should be transferred in the event of the dissolution of the Association. Reasons for the special resolution. A. Under Section 42 (Surplus Property) of the NPA ACT Constitution there is the requirement that: (1) At the first general meeting of the association, the association shall pass a special resolution nominating (a) another association for the purpose of paragraph 92(1 )(a) of the Act; or (b) a fund, authority or institution for the purpose ofparagraph 92(})(b) of the Act, in which it is to vest its surplus property in the event of the dissolution or winding up of the association.. (2) An association nominated under paragraph (l)(a) must fulfil the requirements specified in subsection 92(2) of the Act. (The Act referred to above is the Associations Incorporation ACT. 1991)

B. The Association has not yet passed a special resolution as required by the constitution.

The NPA ACT Committee recommends a vote in favour of the special resolution.

Siesta, smoke and a quick escape ... continued from page n Management, information can be report can be accessed on issue. Should historical huts that have extrapolated and comparisons can be www.npws.nsw.gov.au or may be been burnt down be replaced? If so, made with the situation in Namadgi. The viewed at a public library. For more what sort of structure should be built? A information. phone basic survival shelter? Something else?. Mark Adams. NPWS. on Bushwalkers are expected, quite 6124 9001. rightly, to be self-reliant. Unfortunately, Huts are a there arc times when circumstances and contentious issue. events can overtake the most self-reliant The current Plan of of walkers. I was very glad to be Management for KNP whisked out of the fire zone. states in section 4.4 that Fatigue and smoke inhalation arc not historic huts, like a good combination, but the three Wheelers and Pretty stalwarts at Wheelers Hut chose to walk Plains "would be out via Patons which subsequently burnt replaced if it can be down. They reached their car at 9.00 pm demonstrated that it is and drove to Bowral. collecting a 'roo essential for safety, or along the way. that full restoration (as One thing is certain. Those distinct from re­ interested in conservation and protection construction) of historic of the environment, need to read about values is feasible". tire management, be well informed, NPAfNSW) has a prepared to speak out and to support huts policy which says staff from the environment agencies who that huts. once arc already under siege. NPA (ACT) destroyed, should not be members will need to be proactive and replaced. NPA(ACT) support their new management does not have a set of committee as well as giving input to the policies and needs to Interim Namadgi Advisory Board. consider its stand on this Judv Kellv

Dave Kelly, Judith Webster. Mike Smith and Ross Walker relaxing on the verandah of Wheelers Hut on 7 January. Photo Max Lawrence NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION (ACT) INCORPORATED NPA OUTINGS PROGRAM

•-• y - , - _ • • y.y y».r, Outings Guide Walk grading Terrain grading Distance grading (per day) A —Road, firetrail track 1 —up to 10 km » B—Open forest 2 —10 km to 15km C —Light scrub 3—15 km to 20 km D —Patches of thick scrub, regrowth 4—above 20 km E —Rock scrambling F —Exploratory Day walks Carry lunch, drinks and protective clothing. Pack walks Two or more days. Carry all food and camping requirements. CONTACT LEADER BY PRIOR WEDNESDAY OR AS INDICATED IN THE PROGRAM. Car camps Facilities often limited or non-existent. Vehicles taken to site can be used for camping. BOOK EARLY WITH LEADER. Other activities include nature rambles and environmental and field euide studies.

March-June 2003

Points to note

Please help keep our outings program alive by volunteering to lead outings. New leaders are welcome. The outings convenor is happy to suggest locations suitable for a walk if you do not have something in mind yourself. Feel free to send in suggestions for outings to the association's office as soon as you think of them, with a suggested date.

All persons joining an outing of the National Parks Association of the ACT do so as volunteers in all respects and as such accept responsibility for any injury howsoever incurred and the National Parks Association of the ACT, its office bearers and appointed leaders, are absolved from any liability in respect of injury or damage suffered whilst engaged in any such outing.

The connmittee suggests a donation, to the nearest dollar, of THIRTY cents per kilometre, DrVTDED BY THE NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS in the car, including the driver, be offered to the driver by each passenger accepting transport.

Drive and walk distances quoted in the program are approximate distances for return jouneys. 15-17 March, long weekend packwalk four-wheel-drives.) Afternoon tea in 8-10 April, 3-weekdays pack walk Quilty's Mountain circumnavigation Braidwood. Meet at Canberra Railway Mt Clear Campground to Caloola Leader: Steven Forst Station carpark (Kingston) at 8.00am. Farm Grading: 3A, 2B, 2A Drive 120km, $36 per car. Leader: David Large Map: CMW Budawangs Grading: 2A/B Phone: 6251 6817(ah), 6219 5236(w) 29-30 March, weekend YHA pack Map: Colinton, Michelago 1:25 000 Ring leader by Wednesday. An walk Phone: 6291 4830 extended pack walk around Quilty's Royal National Park Coast Walk A three day mid-week walk during Mountain. This walk will include Leader: David Large the Heritage Festival, from Mt Clear Campground to Caloola Farm along campsites at Styles Creek and the site Grading: 2A the Naas Valley. An easy walk mainly of Piercy's cabin in the Vines area. If Map: RNP 1:30 000 Phone: 6291 4830 on 4WD track and some open conditions permit, visit Mt Haughton, Walk from Bundeena to Otford. country. We will visit a number of Hidden Valley and the Bora Ground. huts, ruins, a grave and site of an Experience the heathlands and Drive 340km, SI00 per car. early settlement on Reedy Creek. magnificent ocean views in Royal There are seven creek crossings on National Park. We will see how the 22-23 March, weekend pack walk day three so sandals/sneakers are Mt Bimberi and Mt Murray Park has recovered from the bushfires advised. Meet at Caloola Farm and Leader: Philip Gatenby last year and in 1994. Depart from bus to start of walk. Transport cost Grading: 3A/C/E Canberra early, arriving at Bundeena TBA (bus $5). Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 mid-morning then walk through to Phone: 6254 3094 Garie YHA hostel. This is a 12 April, Saturday work party This walk is planned to start at Yaouk Wilderness Hostel with basic Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group Gap and include some of the ACT's facilities. On Sunday walk to Otford Phone: Eleanor Stodart (6281 5004), highest peaks. The first part of the walk then take train and ferry back to or Syd Comfort (6286 2578) will be on a fire trail, but most will be Bundeena. Numbers limited to 12 as Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre Tharwa off tracks. A climb of over 800m will be the hostel has only two 6-person at 9.15am, or Yankee Hat carpark at involved. Contact leader by Wednesday dorms, so contact leader early to 10.00am. Weeding, wilding removal or 19 March. Drive 200km, $60 per car. ensure a place. Bring sleeping sheet, other work fcr rehabilitation of the an evening meal and breakfast, as Boboyan pines area. Tools will be 23 March, Sunday day walk provided. well as lunches for both days. An Mt Gudgenby opportunity to have an overnight walk Leader: Ken Free in the 'European' style! Drive 13 April, Sunday day walk Grading: 4A/C/D/E Googong Reservoir/Compo Canyon 500kms, $150 per car, plus hostel fees Map: Rendezvous Creek and Leader: Mike Smith and train/ferry fares. Yaouk 1:25 000 Grading: 2A/C Phone: 6295 8894 Map: Captains Flat 1:25 000 6 April, Sunday day walk Meet at Kambah Village shops at Phone: 6286 2984 (h) 7.00am for a long, tough day conquering Cooleman Ridge Meet at Canberra Railway Station, one of the best peaks close to Canberra. Leader: Brian Slee Kingston, at 8.30am. A walk from the The views from the top are well worth Grading: 3 A/B (fire damaged) carpark at the southern end of the sometimes very steep and Map: Canberra Street Directory Googong Reservoir past London challenging climb. Some rock Phone: 6281 0719 (h) Bridge limestone arch, old London scrambling and regrowth to contend Park vehicles at Oakey Hill Reservoir Bridge homestead, Curley Falls and with. Walkers need to be fit and well (use access gate on Heysen St, Lyons; then wade across the Queanbeyan equipped. Drive 140kms, $42 per car. if locked, meet at corner of Heysen River to Compo Canyon. Return to and Devonport Streets) and proceed cars by similar route. Old footwear for crossing the river would be advisable. 26 March, Wednesday day walk south through Canberra Nature Park Drive 50km, $ 15 per car. Leader: Ken Free to Mt Taylor for morning tea. Phone: 6295 8894 Descend west and after passing NPA March mid-week walk. Phone through burnt areas of north Kambah, 20 April, Easter Sunday day walk leader for details, to be determined near cross Tuggeranong Parkway and MtTumanang the date. climb Mt Arawang. Follow Cooleman Leader: Pat Miethke Ridge north-west, diverging at various Grading: 2D 29 March, Saturday day walk points to observe the impact of the Map: Tinderry and Jerangle 1:25 000, Corn Trail firestorm on Chapman. After lunch, orACTl.-lOO 000 Leader: Col McAlister descend to Kathner St and walk west Phone: 6241 2798 (evenings) Grading: 2A of Rivet*, then around ahd through I found the name Mt Tumanang, ; Map: Monga 1:25 000 Duffy. Stop at Holder mini-mart fof • 4835 feet; on a map which is sd old that Phone: 6288 4171 refreshments before returning to Woden is shown as a homestead quite a A lovely Walk from the top of the Clyde vehicles via Weston. Bring fire distance from Canberra, Mt Tumanang Mountain down to the Buckenbowra theories but expect each to be is a little east of the Tinderries and a River and return which involves a 500 challenged by what is observed. little south of Captains's Flat, and metre plus climb. (This leaves out the Drive 0km, no car costs. according to the map is above the second half of the Com Trail, but avoids snowline. More recent maps show the the long and bumpy car shuffle requiring contours are extremely close together on its western face, so it could be worth a visit to its long summit ridge. Expect 30 April, Wednesday day walk 17-18 May, weekend pack walk anything, from open ridges to Leader: Gerry Jacobson Mount Kelly impenetrable jungle and long-lost tribes, Phone: 6281 3850 Leader: Philip Gatenby though if all else fails there is a fire trail Second mid-week walk this April. Grading: 3 B/D/E up its eastern side. Meet in the car park Phone leader for details, to be Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000; at Canberra Railway Station, Kingston determined near the date. Yaouk 1:25 000 at 7.45am. Drive 160km, $48 per car. Phone: 6254 3094 4 May, Sunday day walk A walk in Namadgi National Park, 23 April, Wednesday day walk Mt Morgan starting at Boboyan Pines car park. Sculpture stroll, Canberra Leader: Steve Hill The plan is to set up camp in a frost Leader: Col McAlister Grading 3A/E hollow below Bogong Gap and then Grading: 1A Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 climb Mt Kelly. If time permits we Map: Canberra Street Directory Phone: 6231 9186 may also climb Mt Burbidge. Mostly Phone: 6288 4171 A chance to see fabulous views, and off tracks and a climb on the first day some of the fire damage from one of of over 800 metres. Contact leader by Enjoy autumn colours as we stroll the most spectacular mountain tops in Wednesday 14 May for more details. through some of the many sculptures the region, including over much of the Drive 140kms, $42 per car. in the Parliamentary Triangle, Anzac KNP and Namadgi National Park. We Parade and Civic. Meet in the climb up the Lone Pine trail before 24 May, Saturday day walk National Library car park at 9.00am. turning left, towards the summit at The Long Flat 0km, $0. some high alpine frosty hollows. We Leader: Martin Chalk tour the many view spots on the Grading: 3A/B 25-28 April, long weekend car camp summit for a view of the things that Map: Colinton, Bredbo 1:25 000 Yerranderie matter to us. The climb of nearly Phone: 6268 4864 (w), 6292 3502 (h) Leader: Max Lawrence 700 metres is steepish in parts, but is Meet at Kambah Village shops at Grading: Options range from short mainly on track and no serious bush 8.00am. The walk will start at the and easy to long and hard bashing is involved. Meet at Kambah Mount Clear camp ground. We will Map: Yerranderie 1:25 000, and Village Shops car park at 7.30am for a fabulous day. Drive 210km, $70 per travel south along Grassy Creek to the Burragorang 1:100 000 car NSW border, then follow it to the Phone: 6288 1370 most southerly point of the ACT. The Email: [email protected] 6-14 May, packwalky return will be along the peaceful Yerranderie is an old silver mining Hume and Hovell Track length of the Long Flat and then town buried deep in the Blue Leader: David Large either along the bush track back to Mountains and these days is only Grading: 3/4A Grassy Creek, or via Chalker's accessible via a long and slow, but not Map: Various and Harry Hill Chimney to the Horse Gully Hut road unusually difficult, 4WD track from Guidebook (depending on interest). This walk Oberon, The scenery is spectacular, Phone: 62914830 guarantees secluded valleys, open the history fascinating and the choices A seven/eight day walk on the forests, history and a dose of heavy of full and half day walks endless. southern portion of the H&H Track breathing. Drive 160km, $48 per car. Some of the places we might visit from Tumbarumba to Albury. Possible include Yerranderie Peak, Byrnes Gap re-supply and rest day at mid-point 28 May, Wednesday day walk and the Axeheads; perhaps the (Lankey*s Creek). An opportunity to Leader: Rob Forster Kowmung or Wollondilry Rivers, or walk the unfrequented section of the Phone: 6249 8546 Colong Caves. There's also heaps of track. I intend to use public transport NPA May mid-week walk. Phone leader history to discover in short walks (CountryLink), approximate cost $50 for details, to be determined near the around the old town itself and the for seniors and juniors who take date. mines thereabouts. Something for 14-day advance bookings. everyone. We'll be camping in Expressions of interest by 17 April please. 1 June, Sunday day walk "Government Town" where facilities Mt Budawang are free and basic. Those wanting Leader: Brian Slee 10 May, Saturday work party lodge or cabin accommodation, or hot Grading: 1A Gudgenby Bash Regeneration Group showers, may book in at "Private Map: Braidwood 1:25 000 Phone: Eleanor Stodart (6281 5004), Town" but they'll need to get in early. Phone: 6281 0719 (h) or Syd Comfort (6286 2578) Numbers will depend on how many Depart Canberra Railway Station Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre Tharwa 4WDs we can muster, so leader would at 9.15am, or Yankee Hat carpark at carpark, Kingston at 8.30am, Drive appreciate offers of cars and seats 10.00am. Weeding, wilding removal or through Braidwood and Mongarlow ASAP. Vacancies will be filled on a other work for rehabilitation of the to park vehicles at the intersection of "first in, best dressed" basis, so get in Boboyan pines area. Tools will be Budawang and Mt Budawang Roads. early. Drive 500km, $150 per car. provided. Follow the latter to the base of the 14 June, Saturday work party 25 June, Wednesday day walk mountain, then climb part way up via Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group Black Mountain and National Botanic an old overgrown road, then fire trail, Phone: Eleanor Stodart (6281 5004), Gardens to the fire tower on Mt Budawang. or Syd Comfort (6286 2578) Leader: Col McAlister Grading: IA Fine views of the higher peaks of Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre Tharwa at 9.15am, or Yankee Hat carpark at Map: Canberra Street Directory Budawang National Park. After 10.00am. Weeding, wilding removal or Phone: 6288 4171 lunch, return to vehicles via fire trail. other work fir rehabilitation of the Enjoy the cooler time of year with a Afternoon tea in Braidwood. An easy Boboyan pines area. Tools will be climb up Black Mountain from Rani walk, designed to warm up a short provided. Road and then to the Botanic Gardens winter's day. Drive 200km, $60 per for lunch. Return much the same way. car. Meet at Rani Road at 9.00am. 0km, SO

Please supply email addresses for Expressions of interest called. Work Parties in the park I propose to book the Hostel at Bundanoon for The NPA will be conducting a number of work two days in June or July. Could you advise me if parties to restore, revegetate and rehabilitate you would like to take part in a number of day Namadgi National Park. I expect this work to start walks in Morton National Park, and your in earnest in June. It would be helpful if members preference for a weekend or weekdays. wishing to help could forward their email David Large, 6291 4830 addresses to the NPA office at [email protected] so they can be contacted as dates are settled.

NPA OUTINGS PROGRAM- MARCH / JUNE 2003 Gudgenby Bush Regeneration

Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group (GBRG) work parties (which included a number of NPA members) were able to go into the Gudgenby area on Thursday February 6th and on the following Sunday to seed some recently burnt areas. The work was concentrated on the west side of the old Boboyan Road between the Yankee Hat carpark and the turn-off to Frank and Jacks Hut where pines that had been felled some time ago but not burnt, were burnt during the bushfires. Gennination is assisted by seeding into fresh ash so this opportunity was taken to broadcast a mix of acacia and eucalypt seeds and sand giving preference to ash beds protected by charred logs. Parks staff were on hand to bring in the seed and sand and distribute the mix for volunteers to broadcast. We were relieved to see that they had also towed prior to commencing reseeding. Photos this page Reg Alder in our railnful tool trailer which apparently had had a rough time when area that we could see (we did not enter If the regeneration area appeared in the fire threatened the Glendale work the Hospital Creek area) were fair shape, the same could not be said of depot where it was parked, but in the substantially intact and the Olympic much of the park we passed through on event had escaped with only a damaged Landcare planting had not, as previously the drive out and we had stark images of jockey wheel. thought, been burnt. the fate dealt out to other areas. The Yankee Hat and Gudgenby Within the remaining pine plantation Reg Alder has taken the photos on areas appeared to have escaped the there were only patches of burnt trees. this page. worst of the fires although some damage Much of the regeneration area looked to Syd Comfort had been sustained mainly in scattered be growing better than could be patches. The parts of the regeneration expected given the seasonal conditions.

The fire god took notice of the "No Fires' Fire damage and reseeded ground in Eleanor Stodart casting the sand/seed mix. sign and Frank and Jacks Hut escaped the Gudgenby Valley. TJie pines in the background were not unscathed. burnt, except in isolated patches. Joint Management Arrangements for Namadgi National Park An edited version of a paper presented on the resolution of a native title claim reached on all issues addressed by the at the Celebrating Mountains over the Territory that is currently board. Conference, held at Jindabyne, before the Federal Court. The claim is Participation in the Draft Plan 25-28 November 2002, by Matilda by a group that has declined an of Management for Namadgi House—Interim Namadgi Advisory invitation to be a party to the Board (Aboriginal Joint Chair), and Agreement. National Park Dr Maxine Cooper—Environment ACT The parties to the Agreement have The board's primary task is to work with (Executive Director) agreed on interim arrangements that Environment ACT on the preparation of Author: Terence Uren-~Environment apply until the native title claim is a new plan of management for Namadgi ACT (Coordinator, Interim Namadgi withdrawn or determined. Under these National Park. The plan will replace the Advisory Board) interim arrangements, the Aboriginal existing 1986 Plan of Management. parties to the Agreement; In April 2002, the board released a Abstract • have been acknowledged as people discussion paper that addressed the with an historical association with the park's values and sought community In April 2001, Namadgi National Park area that is now Namadgi National views on the relative importance of became the first of Australia's alpine Park; these values and on key issues that need national parks to be subject to joint • have the right to participate in the to be addressed in the new plan. Some management arrangements, following management of Namadgi; seventy community submissions were the endorsement of an agreement • have the right to be consulted on received in response to the discussion between the ACT Government and a specific regional cultural issues; and paper. The board has subsequently number of local Aboriginal groups. The • have the right to be consulted on the considered issues raised in the agreement provides for the granting of development of any legislation that submissions with a view to facilitating a Namadgi Special Aboriginal Lease will impact on Namadgi National public workshops on issues identified in and for the participation of the Park. the submissions as being of most interest Ngunnawal community in the or most likely to lead to conflict management of the park. Interim Namadgi Advisory between park users. The board is The paper considers the progress that expecting to release a draft plan for has been made to date in the Board community comment in mid-2003. implementation of joint management The most important element of the and considers the prospects for effective interim arrangements has been the Ngunnawal culture— joint management in the future. setting up of the Interim Namadgi Advisory Board. The Board consists of acknowledgment, respect and Joint Management five Aboriginal and five non-Aboriginal celebration members1. The role of the board is to Environment ACT has taken the view Arrangements for Namadgi provide advice to the Conservator of that for joint management to be Flora and Fauna; National Park successful, it must involve not only the • in the preparation of a new draft Plan Aboriginal Australians have had an exercise by the parties of rights set down of Management for Namadgi National association over many thousands of in the Agreement but also the Park years with the region around and acknowledgment, respect and • in relation to consent decisions by the including what is now known as the celebration of Ngunnawal culture. Conservator made in accordance with Australian Capital Territory. Since Non-Aboriginal board members and the provisions of the Nature colonisation of the region, this Environment ACT staff who work with Conservation Act 1980 association has been constrained, to the the board have all undertaken intensive • at the request of the Conservator, in detriment of Aboriginal people. Cross Cultural Awareness Training that relation to emerging and current issues In the spirit of reconciliation gives them a better understanding of related to the management and between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Aboriginal history and heritage. protection of Namadgi National Park. Australians, the Australian Capital Environment ACT has replaced all The board also provides a forum for Territory Government has entered into of Namadgi's entry and interpretative its Aboriginal members to raise issues of an Agreement with members of the signage with new signage that properly interest and concern to the Ngunnawal Ngunnawal Aboriginal community that acknowledges the long association of community that they believe may be provides for joint management of Aboriginal people with the area that is able to be addressed through joint Namadgi National Park by the parties to now national park. The project has management. the Agreement. involved close consultation with the In preparing advice for the Under the Agreement which was Ngunnawal community, the Ngunnawal Conservator, board members are signed on 30 April 2001, the Ngunnawal Language Centre and local Ngunnawal expected to achieve consensus on the community has been offered a Special artists. issues being addressed. In the event that Aboriginal Lease over Namadgi Joint management has also resulted the board cannot reach agreement, the National Park. Negotiations on the in an increased emphasis on Aboriginal views of each member would be set out detailed terms and conditions and the culture in Environment ACT's activity separately. To date, consensus has been grant of the Special Aboriginal Lease programs. Aboriginal musicians, are dependent dancers, artists, crafts practitioners and story tellers actively participate in contract employment within people of technical language, jargon and regular public events held at Namadgi Environment ACT. acronyms. National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Companies bidding for contract The inability to progress negotiations on Reserve and in one-off celebrations such work in Namadgi National Park are now the permanent joint management as the Festival of the Bogong and the required to include with their tenders arrangements because of the unresolved ACT Mountain Challenge. Ngunnawal details of the extent to which they native title claim over Namadgi is of presenters regularly run ranger guided employ Aboriginal people. concern to the Ngunnawal community as is activities and school holiday programs Aboriginal consultancy firms with the lack of a statutory basis for these based around aspects of their culture and the necessary skills are invited to submit arrangements. heritage. proposals for available consultancy At a philosophical leveL cultural work. Ngangaana Wiradjuri has differences can give rise to conflicting Economic benefits of joint successfully bid for work under these viewpoints that are not always easy to arrangements and Environment ACT is reconcile. For example, the Board is management currently finalising the appointment of currently debating options for either The grant of the Namadgi Special an Aboriginal facilitator to conduct removing or redefining the term Aboriginal Lease will not confer or public workshops on recreation, pest "wilderness" in the new Namadgi draft plan create any lease or licence within the plants and animals and fire management of management Many local Aboriginal meaning of the Land (Planning and as part of the development of the new people take offence at the use of a term that Environment) Act 1991 and there will be Namadgi draft Plan of Management makes invisible the occupation and no payment of rent to the leaseholders. Aboriginal board members and settlement of Namadgi by their ancestors. However, the ACT Government is Environment ACT are currently looking The difficulty for the Board is how best to committed to provide opportunities for at the merits of providing assistance to address this issue whilst giving proper the Ngunnawal community to gain the Ngunnawal community to set up a recognition to the energy invested by economic benefit from joint small business that could tender for conservation groups in lobbying for management. some of the contract work in Namadgi declaration of wilderness areas over a long Aboriginal members of the Interim that is available on an annual basis, such period of time. Namadgi Advisory Board receive sitting as weed and feral animal control. The understandable focus of the fees at a level determined by the ACT Tentative steps have been taken to Aboriginal board members on improving Remuneration Tribunal. determine whether or not there might be social and economic outcomes for their An Aboriginal cultural heritage financially viable opportunities for the community means that they are not always specialist has been recruited to take community to become more actively able to devote as much attention to cultural responsibility for Environment ACT's involved in Aboriginal cultural tourism, aspects of joint management as they would interpretation and education programs, nature based tourism and food tourism. like. Their available energies are, at times, for the proper integration of cultural diverted to addressing Aboriginal heritage and land management practices Implementation of joint disadvantage in the fields of health, housing, and for developing initiatives for education and justice. As leaders of their employment and work experience for management arrangements community, they are in great demand for Aboriginal people. Joint management is working for service on other ACT Government A number of young Aboriginal Namadgi National Park and some representative bodies. people have been recruited to work as significant achievements have been The success of joint management to date Trainee Rangers or Park Workers or in made during the eighteen months since is founded on the high level of trust and Environment ACT's Visitor Information the Agreement was signed. It will, goodwill that has been built up between the Centres. however, take a number of years for parties to the Agreement With a number of Environment ACT has provided part joint management to be fully effective. key projects completed or underway, the time employment to local Aboriginal Namadgi differs from many other Aboriginal board members have begun to people to assist with the running of jointly managed national parks in that take a more strategic view of what they ranger guided and schools activities and the association of the Aboriginal would like to achieve from joint developed a program that will provide community with the area that is now the management in the longer term. young Aboriginal people with training park has been so constrained since Their goal remains to use joint to allow them to assist with these colonisation that much of the management as a mechanism for improving activites. community's traditional knowledge of social and economic outcomes for their Environment ACT has also set up a this area has been fragmented. As a community in a way that does not conflict volunteer program that will allow young result, there is much to be done to with the values for which Namadgi National Aboriginal people to gain work restore "connection to country" and to Park is treasured. They believe that experience through participation in park transfer to the community information economic security is critical to the future of care activities. The program's first held by Environment ACT about the their community and that, without this, the project is the upgrade of a walking track community's sites and places. community will be less inclined to engage to an Aboriginal rock shelter in There are still tensions between the fully with Environment ACT on the joint Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve with similar preoccupation of non-Aboriginal land management of Namadgi National Park. projects to follow in Namadgi National managers with decision making, project The first steps taken in support of this Park. The projects are being funded schedules and output reporting and the goal have been modest but significant The through an ACT Government desire of the Aboriginal board members view of the Aboriginal board members is Community Development Program. to take the time needed to consult with that joint management can be a strong Aboriginal board members are also their community so that decisions made unifying force for their community. They keen to assist the local Aboriginal are properly informed. At times, the believe that it is now appropriate for joint community to gain economic benefit in Ngunnawal community rightly management tob e ways other than through permanent or complains about feeling excluded because of the use by non-Aboriginal PARKWATCH NSW Wilderness Declarations http://www.npws.nsw.gov.au/ for the program is provided by the NSW wildlife/southwildern.htm Government's Environmental Trust. The NSW Government has recently Canberra Bushwalking Club IT The Friends of the Colo, which declared as wilderness an additional November, 2002 includes bushwalkers from several 274 OOOha of land in Northern and clubs, hopes it has now achieved Southern NSW, including 123 OOOha Corporate sponsorship helps 'primary kill* of willows along the Colo within our part of the world. River within the Wollemi National Park. The new wilderness areas of most threatened species There is much more to be done. interest to us are: On 21 March 2002, Snowy Hydro There will be continuing mopping up, Morton-Budawang (23 OOOha) presented NSW NPWS in Queanbeyan and there are yet some live willows on Additions to the existing Ettrema with a cheque for $20 000 to aid in the Wollemi Creek, the Capertee and Wilderness establishment of the captive breeding W o Igan. There are other n asti es program for the Corroboree Frog. Last The Tolwong Road remains open but including Cape Ivy and Lantana which year Snowy Hydro presented NPWS the 4 WD trail from Tolwong to the group will be turning its attention to. with $40 000 towards a captive breeding Tolwong Mines via Tryers Ridge is now And there are the many willows down­ program for the Spotted Tree Frog. closed from Wattle Flat. The Cedar stream from the national park—thought Road is closed between Caoura Ridge NPWS director southern, Dr Tony to be the source of the infestations in the Fire Trail and Purnoo Lookout. Also Fleming said that captive breeding is park. The group hopes to become closed are the Wombat Hill Lookout expensive and Snowy Hydro's involved with the local community in Fire Trail from Rebeccas View Fire contribution would be extremely helpful eventually removing these willows. in taking on such an ambitious project. Trail to Morton Trig and the 4WD trail The Bushwalker November 2002 to the east of Wombat Hill between 'The bottom line is that the frog needs Griffin Fire Trail and Lake Yarrunga. friends quickly and has found one in VNPA launches Park Snowy Hydro, which I am delighted to Far South Coast (40 OOOha) Guardians New Tuross Wilderness (east of say is making a very generous offer Countegany) through a substantial financial For several years the VNPA has been contribution to the breeding program*. considering how the experience of its New Buckenbowra Wilderness (east of Experts believe that the plight of the members could contribute to the Araluen) Corroboree Frog has become so dire management of parks. A Committee Additions to the existing Woila-Deua that a captive breeding program may be under the Chairmanship of DrMick Wilderness the only way of preventing the species Lumb developed the 'Park Guardians' The new Tuross Wilderness includes from becoming extinct within the next proposal that has been approved by the B umbeny C re e k an d Tuross Gorge few years. A survey of 40 sites in VNPA Council. The program is a below Tuross Falls. The falls are outside January 2002 showed a drastic reduction response to calls from members the new wilderness area and access to in the population from 200 adult males concerned about aspects of parks they them from the west remains unchanged. in 2001 to a record low of 75. had encountered when visiting. Jillicambra Fire Trail is now closed Further funding will also be The objectives of the program are to; from Conways Gap to its intersection provided for the Corroboree Frog and • train interested members in with Green Hills Fire Trail. Green Hills the Pygmy Possum through the sale of a assessing the condition of parks Fire Trail is closed from the park new range of 'Corroboree Frog' and and reserves; boundary (Ikm west of Wadbilliga 'Pygmy Possum' soft toys, with 100 per • identify and record benchmarks or Creek) to Tuross River (4.5km west of cent of the money raised from the sale of reference points to assess change Barren Jumbo). these toys going to the preservation of over time; North Kosciuszko-Southwest Slopes the Corroboree Frog and Pygmy • provide a basis for progressing f21 OOOha) Possum. This initiative is estimated to substantive park management New Bramlna Wilderness {west of return an additional income of $24 000. issues through discussion with Brindabella) Snowy Hydro is pleased to be Parks Victoria; Additions to the existing Bimberi involved in such initiatives and looks • allow regular reporting on the Wilderness. Bogong Peaks Wilderness forward to selling as many toys as condition of parks and other and Goobarragandra Wilderness possible to reach their target. The toys conservation reserves; Two fire trails within the Bramina sell for $4.95 and you can help the cause • provide an interesting and W if dc roes s are affected by th e by making a purchase. stimulating activity to inforn and wilderness declaration—the Cooleman news from the ALPS Spring. 2002 involve VNPA members, Friends Creek Fire Trail between Rocky Flat and other interested groups. and Wombat Ground and the 4WD trail Colo nearly willow-free The program provides a structured that gives access to Mt Bramina and During September sixteen volunteers— and consistent way of compiling Half Moon Gap. members of the Friends of the Colo— information on the condition of our Two fire trails within the spent five days in the remotest section of parks and reserves from a user's perspective. In this way it complements Goobarragandra Wilderness are the Colo River, in the third major the official assessment of parks prepared affected—Buckleys Fire Trail between onslaught on willow trees. The by the park managers, Parks Victoria Wells Creek and Sawpit Creek and helicopter-supported operation was and published as the State of the Parks Boundary Road between Broken Cart aided by white-water rafts piloted by Report. Fire Trail and Dubbo Creek. Jack Hodge and his friends from the Sketch maps of the new wilderness Penrith Whitewater Stadium. Funding A Score Card that rates the park or the part of a park visited is compiled by areas can be found at: the Park Guardians team and is recorded remnants of native vegetation. once again rejected calls for funding in the VNPA database. The Score Card Fragmented patches are mostly all that support to deal with the clearing issue. includes ratings for pest plants, threats remain of these once widespread habitats. ACF is calling for stronger to biodiversity, signage, track In the case of native grasslands, just 0.5% Queensland government controls on maintenance, camping areas, amenities persist after decades of cropping and clearing in salinity risk areas, and federal and park information. grazing. government financial support for this. But Park Watch December, 2002 'Our aim in studying the genetics and quick and decisive action is needed from ecology of fragmentation is to come up Premier Peter Beanie, to nunimise future Going to the Grose? Better get with firm advice for conserving and costs and protect the land for future out the choofer! managing these remnants,1 Young says. generations. 'Which particular species are most in habitat, October 2002 On 22 September 2002 the NPWS will need and what is the best way to treat introduce a trial 'fuel-stove only' policy them? Which ones will respond to A piscatorial profile at Acacia Flat and other areas near Blue intensive care? Are some populations Gum Forest The group Friends of Blue Carp are not only a big problem, they are beyond help? What are the population Gum recommended the policy after often just plain big. They can reach a size thresholds for various plant species several years of frustrating volunteer length of 120 centimetres and weigh in at to remain viable?' work in the forest Confederation 60 kilograms. Total biomass can be supported it when it was included in the ecos, October-December, 2002 upwards of 1 500kg per hectare and they have colonised many inland waterways. Blue Mountains National Park Plan of Rights and wrongs of property Management. This success of carp in Australia is The purpose of the trial is rights largely attributable to their adaptable • to reduce the habitat destruction and Do rivers have a right to be healthy? biology and ecology. They can tolerate a damage to young trees caused by Should native vegetation have rights to broad range of environmental conditions firewood scavenging exist? in both still and flowing water. They • to halt the proliferation of fire rings and We think so. That's why ACF has thrive in degraded habitats and can even associated ground compaction entered into the current debate around tolerate water that is up to half as salty as • to reduce fire-basedlitterin g claimed 'property rights' for farmers in seawater. • to introduce new walkers to the idea relation to irrigation, clearing of native Young carp eat plankton, switching to that there is 'another way' other than vegetation, and even endangered species. larger items as they grow. Adults are lighting fires every night One way or another, the controversy generalist feeders, eating plant material, • to improve the quality of experience for around rights versus responsibilities is crustaceans and aquatic insects. Carp feed the many visitors who do not rely on holding up real progress on both of these by filtering small particles from the water campfires issues. or sieving food from the bottom sediments. • to discourage visits by the selfish few While ACF recognises genuine equity whose behaviour is noisy and concerns, we reject calls to inflate The fish mature in two to five years destructive property rights at the environment's and females lay numerous eggs on plant How long the trial will continue, expense and we've prepared a discussion material, in spring to early summer, when exactly what area it will be applied to, paper, Rights & Responsibilities in Land water temperatures exceed 16^. Young and the criteria for 'exceptions' will & Water Management, on the topic. It is carp are preyed upon by birds and other depend on the public response. The available from www.acfonline.org.au. fish, including Murray cod. Up to 98 per cent of young fail to survive the first year situation will be monitored. It is hoped habitat, October 2002 there will be a positive change of user of life. Survivors though can live for culture and that, once there has been a Mapping salinity in Qld decades. Carp get around. Tagged carp have clear improvement things might be New salinity hazard maps for the moved more than 200 kilometres in a few loosened up again. Everyone likes a Queensland Murray-Darling Basin show months and they can migrate at any time campfire! that over half of the area faces a serious of year. One could characterise carp as The Bushwalker November 2002 threat from dryland salinity caused by opportunistic fish that are good at land clearing. Similar maps are soon to be feeding, breeding and spreading. Patch genetics released for other Queensland regions, ecos, July-September 2002 When CSIRO geneticist, Dr Andrew and may echo these findings. Young, sees a patch of native vegetation This grim problem will reduce farm Cat Killing—ice work if you can in an otherwise bare paddock, he ponders production, damage roads and the invisible generic threats to these infrastructure and affect water supplies get it increasingly rare communities of unless land clearing is brought under Spare a thought for the six park rangers Australian native plants. The subtle control. who have spent years combing the 34km threats arise because strange things The Prime Minister's Science, long and 6km wide sub-antarctic happen to the breeding behaviour, Engineering and Innovation Council Macquarie Island for cats. After a four- genetics and overall fitness of plant (PMSEIC) recently suggested that the year intensive eradication program, the populations as the number of individuals 'collateral benefit' of avoiding salinity rangers believe all of the cats have been dwindles to a few hundred or so. costs by controlling land clearing would wiped out from the World Heritage area. Young heads a team of scientists in be in the order of $110 per hectare per But it hasn't been easy. Their only CSIRO Plant Industry with broad annum. A ban on tree clearing in areas of shelters were 'apples*—small, round, interests and expertise straddling high salinity risk is clearly justified on insulated, fibre-glass two-bunk tents. And conservation biology, ecology and economic, social and environmental what weather—even inside the apple the population genetics. The group is grounds, but the recent Queensland temperature was well below freezing examining the viability of plant salinity summit failed to endorse that point in winter. populations in small and isolated approach and the federal government has Park Watch September, 2002 The Larapinta Trail—Alice Springs to Mount Sonder In July 2002 four NPA members, coincided with the centenary of Albert notified of your safe return. Graham Scully, Brian Slee, Ross Walker Namatjira's birth. Fitting because his The walk and Timothy Walsh walked the life and evocative paintings dominated This is not a walk to be undertaken Larapinta Trail in Central Australia from our thoughts and conversations lightly. Despite considerable prior Alice Springs to the top of Mount concerning the landscape. The dominant research, the actual walk brought daily Sonder through the West MacDonnell symbol is Mt Sonder—the form, the surprises. The climbs were more frequent Ranges—a distance of 234 kilometres in colours, the changing light. and steeper than we had imagined—there 17 days, including one rest day. The The walk starts at the old Alice are real mountains out there—and some walk was long, unrelenting and at times Springs Telegraph Station and finishes of the ascents and descents more difficult. The country was dry and stony, at the top of Mount Sonder technically difficult than expected- Some but well wooded in parts and very (1331 metres). For case of transport we rock scrambling was required. While beautiful. The need to carry additional completed the last two sections in difficult at times, it was never seriously water over several stages added to the reverse, being driven from Gien Helen dangerous. Walking days were often long challenge. However, we agreed it was to Redbank Gorge, and after climbing and the stony desert conditions proved a one of the finest long distance walks Mount Sonder, hiking back to Glen real test of feet and footwear. Campsites each of us had done. Helen. We were then driven to Alice were varied. Our favourites were in sandy A table showing our route, distances Springs from Glen Helen at the end of riverbeds, where we ended up more often between camps and the time taken for the walk. than not. These were one of the delights each days' walk is available from The The track is almost all through of the trip. Although we carried fuel author. national park, much of which was until stoves we usually had a campfire. There The Larapinta Trail (the name recently cattle country. The Northern was plenty of river "driftwood" for this derives from an Aboriginal word for the Territory Parks and Wildlife purpose and it boosted group morale to Finkc meaning "salty river") is made up Commission (NTPWC) have done a have a fire at the end of an arduous walk. of 12 sections, which have been opened magnificent job in routing the track We cleared each fire site so that we left progressively over a number of years, through varied terrain and erecting no trace. However, there can be no doubt and was completed in April 2002. It markers every kilometre. Navigation is that as the number of track users runs through the traditional lands of the easy, especially when compared to the increases it may become necessary to Arremte people. Fittingly, the trip Alpine Track. A series of section insist on fuel stoves only. Our campfires brochures have been set the scene for the unlikely occurrence produced by the NTPWC of Ross's nightly reading from an Oscar showing the route and Wilde collection (including several fairy including information on stories!) Aboriginal sites, places to camp, significant geological features and Geology, flora and fauna details of the flora and Some hundreds of million years ago the fauna. area was the bed of an inland sea. A Although the track granite intrusion uplifted the old seabed runs parallel to Namatjira about 10 kilometres and at the same time Drive, the main road tilted it so that the northern section is from Alice Springs to higher than the southern. Aeons of Glen Helen, it is only erosion have reduced the mountains to glimpsed occasionally the present-day ranges, and the tilt causes from higher points. rainfall to run southerly, come up against However, it does provide the ranges, find faults, thus creating the access to the tourist- chasms and gorges for winch the frequented gorges along MacDonnells are so famous. Wc the way and gave us the frequently gazed in wonder at fossilised means to deposit food remnants of the old seabed such as wave drops beforehand (at ripples and the coral-like white Standley Chasm kiosk. formations of stromatolites. Ellery Creek Big Hole- The geology sets the scene for much buried in creek bed—and of the flora and fauna, the damp southern- Ormiston Gorge kiosk). facing gullies holding remnant vegetation Permits are not from earlier rainforest communities such required for the walk but as fems and cycads, the gorges the NTPWC asks walkers concentrating permanent water thus to register details of their attracting wildlife to their focus. Another trip and provide a rescue wonder is Gossc's Bluff, some distance deposit. This is returned away, a remnant of an impact from a EHery Creek Big Hole. Photo Brian Slee when the authorities are comet 250 000 years ago. There are over 250 species of plants in the MacDonnell Ranges. River red and ghost gums are found along the watercourses and are just as Namatjira painted them. Magnificent! Also common are bloodwoods, coolibah, ironwood, longleaf corkwood, whitewood, white cypress-pine, desert oak, several wattles, desert grevillea, saltbush, native fig, tea-trees and witchetty bush. A number of species of spinifex predominate as groundcover with wild flowers, including the purple parakeelya. Ruby dock appears after rain. The moist gullies and gorges are filled with all manner of ferns (including the rock fem) and cycads. Mistletoe was present on many trees. Before starting the walk we spent a few hours at the wonderful Alice Springs Desert Park. Here we saw many Mount Sonder east of Davenport River. Photo Brian Slee of the small, mainly nocturnal animals we knew were present on our walk but the first cloud appeared. The heat was Traces of European presence are which we were rarely to see. (go to usually tempered on the higher ground easier to identify. First of course the old www.alicespringsdesertpark.com.au by a pleasant breeze. Telegraph Station, dating back to 1872, for a full description of plant and animal where the walk starts and where the steel life in the MacDonnells). We did see Water telegraph poles are still present for plenty of black-footed rock wallabies in several kilometres along the track. At Water, or lack of it, dominates the walk. the gorges. Early on in the walk we had Serpentine Gorge one comes across the The well-known water features several nights dominated by the howl of unlikely site of a small dam built in the (Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big dingoes echoing around us. '50s to supply a short-lived tourist Hole, Hugh Gorge, Ormiston Gorge, chalet. At Glen Helen we saw date The West MacDonnells have at least Glen Helen) provide water for drinking palms planted by the Afghan camel 148 species of birds recorded. Birds we and washing. However, gorge water is drivers in the 1880s and wondered at the saw included crested bellbird, zebra shaded all day and is generally too cold discrepancy between the admiration felt finches, wrens, boobook owl (heard for more than a quick sponge down. At at their contribution and the often rather than saw!) and several types of several points along the track water negative view of some Australians to birds of prey. Small fish abound in the tanks have been provided by NTPWC. today's Afghan refugees. pools. There are 10 species of native However, water supply is still not The impact of humans, both fish in the MacDonnells, fish that were reliable. On four occasions we had to providing much feasting to many of the Aboriginal and European, on the West carry sufficient for a night and two days. MacDonnell Ranges is more subtle than birds we saw. Five to seven litres of water is heavy! To our surprise we saw no feral the presence of sacred sites, abandoned This will no doubt put some groups off homesteads, telegraph lines, droving animals although we did come across doing the whole walk in one go. Indeed, cow and horse dung and some bleached roads and the like. It is to be found in we did come across the improbable sight the very nature of the landscape and the bones. We put this down to a bold of a group of young German scouts policy of shooting on the part of the vegetation. The Aborigines' use of fire dressed in lederhosen but shirtless, who in hunting and signalling and using bush Northern Territory authorities. Camels seemed to be running short of water. were reported as being present in the tucker plants undoubtedly had an impact park but again we did not see any. The on the Centre's vegetation. Ernest Giles, introduced African buffel grass covered Cultural heritage in his classic Australia Twice Traversed indicates that at the time of initial much of the ground. The Weed of There is little physical evidence of the European exploration burnt out sections National Significance, tamarisk, was in many thousands of generations of of the landscape were a common evidence in the Finke River area. Aborigines who lived in this region. We feature. Larapinta Trail visitors guide kept our eyes open for signs of axe number 11 states, inter alia, "Many grinding grooves in the gorges but saw Weather scientists now believe that the long term only one "possible". There are none of effect of Aboriginal burning was the This walk can only be done safely in the the wonderful examples of rock art spread of grasslands, at the expense of cooler months. We had several nights found in Kakadu and the Kimberley. woodlands. Spinifex in particular, is when the temperature fell below The geological formations have not thought to have benefited from burning: freezing and we were very glad of our created the galleries for this. However rich mulch and soil crust is frequently heavy-duty sleeping bags. Humidity was the track notes ask walkers not to camp washed away from bare, burnt ground practically zero so there was no at several places known to be of special and spinifex is most suited to the poor accumulation of frost and clothes cultural significance. Perhaps the most soils that result" and "Some scientists washed in the evening were dry by tangible Aboriginal evidence are the believe that Aboriginal people with their morning. The days were generally clear colourful Ochre Pits which can be 'firestick* and warm, the temperature being in the reached by a side trip from Inarlanga mid-twenties. It was day seven before Pass. continued on page 20 Our OP Man River

With the building of the Snowy scheme, Eucumbene Dam for power generation. normal over all seasons and have a the source of the Snowy River was cut Eucumbene only fills during periods of lively, healthy Murrumbidgee flowing off at the Jindabyne Dam and its water high rainfall and at most times can be for more than 60km through the ACT. diverted for power generation into the observed to be at a static half-full levei. The restoration of flows in these rivers Murray River system. In its natural state, In addition its capacity is augmented by might be at the cost of some reduction the river flowed to the sea; but with the diversion of water from the upper of the electricity generated, but would diversion, its normal flow from the reaches of the Goodradigbee River. still see the maintenance of irrigation of highlands, swamps and porous valleys, For most of the year one has only to the high-value fruits and crops of the no longer replenished the flow in times observe the sand filled bed of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and of intermittent rain. Murrumbidgee River from the Tharwa along the Murray around Mildura. The problem of the Snowy's bridge to see that it has become a Our OF Man River needs to be kept minimal flow has recently been narrow, shallow channel carrying a more than just flowin'. sluggish flow of water. The low flows in corrected by the release of a small Reg Alder amount to restore some life to stagnant the river are also reflected in the October 2002 pools in the upper reaches and to frequent reports of the low level of On going to press, the Murrumbidgee at provide a continuity of flow Burrunjuck Dam, which was designed in Tharwa has stopped flowing and it is downstream. the 1920s before its sources of understood that a release of water from But what about our "01' Man replenishment were cut off by the Tantangara Dam has been made into River", the Murrumbidgee? Like the upstream dams. the Murrumbidgee. Snowy, it had all of the upper reaches Perhaps it is time now for agitation impounded, the water being stored in the to restore the flow of the Murrumbidgee Tantangara Dam and diverted into the and Goodradigbee to what was once

Larapinta Trail continued fr page 19 farming set the scene for pastorahsts, by However, the impact of cattle, horses have to be restricted and campfires promoting the growth of fodder and camels could be observed, banned. grasses". The same publication goes on especially around the water holes. to describe the impact of cattle grazing. Bushfires were a major feature of Conclusion Unlike native animals, whose numbers our walk. For several days we walked This was a tough, challenging walk rise and fall quickly with the seasons, through recently burned and in some undertaken by a small, well-equipped "Consistent heavy grazing by cattle can cases still burning grasslands. We and experienced group. We would be decrease seed production in grasses to expect careless campers started some of delighted to help anyone wishing to do such an extent that the grass cannot these fires. regenerate well, the soil becomes bare the walk. The Northern Territory authorities should be congratulated on and is washed away and the country Environmental issues becomes permanently degraded". It is its creation. In answering a interesting to note here that the NTPWC The West MacDonnell Ranges are questionnaire on the track we have, in is attempting to reintroduce controlled undoubtedly better off now under a fact, suggested how it could be burning to produce fire breaks to national parks regime than they ever extended. Undoubtedly some decrease the intensity of spring and were when used for cattle grazing. The improvements will be made in the summer wild fires. Larapinta Trail is a major Tourist asset supply of drinking water. However, we for the region and this will hopefully feel the Larapinta Trail will soon take its To this could be added the effect of mean that money for management will place beside other Classic Treks of the feral animals on the native animals and continue to flow to the NTPWC. Feral world. birdlife, and watercourses. The impact animals, weeds and unintentional fires of cats and foxes on small mammal Timothy Walsh will need continued attention. However populations is well known but could not assisted by Graham Scully, this is not all. Numbers of walkers may be judged on a trip of this nature. Brian Slee and Ross Walker

Joint Management Arrangements for Namadgi NP continued from page 15 put in place throughout all of the suggests that it might now be timely for Shea /Aboriginal member): Dr Sue Briggs Australian Alps National Parks. other jurisdictions to consider the (NSW NPWS Senior Research Scientist); Dr For Environment ACT, joint implementation of joint mangement Michael Pearson (Heritage Consultant); management has forced its land arrangements for their alpine national Dianne Thompson t representing managers To rethink the way in which parks. Conservation Group interests); and Geoff they do business but has resulted in a Wells (representing the interests of the ACT richer understanding of Namadgi Note I. At November 2002. members of the Conservator of Flora and Fauna). National Park for them at both a Interim Namadgi Advisory Board were: professional and personal level. The Matilda House (Aboriginal Joint Chair): reaction to joint management by visitors Geoff Butler (non-Aboriginal Joint Chair): to the park and the broader Canberra Roslyn Brown (Aboriginal member); Valda community has been overwhelmingly Connors (Aboriginal member); Fred supportive. This positive experience Monaghan (Aboriginal member): Agnes Kosciuszko huts

Attention is now focused on the numbers of people into areas for specific needs wilderness. Wilderness is not destruction wrought to huts in the activities such as climbing and abseiling. there as a plaything for us. It too, was Kosciuszko National Park (KNP) by the Phil says that the NPWS has advised created for a purpose, and has a right to recent bushfires, but just before this him that environmental degradation is exist in its own right. tragedy struck, Barrie Ridgway had slight. However, what is the agenda of We have a duty to protect wildness written in response to the issues raised the NPWS? Does it want to increase from further damage, and we have a numbers into the KNP and increase duty to restore areas which have already in Tim Walsh's and Phil Bubb's articles revenue? Is it considered politically been desecrated by man, for the sake of on Kosciuszko in the two previous dangerous to act against commercial man, and for the sake of the earth itself. Bulletins. Barrie's article addressed operators? To what extent is Wild places, from the polar regions to fundamental issues, and so remains environmental degradation acceptable in the tropical jungles are not there just as relevant, perhaps even more so, as park order to meet such agendas? You have playgrounds for man. If we take Phil's management faces challenges left in the only to look at the Lakes Walk or the view, where do we stop? More huts, wake of the fires. This is an abridged development of Thredbo to see that the more vehicle tracks to service them, version of his article. NPWS is more concerned with numbers more walking tracks. And why should and development than with protection of only walkers be allowed in? What about Tim has made some very good points the environment. Some years ago on commercial adventure operators? What and it is very unfair of Phil to imply that part of the Lakes Walk I ducked into the about the people who cannot hike? What he is "a zealot with aesthetic (not shelter of a rock dyke to brew some tea about snowmobiles? Snowmobiles in environmental) views about the to find that I had stepped into a lavatory. USA national parks are so well wilderness ... (imposing his) personal Increasing usage of the KNP will entrenched that it is hard to limit them, values on others". Many of Phil's lead to increased environmental damage. yet their noise pollution has ruined many assertions seem to be based on There is no doubt about that, yet Phil areas, and it has been found that the assumptions, and he seems to be argues for increased usage on the basis exhaust pollution from one is equivalent zealously trying to find arguments that of minor past damage. He suggests that to that from 1 000 cars. And what of support his European experiences. Phil more huts should be built and that when small all-terrain vehicles which are now would like to see a network of the existing ones die they should be devastating areas of the USA? However, European-style huts in the KNP to bring replaced with stone ones along the man does not connect with the in more people, and he does not see that European style. He states that it would wilderness unless he is on foot or canoe there has been or will be serious be wrong to limit "people's quiet and is camping. Once he uses other degradation of the environment. He enjoyment of nature, when only methods of transport or stays in takes the view that because the KNP has negligible temporary damage to the dwellings he shuts himself off from the once been vandalised by mankind it environment is likely to occur". wilderness, he is not subservient to his does not need to be returned to a Negligible temporary damage? Phil environment, and he learns nothing. wilderness state or be treated as ought to look at the terrible damage Either one becomes a part of the wilderness. inflicted on British hills and mountains wilderness or one uses it as a Phil seems to overlook the possible and to some areas of the USA. playground, and if the latter, then increase in horse riding parties, Environmental damage in the Himalaya degradation is inevitable. especially by commercial operators, in is well-known. The more huts and tracks The Boundary Waters Canoe Area the KNP and he favours increasing you put into the wilderness, the more Wilderness in northern Minnesota, on numbers into the KNP on the basis of you attract people into the wilderness, the Canadian border, is a case in point little environmental damage in the past. the more you will destroy the wilderness Once this vast area of lakes and forest It is well known that horses do great and you will end up with the tamed was used by the Indians, who managed damage to fragile environments and landscapes of the UK and Europe. the forests with controlled burning. pollute otherwise pristine streams. If no Unfortunately, huts will draw people Later it was ravaged by trappers, then by controls are brought in now on horses in to them. Without the huts, people may loggers and miners, and more lately by KNP, if commercial operators are not disperse somewhat. Huts will encourage increased tourism. However, the US banned or severely limited, if controls large groups to focus on small areas and Government to its credit, decided to are not placed on the numbers using the damage will be done to the environment return this area to its wilderness state. huts and other areas of our national there. Commercial operators especially No commercial ventures are allowed parks, environmental damage will occur can be expected to focus on the huts, there, no motor boats may be used in but by then the power of the vested which make it much easier for them to summer or motorised transport in the interests will be too great for the operate and there is little doubt that winter. All dwellings have been administrators to do anything about it. firewood will be used up in an removed. Aircraft may not fly low over Commercial operators are starting to use increasing radius from the huts. There is the area. The only persons who may use the national parks as regional therefore a strong case to limit numbers the area are those on foot, on skis, or in headquarters, concentrating traffic onto visiting the huts and to ban commercial canoes. Today, the USA has a jewel of certain areas of parks. Last year we were operators from using them. They should an asset. Entry is controlled by permit, disenchanted to find a commercial be used only as emergency refuges. and camping is only allowed at operator in outdoor development I do not accept Phil's view that designated sites which can only take one working more or less permanently out of because man has already used the KNP or two small tents. Cooking fires are the Bungonia Gorge campground, it should not be returned to a wilderness allowed, but campers are asked to degrading the area where they and their state. The soul of mankind needs clients camp and concentrating large wilderness and what is more, the earth A look at the woodland in East O'Malley

just as the briars have been. On the lower slopes the yellow box and red gum trees form an open woodland of mature trees. Older trees provide valuable nesting hollows. The few apple box include one magnificent spreading specimen. Saplings l-3m high provide good perches for small birds and their chewed leaves indicate they also provide a good range of insect food. This is where most birds are found. Last October the Friends of Grassland conducted a walk here on one short windy afternoon and found 18 species of birds and the active nests of a pair of cuckoo shrikes and of a pair of little eagles. The intermittent creek at the bottom has cut an erosion gully about 5m deep, showing how deep the soil is here and why the trees have grown so well. Late last year an auction of land in East is even more worth protection when Woodland with such a base of deep soil is O'Malley was postponed at the last looked at in the context of the few very rare today as these have been the minute. The land to be auctioned was on remnants available for protection today. areas first targeted by farmers, and in the western slope near the houses and If one walks through East O'Malley Canberra by suburban development. the auction was postponed because of from the top of Callemonda Rise, one Native sedges cover some of the valley community concern at selling the land first crosses a ridge with a watertank to floor. These arc not present in yellow while the Action Plan to protect yellow the right. This ridge has few trees but box/red gum grassy woodland already box/red gum grassy woodland was being many briar rose bushes apparently killed protected on Red Hill, for example. revised. It is time to consider whether by an application of herbicide, and so has The Action Plan (unrevised) shows the postponement should become little conservation value. However, as the slope just traversed as being of high something more permanent. part of the hills ridges and buffer system conservation value and scheduled for this ridge is not available for subdivision. The debate about the future of ACT protection within the urban fabric. Forests has relevance, as the use of As one proceeds down the slope, the Subdivision might save individual some forestry land for suburbs could size and quality of the trees improve. trees but it will not protect the ecological reduce the pressure on the government's There are patches of pyracantna and other community, and many trees will be perceived need to develop East weeds but these could readily be tackled, O'Malley for housing. Members will remember Michael Mulvancy talking about yellow box/red .-.Si- *v \ ; u gum grassy woodland at an NPA meeting last year. Once this community was part of an extensive woodland stretching north and south along the western slopes of NSW and into Victoria, but today in NSW over 90 per cent of woodland trees has been cleared. 5'\ Many of those that remain are isolated paddock trees without any natural understorey. The woodland, with its open structure and grassy understorey, was particularly vulnerable to clearing and alteration for grazing. In Canberra \ the remnants are on good building slopes and so are vulnerable to suburban development.

The threatened part of East O'Malley has some features which make it worth protecting for its own values. It ttf-«L r\cV oireoL severely damaged by disturbance, Across the creek the land rises again at eradicating weeds will quickly overwatering or overfertilising of and the quality of the understorey improve the understorey. It is also worth surrounding land. The gardens already increases, with fewer weeds and a noting that open grassy woodland does established in O'Malley do not raise greater variety of native herbs, such as not carry a heavy load of fuel for much hope for sympathetic treatment of the tiny greenhood orchids. The trees bushfire s. native woodland species. are less robust however, as the soil is This woodland is a national asset. One section in Callemonda Rise, steeper and stony; as well there are Protection is important for the ACT, but shown as urban park on my map, has fewer birds. This area is shown as of it is even more important when looked some remnant bush, but exotic trees very high conservation value in the at in a national context. We need to have carefully been planted around the Action Plan (unrevised) and it is ensure that we protect the few areas left eucalypts and a watering system scheduled to be added to Canberra that are sufficiently large to maintain installed. Such urban fabric is unlikely Nature Park. themselves and their associated fauna, to protect an endangered grassy Being an ecological community, such as the woodland birds which have woodland. yellow box/red gum grassy woodland lately suffered reduction in numbers. Subdivision would also mean varies from place to place. It would take Eleanor Stodart bulldozers will be brought in to flatten many hundreds of years to recreate drawings by Eleanor Stodart the edges of the erosion gully, with woodland with such a mixed age range considerable disturbance to the trees of trees as occurs in the western section near the gully. of East O'Malley, but a persistent effort

Kosciuszko huts continued from page 21 collect their wood from about a mile stoves yet prohibit the small fires of a about connecting with the wilderness. away. Consequently, most people do not few bushwalkers. I suspect that the Fires are part of that experience, they bother to light fires. Today, increasing NPWS is more scared of forest fires and are part of man's past when he used to numbers are corning to this wonderful takes the opportunity to ban cooking live in the wilderness. The ban of camp area even though they have to sleep fires on so-called conservation grounds. fires in, say, the Bimberi wilderness, is outside, survive bad weather and walk Bushwalkers should be allowed to have absurd and it is time that the NPA or paddle a canoe. small cooking fires in our national opposed all such bans. Fire has always I do, however, find some sympathy parks. Fire has always been a part of the been a part of the Australian wilderness with Phil's views on fires. It is strange wilderness, thus it is absurd to say that and the sticks not burnt by bushwalkers that Australia can cut down forests, there should never be small camp fires will be burned in the next forest fire. export wood chips, condone wood because using firewood destroys habitat. Barrie Ridgway barbecues and wood slow combustion The wilderness experience is after all

Cottage available: For nature lovers Achieving an Ecologically Sustainable Firewood Industry in the ACT out there, our mudbrick cottage is available for rent! Set amongst trees Saturday 29 March 2003, 9:30am to 4:30pm in Mallacoota, Vic, approximately Pilgrim House Conference Centre,Canberra City. 4 hours drive from Canberra. Only 10 minutes walk to the beach, The Conservation Council of the South East Region and Canberra, and Environment ACT, invite you to a one-day workshop on Achieving an Ecologically Sustainable 5 minutes walk to the golf course and Firewood Industry in the ACT. about 15 rninutes walk to town. Sleeps 4-6 upstairs with a sofa bed There is NO registration fee and a light lunch will be provided. downstairs; fully self-contained with kitchen and laundry. Please contact For further information, or to register your interest, please contact Barbara de Bruine (02 62583531) for Environment ACT on 6207 6637 or [email protected] further information. National Parks Association Calendar Genera] Meetings: Activity Mar Apr May Jun 'Third Thursdays' [except Public Holidays Mon 17 \ Fri IS j Mon 9 \ Mon 21 \ this April, see Calendar]

General meetings Thu 20 Thu 10 4 Thu 15 | Thu 19 8.00 pm

Committee meetings ' Thu 6 j Thu 3 | Thu 1 ( Thu 5 Uniting Church hall

2 Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Sat 8 ! Sat 12 \ Sat 10 Sat 14 56 Scrivener Street Bulletin Working Group meeting 3 Tue25 1 O'Connor Further details 1 See contacts page 2. 2 Yankee Hat carpark 10 am, Eleanor Stodart 6281 5004. 3 Syd Comfort 6286 2578: 4 NB change due to Easter break

th Thursday 20"1 March 2003 Thursday lO* April 2003 Thursday 15 May 2003 Rehabilitating the Transgrid NB change from usual Thursday The Integrated Nature Consen'ation Plan. powerline easements. Two short walks in the Indian Greg Keen, Wildlife Research and Roger Good, Senior Projects Himalayas: a trekkers perspective Monitoring, Environment ACT. Manager, NSW National Parks and on the balance between tourism, An ACT Government initiative to Wildlife Service. conservation and pastoralism in two improve the linkage between In February and March 2001 contractors National Parks. Environment ACT"s management of for Transgrid, the controllers and Roger Farrow, NPAACT member. nature conservation information and our managers of the high voltage powerlines During April and May of 2002 Roger community partners. running from Tumut to Canberra, and his partner Christine Kendrick Note: A constitutional matter is cleared extensive areas of the powerline participated in two customised treks— to be voted on at this meeting. See easements as part of their vegetation the first along the Singalila Ridge in notification on page 12. maintenance program. Himalayan West Bengal and the second Two of the powerlines pass through to the base of Kanchenjunga in Sikkim. Thursday 19tb June 2003 Kosciuszko and Brindabella National Trekking in these areas is much less Measuring the tracks. Parks in New South Wales, and developed than in neighbouring Nepal Dr Sara Beavis, Centre for Resourse Namadgi National Park in the ACT. The but is concentrated on two or three and Environmental Studies, ANU. extent of vegetation and soil disturbance routes, which pass through National The talk on recreational tracks and trails was inappropriate to the conservation Parks; this is already having an adverse in National parks and reserves will objectives of the parks and the impact on the local environment. examine the current status of scientific management of the easements as integral They picked this part of the knowledge on the subject and identify parts of the parks. Himalayas because of the presence of key knowledge gaps. The issue is an Mr Good will speak on the impact of the pristine montane forests and chose important one, given the development of clearing and the ecological restoration spring in order to see the rhododendrons management plans ahead of the capacity techniques now being used to ensure and other plants in flower. for scientific research to deliver that the denuded areas are revegetated in Unfortunately there was early and information relevant to specific sites. sympathy with the management sustained pre-monsoon weather, which Dr Beavis, a research fellow at CRES objectives and programs being pursued meant they were enveloped in cloud, with a background in hydrology and in the national parks, and the future mist, rain and sometimes snow for part soils science, has undertaken a number maintenance of the transmission line of almost every day. At least they could of studies to identify the environmental easement. understand why cloud forest is dominant impacts of horses in multi-use forests at an altitude of 3000m. and the national estate.

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