Issue No 9 March 2001 Opportunities for working together, better! Wild & Open Space WILDCARE Conference & AGM 2001 24th & 25th March, 2001

Come to this year’s WILDCARE expect costs up to around $25. displays, round table/round tree Open Space Conference — an discussions, informal gatherings, opportunity to share ideas, thoughts, Sunday 25th outdoor events, walks and field trips. set directions & discuss issues Wild & Open Space 2001 will be together. All WILDCARE members, Field Trip — walk around the Lake Parks and Wildlife staff, Nature with Lyle Rubock. Lyle is a very informative, stimulating, enjoyable, Conservation staff, and Cultural active member of WILDCARE, reflective, interactive, inspiring, and Heritage staff are invited to attend. member of the Cradle Friends and relaxing because it will deal with the dedicated Hut Warden at Cradle Mt. interests you feel need to be Saturday 24th We will have a rainy day substitute discussed in the way you want to ready if necessary. discuss them. Conference opening Discussion Sessions Opening address — Kim Evans, Continued if required Accommodation Secretary DPIWE. A list of accommodation available in Conference close around Keynote address by Andrew Smith, Cradle Valley ranging from the very midday WILDCARE Chairperson. budget and camping to the not-so- budget can be found in this edition. WILDTIMES Morning Tea Who is it for? Please contact accommodation Wild & Open Space 2001 aims to Wild and Open Space places direct to make your booking, bring together all who are currently Setting the timetable followed by 45 involved or interested in caring for minute discussion/presentation natural and cultural heritage. This Register sessions. includes WILDCARE members and Please fill in and send the enclosed This is your opportunity to put their families, state government staff registration form to the WILDCARE forward and discuss any including managers, rangers, nature WILDCARE issue you feel conservation specialists, cultural office. If you have any questions, passionate about, on the theme of heritage officers, environmental please call the Chairperson, Andrew ‘Opportunities for working together, managers & planners. Smith on 6233 2836. better’. All topics raised will be Wild & Open Space 2001 is Incorporated placed on the timetable for especially for those who have a We look forward to discussion. Members will elect passion for working and learning which session to participate in. There together in the cultural and natural seeing you there! will be space for up to a total of environment. fifteen 45 minute sessions running concurrently over three timeslots. How will it work? IN THIS ISSUE

WILDCARE More information about how Wild & Wild & Open Space 2001 will be Open Space 2001 will work, follows. • Feature: Adopt-a- highly interactive and participants Track in action Lunch will have the opportunity to lead a workshop or discussion on a topic • About Schouten BBQ provided. within the theme — “working Island together, better”. Think about where Annual General Meeting • Mt Field CARes

Newsletter of Section,Community Partnership Service Wildlife & Parks GPO Box 44A Hobart 7001 03 6223 8308 E-mail:Ph 03 6233 2185 Fax [email protected] your passion lies and come prepared to share it with others. All group Afternoon Tea participants will be able to choose • Maria Island which sessions they attend. Discussion sessions memories continued Everyone is welcome! • Living with Conference Dinner The conference format will include a wildlife— Eagles A meal at one of the local restaurants mixture of presentations, workshops, 2 Semaphore Challenge and crossing roads against a red light etc). Additionally, members of the Mt WILDCARE King & Queen Direction Group coordinated the Hillwood running leg. of the Mountains The Vice-Chairman presented the trophies to the winners after the Two years ago, the Mt Direction upper reaches of the estuary, the final Chairman chickened out. Restoration Committee Inc., (the boating/skiing leg to Home Point was Unfortunately, no one had a first affiliated CARE group) abandoned. The runners, however, established the Semaphore gathered at Home point for a massed waterproof camera to take any photos. Challenge to promote the group’s start for the final running leg to The King of the Mountain is activities and to raise general Windmill Hill & return. Andrew Flanagan in 1hr 10 min 55 awareness of the system of WILDCARE volunteers (including sec. The Queen of the Mountain is semaphore stations which used to the Chairman, Vice Chairman & Rachel Nation in 1-14-31. Both are signal shipping movements within Secretary) assisted as marshals for the from the Launceston Athletics Club. the Tamar Estuary. As part of its final running leg to ensure that all Richard Hammond, overall commitment to encourage runners obeyed traffic regulations (not Vice Chairperson use and care of ’s wild places, WILDCARE agreed to sponsor a section of the race in 2000 and to present a perpetual trophy to the fastest individual male and About Schouten Island and the weed female runner to complete the three mountain legs of the event. control program — 19–25 March 2001 Saturday 11th November 2000 Schouten Island is at the southern days on the island. The northern and dawned wet & bleak — just lovely end of the Freycinet National Park weather for a run down the Tamar western infestations have largely been (& peninsula), divided by Schouten Valley. That’s what 6 teams of intrepid controlled, however some finishing Passage and forms the south eastern boaters & runners thought when they work and monitoring will be required began at 11:15am from the Low Head end of Great Oyster Bay. in these areas. An infestation on the Pilot Station. Schouten Island was first developed southern side of the island will best be accessed by the transfer of people by The overall race consisted of a around a coal mining industry with a boat to Sarah Ann Bay. running leg from the Pilot Station to busy community being established by the top of Mt George then down into the 1840’s including over 60 convicts We should have 5.0 effective days in George Town where a speedboat & as labourers. Farming leases were which to attack (“gnash”) the gorse — skier took over for the section to the taken out on the island from the late particularly if we can get away early Hillwood jetty. At Hillwood, another 1800’s until the 1960’s. During that on the Monday morning. Being that running leg covered the trek to the top time, land clearing for pastoral we are heading over to Schouten of Mt Direction & return. Because of grazing was undertaken on the Island in mid — late March there safety concerns due to the large northern and western sides of the should be daylight time after each amount of debris washed into the island. These cleared areas today are days work for some local exploration the sites of the main weed control or lazing on the beach of this beautiful problems on the island. Gorse is the island. We will organize an afternoon main woody weed sparsely scattered climb of Bear Hill during the week. The Tasmanian across three areas around the island. At this stage Pete Lingard (P&WS A 10 year long P&WS weed spray Ranger, Swansea) and Greg Stewart Trail Association program preceded the recent cut and (East Coast Regional Weed Strategy swab effort to control the Gorse on the requires a minute Coordinator) will supervise and island. Last year was the third coordinate the week long program. taker for their successive year of systematic cut and Please contact Pete or Greg for any swab control of large numbers of meetings held on a further information or to confirm your Gorse plants utilising approximately Thursday afternoon 20 voluntary persons each year. interest in joining us on this program. Follow up inspection of the worked Participants will be chosen on a first in every second month areas indicates that we have a very — gets in basis. in Hobart. good rate of kill after three years of Contact: Pete Lingard on Ph: 6257 cut & swab. 8844 or Email: petel@dpiwe. If you are able to help Our task is reducing year by year, tas.gov.au or Greg Stewart on Ph: however ongoing control and 6375 1218 or Email: gstewart@ out, please call monitoring will be essential for many bodc.tas.gov.au Chris Boden on years to come to satisfy our wish to Looking forward to having you eradicate the weed from the island. join us. 0419 370 528 Three known areas of gorse Pete Lingard infestation will be visited during the 7 Parks & Wildlife Ranger, Swansea WILDTIMES March 2001 WILDTIMES 3 March 2001 in Tasmania and an American couple Track “Adopted”! were delighted with the work we were doing and wished us well. There was We had said that we were willing to along the track and two family groups no sign on the track to say who we adopt the track from the were soon digging holes and mixing were but that will be attended to in campground to Lady Barron Falls cement. Others armed themselves future. We laughed at one suggestion (in the Mt Field National Park) and with rakes to clear the track of leaf amongst ourselves that we were all finally the day had arrived. Nine litter, loppers to clear overhanging employed on Work Orders for our adults, three children and ourselves ferns and branches and fire rakes to misdemeanors! had replied that they would assist clean out gutters along the track. Wire Well, the job was not finished until the with a working bee on this track. It netting, that had become a tripping paperwork was done, so it was back to was a fine and warm day and after hazard on a bridge, was removed the new Mt Field Visitor Centre to introductions by Jo Field, the ready for replacement. There was time record what had been achieved and Adopt-a-Track Facilitator and for lunch in between all this work! discuss what work was still required. Keith Berry, the Ranger responsible The track was quite busy and we were While this was being done afternoon for work on the track, we had asked by some people were we tea was on the menu of course. We had morning tea. That got everyone Rangers working on the track and done much more than Keith and his interested and after a short talk most were surprised that we were all assistant Rob had thought we would about safety precautions we were volunteers. Visitors from Western do in the day. ready to start work. Australia praised us and hoped that Many thanks to those WILDCARE There were three seats to be set into the woodchippers would soon be members who attended and we hope concrete in appropriate locations stopped from exploiting native forest to see you again on our next working bee, or on a track you might decide to Bob Wyatt and Keith Berry (Ranger) removing wire mesh on the Lady Barron Falls walking track. “adopt”! Bob and Phyl Wyatt Track Caretakers

As a result from discussions with WILDCARE volunteers and the Track Caretakers of Lady Barron Falls track (prompted by the volunteers being mistaken as Work Orders candidates!), it is planned that Track Caretakers and other WILDCARE volunteers participating at working bees, whale rescues, etc. will be supplied with high visability vest with the WILDCARE logo on the back — so that there will be no mistaking us!

of the area. Not too much time for New Walking Track for Maria Island talking as we had an early start and a big day ahead of us. Tasmania certainly has something features that belonged to the area. Our mission was to construct a track special to offer with its unique Arriving on Friday afternoon it was for visitors to the Island, to walk from natural areas that we can enjoy in difficult to decide what fun to have the Oast House ruins to the Painted so many ways (which I’m sure I first — fishing, snorkelling, Cliffs, creating a circuit through don’t need to tell readers about!). bushwalking, learning about the Blackwood, dry sclerophyll forests After moving from Sydney to Tassie natural history of the area. Snorkelling and willows planted by the Island’s last year I had the opportunity of was a certain winner allowing us to previous inhabitants. The Painted taking advantage of this uniqueness take in the magnificent kelp and sea Cliffs (patterned sandstone cliffs by becoming a WILDCARE grass beds of the Maria Island Marine created by wave action) are one of the member when I purchased an Reserve. most popular features on the Island Annual Parks Pass. Staying in accommodation — surrounded by rock pools containing a I had heard a lot about Maria Island provided by Parks for casual staff and range of different coloured sea from various people — so when an Greencorp groups — we met a couple anemone and other marine life. The Adopt-a-Track project was advertised of the other volunteers, students from track was constructed using gravel for on the Island I thought “…I’m Tasmania and America both studying that was compacted between one by there!”. So off I went on a little Maria aspects of natural resource three inch timber edging secured by Adventure. Every step of the way management and soaking in the timber pegs. opened my eyes wider to the special tranquillity, history and natural beauty Beginning the day’s work, we met 4

some were great at barrowing gravel, others had the technical expertise to take the lead, whilst others offered mirth and merriment. But we all had a common purpose in contributing something back to our natural heritage that gives so much to us. Certainly, one of the best ways to get to know an area is to work in it. The Maria Island Adopt-a-Track project gave us insight into management issues that the Park faces incorporating environmental and social aspects of the area. Future plans for this track involve providing interpretation of this cultural significant area and continuing the length of the track. That night our hard work was rewarded with a BBQ and a cool beer Wildcare member, Tim Baker and Alex Fichtel, USA student who has been actively and I tell you, barbies involving involved in USA trail maintenance load up gravel for other volunteers on the Oast House Ruins — Painted Cliffs walking track. abalone and squid are hard to beat! Schouten Island “Gorse Gnashing” Project, 2001

What: The 4th successive year of a cut and swab control program being held on Schouten Island (Freycinet National Park) to control the spread of Gorse (Ulex europaeus) on three known locations around the island. When: Monday 19th to Sunday 25th of March, 2001. Who might participate: Putting in the last load on the new circuit walking track from the Oast House Ruins to Painted Cliffs, Maria Island, November 2000. Any interested persons, Wildcarers, other members of our team of ten The next day, because we had worked Coastcarers or others who from the Hobart Walking Club who so well the previous day, involved would like to visit Schouten Island had been walking and working as finishing up and welcoming the first and help out with this important project. volunteers on the Island for many users of our first-grade top-notch track years. Everyone contributed different to cross. Everyone was satisfied. Now, How to be involved: skills to achieving our objective — fishing, snorkelling, walking? We Contact the project coordinator Pete Lingard to secure a place on the boat ferry to and from the island. Be prepared to assist with cut and swab control of gorse for about 6 hrs each day then explore the island or relax on the beach after each days work. See additional information below for more detail. Phone: 6257 8844 Fax: 6257 8845 Email: [email protected] Address: Parks & Wildlife Service, Nth East District Office, 9 Noyes St, Swansea, TAS 7190. WILDTIMES March 2001 WILDTIMES 5 March 2001 settled for a guided tour in the four fishing spots. it’s features as well as contributing to wheel drive from Lionel (the PWS Unfortunately, it all ended too soon. it’s sustainable development. Thanks Ranger in charge of the project) taking Looking from the ferry to the Island as to everyone involved for making it us around the Island to the remoter we were leaving I certainly had such an enjoyable weekend and I hope areas telling stories about different different feelings about the place then people who had lived on the Island when I first arrived. I had learnt a lot to see you all “down the track”! and their activities and the good about the operations of the Park and Linda Overend

Adopt-a-Track in action in the The crisp mountain air, the quickly melting snow, and the call of the Steppes State Reserve currawongs and parrots added a touch of magic to the area. However… the It was a crisp, cool Saturday & Phil Wyatt who drove all the way time had come to begin work! morning in late October 2000 when from Hobart just to provide us with a The group divided into two teams… an erstwhile group of WILDCARE very welcome hot cup of tea and one to tackle the art of rockwork with volunteers met at the Steppes cookies! Bob & Phil are well known Rob Boyes and the other, led by Jo Homestead on the Lake Highway to in Hobart Walking Club circles and and Mike, to form the track by commence construction of ‘The have a particular affinity with the slashing vegetation, removing tree Steppes Walk’. The Steppes Steppes and they were clearly roots and other debris. Rob had Homestead and Steppes Sculptures are located about 35 km north-west of Bothwell and the drive from Hobart takes approximately 1.5 hours. On this particular morning, an overnight snowfall left a beautiful white mantle of snow over the Central Plateau and the early morning drive up was magical as we climbed steadily up to the Plateau. On arrival, we were met by the Adopt- a-Track Facilitator — Jo Field, Parks & Wildlife Ranger () — Mike Cousins, Rob Boyes — a highly experienced trackworker with PWS, With snow still on the ground, WIILDCARE volunteers warm themselves before setting and a diverse group of volunteers off to work (October 2000). delighted to assist in the launch of this compiled some notes on the principles project. of using rocks for track work and he After initial introductions, a detailed spent some time demonstrating the briefing on the structure of the basic techniques which we were able program and this particular project to put into practice for the rest of the from Jo and Mike, we drained our tea day. It was slow work… clearing the cups, bid farewell to Bob & Phil and pathway, selecting the right rock, walked the route of the proposed digging out to establish a firm base, track, which had already been taped placing the rock and then tamping by Mike, to see what we needed to do around the edges to ensure that it was to bring this project to fruition. The Steppes Walk is around 800m and will link the historic Homestead with The next working bees at the Steppes State Reserve are the Steppes Sculptures, an interesting schedule for 7Ð8 April and 16Ð17 collection of large rock sculptures June 2001. For more information created by the well known sculptor, contact Park staff at Liawenee Volunteer (Scott O’Leary) checking his Stephen Walker. The track passes Field Centre on (03) 6259 8148. work on the rock path being installed through typical Central Plateau along sections of the track. Weekend As part of the 2001 Heritage working bee in October 2000, as part of country of dry scleropyhll forest with Adopt-a-track program. many large old eucalypts, some Highway Promotion, the Steppes Homestead will be open for public including Jeram from Lachlan, Robert boulder strewn sections and light viewing on Sunday, 11 March. scrub. On walking the track for the from West Hobart, Scott from Golden Make a day of it — come and first time, we noted evidence of earlier Valley, and Robyn and myself from view the old homestead and the logging activity with many large Hobart. wonderful work WILDCARE stumps scattered throughout the bush volunteers are doing. Our first meeting was made even more and evidence of a former logging track memorable by the appearance of Bob leading to an old sawmill. 6

comfortable accommodation for us volunteer all the way from Japan, WANTED: and a wonderful BBQ dinner. We were Ishikuro. We worked solidly until joined by ‘the locals’ and enjoyed a lunch on Sunday continuing the Volunteers to assist at the very relaxing evening, the highlight rockwork, track clearing and filling WILDCARE stand at Agfest 2001 being what was apparently a rare holes with gravel. We constructed an (3-5 May). The focus of appearance of the nimble footed Mike opening in the fence at the Sculptures WILDCARE’s stand this year will on the dance floor! thus making it possible to walk from be on the Adopt-a-Track Program Needless to say, we all slept very well one end of the track to the other. — Jo Field (Adopt-a-Track that night and next morning returned to Facilitator) will be in attendance all We were delighted with the progress continue constructing the track. We three days. we had made and before stopping for worked solidly until mid afternoon and a well earned lunch, we reconnoitered Please contact Jo on 6336 5454 or then walked the length of the track to the track and discussed with Mike email [email protected] if review the progress we had made. As you would like to attend and assist. future track improvements and we gathered up the tools and cleaned planning future working bees. up around our work sites, there was a feeling of pride and satisfaction The Adopt-a-Track Program is an frimly set in place… and then clearing excellent initiative and I encourage around the area to restore it to its amongst all of us… not only had we learnt some new skills, enjoyed two everyone with an interest in the natural state as much as possible by outdoors to consider becoming removing any dislodged rocks and days working beneath the elements in a beautiful part of the Tasmanian bush, involved… more volunteers are dirt. Rob was a delight to work with… needed! The benefits from being his extensive knowledge and and made some lasting friendships, but involved are significant… you have experience of track work quickly earnt we had also contributed significantly the opportunity to learn new skills, to him the title of ‘guru’ and he kept us to a project that will provide an meet new people with sympathetic amused with his never ending pearls ongoing opportunity for many interests, to discover and explore new of wisdom… such as ‘every pebble Tasmanians and visitors to experience places in Tasmania, to experience the started life as a stone’ , ‘every rock has this unique part of the Central Plateau, its place’ and ‘a weed is a plant in the to learn something of the history of life satisfaction of working as hard as you wrong place’! at the Steppes and to savour the wish in the outdoors and finally, to beautiful natural environment of the have the satisfaction of contributing to The other crew worked tirelessly area in relative comfort. community infrstructure that will be slashing vegetation, trimming fallen there for current and future trees with a chain saw, removing any Our next working bee took place over generations to enjoy! large rocks and limbs from the track, a weekend in late December and while chipping out protruding roots, filling only three of the original group could Alfred Merse holes, gathering up and dipersing any attend, we were joined by another Track Caretaker cut vegetation out of sightlines and generally shaping the track. It was a solid and satisfying days work Track Caretakers — Recognising broken with a stop for lunch and of course a tea break around the Steppes these special individuals campsite. After packing up the tools, we all headed off to Liawenee where Although the Adopt-a-Track I have — maintaining our State’s Mike had arranged warm and Program has only been running walking tracks. since July 2000 — with trial A large proportion of the volunteers working bees in National Parks and are ardent bushwalkers (some from Imagine on Reserves throughout the State recognised walking clubs). It’s also running since October 2000 — I great to see a number of individuals drowning have had immense pleasure who don’t necessarily call themselves under a designing this Program. “bushwalkers” who equally value One of the most pleasurable walking tracks. paper pile? experiences is the volunteers I meet at The Adopt-a-Track Program is a the various trial working bees. It’s so volunteer program that enables the PWS Park Entry Clerks are in wonderful working with enthusiastic community an opportunity to become DESPARATE need of being people who share a similar “love” that actively involved in maintaining filed — or at least the mountain of park pass renewal notices do! WILDCARE Members Database If you have some time to spare organising Nanette and Looking for computer literate volunteers who can assist with the important task of Leah(!) into piles (i.e. admin inputting WILDCARE member subscriptions into the MS Access Database, on an assistance in the form of ongoing basis. Experience in database entry is not necessary — training will be setting up a filing process) provided. please contact them on Please contact Andrew Smith or Chris Leitch in the Community Partnership (03) 6233 2621. Section on (03) 6233 2836 (Andrew) or (03) 6233 2867 (Chris). WILDTIMES March 2001 WILDTIMES 7 March 2001 track. Walking Club, Tasmanian Historical Between December 2000 and Research Association. They are still February 2001, 8 WILDCARE very active people — walking and members have “signed up” as Track cycling on a regular basis; indulging Caretaker for a variety of tracks their 2 lovely grandchildren. throughout the State. Without these Participating in various programs their special individuals (and the others son (PWS Track Team Manager) has been involved in setting up — who follow) this Program will not including the Tramping Trials on the continue. Central Plateau where Bob and Phyl I’d like to take this opportunity to were caterers for the day (and thank a particular couple who recently something about liters of pumpkin adopted a section of the Lady Barron soup spilling through the car…!) They Falls track (between the campground also catered for the first Adopt-a- to Falls) in Mt Field National Park — Track trial working bee (end-Oct Phyl Wyatt. Bob and Phyllis Wyatt. A few of the 2000) at the Steppes State Reserve — walking tracks and other activities other Track Caretakers have also had and boy! Wasn’t the hot tea and associated with track use, on an the pleasure of meeting and working bikkies appreciated by all on the first ongoing basis, in National Parks and with Bob and Phyl. day of the working bee, with snow other Reserves throughout the State. Both born and raised in Hobart, still on the ground! Individuals can participate in married in 1954, Bob and Phyl have a Thank you, Bob and Phyl! Others and advertised working bees or by taking long “history” of involvement in myself look forward to working with on the role of Track Caretaker, volunteer activities including Girl you both “on the track”. working in partnership with the Park Guide movement; Members of Jo Field staff responsible for their adopted Australian Plant Society, Hobart Adopt-a-Track Facilitator

Revamping Detention Falls Track Losing a loved one is, to say the Caramel — over least, hard to handle. That’s why the Falls as he tried when my family and I saw that the to cross the stream Detention Falls track was closed after us [reference [mid-2000] to the public and the to “losing a loved signs removed, we were greatly one”]. On another saddened. occasion we When our family received the Hands almost lost my On magazine and read a WILDCARE little brother when Adopt-a-Track working bee was being climbing down to the bottom of the organised to improve the track, we PWS Trackworker Steve Overton, carrying out maintenence work were very keen indeed. We couldn’t Falls. Luckily my on Detention Falls track. bear to see the Falls track closed. friend saved my What a shame to have such a brother as he was falling! parts of the world are and the need to wondrous work of nature and not to The new track is a vast improvement look after our environment, to keep have people experience its peaceful, and will make the walk more of a “little pieces of heaven” like this safe. majestic beauty. leisurely stroll, instead of having to Geb Taylor On the day of the working bee, 12 worry constantly about tripping over! volunteers and professional There will also be a viewing platform Geb’s family own a property trackworkers, gathered to discuss with railings so even children will be bordering the Detention Falls what was to be done and started safe. In my opinion, the platform is an Reserve. I would like to thank Geb, working on the new track. The old improved perspective from which to his family and the other track was deemed quite hazardous for view this amazing sight. It is set back, WILDCARE volunteers who the unwary as you could end up at one giving a great overall view of the Falls attended the initial working bee last of two spots from which to view the — ideal for photos. November. Falls: at the top where you would have I think everyone who participated on Further work was intended for the to stand dangerously close to the edge the day enjoyed themselves — I track in February 2000, but due to to see the water tumbling down; or certainly did! Besides meeting some fires on King Island this work has down the bottom near the pool which great people, I felt like we were been delayed. Volunteers interested is a steep descent, to stand on slippery helping the environment by in participating at the next working rocks trying to look up through the encouraging people to stay on the bee can contact Jo Field, Adopt-a- spray. Both spots have their dangers. track. Maybe it will open a few more Track Facilitator on (03) 6336 5454. Once we lost our faithful dog — eyes as to how special the untouched 8

had attacked the roof began to fry and Maria (Island) memories sizzle — but the sea wasn’t far for a Out of the 10 WILDCARE It was agreed that David would try to cooling swim. We had a wonderful volunteers who participated in the get a group of interested people time working within a happy and Maria Island Adopt-a-Track together to do the work on a voluntary cooperative group, joking and weekend working bee in November basis. The plea was made through the chatting. Paint was stripped, the roof water-blasted, windows replaced, new 2000, 7 have been coming to the Hobart Walking Club monthly circular paint applied, interior walls washed… Island for over 6 years, involving and in December a group of 10 were themselves with other volunteer driven to French’s Farm for the first Rangers came and went over the works (predominantly on the time. couple of years and 5 working bees houses on the Island). As a result of We were equipped with every sort of that it took to finish the job. To round many chats during the weekend, it tool and material we might need, it all up the weeds were removed and was requested that this group tents, food and a lot of good will and a new veranda constructed. submit an article for the humour. It was instantly obvious that As we were coming to the end of the WILDTIMES, recapturing the this house needed more than a little restoration at French’s Farm, we were events over the years. Hopefully, TLC. Broken windows, paint peeling driven further south to Robey’s Farm. Trauti Reynolds (the groups off the roof and walls, in the space There we found the roof of the deputised “scribe” will continue to where the veranda used to be weeds building peeled off like the lid of a can regale us with this special group of grew hip-high, and the interior in [of sardines]…Thank goodness! We’d people’s endeavors in future places vandalised with graffiti. have another job to come back to! editions of WILDTIMES this We got to work immediately. It was a To be continued… year…! very hot day and the volunteers who David & Trauti Reynolds

Part 1 — Restoring Houses on Maria Island: Volunteers at Work See you around Allison It all started in 1994 when David met WILDCARE’s Secretary for the last Secretary (The position is provided Ian Marmion, who was then senior 12 months, Allison Wing, has as in-kind support to WILDCARE ranger on the Island. Ian mentioned unfortunately finished her by the Department). that there were a few old farmhouses traineeship time with the Allison made an outstanding in the south of the Island that needed Department and therefore has also contribution to WILDCARE over her repair. left the position of WILDCARE time as Secretary, and her enthusiasm and ability will be sorely missed. In the position of Administration Support Community action in Officer for the Community Partnerships Section Allison also Mt Field National Park supported the Landcare, Landcare In early December 2000, 11 WILDCARE members attended the Marketing, Bushcare, Land for inaugural meeting of the Mt Field CARes group at Mt Field. Ranges of Wildlife, Coastcare, World Heritage possibilities were discussed for participation in park management at Mt Area and Adopt-a-Track Programs Field, with a great deal of interest shown in the Adopt-a-Track Program and was part of the team that put and in volunteers working with the newly appointed Visitor Centre Co- together the Departmental Conference ordinator. on Natural Resource Management last If you attended the meeting, or were unable to but are registered with Mt year. For those of you who are Field (or would like to register for Mt Field) and are interested in taking on involved in those programs, you will the role of President/Co-ordinator of the CARes group, please contact Mark have seen Allison’s work with the Pharaoh, Senior Ranger, Mt Field National Park. Hands On magazine, to which Allison contributed a huge organisational effort. While Allison’s achievements were many, perhaps the pinnacle of her efforts came with the organisation and running of the WILD Edge Music Festival at Strahan. Allison provided the primary diving force behind pulling together a very complex, innovative, exciting and successful weekend on the edge of the Wilderness. She also assisted with last years WILDCARE Conference and AGM at Low Head and has been responsible for pulling together WILDTIMES. In keeping with her strong commitment to WILDCARE, WILDTIMES March 2001 WILDTIMES 9 March 2001 Allison hasn’t disappeared and in fact area of tourism. Allison will be all the best with wherever her talents put in extended time as a volunteer looking at examples of community take her. Good luck! Camp Warden at Freycinet National generated environmental and cultural Andrew Smith Park over Christmas, camping at events, in a similar vein to the WILD Wineglass Bay and dealing with Edge Musical Festival. Allison has Chairperson walkers and other visitors to the area. also been awarded the Clarence young PS. I am happy to report that Kathryn In terms of other things lined up, she citizen of the year award, with her Gatenby, Admin Officer with DPIWE will be departing on March 6th for the work with WILDCARE forming an has been nominated by the United States on a study tour funded important part of her impressive by an grant from the Harry Holgate resume. I, and many other people Department to take on the role of Memorial Tourism Award, presented (staff, Board of Management Secretary, at least for the time being. to an outstanding young person in the members and volunteers) wish Allison Welcome aboard Kathryn!

Living with Wildlife pneumonia and may have died anyway. If a post mortem is not possible you can see if an eagle has Living with Eagles and Wedge-tailed eagles attacked the lamb by skinning back Hawks Ever since Europeans settled in the head and shoulders and examining Tasmania is home to 13 species of Australia, wedge-tailed eagles have the presence and degree of bruising. If birds of prey, all of which are native. been accused of attacking and killing the lamb was alive and active there These include some of Australia’s almost anything from horses to honey- should be considerable bruising where most spectacular species, such as the eaters. In some States bounties were the claws penetrated. No bruising majestic wedge-tailed eagle and the paid for their destruction and a total of means it was already dead; little white-bellied sea eagle. Several of about 20 000 were slaughtered per bruising means it was near death. our birds of prey are threatened with year in the mid 1960’s. ¥ Make a realistic assessment of the extinction. Some also occasionally Today, despite legal protection and possible damage. Is it really as great come into conflict with landowners. changing attitudes, the wedge-tailed as first envisaged? It is vital that any protective eagle remains vulnerable to ¥ Submit carcasses to the Department measures that landowners take do extinction. of Primary industry and Fisheries or not place these birds at risk. Some landowners believe that wedge- Remember, all of our birds of prey tailed eagles pose a threat to lambs are wholly protected by law. and kids. However, studies have The following notes are provided to shown these fears to be unwarranted. identify ways of overcoming these In 1970, for example, the CSIRO problems and ensuring that these published an analysis of the cause of magnificent birds continue to survive. death of over 12 000 lambs in several Roles and values States. Although up to 34% of dead lambs had been at least partly eaten, Birds of prey are among the most only 2% of lambs born had been important forest predators. They: actually killed by predators such as ¥ are a stabilising influence. Without eagles. More importantly, only 2.7% such predators prey populations of dead lambs would have survived if fluctuate, in effect controlling a predator had not attacked. Exposure themselves by overpopulation, to bad weather and miss-mothering starvation and disease. were the most important causes of ¥ promote survival of the fittest by death. selectively preying on deformed, Studies in Tasmania show that in weak or sick animals. Thus, they sheep grazing areas, rabbits, hares, assist with bush hygiene. brushtail possums and wallabies are ¥ eat many introduced pests. the most important prey, although a ¥ are indicators of environmental great variety of animals are eaten dead health. Because they are predators at or alive, from cormorants and the top of the food chain they echidnas to snakes. With rare accumulate certain agricultural exceptions, eagles simply do not chemicals from their food and can create an economic problem. act as an early warning system for When a farmer suspects livestock has pollution. been killed by an eagle, wherever ¥ provide enjoyment for many people possible, the Parks and Wildlife who find them a source of pleasure Service will organise post mortems. and inspiration. We have found that 85% of seemingly ¥ Like all native species they have the healthy lambs killed by eagles were right to exist in the wild. already sick with lumpy kidney and/or 10

the Parks and Wildlife Service for are young birds not holding always in very large eucalypts examination. territories and they can be moved. sheltered from the wind. They are very ¥ Eagles are easily scared off by However, in several decades of shy nesters and will often desert their humans. If possible, move stock managing this problem we have nests if disturbed by land clearing, closer to people. Goats especially only had to capture a few eagles. particularly early on in the breeding benefit from this and provide some ¥ Keep poultry near habitation and season, which is August to December. shelter for their kids. Scarecrows provide shelter. If they are truly Breeding eagles need over 10 ha of can work well if backed up by valuable they shouldn’t free range in surrounding forest especially uphill of shooting to scare. If you do this, risky areas. a nest tree. Try and leave this amount, try to postpone development until the please remember, you must have a breeding season is over and follow permit from the Parks and Wildlife Why there is concern for Forestry Tasmania’s ‘Forest Practices Service, so you cannot be accused the eagles survival? Code’. of shooting at the birds. Our wedge-tailed eagles have been Shooting, poisoning and trapping are ¥ Notify the Parks and Wildlife isolated for 10 000 years from their also serious threats. About 8% of adult Service. We can help. mainland counterparts and have eagles are illegally killed each year. become a separate subspecies. With ¥ If serious stock losses persist we can This is critical considering that the naturally low numbers they have little trap the offender(s). Usually they total adult mortality should be only genetic insurance, and continued 5%. The illegal poisoning of pressure means they have been scavengers can easily kill eagles and declared endangered. WANTED other wildlife. Fortunately, eagles are Handy There are a number of problems quite resistant to 1080 poisoning and facing eagles in Tasmania. One is should not be harmed if the prescribed Volunteers habitat destruction through forestry mixing procedures are followed To help construct two picnic tables operations and land clearing which is during legal poisoning operations. removing the type of forest eagles (Hobart metro area) & to assist in In Tasmania about 40% of pairs are on need for nesting. Needless the erection of a picnic shelter at private land, 40% in State Forest and persecution, mainly by vandals, is also Ouse in the Derwent Valley. only about 20% on reserved or Crown a problem as is accidental collisions Both projects are to enhance the land. Obviously a large proportion of and electrocution by power lines. Tasmanian Trail by providing the population are at risk from the facilities at campsites. There are only about 100 pairs of threats mentioned. For details please ring Chris Boden wedge-tailed eagles successfully on 0419 370 528 or 6244 2491 AH. breeding each year in Tasmania. They Problems with hawks use very traditional nests almost Once juvenile hawks have left the care of their parents in summer/autumn they enter a period where they must Review — Derwent River quickly perfect their hunting skills or starve. During this time domestic Wildlife Guide birds can seem very attractive. Free- range chickens can be like a neon So many of the Tasmanians who to sand dunes, with the second half ‘take-away’ sign for these live on or near the Derwent River dedicated to fauna, covering inexperienced hawks. Once hawks are fascinated by the exciting invertebrates, fish, frogs, reptiles, discover such an easy supply of food wildlife ecosystems it supports. birds and mammals. It also contains they can be very persistent. Up until recently, there have been maps covering from the upper few handbooks specifically reaches in Wyatinah and Lake St dedicated to this area — Clair through down to the river especially set out in such a user mouth. friendly manner. The Tasmanian There are nearly 200 photos, Environment Centre has just diagrams and short explanations on recently published a new guide the most common plants and written and researched by Veronica Thorp dedicated wholly animals (both native and to the Derwent River. introduced), including where to find them in the valley, seasonal This new pocket size full-colour variations, and descriptions. guide is packed full of useful and interesting information to help you The Tasmanain Environment Centre identify and care for wildlife both in sells the Derwent River Wildlife the Derwent and on its shores. It has Guide for $12.95, plus $1 postage if a colour-coded index outlining all you would like it sent to you. Call the main species, starting with flora in, or phone them on 6234 5566. ranging from subalpine woodland Veronica Thorp

WILDTIMES March 2001 WILDTIMES 11 March 2001 What to do? ¥ Chickens have natural defences at the sight of a hawk and will squeeze Accommodation at under shelter such as buildings, old cars, bushes etc. Special shelters can Cradle Valley be made of planks on logs or bricks. Thinking of staying overnight at Cradle Valley when you come to the They should be at least 2 m X 2 m AGM and Conference (24th and 25th March)? and 15 cm off the ground. Here are some of the options. You will need to contact them direct to make ¥ Dogs, broody hens and some your booking. roosters can also be good defenders of chickens. Wilderness Village ¥ By far the best defence is to enclose the poultry. Provide at least 1/4 of ****1/2 the pen as solid cover and arrange Ph. 6492 1018. Fully self contained, microwave, hotplates, TV, private the entrance such so that poultry can verandah, view of Cradle — $154/night for 2 people. get out of sight. Obviously smaller chickens are more vulnerable, keep Cradle Mountain Lodge penned until well grown. Although ****1/2 aviary birds are rarely directly harmed they can injure, even kill, Ph. 6492 1303. Cabin $372 double/night, spa cabin $480 — minimum two themselves in panic when attacked. nights stay. Problems mainly occur when there is a large flight and small shelter. If Cradle Mountain Highlanders a hawk lands near the shelter the ***1/2 birds can feel trapped in the exposed Ph. 6492 1116. Spa timber cabins, fully self contained $88 — $160. end and panic. Cradle Mountain Tourist Park Aviary suggestions ¥ Cover most of the flight or have a **** roll-on cover handy. If the hawks Ph. 6492 1395. 2 bedroom cabins, 6 berth cabins, backpacker accom., cannot catch or at least see food camping $12Ð$65/night. they will not stay for long. ¥ Two layers of mesh 5 cm apart, can help. ¥ Low power (0.5 or 1 Joule) electric WILD & Open Space 2001 Registration fence wires on prominent perches or Yes! I/We will attend the WILD & Open Space Conference 2001 (see front page for details) around the rim of an aviary can Personal Details deter hawks and owls from landing Name/s ...... (see diagram). Small birds do not earth this wiring and will not get a Address ...... shock. These wires can repel cats ...... and possums. Membership No.(s) ...... & ...... ¥ Pigeons can usually outfly hawks so Phone: Hm ...... Mob ...... let them take to the air. If they are in Email ...... the loft lock it — goshawks have been known to enter the loft after (Please note all ‘R’ and ‘P’ memberships are valid for attendance at the AGM. ‘R’ memberships will expire at the end of the conference) pigeons. Conference Birds of prey other than hawks are not nearly so bold near humans and are I will attend on Saturday I will attend on Sunday rarely such a problem with domestic Activity Options birds. Often they can be frightened off I would like to attend the Sunday Walk guided by Lyle Rubock. (Wet with loud noises. Please be reasonable. You cannot expect to fully weather is Historical Slide Show by John Pickford). protect free range poultry. If these Dining solutions are not possible and the The Saturday evening meal will be at a local restaurant with prices around $25. stock being lost is part of your How many from your party will attend the dinner? ...... livelihood, then the Parks and Wildlife Please return this form completed to: Service may relocate the hawk. This is generally successful because Andrew Smith, WILDCARE, GPO Box 44A, Hobart 7001 offenders are usually juveniles [email protected] without territories and have no reason Any inquiries, please call 03 6233 2836 to return. However, this is not a long Registrations due by 16th March, 2001 term solution. 12 Thankyou! WILDCARE wishes to thank the following sponsors for their support of the WILDCARE Fund Gold Sponsors ($10,000 plus) Category 2 sponsors ($5000–$9999) Environment Australia Category 3 sponsors ($1000–$4999) ¥ Malcolm Murchison ¥ Dept. Premier and Cabinet ¥ Brighton Council ¥ Resource Management & Conservation And the following WILDCARE member-discount sponsors Snowgum equipment 10% discount Par Avion Wilderness Flights 10% discount Eaglehawk Neck Backpackers ($2 discount per night) Moonpads 5% discount The Possum Shed, Westerway 10% discount on all gifts (To claim your discount, simply present your WILDCARE member card.) We are looking for other sponsors, both for the WILDCARE Fund and as discounters. Know someone who you think might be interested? Why not have a chat to them and suggest they contact Andrew Smith at Community Partnerships Scection for more details (Ph 6233 2836 — GPO Box 44a Hobart 7001).

Tasmanian Trail Guidebook Ð Tasmanian Trail This essential guide will give walkers, bicyclists and Fascinating snippets of information on the natural and horse riders all the information needed to travel all or cultural features you will discover along the trail are part of the unique Tasmanian Trail. liberally spread throughout the book. Detailed trail notes cover each stage of the journey, If you are contemplating a full traverse of the state or providing concise directions and information on access, just a day trip, this book is a must. campsites and facilities. Distances are given for trips Recommended Retail Price: $22.00. Order through the in either direction, while each stage is supplemented WILDCARE Office, GPO Box 44A Hobart 7001. Please with detailed maps. make cheques payable to The Tasmanian Trail Association. Planning, safety and environmental issues are all thoroughly covered. ISBN 9 318923 009651 Graphic Plus 1536

WILDTIMES March 2001