Hunting Hawkweed

‘Hunting Hawkweed’ is a volunteer WHAT TO EXPECT WHAT TO BRING initiative that evolved as part of a broader Orange hawkweed likes good views, All bed linen and towels are supplied. In weed control program to hunt down a which means surveys are conducted in addition to toiletries and casual clothing, Class 1 Noxious Weed. some of the most scenic areas of the following list will ensure your stay is Kosciusko National Park. Views include most comfortable: JOIN THE HAWKWEED TEAM Mount Jagungal and the surrounding • Personal medication (eg. EPI pen, hay Since 2009, over 200 volunteers have Wilderness Area, Round Mountain and Upper River, Far Bald Mountain fever prevention) assisted in the search for orange • Good walking boots (water proofed) hawkweed across the Jagungal and Fifteen Mile Ridge. • Thick socks Wilderness Area. Volunteers will be accommodated in • Long pants and long sleeved shirts Volunteers have been instrumental in Khancoban, NSW (shared but at no cost • Hat (broad rimmed – shades face and surveillance and protecting sensitive to volunteers). Accommodation is neck environments, like alpine bogs, from the available from the Sunday evening • Warm clothing and wet weather gear hawkweed invasion. through to the Saturday morning of the (weather changes rapidly, even in week’s program. Bookings are essential. summer months) Surveys coincide with the peak flowering • Gaiters (preferably not Velcro – they period, which makes orange hawkweed Each Monday, at the start of the Hunting collect seed) easier to detect. It’s a great way to see Hawkweed week, volunteers will meet at • the park and learn about the National the National Parks and Wildlife Service 1 litre water bottle (for drinking water) • Parks and Wildlife Service effort to Office in Khancoban for an induction and Day pack/back pack eradicate this species. program briefing and then taken into the • Insect repellent and sunscreen park to learn how to identify orange • Lunch box hawkweed and participate in surveys. • Camera (a must for capturing some of the views) 2015 PROGRAM The National Parks and Wildlife Service Hunting Hawkweed runs for 4 weeks will supply food for breakfast, lunch and GETTING THERE over January 2015 (Monday to Friday, dinner for all volunteers involved in the inclusive of public holidays). program. Volunteers will prepare their Khancoban is a small NSW township own meals. If volunteers have any special associated with the development of the Week 1 – 5 to 9 January dietary requirements, please inform Hydro-Electric Scheme National Parks and Wildlife Service when Week 2 – 12 to 16 January (now ). Suggested tourist booking. drives to Khancoban: Week 3 – 19 to 23 January Transport to and from Khancoban to the • – via , Jindabyne Week 4 – 26 to 30 January survey areas will be provided by National and Thredbo. Parks and Wildlife Service. Maximum of 10 volunteers per week. • Snowy Valley tourist drive – via and Tooma Valley on Bookings are essential. VOLUNTEER FITNESS the Tooma Road. Tumut (02) 6947 7000 A good level of physical fitness is needed • Cabramurra Link Road – via Tumut, Khancoban (02) 6076 9373 Cabramurra, Tumut and Tooma as surveys required a lot of walking. Volunteers should be capable of walking Ponds. www.environment.nsw.gov.au/National approximately 4 km a day. There are no Information regarding alternate access Parks/parkVolunteering paths and, at times, survey teams will and accommodation will be provided when negotiate natural terrain across moderate booking or can be attained through any slopes and uneven and rocky surfaces. Visitor Centre. OEH 2014/0755

ORANGE HAWKWEED

Orange hawkweed (Heiracium aurantiacum) is a species of daisy that originates from northern and central Europe. This species has established as a weed in many countries, including the USA, Canada, Japan and New Zealand. In these countries the species is threatening biodiversity and is impacting on the productivity of agricultural lands. Orange hawkweed was first discovered in Kosciuszko National Park in December 2003 and has been a part of a control program since that time. It poses a huge threat to the Australian Alps and surrounding environments. Orange hawkweed is known to out compete native plants and is capable of creating a mono- Orange hawkweed. culture. SPECIAL AREAS

Surveys are conducted in some of the most spectacular scenery in Kosciuszko National Park, including: Cool Plain and Round Mountain Is a natural subalpine grassland and series of bogs and hidden creeks, approximately 4 km from the Round Mountain track head (as the crow flies). This area is a great example of a frost hollow environment and has spectacular floral displays in January. Far Bald Mountain Trail Far Bald Mountain provides an opportunity to view the heart of the park. Mount Jagungal and Tabletop Mountain and the Upper Valley can be seen from vantage points along the trail. Using science in the detection and control of orange hawkweed. Farm Ridge This country is dramatic, punctuated by massive granite boulders, undulating hills capped with snow gum woodlands which descend into treeless plains. The remoteness and scope of this area is a haven for a variety of native flora and fauna. Fifteen Mile Ridge This is the highest known infestation in the park (+1700 m). It lies on a long saddle line which provides extensive views across the ranges. The infestation of orange hawkweed at this location demonstrates the significance of the threats this plant has on Ecologically Endangered Communities and threatened species. Ogilvies Airstrip and Quarry The airstrip is thought to be the site of origin for all infestations of orange Hunting for hawkweed on Fifteen Mile Ridge. hawkweed within the park. It was once a Photographs by Jo Caldwell (2014) campsite associated with the development of the Snowy Scheme.