Septemberl990

Bimberi wilderness declared Valuing the environment NPA BULLETIN Volume 27 number 3 September 1990

CONTENTS Visitor centre opened 5 Bimberi wilderness 5 Forestry inquiry 7 Birds in the ACT 8 Pines pruned 9 Valuing the environment 12 Tracking stations 14 „ Cotter catchment 16 ^OV©r

the Bi ben Canoeing 18 £^KSin newly declared m Field guide reprinted 20 wilderness zone of .

National Parks Association (ACT) Subscription rates (1 July - 30 June) Household members $20 Single members $15 Incorporated Corporate members $10 Bulletin only $10 Inaugurated 1960 Concession: half above rates For new subscriptions joining between: Aims and objects of the Association 1 January and 31 March - half specified rate • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the 1 April and 30 June - annual subscription protection of fauna and flora, scenery and natural features in the Australian Capital Territory and elsewhere, and the Membership enquiries welcome reservation of specific areas. Please phone Laraine Frawley at the NPA office. • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation areas. The NPA (ACT) office is located in Kingsley Street, • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment Acton. Office hours are: of, such natural phenomena by organised field outings, 10am to 2pm Mondays meetings or any other means. 9am to 2pm Tuesdays and Thursdays • Co-operation with organisations and persons having Telephone: (06) 257 1063 similar interests and objectives. Address: GPO Box 457 2601. • Promotion of, and education for, nature conservation, and the planning of land-use to achieve conservation. Contribute to your Bulletin Contributions of articles (news, description or fiction), Office-bearers and Committee black-and-white photographs and line drawings are President keenly sought for the Bulletin. Please label photo­ Les Pyke 281 2982 (h) graphs with the name of the subject, the name of the Vice President photographer and the date. Leave contributions at the Beverley Hammond 288 6577 (h) 258 1877 (w) office or phone the editor, Roger Green, on Immediate Past President (06) 247 0059. The editorial fax is (06) 249 7373. Syd Comfort 286 2578(h) Secretary Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect Judith Webster 241 4646 (h) 248 4141 (w) Association opinion or objectives. Treasurer Mike Smith 286 2984 (h) 281 9565 (w) Deadline for December issue: 1 November, 1990. is produced by Words for the Committee members NPA Bulletin Green National Parks Association (ACT) Incorporated. It is Phil Bubb 281 4929 (h) 246 6128 (w) produced with the assistance ACT Community Len Crosfield 241 2897 (h) 263 2267 (w) of an Development Fund grant. Len Haskew 281 4268 (h) Dugald Monro 231 8776 (h) Printed on recycled paper by Union Offset Co Pty Ltd, Jill Roberts 249 1390 (h) 272 4192 (w) Fyshwick, ACT. Tim Walsh 285 1112 (h) 274 1465 (w) Doreen Wilson 288 5215 (h) 248 5211 (w) ISSN 0727-8837 Red spot A red spot on the mailing label indicates that this will be the last Bulletin for those who do not renew membership. REPORTS President's report 1989-90 was a busy year, general­ park, world heritage listing for the contributed $500 to assist the ly following the established pat­ alpine national parks, the Australian Conservation Found­ tern but also introducing some Molonglo fish farm, the pro­ ation in publishing a booklet on innovations. posed Ulladulla transmission facil­ the Jervis Bay Marine Park ity and the report of the ACT proposal. Membership, finance, Priorities Review Board. administration General meetings Membership at 30 June 1990 Namadgi National Park and The Association is very apprecia­ stood at 697, little changed from the Murrumbidgee tive of the general meeting speak­ last year, and subscription rates The Parks and Conservation ers who have all given were unchanged. The Association Consultation Committee was re­ presentations of a very high order. is in a satisfactory financial posi­ established in November 1989 and Attendances at meetings were, tion with donations for the year the Association's nominee, Anne however, disappointingly low to­ being somewhat higher than in Taylor, was appointed to the com­ wards the end of the year. Mike 1989 and grants from the mittee. During the year the ACT and Annette Smith have operated Community Development Fund Government gazetted the Bimberi an inviting bookstall and Adrienne also at a higher level. The finan­ wilderness area and announced its Nicholson and helpers have looked cial result is in no small measure a intention to gazette extensions to after supper. reflection of the continued dedica­ Namadgi, both of these having tion of Treasurer Les Pyke. been advocated by the Association Displays and education The Association has continued to for some years. The Namadgi The Association provided dis­ employ a part time office secre­ Visitors Centre opened in June plays at the Environment tary, and an administrative assist­ and includes a display on the his­ Fair, ACT Alive, Canberra ant as required, and to engage a tory of the park based on material Environment Fair and the bulletin editor on contract. The prepared by Association members. University of Canberra committee has met. monthly and Grazing on Gudgenby has been Environment Day which, with the the four subcommittees regularly. terminated but other recommenda­ exception of the last, were well pa­ Control of our office building has tions made in a consultant's report tronised. Yerrabi Track guides now passed to the ACT on management of the area are were sent to all ACT schools and Administration and we have been still under consideration. The distributed through the Parks and active with other associations in management plan for the Conservation Service. Invest­ Childers Street to press for the corridor has igation continued into conducting continuing availability of the area been finalised and a decision a nature appreciation course in for use by community groups. taken to gazette four reserves conjunction with the Centre for along the river. The importance of dealing sys­ Continuing Education. tematically with the Association records and files has been -recog­ Bulletin Outings nised. Sheila Kruse has accepted The quarterly Bulletin provides The Outings Subcommittee coor­ the position of Association a wide coverage of conservation dinated an imaginative program of Archivist and is already bringing issues including Namadgi day and weekend activities her enthusiasm and knowledge to National Park and ACT reserves, throughout the year comprising bear on the task. other matters of particular inter­ just over 100 events. The program est to the Association, discussion included outings of many types at­ Environmental matters of important environmental con­ tracting members over a wide Submissions followed by appear­ cerns, and news of Association ac­ spectrum of interests and ages. To ances before investigating bodies tivities. With assistance from the maintain this interesting program were made on the National Community Development Fund the Association is seeking new Capital Plan and the Resource the Bulletin has a wide distribu­ ideas and additional leaders. Assessment Commission inquiry tion. It continues to be well re­ into forest resources. Submissions ceived. Roger Green has been Working parties were also made on the Canberra reappointed as editor for 1990. Working parties were organised Nature Park, the draft ACT leas­ During the year recycled paper for track work in the Budawangs ing legislation, the Alliance was introduced and a higher stan­ and pine removal in the Boboyan Government environment policy, dard of printing achieved. pine plantation, both involving the Very Fast Train, the future of close cooperation with park the tracking station buildings, and Publications authorities. Work has resumed on NSW coastal development. Other Sales of the Guide to Native the Orroral Homestead but representations concerned devel­ Trees of the ACT continued at last progress is slower than hoped. The opment in Jervis Bay and the es­ year's level and a reprint is about Association was responsible for tablishment of a marine national to be released. The Association continued on page 4 REPORTS

World Environment Day 1990 World Environment Day 1984 was • gazettal of Jerrabomberra Tidbinbilla is currently gazetted made particularly significant for Wetlands under the Nature as a public park but the intended the ACT by the then Minister for Conservation Act gazettal under the Nature territories, Mr Tom Uren, declar­ • gazettal of four reserves along Conservation Act will give greater ing the Namadgi National Park. th e Murrumbidgee River protection to the area and ensure The ACT Government has also Corridor. that the natural resources of the made 1990 World Environment The lower Cotter area contains a area be given a higher standing. Day one to be remembered by an­ number of plant and animal com­ In the long term, the change could nouncing a number of important munities of particular value which have considerable significance for decisions which, however, were Ian Fraser identified in the study the reserve. not accorded the prominence they of the area he undertook for the Gazettal of reserves along the deserved by sections of the local Association in 1988. To mark the Murrumbidgee corridor will give media. inclusion of this area into cover to areas which at present The Chief Minister, Mr Kaine, Namadgi, Ian has agreed to lead a have no specific legislative stand­ ing. The area could also be given announced the following measures: guided walk for the NPA in some protection in the National • extending the boundaries of November. Details are included in the outings program. Capital Plan when that is final­ Namadgi National Park to in­ ised. While pleased to see these clude the lower Cotter catch­ Inclusion of into protective measures being intro­ ment (Northern Brindabella) Namadgi takes on particular sig­ duced, the Association is not yet area, Mount Tennent and Blue nificance with the opening of the satisfied that this important area Gum Creek, parts of the new Namadgi Visitors Centre, as is fully safeguarded. Gibraltar Creek Valley, and Mount Tennent forms a natural World Environment Day in the ; backdrop to the building and ACT has been marked in an • extending Tidbinbilla Nature brings a section of the park within appropriate and practical way. Reserve and gazetting it under easy walking distance of the the Nature Conservation Act; centre. Syd Comfort

Glyn Lewis and Steven Forst who Letter to the editor President's are standing down at this time. I would like to express my thanks report Conclusion to the National Parks Association for assistance with the displays in The Association operates over a continued from page 3 the new visitor centre at Namadgi wide spread of activities but a not­ National Park. the Point Hut area as part of the able feature of this year has been Clean Up campaign. the number of conservation issues In particular Reg Alder and about which we have made Denise Robin provided a range of Co-operation representation. valuable materials, spent many hours tracking down resources, The Association continues to be I feel that during this year the and coordinated the input of other represented on the Conservation National Parks Association has NPA members. Council and Environment Centre continued to pursue its stated and to support a number of other aims whilst responding to chang­ The centre is open seven days a conservation groups. Opport­ ing circumstances. I consider that week and I hope members will unities to cooperate with local en­ we are well placed to identify call in on their next visit to the vironmental groups have been future goals and to achieve these park. taken wherever possible. provided there is a continuing Joss Haiblen depth of commitment through the Ranger, Namadgi National Park Appreciation Association membership. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all committee Annual report and financial Packing the Bulletin members, staff members, Bulletin statements Following the many years of stir- editor and contributors, subcom­ Copies of the annual report and ling service from Peter Roe, John mittee members, outing leaders audited financial statements were Webster has taken on the job of and all members who have been distributed to members who at­ packing the NPA Bulletin. Anyone active in one way or another in ad­ tended the Annual General willing to do a pleasant evening's vancing the work of the Meeting. Any member may obtain work making sure that everyone Association. I would particularly copies from the office or have one gets their Bulletin on time should like to mention long serving com­ posted to them by ringing Laraine contact John on (06) 241 4646 mittee members Kevin Frawley, Frawley during office hours. after hours. NAMADGI

Visitor centre opened Bimberi The new Namadgi National Park visitor centre finally opened on 5 wilderness June, World Environment Day. Two of the ACT's ministers per­ formed the honours: the chief zone rninister, Mr Trevor Kaine, and the minister for finance and urban services, Mr Craig Duby. declared The centre contains displays on The southwestern corner of nature conservation, water quali­ Namadgi National Park has been ty, cultural sites and recreation, declared a wilderness zone to be and shows visitors an audiovisu­ known as the Bimberi wilderness. al presentation about the nation­ This makes it contiguous with al park. The centre, which will the adjoining Bimberi wilderness also be headquarters for national zone in Bimberi , park staff, is on the Naas Road Scabby Range Nature Reserve and south of Tharwa. the Kosciusko National Park. On the occasion Mr Kaine an­ The declaration was made in the nounced extensions to Namadgi ACT Gazette No. 541 of 4 National Park, four nature re­ December 1989. serves along the Murrumbidgee The Bimberi wilderness zone in River, a nature reserve for the ACT is formed by taking a line Jerrabomberra wetlands, and the from the saddle at Pryors Hut to conversion of Tidbinbilla Nature the junction of Gingera Creek and Reserve from a public park to a , to the summits of statutory nature reserve (see Mount McKeahnie and Mount story on page 4). Management The new visitor centre for Orroral and thence along the wa­ plans for the areas would be pre­ Namadgi National Park. tershed ridge between the Orroral pared for public comment. Photo: Reg Alder. River and Nursery Creek to its The extensions to Namadgi easterly high point, thence to Ornithological Group, and the would include the lower Cotter Nursery Hill and on to the western Conservation Council of the South borders of the Gudgenby property catchment area and land near East Region and Canberra. Mount Tennant and Blue Gum and the Boboyan pine forest which Mr Duby declared the centre are then projected to Sheep Creek. Mr Kaine said, 'Namadgi open. National Park already embraces Station Creek, on to the ACT The NPA Bulletin is seeking re­ border and around to the starting some of the most important natu­ actions from members to the new point. It will be seen that the wild­ ral resources in the ACT includ­ visitor centre. What are its good erness zone includes the foothills ing wilderness areas and habitat and bad points? Will it assist the' of Sentry Box Mountain, for species which are rare and cause of nature conservation? Gudgenby Peak, Yankee Hats and uncommon elsewhere in the ter­ Contributions short and long are Nursery Hill and generally all ritory. These extensions will en­ sought for the December issue of bushland to the west. hance the signigicant role of the Bulletin. The deadline is Namadgi National Park in the 1 November. In a wilderness zone it is prohib­ nature conservation system.' ited to excavate, establish a road He also committed the ACT or track, use a motor vehicle Government to support the except on an earlier formed track alpine national parks agreement or road, establish any structure or supply goods and services. The on cooperation in the manage­ conservator has the authority to ment of alpine parks in Victoria, prohibit or regulate activities such and the ACT. as lighting fires, camping or carry­ He said that further elements of ing weapons. Members are re­ the ACTs natural and cultural minded that a camping permit is resources would be formally iden­ required in the Cotter catchment tified and protected. portion of the Bimberi wilderness Mr Kaine specially mentioned zone. the community groups which had dedicated themselves to the Reg Alder ACTs system of nature reserves: the NPA, th e Canberra LAND

Draft Land (Lease and Management) Bill The ACT Government has drafted granting of leases in nature re­ The Association considers that a series of bills which if enacted serves and national parks. The these objectives are far too broad will control a wide range of activi­ Nature Conservation Act is quite and that individual sets of objec­ ties including leasing, planning, explicit in not permitting any tives are required for each reserve. environmental assessment, heri­ granting of leases in reserved NPA has proposed that the legisla­ tage and use of public land. The areas whereas the draft bill gives tion require the development of final bill, the Land (Lease and the Minister power to approve the management objectives for each Management) Bill will be funda­ granting of leases in reserves reserve as a basis for development mental to national parks, nature except wilderness areas. The of management plans. reserves and wilderness areas in Association has expressed its This series of draft land bills is the ACT. It will replace the cur­ opposition to this policy because it of enormous consequence to land rent Nature Conservation Act as considers that this weakens the use and conservation in the ACT the legislation under which these protection provided to reserves. and although complex, demand reserves are established. Part V The Association considers that public and political debate to of the draft bill which concerns substantial tourist facilities should ensure the adoption of soundly public land sets out the categories be excluded from parks and that based principles which will pro­ under which public land may be this situation can best be main­ vide for the long term protection of listed and the law under which it tained by not permitting the grant­ public open space areas. is to be administered. It is intend­ ing of leases. Syd Comfort ed that this bill consolidate the Another major concern about the law for various types of public draft legislation is in the proce­ land and operate as part of the dures for revocation of public land. comprehensive group of planning The same procedures apply to all and leasing bills. classes of public land and involve A schedule in the bill lists the an amendment to the Territory various categories of public land plan which would be approved by ACT and gives a brief description of the Minister and subject to disal­ each category together with a lowance by the Assembly. The Government brief statement of management Association's viewpoint is that this objectives. The bill sets out the re­ arrangement is inadequate in re­ quirement for management plans spect of national parks, nature re­ releases to be developed for each reserved serves and wilderness areas, and area to meet those stated should be replaced by one that re­ environment objectives. quires the Assembly to pass a reso­ In its submission on this draft lution to that effect. In such an strategy bill the Association has drawn at­ important issue as the loss of an tention to the lack of definition of area of national park or nature re­ The Chief Minister, Mr Trevor the relationship between the new serve, the open consideration and Kaine, has released a statement bill and the existing Nature debate invited by moving a motion titled 'Environment Strategy for Conservation Act. As well as pro­ of revocation is the appropriate the 1990s' which has been pub­ viding the machinery for gazettal course. The Commonwealth lished as an appropriately green of reserves, the Nature National Parks and Wildlife Act covered 30 page booklet. Whilst provides protec­ contains such a provision and has Conservation Act this contains many broad generali­ tive laws and machinery for the been proposed as a model for the sations with which few could disa­ administration of these reserves. ACT. gree, there are some specific Whilst the gazettal function will The draft bill contains proce­ be taken over by the new bill, it is dures for developing plans of man­ commitments which are welcomed. not clear how these protective agement for reserves which will However most people committed to and administrative functions will determine how management objec­ conservation of the environment be covered. The Association has tives will be achieved. Broad man­ will find the document disappoint­ sought clarification of this agement objectives containing ing. Nevertheless it should be situation. three brief statements are set out read. After all the price is right. One particular provision in the for each class of public land i.e. na­ ACT Government, The ACT: Nature Conservation Act has been tional park, nature reserve etc and Caring for our Environment, explicitly excluded from the new these are the objectives to which Environment Strategy for the bill. This is prohibition on the management plans must respond. 1990s, June 1990. TREES

Commonwealth should take greater role in forestry

The Commonwealth Government a role in developing a national would be a mistake to assume should take action to protect forest policy. Guidelines for that science can be the final arbi­ National Estate forests and devel­ forest industries should be de­ ter of conflicts in forestry. A preoc­ op hardwood plantations, the veloped and regularly reviewed cupation with scientific rationality National Parks Association has in response to changing infor­ could be the cause of seerriingly ir­ argued in a recent submission to mation and technology. reconcilable conflicts over forest the Resource Assessment • The Commonwealth should use management. 'Scientific studies Commission. The commission, whatever powers are available cannot deal with the questions of which was set up to provide inde­ to it to reverse the trend to­ values and beliefs, of aesthetic pendent advice on environmental wards industrial forestry in appeal and inspiration, of ethics conflicts, is conducting an inquiry native forests and treat critical­ and morality which provide much into forestry and timber ly proposals for forestry devel­ of the motivation of human production. opment based on future exports action.' The Association's submission dis­ of low-value forest products The submission suggested that cussed issues concerning national from native forests. the final report of the inquiry parks, the timber industry, forest • The commission should consider should give as full a treatment as policy and national estate values. a study into the principles of possible to the cultural aspects of It was prepared by Kevin Frawley. sustained yield as applied in forests and so recognise the sig­ The submission was critical of native forests, logging prescrip­ nificant shifts that have occurred the trend towards industrial tions based on the principles of in public opinion and forestry revealed by data for timber sustained yield and the implica­ consciousness. production and consumption. It tions of the application of these stated: "Timber volume removals principles for other forest from Australian forests are only values. sligntly less than consumption vol­ • The Commonwealth should re­ Bushwalking for umes (both being close to 17 mil­ frain from issuing export licenc­ lion cubic metres). Nevertheless, es to timber operations within the disabled there is a current annual trade areas listed on the Register of deficit of $1595 million showing the National Estate. I have been approached by staff of the extent to which Australia ex­ • The Commonwealth can play an the Wo den C ommuni ty S ervi ce ports low value forest products important role in developing who are keen to use bush walking and imports high value hardwood plantations through as an activity to aid disabled products...' applied research such as the people and are seeking assistance CSIRO young eucalypt program. from the community in doing this. "The timber industry often bases Following this, I have participated arguments for continuation or ex­ The submission emphasised the in some walking with the disabled pansion based on the native forest cultural significance of forests in and feel that this may be an area on the need to reduce the trade the Australian landscape, as op­ where some members who are deficit, but this reduction will only posed to the utilitarian view of keen on walking may be able to occur if production results in ex­ natural resource management. It use this interest to assist other ports of higher value products or stated: The concept of sense of people. I would be pleased to hear substitution for high value imports place and recognition that land­ from anyone interested in explor­ of local products.' scapes have meaning to people at ing this area with me. My tele­ The submission recommended: scales from individual and person­ phone number is 286 2578. • The Commonwealth should sup­ al to national or cultural is now ex­ port improved scientific knowl­ pressed in the wide community Syd Comfort edge of Australian forests and interest in forest policy and man­ their component species. agement. The valuation of forests • The Resource Assessment is informed, therefore, by more Commission should consider the than aesthetics and recreational world heritage proposal for the opportunity and biological/ alps, which is based on the in­ ecological knowledge. It also de­ ternational significance of the rives from a developing new envi­ evergreen sclerophyll forests in ronmental ethic and aspects of the region. cultural identity partly related to a sense of nationalism.' • The Commonwealth should play It went on to point out that it BEASTS

Birds in the ACT [an Taylor of the Canberra The main threat is from the Although a substantial problem in Ornithological Group (COG) gave clearing of woodland (mainly yel- that they too displace native spe­ members who attended the May lowbox and redgum) for farming, cies Ian believes that they could be monthly meeting much to think and more recently urban develop­ controlled if the political will was about and act upon. ment and the lack of protection in available and action was taken in Ian started his talk by describing reserves of wet forest areas. For the near future. the work needed to produce the instance little woodland is repre­ Ian had a raft of bird anecdotes Bird Atlas of the ACT. He conclud­ sented in Namadgi National Park. to tell during a lively question ed by explaining the threats to cer­ (Some of it forms part of the time. He told of the fate of the emu tain bird species in the ACT posed Canberra Nature Park but this too in the ACT. Prior to European set­ by European landuse patterns and is under threat). The bird species tlement emus were common on the the lack of adequate reserves of that live in woodland habitat are Limestone Plains. The Aborigines woodland and wet forest vegeta­ in decline. And here Ian men­ has husbanded their numbers by a tion types in the ACT. tioned specifically the diamond taboo that meant that only adult Four years ago, with financial firetail, the double-barred finch males could eat emu. However the support from the NCDC, Ian un­ (also known as the owl-faced early European settlers soon dis­ dertook a project to coordinate finch), the crested pigeon, the covered that emus could be boiled members of COG and others in a southern whiteface, the hooded down to produce a substitute for systematic survey of birds in the robin and the speckled warbler. whale oil for lighting. They had ACT. This was done by dividing These birds need woodlands in disappeared completely by the the ACT up into a grid of cells which to breed, hollows in trees, middle of the nineteenth century. about three by four kilometres long grass and undisturbed bush. The bustard or bush turkey made based on longitude and latitude. Little of this remains in the ACT. good eating and was soon to de­ Each cell created was adopted by Ian went on to explain that a cline in numbers and then a group of people who made three- number of wet forest birds were disappear completely. The last re­ monthly visits to their cell. Seven also under threat. He mentioned corded sighting of the bustard in and a half thousand data sheets the urgent need to remedy this by the ACT was at Duntroon in 1923. were thus completed which made the inclusion of the - Ian had some amusing if hard hit­ up a quarter of a million separate area in Namadgi ting things to say about domestic recordings of birds. Each cell was National Park. Birds in decline in­ cats and the devastating effect they visited at least eight times during clude the powerful owl, which are having on local bird population. the study, at different times of the needs a large territory and which As a finaleIa n explained that all year. Some areas were visited eats about one greater glider or the hard work that had gone into more often; 17 trips were made to similar possum per day. There are the bird survey of the ACT was to . On average 40 to 50 now only about five or six pairs of result in September 1991 with the species were recorded in forest these spectacular creatures left in publication by the National areas with from 90 to 100 species the ACT. Other species under Capital Planning Authority of a in woodland areas, such as threat include the satin bowerbird, book listing all bird species in the Mulligans Flat. the rose robin (a summer migrant ACT with full details of their char­ The goal of the survey was to from Queensland) and the rufous acteristics. From Ian's enthusias­ produce a set of maps for each bird fantail. tic description it will obviously be species in the ACT, about 200 in Threats to ACT birds come not a magnificent volume. all. This was accomplished. These only from Europeans' misguided Frank Clements congratulated maps can predict the likelihood of and short-sighted land use practic­ Ian on a witty, lucid and thought- finding a particular species in a es but also from several species of provoking talk. Frank's comment particular area at any given time introduced birds. Ian told of the that he could have quite happily of the year. damage done to local species by sat through many more of Ian's Ian explained the powerful com­ starlings and Indian mynas. slides was a common feeling puter based data collection system Starlings, by nesting in hollows in among the audience. developed for the project and the trees the same size as those used It is plain from Ian's talk that range of analytical maps it can by galahs, rosellas and red- the NPA must join with COG in produce. For instance migratory rumped parrots interrupt the attempts to ensure the preserva­ patterns of birds through the ACT breeding patterns of these birds. tion of threatened bird habitats in can be plotted. The breeding As soon as starlings are removed the ACT. Birdo members should habits of birds can also be recorded from an area it is recolonised. He contact the Environment and studied. was more hopeful with regard to Subcommittee with offers of help In the second half of his talk Ian the Indian mynas. These are de­ Timothy Walsh explained that there are a number scended from about 100 released of threats to bird species in the deliberately in 1969. Ian described ACT. them as cane toads with wings! Boboyan pines pruned The Boboyan pine plantation lies wholly within the Namadgi National Park and runs south from the foot of Yankee Hat to loop around the Gundgenby property. Generally the pines have not grown well and the condition of the plantation has been further de­ pressed by a bushfire which in 1983 burned out about a quarter of the plantation. The forest is an intrusion into the national park, degrades its natural values, and is particularly detrimental to views across to the slopes below Mount Gudgenby. The NPA has, over a number of years, pressed for the clearing of the pines and revegetation by nat­ ural species. Of immediate concern are the Members of the working party resting between frenzied attacks on pine escape of pine wilding to adjoining trees in Namadgi National Park. Photo: Reg Alder. natural areas, and the regrowth of seedlings in the burned out areas. not very random sampling of cut Late last year the Association of­ rates amongst the toilers gave a Smart AC fered to assist the Parks and range of estimates of the numbers Conservation Service in dealing of trees removed as between 5 000 A long-time member of the with these problems and a work and 10 000. Association, Emeritus Professor party was agreed for the weekend One of the compensations of Jack Smart, became a Companion of 26/27 May. The Kosciusko Huts working in this area was the great of the Order of Australia (AC) in Association offered assistance and view we had of Gudgenby and the the Queen's Birthday Honours a combined force of about 20 vol­ other high points on the other side list. The award was made for ser­ unteers from the two associations of the valley. The area we were in vice to education, particularly in worked from Frank's Hut, some will, when rehabilitated, make for the field of philosophy. members camping overnight, God some great walking within easy Jack Smart was for many years forbid, under the pines. distance of the Boboyan Road. professor of philosophy at the We concentrated on clearing re­ The ACT Forest Service has now Australian National University growth from a large area which decided to complete the harvesting and still works at the university had been burned out and from of the Boboyan pines by 1993 as a visiting fellow. He was edu­ which the commercially useful which will clear the way for the re­ cated at Glasgow and Oxford trees had been removed soon after habilitation of the area. In the Universities and moved to the the fire. The regrowth in this area meantime the Parks and University of Adelaide in 1950. has been quite vigorous, assisted Conservation Service will continue After four years at La Trobe no doubt by recent favourable sea­ to clear up the burned out areas University he came to ANU in sons, so that there were more and and remove wildings from nearby 1976. natural areas. In doing this the bigger trees to remove than had He has written a number of Service will apply some park man­ been anticipated. The Parks and books on science and philosophy; agement funds as well as National Conservation Service had used his book Ethics, Persuasion and Estate Grant funds but will also be National Estate Grant Funds to Truth was published in 1984. looking for voluntary work to clear some of this area by dragging Jack Smart is a keen bushwalker assist in the project. To this end an a chain between bulldozers, but al­ who can often be seen in the NPA work party has been set down though some trees were removed mountains of Namadgi National for 20/21 October during which vol­ many were flexible enough to just Park. bend over and then spring back re­ unteers can work both days of the quiring individual cutting out. We weekend or just for one day. Work found bush saws to be the best will again be based on Frank's Hut tools to cut the pines as the spring with camping in that vicinity for in the trees made chopping diffi­ those staving overnight. The out­ cult whilst the larger trees were ings program has further details. really 'chain saw' material. Some Syd Comfort Science an d the alps When it comes to the management into fire history in the southern The last chapter in the proceed­ of Australia's alpine national Brindabellas and the Snowy ings is a brief history of conserva­ parks, one of the perennial topics Mountains. The paper showed the tion in the alps by Dr Geoff Mosley for debate is fire. Graziers whose value of scientific evidence to re­ which mentions, in passing, the ef­ forbears had grazed the land for solving heated community de­ forts of the National Parks generations claim that regular bates. Unfortunately the Association of the ACT to establish burning is good for the country. conference deserved more publicity a national park in the southern Conservationists argue that such than it gained. ACT. Both of these papers are in­ burning damages the wildlife with­ The proceedings of the confer­ teresting but there is still room for out increasing human security. ence, which was on the topic of the a definitive history of conservation Managers and the public wonder scientific significance of the alps, in the alps of New South Wales, who is right. What is the most have recently been published by Victoria and the ACT. 'natural' fire regime for the alps? the National In between these two chapters Family folklore and self-interest Parks Liaison Committee in asso­ are many papers on the natural is likely to distort memory. The ciation with the Academy of history of and human activities in study of fire history in the alps has Science. The volume, edited by the alps. Contributors include given some indication of how often Roger Good of the New South such eminent figures as Dr Alec graziers and, before them, Wales National Parks and Wildlife Costin and Professor Ralph Aboriginal people burnt the moun­ Service, is an important reference Slatyer and talented young tain forests in previous centuries. for anyone interested in the alps. Canberra scientists like Linda This in turn allows managers to The conference was opened by Broome and Adrian Davey. In the work out what sort of forest may Professor Frank Fenner, who has light of the greenhouse effect, the have existed before European set­ played a role in both the elimina­ study by Linda Broome and Ian tlement and how to return nation­ tion of rabbits (through myxomato­ Mansergh of the threatened moun­ al parks to this state. sis) and smallpox. He described tain pygmy possum in New South At the firstFenne r conference on his long-standing interest in the Wales and Victoria is a most im­ the environment, held at the alps and the efforts of the portant marker for the effect of cli­ Academy of Science in Canberra in Academy in the 1950s to encour­ matic change on wildlife in September 1988, Dr John Banks age some environmental aware­ marginal habitats. A warmer cli­ from the Australian National ness in the mate could eliminate the possum's University described his research Hydro-electric Authority. habitat altogether.

Parkwatch L Endangered species stated that a Labor government in the state would dedicate the Tom Groggin sold With funding from the Australian Tom Groggin station, on the National Parks and Wildlife Nattai area west of Mittagong as a national park. This would become Victorian side of the Service, conservation groups have part of the greater Blue Mountains adjacent to Kosciusko National set up the National Threatened system of national parks. Park, was passed in at auction in Species Network around July. It was later sold to the direc­ Australia. The network is part of Nattai has been proposed as a tor of a investment compa­ national park by the Colong the Federal Government's endan­ ny for $750 000. With the property Foundation and is supported by gered species strategy. The aim of went 37 200 hectares of grazing other conservation groups. leases in the Victorian Alpine the network is to increase aware­ Possible mining and other private ness of the strategy, to highlight National Park. Conservationists, interests are preventing the dedi­ supported by the NPA, had urged the need for legislation to protect cation of the land as national park. native species, to campaign for the the Victorian Government to pur­ Urban expansion threatens the chase the property to add to the protection of species and habitats, area. and to monitor treaty obligations. national park, as other parts of the Meanwhile the NSW Government The national coordinator of the property had been added earlier to has added 1270 hectares to the network is Michael Kennedy of Kosciusko. Even though the gov­ southern section of Blue the World Wide Fund for Nature. ernment has not bought the prop­ Mountains National Park. The ad­ erty, the revocation of the grazing There are other organisers in each dition is made up of a former trav­ of the states. leases would remove grazing from elling stock reserve leading to the part of the Victorian Alpine old mining village of Yerrranderie. National Park. Nattai endorsed National Parks Journal (NSW), The leader of the NSW May 1990 Victorian National Parks Opposition, Mr Bob Carr, has Association Newsletter, August 1990 ALPS

Longer days mean more skiing

As the sun shines longer and the where the water, with the aid of a weather becomes warmer the t- cup tied to the end of a stock, can bars clank to a halt and the down­ be reached from the surface. A few hill skiers desert the resorts. This friendly snow gums can keep the leaves the mountains to the snow wind at bay and the night time gums and the cross-country temperatures do not reach the skiers. There is still plenty of good face-numbing crispness of the skiing left on the main range. peak season. Spring skiing is one of the best Camps need to be chosen with a ways to enjoy the Australian alps. little care for the environment. Because of the gentleness of the The New South Wales National terrain the highest peaks are Parks and Wildlife Service has quite accessible without skins or banned camping in the catch­ crampons. This is quite unlike ments of the glacial lakes — Blue, New Zealand where, even though Club, Albina and Cootapatamba the mountains are higher, once and Hedley Tarn — and is discou­ the snow retreats above the re­ raging camping above the tree- sorts skiing is only for skilled line. This eliminates a number of mountain climbers or glacier favourite campsites. But in this skiers (watch out for those fragile ecosystem the waste pro­ crevasses). duced by even small numbers of The other great joy of spring humans can quickly pollute and is skating degrade the landscape. through the snow gums, often to Huts are also popular with some Dugald Monro showing his style during the impromptu slalom on the sound of crimson rosellas or spring skiers but this popularity the NPA cross country ski trip in gang gang cockatoos. After snow also leads to environmental im­ August Photo: Chris Bellamy. or rain the moisture brings out pacts. Evidence of saws being ap­ the colours — red, olive, grey — in plied to the limbs of dead and packed steamy hut and climb into the bark of the trees. even living trees often appears the tent. Then, perhaps after a climb, you quite some distance from huts. In Kosciusko National Park the ski out into an open valley rilled And the level of hygiene is usually most popular access points for with white where cracks are open­ lower than that of pristine snow. spring skiing trips are the crossings ing up and slabs of snow have During the periods of bad weath­ of the at Munyang fallen into the stream. You find er that occasionally occur in power station, and what looks like a firm snow bridge spring, some of the higher huts Illawong Lodge. These lead on to and cross to the other side. On a become unpleasantly crowded. I the from slope the scattered trees form nat­ can remember one October long and Watsons Crags ural poles for a telemark slalom. weekend, after reaching Seamans to Mount Tate, across the Rolling Campsites are easier to find hut in a blizzard, quickly eating Ground and on to and than in midwinter because there my lunch and heading outside to the Brassy Mountains. are more places where the water find a campsite in the valley. It For those with a few days to comes to the surface, or at least was a great relief to escape the spare, gliding through the wilder­ ness to the peak of Jagungal is a great way to spend the time. Routes from the south usually start at Munyang power station. Eastern access to Jagungal, often Just because the requiring a long walk, can be by days are longer way of , the does not mean Burrungubugge River or the the weather is Gungarlin valley. better. Tents Day trippers attracted by the huddled together summit of the highest mountain in an October on the continent can catch the blizzard. chairlift at Thredbo or, later in the season, drive to Charlottes Pass. Roger Green MONEY

Valuing the environment How can a value be put on the en­ question with more ingenuity than having a tropical forest stop the vironment? With difficulty. But success. Their attempts are admir­ spread of deserts. this has not stopped economists ably reviewed in a new paper by Secondly and more controversial­ from trying Mr Per-Olov Johansson of the ly, people might value the option One of America's most divisive Stockholm School of Economics of using an environmental re­ legislative fights this year promis­ published in the latest Oxford source over and above the value es to be over the clean air bill. So Review of Economic Policy. Mr they expect to gain from actually far much of the debate has concen­ Johansson argues that environ­ using it. Suppose most people are trated on the costs to industry of mental resources such as clean air unsure if they will ever visit the complying with the planned regu­ or a tropical forest have value for Grand Canyon. They might still lations. But there is a much tricki­ three distinct reasons, and that an value the chance to see it unspoilt er problem. Is there any way in adequate environmental costing whether they are likely to visit it which the benefits of an improve­ needs to consider all three. or not. ment to the environment can be First people can benefit from the Thirdly, a few selfless people measured and thus be compared direct effects of an environmental may derive pleasure from (and be with the costs of achieving it? resource. This is the benefit from willing to pay for) the mere exis­ Over the past 20 years econo­ breathing easily, going for a walk tence of the Grand Canyon or mists have grappled with this in an unspoilt mountain range, or clean air in Los Angeles. They Gear: warm, light and dry Steve Jamieson of J&H Agencies, does not consider temperature rat­ As to raincoats, don't expect Queanbeyan, spoke to the July ings for sleeping bags to be useful them to keep you totally dry! Gore- meeting of the Association about because everyone has a different Tex is the only material that really modern developments in bush­ 'sleeping heat' depending on one's works but if the garment is made walking gear. The audience was metabolic rate at rest, so season wrongly you will get wet. The invited to interrupt and lost no ratings are used by J&H instead. Heath Robinson gadget on display time in making comments and And of course it depends also on that had kept us wondering all asking questions. how much you wear underneath. evening was not, as was suggested, Being an active backpacker him­ The fabric of sleeping bags should the process by which the self and well aware of the discom­ have an air porosity such that it Association's treasurer had laun­ forts likely to be encountered, lets the air out but keeps the down dered the accounts, but a means of Steve Jamieson's designs are dedi­ in. And look out for a draught tube testing the waterproofing capabil­ cated to keeping you warm and along the zipper. The cost of a ity of raincoat seams. The defini­ dry in the bush and lightening the sleeping bag lies mainly in the tive test of waterproofing was load on the shoulders. down. If you are the type who has located in Scotland and involved a As to weight, there's little sense to keep up with the Jones', hand- one and a half hour high-pressure in fine-tuning the weight of the plucked Siberian goose down shower. No-one was surprised to stuff to be carried only to cram it would surely do the trick. But learn that the failure rate of this all into a heavy rucksack. Steve whatever sleeping bag you own, test was 98 per cent. However, Jamieson maintains that his total use a closed cell foam mat under­ don't despair - designs are improv­ backpack load of 10 kilograms neath to minimise heat loss to the ing all the time and weak spots even contains fresh fruit and vege­ ground. where leakages can occur are grad­ ually being eliminated. tables. A rucksack made in the We've all wriggled into sleeping USA and weighing only one kilo­ bags and liners, panting with relief One problem is that bushwalkers gram was displayed but alas is not as the last rumple is smoothed, are leaving the manufacturing available in Australia. Why didn't only to get the zipper caught up in arena and the professional manag­ J&H make something similar? the material. By the time the torch ers, who don't know what it fells Because the 40 per cent duty on has been located and the zipper ex­ like to have to walk 10 kilometres the material would make the final tracted with cold fingers, we're back to the car cold and wet product too expensive. The frame wide awake and wondering what through to the skin, are taking of a rucksack adds weight too, so we're doing here when there's a over. And they won't worry too Steve uses a frameless one. He perfectly good bed at home. If this much either if the metal studs on did, however, admit to a sweaty is your problem, try the new J&H your jacket throw your compass back on occasions. zipless bag. Heat is lost with a zip, out by a few degrees so that you A warm sleeping bag weighing particularly if there is no draught are not only wet through but 'mis­ only 1.4 kilograms contributes to tube, besides which a zipper placed' into the bargain! weighs about 200 grams. Steve's light backpack load. He Phyl Goddard 29/30 September/1 October-Car Camp (1/2/A/B/C) 20/21 October-Workparty Weekend (1/A) Bournda State Recreation Area Boboyan Pines Clearing Ref: Yaouk 1:25 000 Outings program Leader: Syd Comfort Ph 286 2578 Leader: Dugald Monro Ph 231 8776 Contact leader by Tuesday for details. Camping on Wallagoot Contact leader early for details. In cooperation with the ACT Lake with coast and forest walks. There is a possibility that Parks and Conservation Service another attack on the wild­ September to December 1990 the venue will be changed to a privately owned lakeside loca­ ing Pinus radiate from the Boboyan Pine Forest. Come for a tion on the South Coastif this can be arranged. 450 km day or the weekend. 100 km drive. drive. 24 October-Wednesday Walk (1/A) 2 October Tuesday Walk (1/A) Mount Domain via Fishing Gap Murrumbidgee Corridor / Ref: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Leader: Margaret Roseby Ph 288 3679 Leader: Olive Buckman Ph 248 8774 Meet at the corner of Eucumbene Drive and the Cotter Road Meet at Murrumbidgee Lookout (sign) off Stockdill Drive at 9.30 am. A walk up Mt Domain for views of Canberra. 80 Holt at 9.00 am. A pleasant riverside walk of about 4 to 5 km drive. km. May be extended depending on group. Suitable for beginners. 28/29 October-Pack Canoe Trip (4/A) Morton National Park Ref: Moss Vale 1:100 000 7 October-Sunday Walk (2/A/B) Leaden Chris Bellamy Ph 249 7167 Mt Tennant Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Contact leader by the 24th of October for details. A canoe Leader: Phil Bubb Ph 281 4929 h 246 6128 w trip up the from Tallowa Dam, in Kanga­ Meet at Kambah Village Shops at 8.00 am. A day walk in one roo Valley, on still water to a camp site some 20 km up­ of the new additions to Namadgi. Some on tracks and some stream in the Shoalhaven River Gorge, returning the next down an untracked ridge. Excellent views of Canberra and day. The gorge has impressive steep rainforest clad slopes Namadgi if the weather is good. 50 km drive. and prolific wildlife. Easy paddling would suit beginners. Hire canoes there or BYO. 400km drive. 10 October-Wednesday Meeting Outings guide Outings subcommittee meeting 27 October-Saturday Walk (3/A/F) Day walks carry lunch, drinks and protective clothing. Leader: The outings convenor Bushfold Flats / Bluegum Creek Pack walks two or more days, carry all food and camping (See Bulletin insert for details and phone number) Ref: 1:25 000 Williamsdale 1:25 000 requirements. CONTACT LEADER BY To plan the next outings program, January - March 1991, Leaden Philip Gatenby Ph 254 3094 WEDNESDAY. and other business. Contact leader by Thursday for details of this partly explora­ Car camps facilities often limited or non-existent. tory walk. Some of the walk will be on tracks, although some Vehicles taken to site can be used for 13/14 October-Pack Walk (2/A/B) rock scrambling may also be required and thick scrub may be camping. BOOK EARLY WITH LEADER. Shanahans Mountain and Horse Gully Hut. encounted. Total climb of about 600 metres. 80 km drive. Other activities include nature rambles, environmental and Ref: Collinton 1:25 000 field guide studies and ski tours. Leaden Jack Smart Ph 248 8171 28 October-Sunday Walk (3/D) Contact leader early for details. A pack walk from Shana­ Five Peaks, Namadgi Ref: Yaouk 1:25 000 Walks gradings hans Mountain to Horse Gully Hut and out again perhaps Leaden Frank Clements Ph 231 7005 Distance grading (per day) via Mount Clear. May involve a short car-shuffle. 200 km Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.00 am. A walk involving drive. five peaks south east of Mount Gudgenby. One steep 400 me­ 1 - up to 10 km tre climb and one steep 100 metre climb. Half on fire trails 2 -10 km to 15 km 14 October-Sunday Walk (2/A/B) and half through rough bush. 100 km drive. 3 -15 km to 20 km Badgerys Lookout to Shoalhaven Gorge. 4 - above 20 km. Ref: Caoura 1:25 000 3/4 November-Ski Lodge Weekend Terrain grading Leader: Mike Smith Ph 286 2984 Charlottes Pass Ref: Kosciusko 1:50 000 A - Road, firetrail, track Meet at Southwell PaTk, Northbourne Ave at 8.30 am. A 10 Leaden Ian Haynes Ph 261 4762 B - Open forest km return walk to the Shoalhaven River from Badgerys Contact leader by 19 October to confirm accommodation C - Light scrub Lookout near Tallong. Involves a 600 metre descent to ex­ bookings. Arrive Friday evening or by 9.00 am Saturday. Do D - Patches of thick scrub, regrowth plore along the river. May also including a possible river your own thing, join a walk or just relax. Bring sheets, pillow E - Rock scrambling crossing to Tryers Gorge, or for the more hardy another 600 slips (or sleeping bags) and food (cook your own). Everyone is P - Exploratory. metre climb to Tumbledown Point. Depends on river condi­ responsible for making sure the lodge is left clean and tidy, The walks program contains additional information. If tions and party. 250 km drive. there will be a working bee to ensure the bedrooms, bath­ necessary, contact the leader. rooms, kitchen and dining areas etc are left spic and span. 420 km drive. 3 November-Saturday Walk (1/C) 17 November-Saturday Walk (2/A/B) 8/9 December-Pack Walk (2/A/D/F) Nursery Creek Falls Ref: Rendezvous Ck 1:25 000 Lower Cotter Extension Ren ACT 1:100 000 Kiandra Area Leader: Lyle Mark Ph 286 2801 Leader: Ian Fraser Ph 249 1560 or 286 2578 Ref: Cabramurra 1:25 000 Denison 1:25 000 Meet at the Kambah Village shops at 8.45 am. A 9 km walk Meet at the corner of Eucumbene Drive and the Cotter Road Leader: Di Thompson Ph 288 6084 h 284 5043 w mainly on bush tracks to rock paintings, falls and caves in at 8.30 am. A 10 - 15 km guided interpretive walk through a Contact leader early for details. A weekend exploring the rel­ the headwaters of Nursery Creek. A good beginners walk. part of this recently announced extension to Namadgi Na­ ics and ruins of the goldmining era in the vicinity of Four 100 km drive. tional Park. Ian, the author of a study on the natural re­ Mile, Bloomfield and Long Arm Creeks. Half on tracks, half sources of this area, will explain its special natural values not. 30 km walk. 400 km drive. 4 November-Sunday Walk (47A/B) and characteristics. 80 km drive. Mt McKeahnie Ref: Corin Dam 1:25 000 12 December-Wednesday Walk (1/A) Leader: Neville Esau Ph 286 4176 h 249 9500 w 18 November-Sunday Walk (1/A) Back-O- Ref: Colinton 1:25 000 Meet at Orroral Valley gate near the tracking station at 8.00 Square Rock Ref: Corin Dam 1:25 000 Leaden Margaret Roseby Ph 288 3679 am. A long day walk along the Orroral Valley with an ascent Leader: Olive Buckman Ph 248 8774 Meet at the Kambah Village shops at 9.30 am. A 12 km walk of 600 metres up Mt McKeahnie. Excellent views of the Meet at Kambah Village shops at 9.30 am. A pleasant 8 km from the "Roseby Built" Bridge along the Murrumbidgee Riv­ northern end of the national park. 80 km drive walk on tracks through a variety of scenery, to a fascinating er for views of Colinton Gorge. Swimming if desired. 200 km rock formation with wide views. A climb of 270 metres. Ideal drive. 10/11 November-Pack Walk (2/A/E) for beginners. 80 km drive. Shoalhaven Gorge Ren Caoura 1:25 000 15 December-Saturday Walk (2/A/B) Leader: Mike Smith Ph 286 2984 24/25 November-Pack Walk (2/A/D/F) Marble Arch / Big Hole Ref: Kain 1:25 000 Contact leader by Wednesday for details. Starting down Long Gungarlin / Burrungubugge Leaden Phil Bubb Ph 248 6769 h 246 6128 w Point near Tallong a descent of 600 metres to a campsite next Ren Khancoban 1:50 000 Eucumbene 1:50 000 I Meet at Canberra Railway Station at 8.00 am. An easy walk to the Shoalhaven River in the vicinity of McCallums Selec­ Leaden Di Thompson Ph 284 5043 w 288 6084 h mostly on tracks to these scenic features. Bring sneakers for tion. An optional afternoon walk will be up the river to Bun­ Contact leader early for details. A walk in Kosciusko Nation­ wading the river and through Marble Arch Caves, and swim­ gonia Gorge. Sunday we will follow the river downstream to a al Park visiting Davis and Kidmans Huts and a number of ming costume for swim, hopefully, in the creek. 180 km spur leading 600 metres up to Badgerys Lookout. Several riv­ other hut ruins. Walk in part of the beautiful Gungarlin Riv­ drive. er crossings may be involved. 250 km drive. er Valley,and over the ranges to the Burrungubugge River. Half on tracks and half untracked. Some fly fishing for those 16 December Christmas Party 10 November-Saturday Walk (1/A) of that ilk. Last 10 km of road very rough. 28 km walk. 350 Ref:ACTl:100 000 Black Mountain Nature Ramble km drive. Leader: The President Ref: Canberra Street Map Meet at the Orroral Valley picnic ground at 3.00pm for the Leader: George Chippendale Ph 281 2454 25 November-Sunday Canoe Trip (1/A) annual NPA Christmas get together. Members and friends Meet at the Belconnen Way entrance to Black Mountain Re­ Ref: Ho skins town 1:25 000 welcome. serve at 9.30 am. A morning ramble to see the birds and flow­ Leaden Chris Bellamy Ph 249 7167 ers. Suitable for those aged between 4 and 80. Bring your Contact leader by Wednesday for details. An easy day trip on morning tea and your camera or binoculars. Finishes midday. quiet water, paddling from near Googong Dam wall, explor­ ing the lake and visiting several islands en route. Bring 11 November-Sunday Walk (4/D) lunch, swimmers and a bottle of bubbly. Hire canoes or BYO. Points to note Mt Kelly Ren Rendezvous Ck 1:25 000 25 km drive. New faces to lead, new places to go. Please help keep our Leaden Frank Clements Ph 231 7005 outings program alive by volunteering to lead a walk Meet at Kambah Village shops at 7.30 am. A walk to Mt Kel­ 1/2 December-Pack Walk (3/E/F) occasionally. ly. It involves two steep climbs of 200 metres each and some Ettrema Ref: Touga 1:25 000 Yalwal 1:25 000 All persons joining an outing of the National Parks rough bush. An elapsed time of 9.5 to 10 hours. NOT for be­ Leader: Philip Gatenby Ph 254 3094 Association of the ACT do so as volunteers in all respects ginners so ring leader if doubtful. 100 km drive. Contact leader by Wednesday for details. A walk to Ettrema and as such accept sole responsibility for any injury Gorge via Howards Pass, camping at or near the junction of howsoever incurred and the National Parks Association of 14 November-Wednesday Walk (2/A) Ettrema and Tullyangela Creeks. Optional exploration of the ACT, its office bearers and appointed leaders are Horse Gully Hut Ref: Colinton 1:25 000 Cinch and Dynamite Creeks. Return along Tullyangela absolved from any liability in respect of any injury or Leaden Margaret Roseby Ph 288 3679 Creek where there are compulsory swims. 300 km drive. damage suffered whilst engaged in any such outing. Meet at Kambah Village shops at 9.30 am. A 14 km The committee suggests a donation of TWENTY cents walk in the Mt Clear area. Help Margaret clean up Horse 2 December-Sunday Walk (2/A/C7F) per kilometre DIVIDED BY THE NUMBER OF Gully Hut before her aunt revisits the hut for the first time The Source of James Creek OCCUPANTS in the car, including the driver, (to the in 30 years. 200km drive. Ref: Corin Dam 1:25 000 Rendezvous Ck 1:25 000 Leader: Bob Story Ph 281 2174 nearest dollar) be offered to the driver by each passenger Please contact leader by 30 November for details. Meet at accepting transport. Drive and walk distances quoted in Kambah Village shops at 8.30 am. A 12 km walk starting the program are approximate distances for return from Orroral Valley. Climb of 400 metres. 100 km drive. journeys. want to preserve their environ­ only a small difference of air quali­ Most environmental costing mental heritage for others — even ty on property values. The impact techniques were little more than a if they are never likely to enjoy it of a large change in air quality is twinkle in economists' eyes 20 themselves. guesswork. Also houses in places years ago. These days they are Measuring the first kind of value with clean air will tend to be widely used in cost benefit analy­ - 'use' value - is difficult, but there bought by fresh air fiends. It will sis. A snag is that since there are are at least some real figures to be wrong to assume that every­ so many techniques all of which work on. People may pay hard body sets as high a value on clean invariably produce different out­ cash to visit a national park for in­ air as they do. comes, none is able to resolve con­ stance; comparing the prices of A different method based on the flicts between politicians over the otherwise similar houses in quiet cost of travelling to see, say, a na­ right level of environmental regu­ and noisy streets may give some tional park can be used to value lation. But the techniques do at guide to the value of calm. The the environment. If there is no least make people ask the right only way to try and pick up the entry fee the effective price which questions and think more coher­ more abstract 'option' and 'exis­ visitors pay for entry is the cost of ently - even if the questions do tence' values is to ask people how getting to the park. So a southern not receive firm answers. much they would be willing to pay Californian resident pays around for, say, an improvement in air $50 (the cost of the car ride) for a The Economist quality or the protection of a glimpse of the Grand Canyon; a threatened rain forest. Such sur­ Dallas resident may pay $150, a veys have many drawbacks. New Yorker $300. The overall ben­ When faced with a hypothetical efit each visitor obtains from the question people-may not respond trip is calculated as the difference as they would in real life. They between the maximum he would •may indulge in green generosity have been willing to pay to see the since in fact they do not have to park (in travel costs) and the pay for anything. Surveys may amount the trip actually cost him. talk of environmental costs but How can this be calculated? they rarely spell out costs of unem­ Suppose one in ten New Yorkers, ployment, lower wages and so on. two in ten residents of Dallas and If these were known people might three in ten from southern be less willing to pay them. Many California have all seen the Grand respondents will exaggerate their Canyon. Devotees of the travel-cost willingness to pay if they think method assume that one in ten others will end up meeting the bill. southern Californians would also If the cost of a clean up is paid have been willing to pay at least through an income tax, those who $300 to make the trip, and another do not pay income tax will tend to one in ten would have been willing overstate its benefits. to pay at least $150. Since they One partial solution is to look at paid only $50, one tenth obtained a how much people actually pay for net benefit of at least $250 ($300 environmental goods in the less $50) and another one tenth market and add on existence and benefitted by $100 ($150 less $50). option values. Suppose two towns Likewise one tenth of the Dallas are identical except that the air in residents would have gained $150 one is filthy, in the other crystal ($300 less $150). In this fashion clear. In theory the difference in the monetary 'value' of the Grand property values should capture the Canyon can be pinned down. market value of clean air. In prac­ One difficulty with this tech­ tice no two towns are identical. So nique is that there could be rela­ instead, economists adjust for all tively more southern Californians the other factors that influence than New Yorkers willing to pay house prices (quality of architec­ $300 to visit the Grand Canyon. Babette Scougall helping restore ture, location). Then they try to es­ Economists try to adjust for ob­ Potters Chimney in Grassy Creek, timate the sole impact of air servable differences between re­ near the Mount Clear parking quality on property values. gions such as levels of income, but area. The restoration project is being organised by the Kosciusko The biggest drawback is that in­ they will be unable to measure en­ Huts Association. formation on house prices and air vironmental fervour. Californians Photo: Reg Alder. quality usually shows the effect of may be greener than New Yorkers. SPACE

Bush tracking stations Orroral The Orroral and Honeysuckle and the lack of existing services, Creek tracking stations were con­ this application is considered im­ geodetic structed in the 1960s but have practical. In examining any use of long since ceased operations. The the buildings it is essential that aerials and much of the other maintenance of park values must observatory equipment have since been re­ be the dominant consideration and moved. The buildings however any application must be tested Orroral observatory's prime in­ remain and the ACT Legislative against this criterion. strument is a 1.5 metre diameter Assembly Standing Committee on Retention of the buildings in optical telescope which is used to the Arts, Heritage and the their present state is not favoured direct a stream of very short laser Environment has initiated an in­ because the buildings are unsight­ pulses to mirrors on satellites and quiry into the future of these ly, ripe for vandalism and use on the moon, and to receive the buildings. scarce park resources for protec­ pulses back again. Measurement tion and maintenance. of the times of flight are used to The buildings are located in the monitor variations in the earth's Namadgi National Park so the Because the stations represent rotation rate, the wobble of its NPA is particularly concerned one phase in the occupation of the axis, the position of the telescope about their future and has there­ Orroral Valley and Honeysuckle on the earth's surface, continental fore made a submission the the Creek, it may be argued that they drift, variations in gravity, and committee. should be retained for their heri­ other quantities needed in survey­ The submission draws attention tage significance. The Association ing, geodesy, geophysics and to the following characteristics has submitted that this value has astronomy, and condition of the buildings: been greatly reduced by the re­ they were built for specific func­ moval of equipment from the sta­ The International Earth tions and their use for other pur­ tions and draws attention to the Rotation Service, NASA's Crustal poses is limited by such things as complete facilities at Tidbinbilla Dynamics Project and other re­ the lack of windows, lack of mains as providing a better example of search ers use th e data. power and unserviceable sewerage this activity. Some form of memo­ Measurement accuracy is now systems. Vandalism has been rial at the station sites is suggest­ equivalent to one centimetre. extensive. ed as an appropriate recognition of The next few months should see As the buildings are located the tracking stations' significance. Orroral firing to satellites nearer than is currently possible, opening within the Namadgi National The Association submission con­ the way to support specifically Park, the submission argues that cludes that the objectives of the Australian oceanographic and geo­ the future of the buildings should national park, especially in regard detic projects. be decided by relating any propo­ to the protection of natural values, sal to the objectives set down for would be best served by the re­ Orroral's other public interest the Park. The key objectives for moval of the buildings. However if functions include coordinating pre­ Namadgi are protection of the this is not accepted, any use of the cise time within Australia. Us park's resources in the interests of buildings must be low key, non­ atomic clocks are checked daily Canberra's water supply, and of commercial, compatible with na­ against international standards nature conservation. Secondary tional park values and be at no using the global positioning objectives include provision for cost to park funds. system, a satellite constellation recreation, education, study, and that is revolutionising surveying, protection of cultural and heritage Syd Comfort navigation and timekeeping. resources (Namadgi Policy Plan). Australian clocks are checked The Namadgi Management Plan Contributions to drivers against Orroral's using television suggested that the buildings be Following a recommendation signals coming from AUSSAT. used for park management func­ from the Outings Subcommittee, Measurement accuracy is now 25 tions such as office, stores and the Association has changed its nanoseconds (one nanosecond is a workshops, or as a studies centre. recommended formula for deter­ thousand millionth of a second!. The NPA submission points out mining the contribution to be Time reports are sold to clients that with the establishment of the made by passengers to car drivers and Australian clocks contribute Riverview Visitors Centre and the on Association outings. The recom­ significantly to universal coordi­ Glendale Depot, the tracking sta­ mendation is that each car attract nated time kept by the tions are not required for park an amount of 20 cents per kilomet­ International Bureau of Weights management. Their use as a study re travelled, divided equally and Measures in France. centre or for a similar function amongst the number or occupants may at first sight appear attrac­ including the driver. To avoid any DAS News tive but noting the costs involved misunderstanding, perhaps lead­ in conversion and maintenance ers could explain this arrangement before setting out. MUD

To Cameron's Corner and back Early one cold foggy Saturday room where we all sat down to outdoor display of old niining ex­ morning in June, 18 hardy souls meals at one long table, a large hibits, and also the Homestead left the Environment Centre for a fireplace at one end with a supply Museum on the Gorge Loop Road 16 day tour of the far north west of of wood. where the Ranger gave us a most NSW which had already been post­ From Kinchega we went out on interesting talk. On one of our poned from April because of floods. daily trips to Lake Menindee, walks to look at birds we found a It now looked as though we were Lake Eurodilla where we watched male emu sitting on a clutch of ten to be thwarted again because on the sunrise, Poncarrie, population beautiful dark greeny/blue eggs. reaching Hillston that afternoon in 48, where the was Another day we drove out to the rain, we found that the road to very muddy and running at seven jump ups, very spectacular out­ Willandra National Park was metres deep, all the time looking crops of rocks which in places questionable, so we had to retrace at flora and fauna, wedge tailed dominate the skyline. our tracks 100 kilometres back to eagles with a wing span of three All too soon it was back on the Griffith where we found accommo­ metres, foxes, rabbits, kangaroos, road again to Broken Hill then the dation in a fruit pickers' motel. As emus, euros, plus during the Barrier Highway to Cobar for our we were carrying three days' entire trip, over 100 different spe­ last night, stopping at Wilcannia supply of fresh food for our cater­ cies of birds. to look at some of the historic ing at Willandra, it was necessary On next to Broken Hill for a buildings, signs of flooding still to find accommodation where we couple of nights with visits to the visible over the countryside. The could do our own catering and this art galleries, Silverton, a deserted last day was rain, rain, rain, all the motel provided in a large mining town with a couple of fine the way to Canberra. kitchen/dining room. That night old buildings and an excellent Thank you Margaret and Ian for further rain fell and Sunday morn­ museum, Umberumberka Dam, driving us safely over nearly 5000 ing found the road into Willandra and the Mindi Mindi plains with kilometres, a lot on gravel roads, National Park completely closed. an unbroken horizon of 95 kilome­ and for providing us with so much While we left our tour leaders tres. One day was spent at information on flora and fauna, as Margaret McJannett and Ian Mootwingee National Park where well as sharing some of Ian's col­ Fraser from Environment Tours to we walked up two of the gorges lection of poems and bush ballads reorganise the next couple of days and looked at some of the and for the good companionship we all took ourselves off to the Aboriginal rock paintings. enjoyed throughout the trip. local Griffith Markets where we From Broken Hill we drove the B J Comfort bought lovely Italian bread, home­ 350 kilometres along the Silver Environment Tours are run for made cakes, jams and pickles to City 'Highway' of which about 25 environmental education by agree­ put in the food kitty. We were then kilometres is sealed, to Tibooburra ment with the Environment Centre picked up by our small bus with stopping on the way at Milparinka and the Conservation Council in large green trailer and informed where there are some excellent re­ Canberra. They are run by Ian that we were going to Mildura for stored buildings including part of Fraser and Margaret McJannett. the night and were able to get into an old cottage which was occupied a day ear­ in the 1890s by a family from lier. That night we celebrated in a Araluen. We practically filled the caravan park with barbecued Tibooburra Hotel which had an chicken and champagne. The next amazing collection of 'Bush Tucker day we really felt that the tour Man' hats hanging in the bar. One Dry creek bed, had started when we drove from of the highlights of the trip was Mootwingee National Park. Mildura to Broken Hill then to made from Tiboo­ Maiden's Menindee Hotel where burra out to Burke and Wills had stayed and Cameron's Corner, where we toasted our own trip, Fort Grey and Lake before reaching Kinchega National Pinaroo. Because of Park late afternoon for our five the recent rains, day stay. Shearers' quarters were large areas of the soon allocated. Very basic with arid red soil were cov­ four bunk beds per room (good ered with wild flow­ mattresses though) and if you ers a lot of which were lucky a couple of nails on the were in bloom. We walls, good hot showers here. The visited Golden Gully mess block consisted of a large a short distance from kitchen with huge fuel stove, plus Tibooburra where gas stove, a dining/community there is an excellent WATER

Managing the Cotter River catchment The Cotter River Catchment sup­ Dam and then released as re­ The use of herbicides is kept to a plies water to the residents of quired downstream to Bendora minimum. Round-Up a herbicide Canberra. It is part of Namadgi Dam. From Bendora the exception­ used for the control of weeds such National Park and is managed by ally high quality water is piped by as Patersons curse, English broom, the ACT Parks and Conservation gravity to Stromlo where it is min­ St Johns wort and blackberry is Service. imally treated with chlorine and permitted, provided it is not used fluoride and then directed to near a watercourse. Herbicides of When Canberra was proclaimed greater strength such as Brush-Off the national capital in 1913 the Canberra residences via the subur­ ban reservoirs. are prohibited in the catchment. Cotter River catchment within the Fortunately due to the undis­ ACT was set aside to supply water In 1984 the Cotter River turbed vegetation around Bendora to the new city. From the start Catchment which was previously and Corin dams, weeds are not a catchment protection measures managed by ACT Forests was com­ major problem. were put into place to ensure con­ bined with Gudgenby Nature tinuing high quality water. Reserve to form Namadgi National Unlike weeds, feral pigs are The Cotter River catchment re­ Park. The catchment protection widespread and the use of ceives approximately 1 300 mm of measures that were put into place Warfarin in recent years has effec­ rainfall per annum, twice as much in 1913 are still in force today and tively reduced their numbers to a as Canberra. The Cotter River is concentrate on restricted activity more manageable level. Warfarin fed by rainwater and snowmelt within the catchment. causes the reserves of the anti- clotting agent, prothrombin, to di­ from the high peaks which rim the Management practices that util­ minish and the animal dies not catchment. Runoff is slow due to ise herbicides and pesticides follow from the poison but from the ina­ the undistrubed vegetation on the strict guidelines set down by the bility of its blood to clot. The ad­ slopes. Mountain bogs of sphag­ Cotter River Catchment vantage of using this poison is that num moss are particularly impor­ Committee. The committee is com­ once the animal has died the wa­ tant because they purify water prised of representatives from terways are not affected and secon­ and release it slowly even in times ACT Electricity and Water, ACT dary poisoning cannot take place. of drought. The Cotter River Department of Health, and Catchment is comprised of two Namadgi National Park. They The biggest threat to the Cotter subcatchments, Corin and meet quarterly to discuss issues River Catchment is from the Bendora. Water from the Corin relating to the management of the impact of recreation. There is no subcatchment is stored in Corin catchment. access around Bendora Dam and its environs or upstream to the Cotter River, except by boat. The terrain is steep and difficult to ne­ gotiate and the recreational oppor­ tunities are minimal. Camping, fishing, and lighting fires are pro­ hibited and the only activities per­ mitted in the area are day walks and the use of the two picnic areas. Fishing is permitted downstream of Bendora Dam. The Corin sub-catchment is up­ stream from Bendora and more recreational opportunities are available to the park user. Access to this area is via a network of management service tracks. Camping was a prohibited activity but since the declaration of the park and implementation of a management plan, the rules have been relaxed. Backpacking oper­ ates on a strictly controlled and limited permit system. Certain conditions apply and these are based on the minimal impact bush- Lamington National Park walking guidelines. These include not having a camp site within one One of the attractive features of kilometre of Corin Dam and 100 the dining hall at Binna Burra metres of the Cotter River, limited Lodge is its situation on the rim group size, obtaining a permit to of an almost sheer 1200-foot (360- light a fire, elimination of fireplac­ metre) forested valley. There is es, burial of human waste, and j u st ro om enough, before th e taking rubbish home. ground falls away,for a walkway, To a large extent management of from which a steep flight of the Cotter River Catchment wooden steps goes up and up to a presents only a few problems dizzy little landing and a back en­ namely, camping without a trance to the hall and kitchen. As permit, illegal vehicular access you would expect it has a railing, and fishing in the Cotter River used not only by those with no not to stroke him, and you would and dams. The ACT Parks and head for heights but also by birds, need a lengthy spell of propagan­ Conservation Service maintains a insects, possums, gliders, and a da before you became convinced strong presence and this is rein­ big goanna, which drop in at any he was beautiful, and that applies forced with rangers resident at time for snacks and even hearty even more to his way of feeding. both Bendora and Corin dams. meals from the kitchen window. It He does not muck around. The catchment is patrolled regu­ is a most lovely look-out for the Nevertheless the one time we saw larly, particularly on the weekends lodge guests, into thin air and him he stole the show, though ad­ and during holiday periods. Every over the tree tops to the blanket mittedly he had no competition effort is made to make the public of rainforest very far below, with because the others prudently more aware of the importance of now and then a flock of white with drew when he began his the water catchment and the need specks drifting across it - white staid and dignified climb up the to protect it. As part of Namadgi's cockies out of earshot, and that steps and on to the window sill to interpretation program, ranger gives you some idea of how far wolf his food. But it was his de­ guided walks are conducted to pro­ down it is. parture that brought the house mote awareness. The concept of a down - a headlong swoosh down water supply system is also incor­ And every so often there is the added attraction of the freeboot­ the bannisters, a lot less on an porated into a display at the even keel than I have shown it, Visitor Centre. ers. Overseas visitors in particu­ lar are enchanted by closeup only his wild scrabblings and tail- As Canberra continues to grow views of the rainbow lorikeets, lashings are too difficult to draw. its demand for water will also in­ sugar gliders and possums, all of I suppose it was unpremeditated, crease and place greater pressure them dainty feeders and beauti­ but it is pleasing to imagine that on the existing water supply. ful, and some don't mind if you an animal with such a tiny spot of Attitudes need to change from ex­ stroke them. Strangely enough brain could plan a short cut like cessive use of water to that of con­ the goanna is equally fascinating that and have a sense of merri­ serving and protecting it. To but for reasons in sharp contrast. ment into the bargain. promote this, the role of the ACT For one thing you would be wiser Robert Story Parks and Conservation Service will undoubtedly continue to in­ crease in the future. After all, where would we be without water?

Odile Arman Ranger, Namadgi National Park ACT Parks and Conservation Service

Right: The upper Cotter valley. TRIPS

Canoeing in Morton National Park Easter this year saw nearly 20 Park. We were soon paddling reach the same point. paddlers from NPA camping on through some delightful small The Monday saw us repeating the idyllic banks of the Kangaroo gorges. Closer to the dam a couple the excitement of our firstdays ' River near Bendeela. We had of creeks flowing in from some paddling with a rerun of the warm but mostly overcast imposing valleys attracted us but Upper Kangaroo River section but weather. the arrival of light rain had us putting in at a bridge higher on pressing on to the boat ramp at the river (Jarrets Road) and the Tallowa Dam. Due to the then finishing at Hampden Bridge recent rains the spillway at the where the hired canoes were dam was working to capacity in an returned. impressive fashion. That evening Most paddlers who came had we left the cheery glow of campfire had limited experience yet were cooking for a meal at the Kangaroo still able to enjoy both the Valley Bowling Club which offers flatwater and Whitewater sections. superb views to diners in the So much so that people were warmer months with daylight anxious to try the thrills and spills saving. And the food is not bad of the Upper Kangaroo River either. rapids. Sunday saw us back at the dam, The scenery in the Shoalhaven launching our boats for a paddle River Gorge was such that those up the Shoalhaven River which who came were keen to be in a winds its way through some camping safari next spring. If you impressive gorges. The gorge is as check the walks calendar, I hope much as one kilometre across in to run such a trip about the end of places and reaches as high as 350 October. Hire canoes are available metres above the river. The steep in Kangaroo Valley. My aim would sides of the gorge closer to the dam be to launch at Tallowa Dam and are rainforest clad with much paddle some 15 kilometres or so dense vegetation. The cliff faces and make camp at a nice spot in conjure up many strange shapes the gorge, paddling back the next Lazy goanna looking for sunshine, for the imagination to ponder. A day. Being mid-spring there Shoalhaven River. few flat beaches exist for paddlers should be much wildlife to enjoy. to stop for a rest, lunch or to pitch Having collected the hired a tent. We paddled through a vast canoes from Hampden Bridge amphitheatre with superb Chris Bellamy Caravan Park we drove up the acoustics. The three-year-old boy Kangaroo River Valley as far as in my canoe was able to make Kelly's Road bridge where we echoes as did we all. We didn't launched our fleet of eight canoes wake up the lyrebirds although we and three kayaks. In our one day heard many other birds. of solid sunshine, we took advantage of good water levels and Whilst lunching some good rapids, shooting down we watched the river with the magnificent several parties of vista of the escarpment bounding canoeists paddling Kangaroo Valley looming above past obviously us, making it back to our campsite planning to camp in time for a late lunch. upstream. On our return I stopped to" Then the hard work started with talk to some two days of still water paddling. bushwalkers who Saturday saw us paddling past the had taken three nearby Bendeela Power Station hours to walk along wide open sections of what down from the rim was clearly a lake formed by the of the gorge in Tallowa Dam, which dams the comparison to our Kangaroo and Shoalhaven . two hour leisurely Some half way along the valley paddle from our narrowed and we found ourselves cars at the dam to paddling through Morton National Melanie and Allison shooting the white water, Kangaroo River.

BOOKS

Field guide reprinted clarity of expression and art work Congratulations to the Hook's text states that the adult leaves are alternate, but in Betsy often essential, and so on. We at­ contributors to the reprint of Jane Osborne's sketch they appear tended to all such imperfections the Association's Field Guide to to be opposite. At first sight either we could find, but in addition Native Trees in the ACT and the author or the artist has John Hook recast the eucalypt the members of the organising boobed, but in fact neither has. key, and that was not a minor job committee. Their work and With plain perceptivity you may as you will see. Much discussion co-operation have made this be able to spot that something in took place before we decided to the sketch is out of kilter - full call it a reprint, preferring I sup­ publication possible, which, if pose that people should not feel marks if you notice that the upper the first printing is any they had been hoodwinked into leaf stalk appears to be nearly indication, will be very well buying the mixture as before in received. The following NPA twice as long as the lower one. But another bottle. The 'bottle' is cer­ to the discrepancy you members served on the field explain tainly different, and I am glad need some botanical knowledge - the art work for the original cover guide committee: Joan Hegarty, half way along the upper stalk is a Charles Hill, Sheila Kruse, Les was lost, not that it was in any small projection, and that is some­ way displeasing but because Pyke, Babette Scougall, Robert thing that does not occur on euca­ there will now be no chance of Story, Kevin Totterdell. lypt leaf stalks. In reality it is the mixing up the new issue and the ROBERT STORY describes end of twig that bears the leaf old. I had the casting vote on the developments. stalk, which is no longer than it colour of the lettering and trust should be and not opposite the that it will not jolt too many of other. All is therefore in order, and our more conservative members The estimate we made in 1985 of another set of full marks goes to too severely. the number of booklets we should BJO for accurately depicting what print turned out to be as accurate was there - but we took the liberty We received a setback when our as one could wish. It was five of making this twig a little more chairman left Canberra and went thousand. The supply has now all robust in the reprint sketch. to live at the coast, but he kept in close touch until he broke his leg but come to an end without an un­ Two new names appear in the re­ in a nasty accident at his new satisfied demand and without a print. One is an acacia that by oc­ casionally outgrowing its shrubby home, and of course that was the clutter in storage, leaving a clear end of his involvement. However, form and reaching tree height, field for a reprint tidied and most of the difficulties had been qualifies for inclusion among the amended and brought up to date. resolved by then, and shortly af­ This seemed justified, in view of trees. The other is a name which terwards we were able to hand the booklet's general acceptance, has gone from Kunzea peduncular- over the revision to the printers, and the NPA Committee directed is to Leptospermum phylicoides whereupon nothing happened the booklet subcommittee to see and is now Kunzea ericoides. We and nothing happened until we what it would entail. hope it stays that way. Name received the news that they were Under Kevin Totterdell's chair­ changes plague amateurs and pro­ bankrupt. That meant that the manship the subcommittee began fessional botanists alike. They are assets were frozen, including our work in June 1988, the members changed according to a set of rules revision. It took some anxious reading through the booklet inde­ that is most involved, but the un­ weeks before Les Pyke managed pendently before pooling their sug­ certainty, not to say confusion in to cajole his way through and gestions together with suggestions applying them is as nothing com­ take possession of it, minus bits from people not on the subcommit­ pared to what would result if they of the artwork as I have said; tee. I think we were all in turn a were not applied. With exceptions; then back again to calling tend­ little out of countenance at the we prudently looked the other way ers. Union Offset were given the things we had missed after seeing with respect to - or perhaps 'con­ job . They had the galleys ready the booklet through the press in cerning1 would be a better way of just before the end of July. They the first case, and I wonder how putting it - a change in the name were excellently good, and people many users noticed that the scale Casuarina, which we kept 'as is'. who do preliminary work of that inside the back cover goes to 170 Note the a new edition com­ quality can be expected to carry it millimetres but is only 160 long? prises extensive alterations to the through. We look forward to This sort of tidying up goes on and original material while a reprint seeing the finished article. on. It includes things that seem to comprises minor ones. There is no be mistakes but yet are not. If you man's land between the two whose enjoy Sherlock Holmes stories demarcation depends largely upon take a look at the writeup of those issuing the work in question. Eucalyptus glaucescens on page 59 Name changes are routine, correc­ of the original booklet. John tions to the grammar desirable, BUSH

Pull up those gaiters 'Send for With the arrival of spring our cold-blooded^ friends are once again slithering through the bush. REG ALDER relates a salutary tale about the enduring, and surviving, snakebite.

Joan and Frank Rigby, residents Twenty-four hours after being of Canberra for some years and bitten, they reached their car and Blacks' now living at Tamworth, were three hours later walked into Mary Gilmore in a chapter 'Fire alone on a three-day walk along Casually at Tamworth for treat­ and Planted Seed' in her book Old the northeast of Guyra. ment. By then Joan had developed Days Old Ways reported that this Joan, stopping to consult her map, heavy haematuria, some impaired was the cry in every settlement felt a movement by her feet and a vision and severe coagulopathy. It when a bushfire started. sharp rap against her leg. was eventually decided to treat There was a vast difference in with antivenene, but very little She had only a brief look at the the way each race confronted a could be given as she developed a snake and Frank's was even brief­ fire. The settlers, in panic, rapidly bad reaction from the horse serum er as it headed for the river. Joan expended their energies and in it. Next morning, in Intensive immediately started to bandage became tired using large heavy Care, she had recovered from all her leg from just below the knee to bushes as fire beaters whereas the conditions. Later there were only the four little blood spots with a Aboriginals, ' conserving their slight complications with a local stretch bandage she carried in an strength, acted with the familiari­ infection and a mild case of serum outer pocket of her pack. Before ty of knowing what to do by taking sickness. covering the wound, her scratched up small bushes. skin was washed to remove sur­ Joan is now looking for a long When the fire broke out the set­ plus surface venom. Their common pair of army gaiters and wonder­ tler lit a roaring and continuous opinion was that the snake was a ing what might have been if the fire break while the Aboriginals red-bellied black, a species of snake had been a tiger or brown. made tiny fires, roughly in line, which they had seen several each easily put out in turn. Large during the day. They were aware Adapted from an article by Joan fires rapidly exhaust fire fighters that this species was unlikely to Rigby in The Sydney Bushwalker, and have to be met at a distance kill an adult but that the venom December 1989. and might suddenly turn, small could produce unpleasant fires can be put out at once. reactions. Squatting, the Aboriginals would What to do then? It was near the start half metre wide fronts of fire end of the day and help could not which were kept narrow by atten­ be expected to arrive before the Reality tion to the sides. As these small next day even if Frank could get fires advanced, others, equally out back to their car and Joan cer­ When I look out my window, under control, would be started to tainly should not attempt to walk I think of what I would like to see. fill in the gaps. So in the strictest out. The decision was made to Grasses of green, trees and flowers, definition of the phrase a 'con­ make a comfortable and restful But that's not reality. trolled burn* would be maintained camp for the night. under control and with the least Except for a short spell of palpi­ I see a developed, dirty world, effort the minimum of damage tations, sweating and faintness With pollutants in the air, would be done to trees and shrubs about an hour after the bite, over­ Dirty lakes, seas and rivers, as the fire advanced. Once a fire night Joan felt well, without any Making Natural Beauty so rare. became large enough to create its pain or breathing complications. own draught it becomes invincible. Next morning her foot was swollen Poor younger generation, Of course this procedure requires and bruises and tender joints had It wasn't their fault at all, a large number of people to keep developed. Despite the discomfort It was their parents, their parents the back burn under control but in of the tight bandage, they decided and their parents certain circumstances, if volun­ to walk out by a longer but easier And probably their parents before. teers are available in national route, but by the time they parks, the practices of the reached a four-wheel-drive track But there is something we can do Aboriginals could be emulated and she was well aware that the the experiences of the past put to venom was taking effect. Closed about it, good use. skin scrapes were bleeding, more Be more environmentally aware bruises and swollen joints had de­ Don't waste, recycle, save forests, Reg Alder veloped and blood was being Show the world that we really do passed in her urine. Except to care. drink freely and walk on there was Alice Thompson nothing more that could be done. Aged 13 years KAKADU TASMANIA VICTORIA FLINDERS RANGES NSW RED CENTRE

HAPPY WALKER ADVENTURE TOURS T. WHAT MAKES OUR TOURS SPECIAL? • Leisurely Walks We incorporate leisurely walks from 5 minutes KAKADU/TOP END to a full day to really gel to the essence of an D.-i area Liithfipld'^^ K.jkadu. • Two Leaders for 16 People A Kalhenne This lets us caler for those wanting a gentle stroll and those with extra energy • Unrushed We cover fewer road km but en|Oy and absorb each area more, with mostly 2 or more nights in each camp • Best Time of Year Because we cover such a diverse area, we can programme tours for their best season NSW VOLCANICS & SANDSTONE K.-i nan ur;i Bovd • Length of Tour SW SOUTH COAST From 4-day Victorian tours to 16-day Red Centre & MOUNTAINS SNOWY MTNS A we cater for all preferences and pockets. FAR SOUTH COAST WonnangaiM Mo'OM WILSONS PROM 4 • Attention to Camp WALKERVILLE Comfort Essential for a happy group 2 inch foam mattresses, doonas. your own pillow from home, chairs with backs, large tents with a torch light m each PROGRAMME

• Budget Prices 1990 Oct 13-16 Grampians -i davs 25-28 Grampians Over 50 4 days Nov 3-6 Wilsons Prom Over 50 4 days 10-18 NSW South Coast & Mtns 9 days 23-26 Otways & Port Campbell Coast 4 da>5 Dec 1-4 Mt Buffalo 4 days Are you on our mailing list? 8-11 Wilsons Prom & Walkerville J days If not, why not send for our new brochure or ring us 26-30 High Plains & Feathertop 5 davs 1991 Jan 5-13 Snowy Mtns & Far South Coast 9 davs 19-27 Victorian Alps 9 days Name Feb 8-22 Tasmania Grand Tour No. 1 15 days Mar 1-15 Tasmania Grand Tour No 2 15 days Address Mar 29-Apr 1 Otways & Port Campbell Coast 4 days Apr 13-23 NSW Volcanics & Sandstone 11 days 27-30 Grampians 4 days Jun 1-16 Red Centre No l 16 days Jun 22-Jul 6 Kakadu/Top End No 1 15 days Jul 13-27 Kakadu'Top End No 2 15 days Aug 3-18 Red Centre No 2 16 days Send lo Happy Walker Adventure Tours Sep 8-21 Flinders Ranges Grand Tour 14 days P.O. Box 886. Croydon. Vic. 3136 Oct 2-6 Victorian Desert Parks 5 days Ph: (03) 72 5 2723 12-15 Grampians 4 days The President and Committee wish all members a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and invite all to the

Christmas Party Orroral Valley Picnic Ground 3pm Sunday 16th December 1990.

Wine, Cheese, biscuits, Christmass cake provided. Please bring an evening meal. The Observatory is situated in the magnificent Barren Grounds Nature Reserve. It's just 2 hours north-east of Going On Leave/Holidays?? Canberra, between Jamberoo and Robertson, on the edge of the lllawarra Escarpment. Need someone to care for your ... Barren Grounds is NSWs only bird observatory and was home? established by the RAOU in 1982. It is totally self-funding and garden? non-profit based. Residential visitor fees and donations pro­ vide the means for modest Wardens' salaries, maintenance pets? and valuable ecological research. SO why not join a small, friendly group for a fully-catered, I'm available as a reliable residential weekend with an expert leader. Coming soon:- HOUSESITTER from February 1991. WILDFLOWERS OF BARREN GROUNDS 28Sept-10ct $145 NO CHARGES Learn how to identify Barren Grounds flora during the spec­ Professional female with excellent tacular springtime wildflower display. references. THE WICKED WAYS OF WRENS 5-7 Oct $110 Phone: MARDIE TROTH Discover the intimate sex lives of wrens; includes observing (w) 252 1527 behaviour, nest monitoring and mistnetting. BIRD CALLS AND SOUND RECORDING 12-14 Oct $110 Reunion Learn how to identify and record bird calls from 2 well-known MARY JAKES (nee BARNARD) will be visiting professionals—Ed Slater & Dr Peter Fullager Australia soon. A reunion of NPA friends from her time here is being held on 26 September and all oldie BIRDS OF THE SCRUB 26-28 Oct $110 members are welcome. Please phone Olive Buckman, Help with research into the endangered E. Bristlebird and other birds in this family through observation and mistnetting. (06) 248 8774 for details. BUSH TUCKER 9-11 Nov $110 Includes collecting and sampling food eaten by Aboriginal Unused Coghlan's water filter people, also some interesting European adaptations! Bought 1989 for $70, sell $60 ono. BIRDS FOR BEGINNERS 23-25 Nov $110 Phone Beth Browning 251 3813. For those that want to make a start at birdwatching. GEOLOGY OF THE 7-9 Dec $110 Explore and learn about the landforms of the lllawarra. Advertising rates NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS 28 Dec-1 Jan Black-and-white camera-ready artwork: $110 (2 days}-$180 (4 days) See in the new year and contribute to ongoing research. $140 full page Attempt to mistnet the endangered ground parrot. $75 half page $50 one-third page SLITHERS AND CROAKS 11-13 Jan $115 $2 per column centimetre Your chance to cuddle a diamond python! Add 50 per cent for typesetting and design. Subtract 10 per cent for annual bookings. Enquiries, brochure and bookings:- Inserts supplied: $120 for 10 grams or less. The Wardens, P.O. Box 3, For further information telephone Laraine Frawley on (06) 2571063 before 2pm on Monday, Tuesday or Jamberoo, 2533 Ph (042) 360195 Thursday, or Roger Green on 2470059. Calendar SEPTEMBER Monday 3 Publicity and education subcommittee meeting Thursday 6 Committee meeting 7.30pm Thursday 13 Namadgi subcommittee meeting Thursday 27 Environment subcommittee OCTOBER Thursday 4 Committee meeting 7.30pm Wednesday 10 Outings subcommittee Thursday 25 Environment subcommittee

NOVEMBER Thursday 1 Committee meeting 7.30pm Monday 5 Publicity and education committee Thursday 8 Namadgi subcommittee Thursday 22 Environment subcommittee

For venues of committee and subcommittee meetings contact subcommittee convenors — see insert in this Bulletin.

NPA Bulletin National Parks Association of the ACT POSTAGE GPO Box 457 Canberra 2601 SURFACE PAID Registered Publication No. NBH0857 MAIL AUSTRALIA

General meetings

Held at 8pm, room 1, Griffin Centre, Bunda Street, Civic.

20 September Rob Jenkins of the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service will speak on snakes of the Canberra region. 18 October Greg Fraser, director of the ACT Parks and Conservation Service, will speak on future directions for reserves and conservation in the ACT.

15 November Richard Baker, curator for the environment at the National Museum of Australia, will speak about the museum with particular reference to the interaction between people and their environment.