Hunting Hawkweed

‘Hunting Hawkweed’ is a VOLUNTEER FITNESS WHAT TO BRING volunteer program supporting In this eradication program, ‘every last All bed linen and towels are supplied. In eradication of a high risk weed plant’ must be found and destroyed, addition to toiletries and casual clothing, from Kosciuszko National Park. which requires walking through dense please bring the following to ensure your vegetation, over rough and uneven stay is safe and comfortable: JOIN THE HAWKWEED TEAM terrain in the peak of summer. A high level of physical fitness is needed as • Personal medication (e.g. EPI pen, Since 2009, over 400 volunteers have surveys require a lot of walking. hay fever prevention) assisted in the search for orange Volunteers should be able to walk • Special dietary needs hawkweed. Volunteers are instrumental approximately 4 km a day and be able to • Good walking boots (water proof) in protecting sensitive environments, like negotiate natural terrain (no paths) and • Thick socks alpine bogs, from hawkweed invasion. moderate slopes on uneven surfaces. • Long pants and long-sleeved shirts Work along-side NPWS staff and other • Hat (broad rimmed, that shades face conservation guardians to find every last 2019-20 PROGRAM and neck) hawkweed plant. • Warm clothing and wet weather gear Volunteers can are invited to (weather changes rapidly, even in WHAT TO EXPECT assist on the following weeks: summer months) • Gaiters (to protect legs) Orange hawkweed likes good views, Week 1 – 18 November 2019 which means surveys are conducted in • 1-2 litre water bottle (for drinking Week 2 – 25 November 2019 some of the most scenic areas of water) Kosciusko National Park. Week 3 – 2 December 2019 • Day pack/back pack • Insect repellent and sunscreen Week 4 – 9 December 2019** Volunteers will be accommodated in • Lunch box , NSW (shared, but at no Week 5 - 16 December 2019 • Camera (for capturing the views). cost to volunteers). Accommodation is Week 6 – 6 January 2020** available from the Sunday evening through to the Saturday morning of each Week 7 – 13 January 2020 GETTING THERE week’s program. Bookings are Week 8 - 20 January 2020** essential. Khancoban is a small NSW township NPWS will supply the basics for Minimum participation time is associated with the development of the breakfast and lunch. Volunteers will one week (Monday afternoon Hydro-Electric need to bring food and prepare their to Friday inclusive). Maximum Scheme. Suggested routes to own evening meals. Khancoban are: of four (4) volunteers per Each Monday, at the start of the Hunting week. • – via , Jindabyne Hawkweed week, volunteers meet at the and Thredbo. National Parks and Wildlife Service **Note – weeks marked with • Snowy Valley tourist drive – via (NPWS) Office in Khancoban for an asterisk include an activity that and Tooma Valley on induction and safety briefing. Volunteers requires previous experience the Tooma Road. are then taken into the park to practice • Cabramurra Link Road – via , on the program. orange hawkweed identification and Cabramurra, Tumut and Tooma participate in surveillance. Ponds. Bookings are essential. Transport to and from Khancoban to the Tumut (02) 6947 7000 Information regarding alternate access survey areas will be provided daily by Khancoban (02) 6070 8400 and accommodation will be provided NPWS. when booking.

ORANGE HAWKWEED

Orange hawkweed (Heiracium aurantiacum) is a species of daisy that originates from northern and central Europe. It has invaded many countries, including the USA, Canada, Japan and New Zealand, where it threatens biodiversity and agricultural lands. This species was first discovered in Kosciuszko National Park in December 2003 and has been a part of a control and eradication program since that time. It poses a serious threat to the Australian Alps and surrounding environments, including productive farmland. Orange Volunteers and NPWS marking hawkweed plants (Image Jo Caldwell). hawkweed is known to outcompete native and pastoral plants and can create mono- cultures. DETECTION INNOVATIONS

Two innovative survey techniques have been developed and incorporated into the program to increase detection of hawkweed in remote locations: Highly trained Weed Eradication Detector Dogs (WEDD) are improving detection rates by finding hawkweed hidden within tussocks or plants too small for humans to find. The dogs are motivated to work hard for the reward of a tennis ball. Remotely Piloted Aircraft (Drones) fitted Drones hunt for hawkweed from the air (Image Mark Hamilton). with a high-resolution camera are used to survey large areas for hawkweed. Images of target areas are processed with an advanced algorithm that detects the bright orange hawkweed flowers. Humans then confirm and control any positive detections. SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

Remote Helicopter Assisted Surveys This activity uses a helicopter to deploy ground teams, of up to 5 people per team, to remote areas to survey for hawkweed. These remote survey areas are critical in delimiting the extent of hawkweed within the Jagungal Wilderness Area. Volunteers and NPWS work together to control hawkweed (Image Jo Caldwell). Teams are supervised by NPWS accredited officers, and comprised of only experienced team members, to provide the best chances of detecting hawkweed. This activity is only open to volunteers who have previously participated in a week of ground surveillance in either the Orange Hawkweed or Mouse-ear Hawkweed projects.

For bookings or inquiries, please call either Tumut or Khancoban NPWS Offices during business hours.

WEDD, Connor, with his reward for finding hawkweed (Image Ryan Tate).