AUSTRALIAN ALPS NATIONAL PARKS news 45 from the

alpsTHE ALPS PROGRAM. WORKING TOGETHER BEYOND BORDERS.

SEARCH & RESCUE If you spend some time in the , you soon learn that the healthiest approach to the mountains is one which includes a chunky dose of respect. If you stop to ask a park manager, ranger or anyone else whose job involves getting out and about in the mountains, they’ll describe how often, and how swiftly, this compellingly beautiful landscape can morph into an unpredictable and significant challenge. The fact is, some of these moments can – and have – escalated to become life threatening, and in these instances parks staff, across , and the ACT, routinely step in to support the search and rescue effort...

In remote areas like the Razor Viking wilderness area of the Alpine National Park, rescues are more complex. Here Ambulance Victoria’s HeliMed chopper, with ground support from Parks Victoria, prepares to winch out an injured bushwalker. WELCOME

Search & Rescue continued: The Police, in all jurisdictions, are ultimately in charge, taking advantage of the available skills, expertise, equipment – whatever is needed to help bring people out safely. A variety of support agencies are often involved but when someone needs G’day. Greetings and good to be talking with you. Another help in the Australian Alps, members of evolution of the Australian Alps Program has occurred and I’m the three parks agencies are almost always glad to be a small part of it as the individual who takes up the involved. With good reason. baton of Program Manager. And as a Parks Victoria employee Tim Greville, a ranger in the alpine area of this also means that for the third time in the program’s history (NSW) describes the convening of the program sits with Victoria. I trust that we’ll why. “Each year we’d be involved in about continue to build upon the very good work done previously by two to three substantial searches. Our ability our State and commonwealth park agency colleagues. to respond to a request from the Police is My thanks to Anthony Evans, the outgoing Program Man- important given we’ve the benefit of know- ager, for his handover and support. ing our patch: familiarity is invaluable.” More significantly the Program Manager change coincides The local police train in the Park with the departure of Alps stalwarts David Darlington, Steven and NSW Parks staff get involved from Horsley, and Peter (Jack) Jacobs. All have been tremendous time to time. However it’s the expertise contributors to the life of park management in the Australian built through the Park staff’s own internal Alps. You’ll read more of them in this issue but I would also training program which makes them such like to express my thanks for the great work done by Dave, valuable members of the search and rescue Steve, and Jack. Their knowledge, skills and hence wisdom team. “Through our day to day work we must remain accessible to us all. build a good ground knowledge of the ter- Maintaining a strong program has been due to many folk rain and vegetation. This is paired with fire including our retiring colleagues. I am enthused to see that the training to develop proficiency with map, agency partnership remains strong despite the many chal- compass and GPS; and working with air- lenges, particularly each agency having been through reor- craft which builds aerial observation skills.” ganisation. Staff belief, willingness to share and learn, and a In winter, their stand-alone cross-country proven record of success maintains a resilient program. The ski team is a key resource. wonderful ‘vibe’ about the Program stems from the coming Mike Dower, a ranger in one of the together of the many disciplines and levels of management – most rugged areas of the southern Alps field and strategy; science and local knowledge; communities (Victoria) describes a similar set-up. “We’re and partnerships. Like Anthony, I have a wish to see a healthy often the first port of call for the Police, to nexus between knowledge and operations. Staff clearly connect collect local knowledge and then offer sup- the benefits of shared learning and networking with pragmatic, port.” A case study from some years ago valuable outcomes. sets out how this works. As for myself - here’s a very short synopsis. It’s a return to “In early 2000, Police Rescue called us the Alps after a 19 year absence. My early days were at Mount in to respond to a report of a missing man Buffalo and Bright and it was after seven years and with a tear in the Alpine National Park. Dave Foster in the corner of my eye, that I headed south. Those 19 years and I took the call just before midnight, away saw a variety of park management roles focused in Opera- grabbed our remote hiking gear, and an tions around the greater area. Additional roles in the hour and a half later arrived at the search mix were state-wide fire management and recovery projects; location where we met up with the 60 year critical incident support functions; and learning and develop- old’s son. ment programs. All enjoyable, but now I return to the beloved “They’d been hunting separately and high country, and good it is. when the father failed to return to the car, I look forward to meeting you all and visiting your work- the son became increasingly distressed, places – not just the place that provides shelter and a desktop phoning for help. There was no snow but for reporting, but rather perhaps venturing into the hills, valleys a frost had formed before midnight and it and high places that you have stewardship for. Enjoy this issue, was below zero.” Mike and Dave spent the may there be words and thoughts that inspire. next hour counselling the son, getting the facts and then trying to get the rest they’d Andrew Nixon program manager & editor need for the day ahead, trying to sleep in conditions which froze their water bottles. Published by Australian Alps national parks, Program Manager and Editor: Andrew Nixon: Parks Victoria office at the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke At around four am the Police arrived, held 3789. [email protected] a briefing and at first light a gathering team For more information about the Alps, including information about the Parks, other publica- headed off on what would end up being a tions and news, visit the Australian Alps Web Page: www.australianalps.environment.gov.au Design and artwork by Tom Sapountsis. Editorial support by Elizabeth DeFriest 03 9534 ground and air operation, co-ordinated by 7970. Printed on ISO 14001 Environmental Accredited paper. Thankyou to those who have Police Search & Rescue from their base made time to be interviewed; and to the photographers for their images. Without this sup- port, news from the alps would not be possible. in Melbourne. By then, a Parks Victoria 3 3 Ambulance officer Andrew Miller and NSW parks’ affiliated Ken Green lead lost bushwalkers up out of Lady Northcote’s Canyon. 3 Search & Rescue continued: team had been joined by members of the 30 degree slope into the re-growth and “A call came into the Visitor Centre State Emergency Service, the Department formed a line search: we were only metres asking for help for a woman with an injured of Primary Industries and volunteers on from each other but it was so dense that knee on the slopes of Mt Bimberi. We noti- horseback from Benambra. It was one of to maintain the line we had to constantly fied the Australian Federal Police as they the Benambra crew who found the missing check our maps and GPS and call out to are the co-ordinating body. With two rang- man two days later, lying beside a mountain each other.” ers on duty - and it sounding as though stream and suffering from hypothermia. They didn’t find the mother and son the woman may need to be stretchered There’d been no shooting accident or until they were half a metre away from out given poor weather made air support twisted ankle – it was simply a case where them. The GPS position proved to be unlikely - the AFP bought in additional someone became lost, which Mike says remarkably accurate and without it, it would personnel. is easily done in that area. “It’s challeng- have proved very difficult to locate them. Of When everyone was assembled, the ing country. The geography and vegeta- course, given the fickleness of technology, Parks staff were able to guide the convoy tion – dense mountain forest regeneration relying heavily on a map app and good of vehicles and equipment in to the closest following the 2007 fires – makes walking coverage is a risky approach. road point They then set off on foot with and navigation difficult.” Once found, the rescue effort focussed their rescue packs, prepared in case things A search which challenged searchers on getting everyone out safely. A winch-out turned into a long and cold episode, which in NSW also involved a son, this time with wasn’t possible but a helicopter was sent to it was despite it being October. Forty-five his mother. Tim tells the tale. ferry them out from the top of the escarp- minutes later the rescue team reached the “They’d decided to take on a very ment – in itself a tough climb. Describing point where they’d expected to find the in- challenging walk down the western side of the state everyone was in by seven o’clock jured woman and her companions, but they Main Range in the Western Fall Wilderness that night, Tim says, “When you’re involved had moved on, deciding to walk down the where there is no track. The area is wild and there’s no soft way to do it – you do what other side of the mountain to Oldfields Hut rugged with tall closed heath and upper you need to do and you share in the con- - another hour and a half away by foot. “If montane forest filled with fire regrowth fidence of the group you’re working with. they’d stayed put we could have taken her acacia. They weren’t familiar with the area You look after one another.” out as planned on the quad bike. Instead and certainly not the regrowth. They’d bit After each incident, debriefing has they were now just over the border and into off more than they could chew.” an important role to play, to deal with the New South Wales - I don’t know how she Critically the pair also failed to heed emotional aspects and to make further im- managed to reach the hut.” the weather forecast for heavy rainfall, provements. Louisa Roberts, a ranger with It had taken some time to locate their which didn’t affect them on the first night, ACT Parks based at Namadgi understands footprints and guess where they were but the second was spent on an island in how simple and effective this process can be. heading, and by this time it was dark, the the middle of a swollen creek. It was early Following an incident five years ago in temperature was dropping severely and spring with some snow still on the ground the Nursery Swamp area of Namadgi Na- the snow was falling lightly. Parks ranger and with the rain added in, the conditions tional Park, the internal debrief offered up Mark Elford remained at the saddle to relay had become dangerous. suggestions that have since made search- messages between teams, while the rest of “In the wet and slippery conditions, ing safer and more effective. “We formally the team made their way towards the hut. the mother suffered an injury. It was only train at least once a year, bringing together Once they’d met up, rescuers assessed minor but it impacted significantly on their Parks staff from across the region. One that it wouldn’t be possible to stretcher the situation, slowing them down and increas- exercise involved responding to a call from woman back to the ACT. Instead, arrange- ing their vulnerability to the cold. They then an ‘injured’ person on top of Mt Gudgenby: ments were made for her to be evacuated in bogged themselves in very heavy fire re- carrying out sweep searches, practicing the opposite direction the next morning. growth heath. Late that afternoon they sent navigation, maintaining communications The picture that emerges with help a text to a family member, asking for help with the various team, and doing team from Louisa, Tim and Mike is that there and giving their GPS location.” Very wet cold welfare checks. More recently we’ve been are three factors at play in any search and and exhausted they huddled under a tarp at involved in training with the Australian Fed- rescue event. The behaviour of two of these the base of a rock outcrop and waited. eral Police and State Emergency Services in - the park users and the search teams - The family member alerted the Police the rugged surrounds of Bendora Dam; we can be modified. As people gain a better who then established phone contact with were deliberately split into different teams understanding of the risks and how to take the missing persons until the phone battery to learn more how to best work together. responsibility for their safety, there will ran out. While the necessary forces, land This year a few of us trained again with the be fewer incidents. Meanwhile Parks staff and air, were mobilised, an advance team AFP, SES, Paramedics, and ACT ambulance continue to build their expertise and skill with the necessary skills and local knowl- - offering our local area knowledge and through on-ground training and actual edge set out at seven am. A forward sub map reading skills to their tactical response rescues. What can’t be modified in the group of two NPWS staff members, a police team who were dealing with a simulated slightest is – as was said at the beginning officer and a paramedic moved on ahead. plane crash in the Gudgenby Valley. - this compellingly beautiful landscape that They were working on the assumption that Another suggestion to come from the can shift swiftly into an unpredictable and the GPS position could be used to pinpoint Nursery Swamp incident proved spot-on significant challenge. their location. when ACT rangers were called out a little Planning a visit to the Australian Alps? “When we got roughly into place and over a year ago. Rangers now head out Stay safe by visiting: looked down on the area containing the with search and rescue packs designed to http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/safety location there was nothing to be seen apart protect them from adverse conditions and http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/be-safe- from dense canopy. We headed down the equip them to do the job well. plan-ahead/safety-in-remote-parks 4 It’s often a challenge reaching Himalayan Honeysuckle which thrives in damp gullies. Mount Buffalo ranger Scott Cunningham manages the greatly reduced infestation.

seventies. Following the 1976 memo’s large tracts of Mt Buffalo and the Alpine WHEN FIRE recommendation, the plants that had been National Park.” Action was taken. It was spotted were removed. But by the early well planned and relentlessly meted out to DEER & DROUGHT eighties, numerous areas of infestation had a schedule over many years. And it was suc- been identified in some of the Park’s wet cessful, though there is a growing suspicion ARE ON YOUR SIDE gullies abutting private property. Concern that the program’s success was given a about the potential impact drove a survey in critical boost by three undesirables – fire, 1988 of the eastern side of Mr Buffalo and drought and deer. the area of infestation was officially declared The scheduled and Park’s-managed Toss the words ‘weed infestation’ into a to be around 400 hectares. By the mid program began with an intensive program room full of rangers and you’ll probably stir 90s that figure had swelled to more than a soon after the mid 90s’ report. Says Scott, up a few facial ticks. Or at least a general thousand. “It was a consistent yearly effort with around cooling of the jolly atmosphere, given Sobering as this sounds, this is actu- a quarter of a million spent over 20 years natural landscape management involves ally a tale of success. However the 90s-era on spraying and mechanical removal. The doing battle with invasive pest species. Parks staff, wading through Leycesteria as budget’s not in the same league as that Pick a weed at random, quiz someone who they surveyed its spread, were concerned. which is being spent on hawkweed, but it is currently engaged in its control, and At this point in time things looked tricky. was a very effective expenditure.” you’ll soon appreciate that it’s never a quick, Without the benefit of quantitative studies, As for those undesirables, it’s conjec- simple fix. For example, take the complex it was guessed the plant was being spread ture, but the present theory is that the pro- programs to deal with the challenges posed though ingestion of the fruits by birds, foxes gram’s success was supported by the 2003 by hawkweed (Hieracium spp.) or willow and samba deer. Water was also a suspect, and then the 2006 fires. Leycesteria may (Salix spp.). Weed control will always be as plants had been spotted downstream have been able to withstand control burns, ongoing, but it’s not always a grim story… from affected areas. Leycesteria was but it was seriously knocked back by these Going back through the records, it observed to out-compete blackberry, and it two major fire events. Then drought during looks like Himalayan Honeysuckle (Ley- was capable of forming a complete ground this time put pressure on the seedlings cesteria formosa) officially popped up on cover. It had previous ‘form’ in Tasmania and which emerged post-fire, neatly reducing the Parks Victoria radar in November 1976. New Zealand, doing economic damage to the potential seed bank. And it appears that It was listed in a memo to the District Su- plantation timber and being a proven envi- the samba deer found Leycesteria itself – perintendent North East, as one of two new ronmental pest. Oh and it happily withstood not just the fruits - to be delicious browse. weeds spotted within Mt Buffalo National repeated fuel reduction burning. Scott sums up saying, “These environ- Park, “Several plants on 9 mile spur track Between the lines of the mid 90s report mental factors may have helped us, but our about 3 miles from sealed road”. it’s not difficult to spot the concern and the management is ongoing. The current pro- Scott Cunningham, ranger in the resolve to take action – “…there is every gram this year is to carry out survey work to current-day team at Mount Buffalo suspects possibility that within the next five years this locate infestations, and to tackle some of the these Leycesteria of arriving with gravel plant will become the major pest plant of harder to get-at areas. There is always going used to grade the road surfaces in the early the Alpine and Sub Alpine areas, degrading to be some Leycesteria in the Park.” 5 6 given the time off.” Spending the day at Yar- we wouldn’t be open to learning from LINKING CAVES rangobilly on the way, Ian took a good look Yarrangobilly.” There are similarities with around. “Some of the people working there the two sites, and there are differences. Here’s an example of how a series of ran- half seriously asked me if I could help them While Ian is familiar with Buchan’s campsite dom events fell into place to create a great over Easter and it started me thinking.” accommodationcliick and looped tour & routes look opportunity… He did some more research, then put a within the caves, at Yarrangobilly he’s get- Within the Australian Alps there are two proposal to Yarrangobilly’s Manager, George ting up to speed with different route formats major cave sites, Buchan in Victoria and Bradford. Ian already had proven experi- and maintaining a very different style of Yarrangobilly in New South Wales. Both are ence and the range of skills needed, and he accommodation in the form of Cave House. karst systems, created via a lengthy process was more than happy staying in a place as Says Ian, “I’ve been massively expanding (where water dissolves carbonate rock) remote as Yarrangobilly. As for the distance my knowledge.” which began over 400 million years ago. between the two cave sites, Ian suggested Wherever Ian’s working, and however Both are open to visitors, and both managed his shifts could be organised into multi-day much he’s learning, when he’s talking to a by national parks agencies – Parks Victoria blocks. Says George, “Cave guiding and group, his aim is to empower his listeners and the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service. management is a specialised field and the with a sense of wonderment. The people who work at both sites share network that exists between locations is a a similar interest in caves as well as the valuable thing. We support this whether skill set necessary for the job, so it doesn’t it takes place: through ACKMA; through sound too surprising to hear that one of the staff movements; and from short term staff cave guides – Ian Raymond – works at both exchanges.” Ian’s suggestion was a new for- sites despite the fact that 330 kilometers sits mat – an ongoing staff movement-exchange between them. He describes how this came combo. George’s approach was simple. “I to be as a roll of the dice, a moment when a thought he’d cope with the position quite number of coincidences came together… well. I made it clear what we could offer in Every two years, the Australasian terms of employment and accommodation Cave and Karst Management Association and then left it to Ian to work out whether it (ACKMA) holds a conference. Ian was then would be sustainable or not.” for the diary: The next Australasian Cave working only at Buchan Caves when it It’s early days yet, but it certainly and Karst Management Association AGM hosted the September 2012 event. On the appears to be so. He’s now working for two and Cave Guides Conference will be hosted second day of the conference, after climbing different states and is employed by two dif- at the Yarrangobilly Caves in May 2014. together through some of the wild caves, he ferent state agencies. He’s faced with a long Says Leanne, “It’s all about exchanging ideas: on how to conduct tours; on the best joined the Yarrangobilly delegates’ table at commute to work, but the route he travels options in infrastructure – lighting, railings, dinner. “I liked their group and decided that between Buchan and Yarrangobilly - The walkways; and on networking with other I’d visit Yarrangobilly one day if I had the Barry Way - is extraordinarily beautiful. cave guides and managers from around chance.” And then soon after, that chance And that’s not the only benefit, for Ian or and New Zealand. Instead of arrived. “At short notice, a friend from the people he works with. Leanne Hodge, taking too much time reinventing the wheel, Western Australia offered me a ticket to the Ranger Team Leader at Buchan sums it up these conferences are a worthwhile way to Folk Festival. Luckily I’d earned well. “There may be things they are doing discover that somebody’s probably already a bit of goodwill here at Buchan and I was that we could take on board; I can’t see why done what we’re thinking of doing.”

Helping people to appreciate what lies beneath the mountains is the role of cave guides like Ian Raymond, above who travels between two wonderful sites – Yarrangobilly and Buchan Caves. Pictured here are two views of Buchan’s Royal Cave: the Font of the Gods, right, and the Octopus Chamber.

7 L to R: Dave Darlington, Steve Horsely and Peter (Jack) Jacobs.

DAVE, STEVE & Jack

Three great men-of-the-Alps are retiring. during the post 2003 fire recovery period. Special Projects Manager for the amal- Described by their peers in terms of high Dave travelled the countryside to listen to gamated South West Slopes and Snowy esteem, they will always be known for their people speak of their experiences, vent their Mountains region. Steve was a driving leadership, skill, warmth and love of this anger and frustrations and assist them to force behind the re-opening of Yarrango- landscape. What follows is a word picture recover and move on. He also represented billy Caves House, which again welcomes of Dave Darlington, Steve Horsley and Peter the Parks Service as its prime witness at the guests after many years of closure. This (Jack) Jacobs, based on comments gath- Coronial Enquiry. was not a small project, but one which took ered from those who consider themselves He also championed the memorandum many years of careful planning not only to fortunate to have worked with these fine of understanding between NSW Parks and preserve the cultural context of the place, fellows. Wildlife Service and the Royal Bhutanese but also negotiate a low-footprint means of Dave Darlington‘s departure will Government. He’s facilitated the hosting of offering accommodation in a national park. leave a large hole. As a manager he’s been many visits by the Bhutanese to the Alps Steve also engaged the community as a a unique combination of peer and mentor, as well as periods of study. As well as this, valuable resource in revitalising the historic with a style of support for his staff that was NSW Parks staff members have assisted Kiandra Courthouse. Motivating people effective yet subtle. Share with him your with various projects in Bhutan – in educa- to achieve wonderful outcomes is one of current challenge and he’d explore with tion, horticulture, sustainable tourism and Steve’s great skills. you the possible options then leave you fire management. Steve appreciated the value in gather- to it. And he always managed to make the And like Steve and Peter, Dave was an ing support for his staff, and he recognised time. Never one to over-complicate things, active participant and supporter of the cross the potential for doing just that through the his gift is the ability to communicate with border co-operation through the Australian Australian Alps Program. Always a Program everyone and anyone. Always the interested Alps Program. advocate, during the last three or more listener it’s no surprise that his knowledge Steve Horsley came to the Parks years, he actively built on its operational was extensive, and shared with ease. For Service from a previous career in for- relevance to staff. Through field days, and example, partly through understanding the estry where he’d been responsible for the the other means of information sharing importance of good relationships with the softwood areas around Tumarumba and offered via the Program, valuable informa- Park’s neighbours, wild dog populations Batlow – some of the largest in the state. tion was made available to those who could were brought under control thanks to his As District Manager of the South West make good use of it on-the-ground. ability to get everyone on the same page. Slopes based at Tumut, he soon proved to At Steve’s farewell the Traditional Own- As part of his legacy, Dave has left us be a strong leader and good manager. He ers expressed profound thanks for his work with the new entrances to Kosciuszko Na- gathered the right staff together and helped in bringing a community back to Country. tional Park; at Rawson’s Pass, the highest them build themselves into a great team. Much of this was through his focus on the toilet in Australia; and major works to both With this in place much was able to be Discover Ranger Program which employs the Thredbo Valley and Main Range tracks. achieved, both while he was District (and Traditional Owners so that they’re positioned Perhaps his greatest contribution was later, Regional) Manager and then later as appropriately to teach their culture to others. 8 Peter Jacobs is known for his integrity and vision, his ability to identify mountains in word key areas where achievable outcomes are possible. He’s also able to lead people, to There are many ways of experiencing mountain landscapes – but one that doesn’t have them to join in with the purpose that immediately spring to mind is through the writings of others. What follows is a clearly drives him - the betterment of the sampling of verse containing familiar sentiments for anyone who has spent time in Alps. At his farewell many expressed their the Australian Alps… appreciation of his ability to listen and provide of sound, rational, detailed advice. Peter, widely known as Jack, began his career in the early 1980s at Mount Buffalo. If, since I had planted my foot on the mountain, He then worked with the alpine planning I had ever felt a sensation of gladness, it was team when cross border management was in its infancy. While initially he wasn’t Due to the fact that I had entered into solitude, and directly involved in the Alps Program, he that rocks, and forests, and a whole new world had soon became a very active and support- risen up between me and the past. But one fine ive member, blending the Program with day, I realised that a new passion had crept into his day-to-day work. He clearly saw the benefits of this approach, as a means of my soul. I loved the mountain for it’s own sake. improving not only the quality of managing I loved it’s superb calm face, illuminated by the these landscapes but also what could be sun whilst we were still in gloom; I loved its mighty achieved. shoulders laden with ice full of blue reflections; L to R: Dave Darlington, Steve Horsely and Peter (Jack) Jacobs. His career has been rich and full. Peter’s witnessed the gathering together of its flanks whereon pastures alternated with forests three state alpine parks to form the Alpine and waste; its vast roots stretched out afar like National Park, and saw the end of grazing those of an enormous tree, separated by valleys, in protected areas. He’s worked through each worth its own rivulets, cascades, lakes, and the big decade of landscape-scale fires, and he has helped to develop appropriate meadows; down to the green and yellow mosses nature-based sustainable tourism. Much growing upon the crags, down to the stone gleaming of this was achieved through his strength amid the turf. in community consultation, for which he’s much respected. This extends to his efforts (Love of the Mountain, Elisee Reclus, 1830 - 1905, French geographer, to increase the involvement of the Tradition- writer and anarchist) al Owners in the Alps Program, bringing people back on Country. He saw the impor- tance and value of pursuing National Herit- All beauteous things more beautiful appear, age Listing for this unique landscape, and The sky-crowned summit of the mountain gleams, having it declared a National Landscape as Smote by the star-point of her glittering spear, part of the Federal tourism initiative. More steadfastly, and all the valley seems On the ground Peter made this pos- sible through broadening out the manage- Strown with an atmosphere of light, ment of the landscape to all the players: the A softer light, the atmosphere of dreams. community, Traditional Owners, tourism operators, the alpine resorts, the scientific (Charles Whitehead, 1804 –1862, English poet, novelist, and dramatist) community and the international protected area and mountains community. This was In lonely glens, amid the roar of rivers, a core part of his vision - he understood When the dim nights were moonless, have I known it was essential to the success of the Program, and what could be achieved, Joys which no tongue can tell that engagement and support must exist at (Percy Bysshe Shelley, 1792 – 1822, English romantic poet) every level: senior management, political and on-ground. There are similarities between Peter, If thou art worn and hard beset Steve and Dave. All have an incredible love With sorrows thou would fain forget, and respect for the Alps and the people If thou would learn a lesson that will keep who work there. They’ve worked hard and achieved much, with dedication and intense Thy heart from fainting and thy soul from sleep, focus. Congratulations to those who are Go to the hills. picking up the baton, people who know and understand this landscape and appreciate (The Balm of the Mountains, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807 – 1882, the responsibility… North American poet and educator. wandering wombats

1010 mate. It also appears that wombats at higher wandering wombats altitudes make use of a number of burrows to shelter between these greater distances covered. Perhaps the biggest surprise of all When Alison Matthews, a Lecturer in Ecol- successful as we’d hoped: a burrow might was the discovery that there is no seasonal ogy at Charles Sturt University discovered not necessarily be occupied; or if there was migration – no moving down the mountain a large gap in what was known about wom- an animal inside, they may just hole up in winter. Instead the high altitude wombats bats in the Australian Alps, she got to work. and wait for us to go, or dig themselves out made the most of more suitable foraging “For a species that’s this charismatic, around the cage.” In the end the researchers zones, those with sunny aspects where the it’s surprising there’ve been few studies and adopted a different approach – they drove snow is shallower, within their range to help very little work done in the Alps over sum- around to spot, net and fit the wombats with them overwinter. It also emerged that the mer and winter. And it’s important because collars. maximum snow depth a wombat is prepared unless we have a good understanding of It was planned that these data-logging to dig down through is one metre. where the wombats are now, and how they collars would record an individual wombat’s Of course, no study provides all the move through the seasons, how will we location every hour, every night, every answers and most often, produces new anticipate how they may behave in future season, for a year. They would then be ones. There is still much to learn but this under a climate change scenario?” automatically shed through a programmable recent work adds valuable information to In the case of the common wombat, drop-off mechanism and effortlessly re- the slowly growing cache destined to be Vombatus ursinus, their relationships with trieved thanks to the in-built high frequency used by the people who manage this natural their physical environment could only be VHF signal. But life - especially that of a landscape now, and in the future. guessed. To put it simply, where are they? researcher who is working up in the moun- Why, there, in particular? And do they tains in a natural landscape - doesn’t always Further reading: migrate to lower altitudes in winter? The go to plan. Three collars went missing from study one: The influences of snow cover, first study – which targeted a sub alpine the first study group. “A hiker picked one up vegetation and topography on the upper area sitting between Perisher, Blue Cow and and returned it to us and another I stumbled range limit of common wombats Vombatus Charlotte’s Pass in the Snowy Mountains – across.” Having these two returned was ursinus in the subalpine zone, Australia; tackled the where and why there. “We set up incredibly fortunate as a year’s worth of data Alison Matthews, Peter G. Spooner, Daniel a transect, our aim being to prove presence is useless unless it’s able to be downloaded. Lunney, Ken Green and Nicholas I. Klomp (or absence) of wombats against a range of “In the second group more collars were lost, study two: Seasonal and altitudinal influ- environmental variables.” This line had been some while the animals were below ground. ences on the home range and movements of selected, not only to pass through a range We put in the effort to try to dig them out but common wombats in the Australian Snowy of altitudes but also a variety of habitats. we weren’t always successful.” Mountains; Matthews & K. Green As they worked along it in both summer and Aside from these frustrating distrac- and on radio collars: The success of winter, they noted the variables, among them tions, the two studies have produced invalu- GPS collar deployments on mammals in rock cover, ground cover, canopy cover, able information, some of which is very Australia; Alison Matthews, Laura Ruykys, snow depth, past fire impact and distance unexpected, such as the discovery of the Bill Ellis, Sean FitzGibbon, Daniel Lunney, to water. And while some aspects would not distances covered by wombats in sub alpine Mathew S. Crowther, Alistair S. Glen, Brad alter through climate change, there were areas. “The distances were huge – up to 500 Purcell, Katherine Moseby, Jenny Stott, clearly factors which would. hectares – and completely beyond what we Don Fletcher, Claire Wimpenny, Benjamin The second study involved wombat were expecting.” It may be that animals at L. Allen, Linda Van Bommel, Michael wrangling – necessary if a test group of low altitudes, typically ranging across 15 Roberts, Nicole Davies, Ken Green, Thomas individuals were to be tracked for a year to to 20 hectares, are able to meet their food Newsome, Guy Ballard, Peter Fleming, determine their movements in summer and and social needs over shorter distances. Christopher R. Dickman, Achim Eberhart, winter. “Initially we positioned cage traps at Further up the mountain, there are fewer Shannon Troy, Clive McMahon and Natasha the mouth of the burrow but we weren’t as wombats so they travel further to feed and Wiggins.

Be warned, animal tracking involves moments like this, where ecologist Alison Mattews trys to retrieve a radio collar dropped deep in a wombat burrow. How does she know where the collar’s lie? She made good use of a directional Yagi antenna, attached to a VHF receiver.

11 from them, fine tune my career skills and new faces work somewhere which involves walking the tracks and rafting down the rivers.” …some you may know from elsewhere and some that are very new to the Australian While Ollie Orgill isn’t a new face to the Alps. Alps, he is new to the role of Vertebrate Pest Coordinator with ACT Parks. In this latest Lisa Brooks joined the Parks Victoria team role, he’s responsible for co-ordinating pest at a little over a year ago. Originally animal programs across the ACT. “Thanks from Bairnsdale, Lisa has worked as a to long-term programs we are successfully guide/ranger at Buchan Caves and a parade reducing the impacts of species like feral ranger at the Phillip Island Nature Park. “I’m horses and pigs, and our focus is now on working with a small group of people, each maintaining the ongoing effectiveness of with diverse skills. We manage a range of those programs and developing strategies natural landscapes from the marine zone at for emerging issues such as increasing sea level through to the Alps at 1300 metres. numbers of deer and rabbits.” Working The tourist focus is perhaps less than I’ve collaboratively helps boosts the results had in the past at Buchan and PI but I now and in his new role Ollie works both with have more opportunities to practice natural the Invasive Animals Co-operative Research resource management.” Centre and the Alps Program’s Natural Resource Management and Feral Horse Stepping into the position of District Man- reference groups. ager of Parks Victoria’s North East district, Ty Caling expects to enjoy the challenges Fresh to the role of Area Manager, Tid- and opportunities as others have before binbilla Nature Reserve Mark Read has him. He comes well prepared, having moved quickly assessed his team as being very ex- through various roles with Parks Victoria: perienced, qualified and passionate. Given tourism in head office; Marine National his northern hemisphere career: snapshots Parks and Ranger in Charge out of Bairns- of which include the Gower Peninsula in dale; another stint at Anglesea. Ty also left Wales, a diverse mix of moorland, coastal the fold twice: once to explore new methods cliff, beach and estuary, to managing a and landscapes working for the Queensland high visitation site in Kent with its ancient Parks and Wildlife Service; and another woodland containing Roman era plantings; more recent stint on secondment from Parks Mark is ideally suited to this new role, and Victoria with the Department of Environment he brings an ace up his sleeve. “I’m known & Primary Industries working on strategic for being a bit entrepreneurial. Hopefully bushfire planning in the Otways. I can bring a new perspective on ways to generate the support necessary to assist our In a previous life Deb Cross worked in programs, particularly in species recovery.” aquaculture, breeding abalone in Tasma- If Mark’s most recent position at Sydney’s nia and farming mussels in Port Phillip Centennial Park is anything to go by, watch and Western Port bays. Now one of the this space. five-strong Parks Victoria team at , Deb has been a Ranger since finishing Since 2005 Sabrina Sonntag has been her Environmental Science degree last working in her dream role – communica- year. With open expectations, Deb wasn’t tions and interpretation with the Australian prepared for, “the amazing landscape or National Botanic Gardens in Canberra. Her the level of diversity in the Park”. Getting background is in the conservation sciences from A to B can take a while but camping and her focus has always been, “to develop more than seed overnight is always an option. “I love my job ways to get people excited about plants”. but the best part is getting out into the bush With Sabrina’s background and apprecia- and exploring.” tion of the Alps, joining the Alps Program’s Stakeholder Engagement & Communica- Wayne Foon has joined the Parks Victoria tions Reference Group makes a great deal Ranger team based at Heyfield. He has of sense. previously worked with summer fire cres and winter operations at Baw Baw NP. His latest role at Heyfield is ideal due to its loca- tion at the base of the Australian Alps and the diverse opportunities that the Alps have to offer. It also offers Wayne a chance to, “…work with this awesome team and learn To learn more about what grows in the mountains, the National Botanic Gardens’ Craig Cosgrove and Joe McAuliffe collect the seed of small alpine species near Seamans Hut, Kosciuszko National Park. and flowers, not at the snow melt when deal of related information – collective most flowering species do, but late in knowledge - making this a particularly rich the season when there’s not much else in resource for anyone with an interest in the bloom. “They manage to quickly flower and Australian Alps. There are many ways this set seed which we suspect may even ger- resource can and will be used in future. The minate in late autumn. Thousands of seeds information alone is a fantastic resource for are produced by each plant, and while managers of this natural landscape, now there’s likely a high mortality rate for these and in a climate changed future. Should fragile seedlings, they’re protected by the there be a catastrophic event following thick thatch of the herb fields and grass- which portions of the landscape don’t lands.” In recent years we’ve learned a great recover naturally, information and seed is deal about this particular plant thanks to ready to provide active support. From Joe’s the work being carried out by the Gardens perspective it’s simple. “The biodiversity in together with Australian National University. the Alps is massive: it’s still there and we’re It’s one of the hundreds of plants in the part of this life cycle of biodiversity. By col- Australian Alps being studied as part of an lecting seed and information it’s available alpine seed ecology project funded by the as a resource. If we don’t, it won’t be.” Australian Research Council. In essence, Part of the information being gathered following many forays into the field over the around all the seed being stored, relates past four years, seed from all these plants to germination and growing on – no small which make up the Alps landscape has task, and one which occupies Joe as the more than seed been carefully collected so that it now sits Nursery Manager at the Gardens. In the in the National Seed Bank at the Australian case of the Kosciuszko snow gentian seed If you ever happen to be up on the Main National Botanic Gardens. But it’s not just has been germinated and grown in the Range Walking Track in Autumn, there’s about the seed. nursery, proving it could survive the hot every chance you’ll be greeted by a sea of Thanks to a rigorous and consistent Canberra summer. Now planted out into the white crocus-like flowers. This beautiful methodology, not only is the parent plant rockery section of the Gardens, Joe and the snow gentian - Gentianella (aka Chiono- identified and positioned in the actual team are interested to see if it will bloom in gentias) muelleriana subsp. alpestris – is landscape, but a great deal of surrounding March at an altitude of 600 meters, being only found in Kosciuszko National Park, information (altitude, aspect, soil, base rock 1200m lower than its natural setting. and according to Joe McAuliffe of the Aus- geology, neighbouring vegetation) is gath- Science aside, if the Gardens are more tralian National Botanic Gardens, it’s worth ered as well. “The seed is vouchered, which on your beaten path than the Main Range the effort. “It sets the landscape on fire.” includes making an herbarium specimen, Walking Track, this may be a good way to This gentian grows en masse in the to confirm that it is what we say it is.” The see this particular gentian in the flesh. If it herb fields and grass plains in the Park, seed may be in the bank but so is a great blooms - finger’s crossed… 13 the softer option

141412 years. And to crown it all, two campsites and astonishing views on waking will the softer option have been formally incorporated, one exist- confirm it. It’s quite simply a wonderful way ing and the other created, where visitors to do this High Country trek, a walk Kevin can relax in comfort. can vouch for. “It’s a stunning landscape Listening to Kevin Cosgriff talk about the “Our feasibility study was based – Rocky Valley Dam, the panorama out Falls Creek to Mt Hotham project, it’s clear around the type of adventurer who wants towards the Kosciuszko range, the summer a mountain (excuse the pun) of planning to be able to be here. With that in mind we wildflowers in sweeps across the High and effort has been involved. When you defined the average distances to be covered Plains. Of course there are the high country ask why go to all this effort, his answer is each day. We then thought about providing huts along the way but I think my favourite forthright. “It’s about getting people into the necessary comforts.” To that end, there moment comes on day two when, just as that space so they can understand the land- are now five sleeping platforms at each site you pass Mt Jim, Mt Feathertop is revealed. scape. With greater understanding comes along with (almost) glamorous compost- And anyone can enjoy it whether they walk appreciation and ultimately protection.” ing toilets. When you add it all together it on their own or with support.” While this may sound calculating, it’s – the carefully considered route and the The Falls to Hotham Walk exists also a form of sharing. There would be few amenities – what’s been put in place is a thanks to the very effective partnership people who live or work in the Australian well thought-out package, ready for anyone between Parks Vic and Tourism North East. Alps who don’t value this particular land- to use* or for independent tour operators Keep a look out for the hard copy map and scape. That they would like others to share to supply the rest. “We’ve had a couple a soon-to-be live website . In the interim their view makes sense, but they also want of familiarisation days ready for the first you can get updated at http://parkweb.vic. to share the pure pleasure it brings them. season this summer. Search online with the gov.au/explore/parks/alpine-national-park/ Kevin, Ranger team-leader with the Bogong words Falls Creek to Mt Hotham, and you’ll things-to-do/falls-to-hotham-alpine-cross- Management Unit and his team have been quickly find what’s now on offer.” ing. This new vision for a superb 37km working on this particular bring-‘em-in If you do take a look, what you’ll see section of the AAWT is a pilot project that project for some years now. The concept offered by independent tour operators will be instrumental in planning for future – to define the best route between two of is very appealing: someone to transport alpine walking options. Victoria’s premier alpine resorts, and give your overnight pack to each campsite; a it a very smart upgrade – began almost six welcoming campsite complete with tents, *visit http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/ years ago. Physical works – the improved soft beds and dinner prepared. And while book-your-stay or call 13 1963 to book surfacing, step work, track definition, and some may describe this as a soft option, it your platform signage – have been in progress for two remains real camping. The remote setting

A great walking experience comes down to simple things well done – a clearly marked track, great facili- ties, and appropri- ately crafted track surfacing like these stepping stones across the wet areas.

15 a day in the life of…

16 the lake into the clouds, into the grass, be- ties for these visitors but we always try to a day in the ing eaten by a kangaroo and then on with it’s include something for the head, something journey. And as the students become more for the heart and something for the hands. life of… comfortable, we challenge them further. In other words we want to give people an Wearing blindfolds they use their other understanding, an appreciation or even If you’re lucky enough to live or work in senses to gain a deeper appreciation of this an emotional connection with the subject the Australian Alps, you’d understand most environment.” or topic of the interpretation, and possibly of what Dan Nicholls is trying to get across Dan admits it’s relatively easy to gener- motivate them to participate in caring for to visitors on any working day. Dan is ate a sense of wonder and discovery among landscape on some level here in the moun- Discovery Co-ordinator at the Sawpit Creek primary school children. For secondary tains or at home.” Education Centre. It’s a great title, because students the aim is to encourage them to For many urban dwellers, some of Dan’s role is all about helping those people relax and explore. “It’s these groups which whom are relatively new to Australia, the who come from elsewhere to discover what often generate the best discussions. After natural landscape is something unknown the Alps are about. Each day Dan drives a general presentation and briefing at the and even feared. “Some visitors are fright- ten kilometres to work, taking in the view Centre, we usually hop on the bus and move ened to go into the bush alone. So our chal- out over Lake Jindabyne before crossing up the mountain, stopping to explore the lenge is to make them feel safe and comfort- the Thredbo River and arriving at Sawpit changing vegetative communities as we able so they can start building connections Creek. On this sheltered site, 1200 metres travel higher, and we look at the impact of with the environment, and then we hope above sea level, sits the former Kosciuszko past land uses. The research plots at Dain- begin to understand some of the ecological, National Park Headquarters building which ers Gap are a great teaching tool given we landscape and cultural values everyone in is now home to the Kosciuszko Educa- have photos dating back to 1957 when they the park is working to conserve.” Here the tion Program and a discovery centre - the were first established.” Dan will often put a trick is to create activities which give people Kosciarium. It is from this bush setting Dan hypothetical question to the group along the the opportunity to slow down, look, listen and his team, develop and deliver carefully lines of, would you allow crisis grazing in and experience the bush. Pinning card crafted interpretive programs put together to the national parks during drought? In most ‘photo frames’ to a line strung along a path help everyone understand more about this cases the group comes back with an under- helps encourage people to look carefully at landscape. standing that these ecosystems are probably a scene; sketching shadow-silhouettes cast It might be a primary school group just as stressed by the hypothetical drought, by plant life onto paper; encouraging people that’s being led through a deceptively simple slower to recover, and so the answer is - no. to head out as individuals to be alone in the program designed to expose them to the “We’re sharing what we do with these young landscape – all these are the aims of Dan complexities of ecology. “Many of these people and they are coming away under- and his team. “John Muir, an early wilder- students are in an unfamiliar environment, standing the purpose.” ness conservationist once suggested that so we start off with learning styles familiar Not that the discovery of the Alps is if you want to really see the bush as if you to the students: here is something about limited to students. The community activity weren’t there, all you have to do is sit down the environment we want you to learn and program ramps up around Christmas and quietly and let it be around you.” understand, and the activities are designed Easter. “These people are not a captive At the end of the day, Dan aims to give to illustrate how those concepts work in the audience – they don’t have assignments to people the chance to do just that, and pos- Dan Nicholls’ day environment. In Speck trails for example hand in – so we must find other ways to sibly share the appreciation of the Alps. is spent helping people experience students follow coloured cords through the help them engage with the park, hopefully to natural landscapes. bush to see a molecule of water move from leave as advocates. We’ve a suite of activi-

e-map* & iPad

In case you haven’t already heard, the town facilities - everything. It’s a great Australian Alps Touring Map is no longer resource to have when planning a visit to available in paper form. It’s been replaced the Alps, and it can be referred to anywhere with an e-map for all the right reasons because once it’s on your phone, you – it’s easier to get hold of, cheaper to don’t need an internet connection to use produce and distribute, and thanks to it. To download you can: 1. scan the QR oh-so-wonderful technology, chock full code with your smartphone, 2. visit www. of more information and detail than ever australianalps.environment.gov.au, or step before. In a very canny move, the decision up to one of the new iPad stations being was made to replace print with an interac- set up in key visitor centres across the tive pdf file which can be downloaded (to Alps. The instructions are simple, and if date more than 2000 times) onto most you need, there are lot’s of people around portable devices – your mobile phone, who already have their copy and who will iPad or other tablet. The map is now free, be happy to help you download yours. easily updated and is full of an extraordi- nary amount of zoom-able detail to reveal *another good cross border initiative cultural sites, walking & 4WD tracks, local thanks to the Alps Program. 17 service. He was a member of the Kosciuszko Aboriginal Working Group involved in developing the Kosciuszko Plan of Management. He was also part of the Northern Aboriginal Working Group and the Australian Alps Traditional Owners Reference Group. He performed Welcome to Country and Smoking ceremonies at various on-park events. He attended a lot of meetings, but one of the early ones that I was involved in with Uncle Vince I will always remember In the later part of his career Bob with a smile. There was about six NPWS Bob Jones worked with the Alps’ Traditional Owners, staff and five or six community people. 1946 – 2013 initially after the 2003 fires which revealed We are sitting around the table discussing a culturally rich landscape. This developed how Aboriginal cultural knowledge was into reconnections to Country, through for- by Peter Jacobs important in ecology conservation in the mal reference groups and the training and park - and the animals that were part of that Back in the late 60s and early 70s, one of employment program for Aboriginal people. ecology - when someone mentioned the the few environmental qualifications on The Mullett family sums it up well saying, Corroboree Frog. Well Uncle Vince pipes offer was in forestry. Bob Jones trained at ”Bob Jones has earned his place with our up and says. “You know what Corroboree Creswick School of Forestry then worked families, our elders, our landscapes and Frogs are good for?” We all looked at with the then Forest Commission. Listening his drive to assist us at all times is highly him and he looks around, slaps his hand to his peers’ glowing descriptions of his respected and admired.” on the table and says, “Bait. I can catch mangement skills, it’s not surprising that three - three fish off one corroboree frog.” by 24, Bob was managing Mt Buller Alpine Peter Jacobs, who followed in Bob’s foot- Needless to say a number of NPWS jaws hit Resort. He’s described as a good and hon- steps as Chief Ranger, describes him as the table in the moment of stunned silence, est man, a true gentleman, a calm listener having a real connection with community until a voice says, “You’re just joking, right and facilitator – in short, a perfect cocktail and the parks. “He was able to make that Unk?” I think most of them left the meeting of enthusiasm, professionalism and sound valuable link, to have genuine concern wondering if it were true. Fishing was never decision making. With these natural assets, about what needed to be established, and far from his mind. the respect of his co-workers, and a genu- how that would be maintained. He under- I also remember the first time I rang ine love of the natural landscape, he was to stood the importance of integrity.” Uncle Vince to ask if he would be available become a wonderful ambassador for the to do a Welcome to Country for an event, national parks and the Alps. Uncle Vince he paused for a moment then says, “Yeah Looking back at Bob’s career, his that should be alright but what time will I various roles gave him a broad perspec- Bulger OAM be home?” I gave him a time and he asked, tive. From Mt Buller he moved across to “You’re sure I’ll be home by four thirty?”… the then National Parks Service to become by Mary Mudford Aboriginal Liaison “Yes Uncle Vince, I am positive you will District Superintendent at Wilson’s Prom. Officer. be home by four thirty.” and he then says, In the 80s he took on the role of General “That’s fine then, just so long as I am home Manager of the Falls Creek Alpine Resort, It is a privilege to honour Uncle Vince for The Bold and The Beautiful.” I paused and worked with the Alpine Resorts Com- on behalf of the National Parks and Wildlife for a moment and then asked him if he mission, before moving back to Parks Service because it was both a privilege was serious or just pulling my leg, and Victoria to become one of the first Chief and an honour to have known Uncle Vince. he replied, “I’m serious. I never miss an Rangers in the early 1990s. His territory He is known by many at National Parks as episode of The Bold and The Beautiful.” It – the North East – effectively covered the The Legend. Uncle Vince was one of the was something that I just wasn’t expecting Victorian part of the Australian Alps at a first to lay the foundations for the partner- but was something I kept in the back of my time of great change. He was very much ship between National Parks and the local mind whenever I was planning to ask Uncle involved in getting the Alpine National Park Aboriginal community. And in laying those Vince to participate in anything. up and running, something that called upon foundations over the early years, he forged He just had this way about him that his quiet but brilliant facilitation skills. This strong and lasting friendships with so many sometimes you thought you had him was a time of significant shifts, where com- of the NPWS staff, it just came naturally for pegged and then he would say or do some- munities with long-seated connections to him to simply be Uncle Vince to all. thing that would change the whole picture. the landscape through logging and grazing Over the years staff have told me many He had his own way of putting you in your were making major adjustments. Bob was funny stories, far too many to be told here place and it was never done with malice or calm and diplomatic, guiding the process today. Stories about the time they have a raised voice but in a firm guiding way but where people with different interests and spent with Uncle Vince: his wicked sense of you knew it as many of our staff learned. opinions worked through what was a com- humour; his gift of the gab; his stories and To Uncle Vince it didn’t matter who you plex business. Bob represented Victoria on jokes; his ability to make people feel ap- were, where you were from, what colour the Australian Alps Liaison Committee for preciated and welcome; his willingness to you were he treated everyone with respect many years, a role he greatly valued. share his knowledge and to get in and have and equality and that was a part of him that Working alongside Bob was a privilege a go; and his love of fishing. You only have everyone loved. As he has said many times given he was a natural mentor. He’s to mention his name and a smile spreads we are all human beings, we all bleed the described as someone who’d give rational across their faces - not everyone has that same and we are all welcome to walk on advice however stressful the situation. He affect on people but Uncle Vince did. this land in peace and harmony. was forever fair and transparent, enriching There were many things that Uncle Uncle Vince will be greatly missed by the lives of the people around him. Vince participated in on behalf of the all at the NPWS. 18 management projects including a popula- program tion survey across a majority of the Alps diary landscapes, new assessment methodolo- update gies, development of local assessment tools and monitoring system. Deer species are also in the spotlight. The second year of a The Australian Alps National Parks two year project managed by NSW National April Cooperative Management Program Parks and Wildlife ecologist Dr Andrew Australian Alps Traditional Owners now moves into its 27th year. It Claridge continues. Andrew is keen to have Reference Group meeting remains a high profile program dem- solid field staff input to build a picture of species, their range and impacts. onstrating the value and achievements March - May through cross border cooperation. Alps e-publication. Whilst mentioned It is an internationally known and • Rehabilitation Field Guide one day in issue no. 44 of News from the Alps it’s recognised program that in an op- workshops; various locations erational context, runs between State worth restating the availability of this App. jurisdictions. The International Union Replacing the hard copy Australian Alps 12th March for Conservation of Nature accords Touring Map, it’s actually more than a map! It is a great ready-reckoner for deciding what Heads of Agency / AALC annual it significant respect - it will again meeting; Canberra be profiled at this years IUCN World to do and where to go to maximise a great Parks Congress in Sydney. Keep alpine holiday experience. Worth a lingering an eye on the developing Congress look if you have not already done so. March / April program, the post Congress field trip Feral horse aerial survey; late • Alps Interpretive Signage. Good mes- March-early April; Alps wide to Canberra and Kosciuszko, and the saging continues across the Alps landscape, opportunity for participation. with improved creativity in both materials Earlier this year, the Heads of and graphics making for some excellent 1 - 2 April 2014 Agency met and set these priorities for Landscapes & Policy Hub Scenario Alps Program’s activities: Aboriginal signs. The latest can be seen at Bents and lookouts - Mount Buffalo, and Planning Workshop (Future of Biodi- peoples involvement; Ecological sys- versity in the Alps – Part 2); Bright tems and processes including invasive the start of the Razorback walk from Mount species, fire, water & catchment Hotham. Well considered words married processes; National tourism issues with spectacular views provides the visitor a 2 - 3 April 2014 and national landscapes; Science – thoughtful and inspiring experience. Alps – Science Management Forum management linkages; Stakeholder, • Alps Indigenous Partnerships continues (in conjunction with Landscapes and community engagement and partner- to gain momentum. This year a number of Policy Hub); Bright. ships. These priorities contribute to local Alps Traditional Owner working groups the Key Result Areas identified in the have met for consultation and communica- 5-6 April 2014 current Strategic Plan which has just tion purposes. One of the consultations has rolled over its first year of the three AAnp Heritage Skills workshop; year plan period. It’s certainly worth been in regards to the project, Cultural and Googong Foreshores Queanbeyan taking a look if you haven’t yet: an Spiritual Values of The Australian Alps to online copy of the Strategic Plan is Aboriginal People. We look forward to the May 2014 available at http://www.australianalps. report in the new year. The Australian Alps Australasian Cave and Karst Man- environment.gov.au or hard copies Traditional Owners Reference Group has agement Association AGM and Cave from the Program Manager (see page also met with folk from the Landscapes and Guides Conference; Yarrangobilly Policies hub to share ideas, learning’s and 2 for contact details). These first year Caves achievements will be documented in wisdom. And much of this news is now also the 2012/13 Annual Report. Some of able to be shared in the Alps Indigenous the highlights include: News, planned to appear a few times per May annum. This 1-2 page flyer provides a good Alps Operational Group meeting; • The Rehabilitation Field Guide has been update on events and actions. mid/late May completed and published. The ‘green book’, Park staff from Bhutan travelled the a new and most useful tool for rehabilitating • Alps in late November and early December Spring 2014 damaged high elevation ecosystems will ably guided by Peter Jacobs and Dave Alps Field Workshop; to be hosted be rolled out early in 2014 to staff via local Darlington. Three senior officers from the by the Water & Catchments Refer- workshops. The workshops will consist of a Bhutan Forest and Conservation department ence Group morning session in-house and then visiting met Alps agency staff and undertook inspec- a field site for practical application in the tions at some of our very best locations. afternoon. Insight into the success of the Australian • Feral animal management remains a Alps Program was welcomed by our friends major challenge for Alps managers. This and further cements the long term working year considerable budget allocations have relationship between countries and Alps been made for a suite of ongoing feral horse management agencies. 19 peace – a conservation side-effect

When managing natural environments gary Press). If the Alps Program is news Parks Victoria and a core supporter of the it’s best practice to work at landscape to you, turn to page 21 and you’ll soon Alps Program for many years, explains. scale. If boundaries are laid over this have a very good idea of not only how it “Peace Parks yield evidence of a common landscape, then these often need to be works, but also why it works so well. Flip purpose among people with a different softened. In the Australian Alps, state through the other case studies and you’ll background, form of government, and and territory lines have been effectively also gain an appreciation what’s being often culture. These areas represent an blurred for many years thanks to the Aus- achieved around the world through cross overcoming of human selfishness and a tralian Alps Programme, and with great border co-operation. willingness to work together for a higher results. Parks agencies; communities; As for the reference to peace in the value.” alpine resorts; local, state and federal title, it describes one of the most difficult If there’s not already a copy in your governments – through working together, obstacles many of these case studies office, source one online (http://uofc- each has a greater appreciation of what’s face, managing natural landscapes press.com/books/9781552386422 ). involved in making decisions which where there is conflict along the borders. As Gill says, it’s a book both with cases benefit the landscape. So it’s no surprise Despite violence, dialogue concerning celebrating existing peaceful co-exist- that the Alps Programme features in the natural landscape is often possible, ence, as well as others proposed for Parks, Peace & Partnerships (Quinn, and the by-product in many cases has peace and co-operation in future. Broberg & Freimund, University of Cal- been peace. Gill Anderson, formerly with

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