Newsletter of WILDCARE Incorporated Community Partnership Section, Resource Management and Conservation Division, DPIWE GPO Box 44 Hobart 7001 Ph 03 6233 2836 Fax 03 6224 0884 E-mail: [email protected] WILDTIMES ¥ Program F ¥F ke responsible fishing behavior. Some program aimedatpromoting important partoffisheries education Fishcare Volunteers (FCV)arean and Northwest. North regional chaptersintheSouth, a restructurethatwillestablish The programiscurrentlyundergoing freshwater andmarineenvironments. v trained andoperationalFishcare 1998 andcurrentlythereare65fully been operatingin Tasmania since Fishcare Volunteers Programhas Tr the state. community volunteers throughout that supportstheoperationof incorporated communitygroup of funding. Fishcare isnow abranch Recreational Licensing Trust using NaturalHeritage Trust and program thatwasestablished are partofanoverall Fishcare The Fishcare Volunteers (FCVs) olunteers working Statewide inboth aining days. practice andmarineissues. program onresponsible fishing Delivery ofaschool education about theirfishing. with fishers andcollectingdata regulations thisinvolves talking information aboutFisheries compliance roledelivering y rolesofthevolunteers are: ishcare Volunteers WILDCARE isheries patrolsinanon- forwarded ifyour2003membershipisrenewed before31December2002— WILDCARE Merry ChristmasandaHappy 2003fromthe n,whichisan Inc, Do you wishtoreceive the next issueof members areremindedthatfuturenewsletters canonlybe ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥V ¥S ¥ ¥ ¥F which covers: intensive two daytrainingcourse All incomingFCVsundergo an Tr to atrainedFCV. and arewillingtoplayasupportrole candidates thatareawaiting training role isprovided topotential capacity.honorary An ‘mentoring’ e patrols areaccompaniedbyamore ¥ ¥P ¥ ¥ wo training coursebeforebeginning required tohave completedatwo day accepted intotheprogram. They are and apolicecheckbeforethey are All FCVsundergo aformalinterview xperienced volunteer actingina Interviewing skills Introduced marine pests habitats) Marine environment (careof responsibilities Conflict resolution Fish identification andbiology AG Ta Assistance withevents suchas f marine pestspeciesandinvestigate provided toidentifycommon environmental issues. Training is scale fish androcklobster. Assistance withcreelsurveys on potential projectsonfish survival. recreational fishing including Assistance withresearchon ish kills. rk inthefield andtheirfirst few aining tructure ofDepartment isheries rulesandregulations roviding feedbackon olunteer rightsand ke so don’tmissout! FEST.
a KidFishingdaysand WILDCARE WILDTIMES Board ofManagement! Issue No16December2002 assist withaparticularproject. v training isprovided toselected the benefit ofthevolunteer. Specific but alsofor benefit oftheprogram, develop theseskillsnotonlyforthe and itisendeavored toutiliseand brings many skillstotheprogram Experience hasshown thateachFCV facts sheetsandstickers. regulations, pamphlets detailingrulesand b wo distinctive uniformthatmustonlybe Fishcare V Once fullytrained, • • • • • • usiness. They arealsoissuedwith olunteers whoshow adesireto olunteers areissuedwitha IN THIS ISSUE IN THIS rn whenonofficial Fishcare Kahn Karst CARe inKubla Kate Reedreserve Plant identikit A wins CommunityLink Mountain Festival breakthrough Wild writing formed Rescue Groups WILDCARE Wildlife ward ? 2
speak to fishers about their days is to ensure no potential conflict fishing. They may handout material situations occur (e.g. a FCV such as current rules and regulations, inadvertently patrols into a police safe boating practices or fact sheets on surveillance situation). specific fish species. If faced with illegal fish activity, After their patrol a Volunteer FCVs are instructed not to act in a completes a Patrol Report Form, policing role. They make a decision at which is sent to the Department. This the time, dependent on the situation, Manning the fishing pool at AGFEST. form includes information on whether to: location, number of interviews, type a)Approach the offenders and educate Ongoing training is provided regularly of fishing, species caught and any regarding the current rules and in addition to informal meetings. issues raised (e.g. undersized fish, regulations and implications of These are usually half-day sessions illegal netting, exceeding bag limit or illegal activity (e.g. “hey mate, do that provide a forum for the sharing of fishing in closed areas). This you realize that fish is too small?”) information on current issues. information is routinely entered on a or show them a ruler (promotional Contact with volunteers is maintained database and extracted for item with fish sizes) and advise of regularly to ensure communication management who can to get a clearer the penalties; links are maintained and any queries picture of what is happening around are addressed. A small resource the State. library and a computer with Internet When undertaking patrols the FCV access are located in the Hobart office notifies the department who in turn and volunteer usage is encouraged. A notifies the marine police. This is so quarterly newsletter is also produced that they are aware of Volunteer’s providing feedback and general presence in a particular area. The fisheries information to the Volunteers get to know the marine volunteers. police working in their local area and foster a good relationship with them. Educating the public. Patrols A representative of the marine police The most common patrol for a will usually attend training sessions. b)Walk away and advise marine police Fishcare Volunteer to undertake is a Whilst the FCVs do not act in a or ask the department to advise the trip to a fishing spot or point of compliance capacity, they do work police. entry/exit (e.g. boat ramp) where they closely with the marine police — this Whilst on patrol a volunteer uses his or her own vehicle. Volunteers receive no financial remuneration for the work that they do and are not reimbursed for Parks Shop fuel costs. The FCV may have a mobile phone issued to them if there is a perceived 24 Main Road Huonville need (i.e. safety issue or working in remote areas). • Range of pre-visit Ph: 03 6264 8460 information relating to Schools project Tasmania’s National This is an educational project where Parks & Reserves interested FCVs are specifically • Parks Passes trained during a two-day course at the • Maps Marine Studies Center at Woodbridge. This is a certified course that a FCV • Books – Adult and must pass to enable them to give Children’s Range school presentations. The course • Australian Animal evaluates the communication ability Puppets and personality traits of the person • Jigsaws – when placed in front of a real time 24 to 2000 piece, class delivery exercise. If suitable and including Southwest pass they may then address a class as National Park a teachers aide or conduct a • Souvenirs interpretation excursion to the seaside or particular fishing spot where • Clothing – fleecy relevant Fishcare messages can be jackets, vests, ponchos, delivered. 10% discount raincoats, t shirts to WILDCARE members • Posters Take a Kid Fishing Days during December 2002 • And more This is a widely promoted activity day solely designed to teach children the WILDTIMES December 2002 WILDTIMES 3 December 2002 fun of ethical fishing. In the past the and are considered approachable by Fishcare Volunteers have been involved the general community. In fact, Snug Falls assisting with this message delivery to FCVs have reported improvements the children and general discussion in fisher behaviour in areas where track with the parents. Similar events have they regularly work. They act as a working bee also been run for disabled people. go-between for the community, Sunday 12 January 2003, police and other areas of the Fish kills Department. 9:00amÐ4:00pm. Meet at the Snug Falls car park. Selected volunteers are given ¥Volunteers are strongly encouraged specialised training to enable them to to have ownership of the program. Works include drainage, respond to fish kills in their local area. pruning, minor track For more information on how resurfacing. Tools and WILDCARE members can be part of this Introduced marine pests exciting program, contact — Damian equipment to be supplied A number of volunteers are trained to Heran, Fisheries Education Officer, Wild by PWS. Bring food and identify introduced marine pests and Fisheries Management Branch, DPIWE on drink, and sturdy work 03 6233 3053 or email
WILDCARE Inc — Wildlife Rescue groups formed
As a result of a meeting recently CARes Presidents, have delegation to held with wildlife care volunteers in provide WILDCARE authorisation the north west, the 15 attendees for the carers in the group and will from this area have decided to also keep records of who is caring for become a WILDCARE group under which particular animal. The the name of ‘WILDCARE Inc — WILDCARE members living in the Licenced Wildlife Rescue’. The group has area and registered as interested in been operating together for nearly caring for animals will automatically Restaurant & two years under the leadership of become members of the group and Judy Synnott, who was elected as will be included in the group’s Guesthouse President/Coordinator. The group activities in a number of ways. Of has had a phone number listed in course the carers still need to comply Arthur Highway Eaglehawk Neck the northwest phone book that will with departmental requirements in Phone 6250 3331 be changed so that the listing is regards to permits and other processes under their new name. before actually caring for animals. Email: [email protected] Lorraine McDonald (also a longtime The Department will continue to be Web: www.tassie.net.au/eaglehawk wildlife carer) has taken on the job of available for advice and technical pulling the carers in the assistance. 10% discount* to Launceston/Northeast areas together This is all an exciting step for wildlife WILDCARE members in a similar way, with the two areas care and rehabilitation in Tasmania working as one group and Judy and and a welcome advance in (*On purchases over $20.00 alcohol not included) Lorraine sharing the coordination WILDCARE’s role. Contact details roles. Judy and Lorraine will, as per for the 2 coordinators are: WILDTIMES December 2002 WILDTIMES 5 December 2002 Judy’s Synnott (northwest) claim to WILDCARE’s insurers replace the need for permits and other 18615 Bass Highway should you have an accident related to requirements of the Nature MONTUMANA TAS 7321 wildlife care. This form does not Conservation Branch, DPIWE. Phone — 6443 4251 WILDCARE Inc. Authorisation for ACTIVE WILDLIFE CARERS Lorraine MacDonald (Launceston/Northeast) Carer’s name...... 745 Lilydale Road WILDCARE membership number (including prefix) ...... KAROOLA TAS 7267 Address...... Phone — 6326 3502 ...... Mobile 0417 108 596 Phone(H) ...... (W) ...... (Mob) ...... Email ...... WILDCARE members interested in registering as a wildlife carer, please Type of wildlife being cared for (please circle) contact the WILDCARE office Marsupials Birds Reptiles
Tasmanian Trail’s Ouse Shelter working bee a great success. The workers were members of the It was wet and windy as the group of Land Rover Owners Club, a workers headed to Ouse on Saturday WILDCARE organisational group, 19 October to erect a shelter at a and Ken Shepherd, a WILDCARE Tasmanian Trail campsite. member from nearby Ellendale. The The windscreen wipers were put to Tasmanian Trail Association use as the party travelled up the President, Susan Henry, was also Derwent Valley and there was some present with her daughter Lucy and as doubt about the success of the day. they were not inclined towards the However, the rain abated to showers with his fence hole digger. Bearers building profession, they spent a but the wind persisted and the first job were attached and pre-assembled considerable amount of the day upon arrival at Ouse was to erect a tarp trusses placed on top before the iron cleaning up the area around the between two vehicles as a temporary was secured. This sounds simple but it campsite as well as helping Chris’ shelter. The wind was more west than took ten volunteers eight hours to wife Marie with the food preparation. south but felt as if it was coming direct erect the shelter to a stage where it They were, however, employed from the Antarctic. A third vehicle could be used. The job was not quite painting the inside walls of the shelter. was moved around to the windward finished with spouting and some As can be seen from the flashing still to be installed but the day accompanying photos the aim of the was getting on when Chris Boden, the day was realised and a terrific asset is Tasmanian Trail Coordinator, called a now able to provide shelter to people stop to the work and declared the trekking along the Tasmanian Trail. Can you help with accommodation? The Summer Interpretation is no longer available. PWS Program has been running Interpretation & Education side of the gap to form a windbreak successfully on Bruny Island for Section requires a vacant shack and it was from this location that soup many years. The purpose of the or caravan for the period was prepared for morning tea and a program is to inform residents between mid-December 2002 to BBQ was organised for lunch. In the and visitors to South Bruny beginning February 2003. meantime the workers were out in the National Park of conservation values and land management If any WILDCARE members elements bolting planks to poles, can assist please contact Jenni nailing trusses to bearers and screwing issues, through fun and educational activities. Burdon, PWS Interps & roofing iron to battens. Unfortunately, previous years’ Education Officer on 03 6233 Six poles were secured with quick accommodation used by the 2184 or email
Council) as well as entering into a Mt. Roland CARes Group long-term contract with the Council for our group to maintain a local Most tourists visiting Sheffield for community. It was relaxing over a picnic ground. In addition we have a the first time marvel at the summer barbecue with neighbours representative in attendance at local enormous bulk and daunting over two years ago that the idea of CCC (Community Consultative forming a volunteer group t help beauty of the Mr. Roland massif. Committee) meetings and we have Many believe it to be cradle protect and promote the mountain was worked assiduously and co- Mountain, yet for all its grandeur gelled. We decided to call our group operatively with Parks & Wildlife and photogenic potential it remains Outlook Mt. Roland. District Office in Ulverstone to a very much under-utilised tourist After a few months of informal achieve major improvements to Mr. resource. In December 2000 some meetings we developed a constitution Roland walking tracks. 7600 hectares of the area, previously and elected an Executive of six and, in As our agenda has expanded it unallocated crown land, was gazette turn, found around thirty “supporters”, became obvious that we should as a Regional Reserve, thereby each willing to pay a small fee to become incorporated and it seemed increasing its conservation value allow the group to pay its way. the natural way to achieve this was overnight. Outlook Mt. Roland may be small in through the WILDCARE network. Many local residents — myself numbers but we feel we are big on Having now taken this next step, we included — live close to this mountain achievement. In two shirt years we wish to announce that a new CARes because we believe it provides a have written and published our own group has been officially formed and lifestyle second to none and we have Walking Track Guide (with will oversee development and consequently become a close-knit sponsorship from the Kentish conservation issues in the new Regional Reserve. We would be please to hear from interested WILDCARE members. We can be contacted on: David Welch 6491 1317 Ray Stuart (Treasurer) 6491 2089 Gail Foster (Secretary) 6491 2213 David Welch President, Mt Roland CARes group
WILDTIMES December 2002 WILDTIMES 7 December 2002 The Mountain Festival wins Friends of Community Link Award Trevallyn We have just had news that the Mt environment the festival developed Bushland Wellington Festival Committee has creative community partnerships won the 2002 National Australia especially between artists, scientists Working bee Bank Community Link award in and community groups. Events the Art and Culture category for included artistic performance, Saturday 7th December Tasmania. The National Australia exhibitions, and cultural ‘walks and 2002, 10amÐnoon. Meet at Bank makes the awards, which talks’ all with a thematic link to Mt. car park on top of the hill carry a prize of $7,500, annually in Wellington. The major performance, on the way to the tearooms. six categories in each state. The “Alive on the Mountain”, involved Weeding (gorse) so come criteria for each category relate to collaboration between artists and prepared. Please bring your volunteer involvement and benefit scientists and engagement with many own (cleaned) secateurs, to the community. different community groups to build loppers (if you have them), WILDCARE, through the artworks which were integrated into a gloves, morning tea. involvement of the Friends of the spectacular community performance. Contact Jon Purtell 0419 Mountain Festival CARes group, is The Mt Wellington Festival Committee 874 651 or Anna Povey CALL UP NOTICE one of the Mountain Festival won because of its comprehensive use 6334 6633 for details. Committee’s major community of volunteers in every stage of the partners. WILDCARE volunteers project. Over 700 volunteers were supported the 2002 Mountain Festival involved in all facets of the project, Rescue Team in the ‘Emergency in a number of ways, including from a volunteer committee and Safety’ category. participating in the Mountain organising the festival right through ¥ St Vincent de Paul Society in the OrchestraÐWILDCARE performance to production, making artworks and ‘Community Service’ category. performance.” project. The Mt Wellington Festival The National Australia Bank The other Tasmanian winners are: Committee will put the prize money Community Link award citation ¥The Kempton/Bagdad YISMAC towards organising a major reads: “The inaugural Mt Wellington Youth Club in the ‘Sport & community event for the next Festival was held this year as part of Recreation’ category. Mountain Festival in 2004. Well done the International Year of Mountains to ¥ Female Factory Historic Site in the and thanks to all the WILDCARE celebrate Hobart’s most important ‘Environment, Conservation and volunteers who helped make the 2002 natural symbol, Mt Wellington. The Heritage’ category. Mountain Festival such a success and Festival, held over ten days, brought ¥ Menzies Centre for Population contributed to achieving this national together diverse elements of the Health Research in the ‘Health’ recognition. community in a dynamic sense of category. Angie McGowan place celebration. Linking arts and ¥ Southern Region Search and Mountain Orchestra CARes group
Flora of Cradle Mountain Plant Identikit In 2001, WILDCARE approved reviews from prominent magazines project funding to assist in the including printing of a pocket book to help ¥ Wild Magazine:“You certainly visitors recognise some of the don’t need to be a ‘horticultural distinctive plants at Cradle freak’ to have success using this Mountain. Dick Burns is the author ‘little beauty’.” and photographer. The plant ¥ 40¡ South:“It would be ‘a handy identikit, released in November one to pop in your pocket next 2001, is titled “Significant Flora of time’”. Cradle Mountain Day Walk Areas”. ¥ Nature Australia:“This little The main section of the book consists pocket guide is essential for of plant descriptions, in layman’s walking or strolling around … language, accompanied by colour Cradle Mountain…a wonderful photos showing the main features little book’. required to recognise the plant with Dick is starting work on another about 30 species featured. Allied or identikit and offers of financial confusing plants are also mentioned assistance will be gratefully therefore covering over 60 plants. The considered. The plant identikit is shop or good bookstores throughout identikit has received a number of available from the Cradle Mountain Tasmania for $10.95 RRP. 8 Adopt-a-Track News… Penguin to Cradle track — Gunns Plains to Tulip Dial Range has an help prioritise maintenance plans and Creek Adopted Track! provide direction for the future adoption of tracks. “One of our main Five intrepid workers turned up for this Simon Inkson, a member of the North priorities is to ensure the various user working bee under the supervision of West Walking Club, approached groups remain within their designated Eddie Firth from Cradle Mountain. We Forestry Tasmania to volunteer as a tracks, on the Penguin Cradle Trail. climbed up to the Northern Gates with track caretaker for the Penguin Cradle Some sections have suffered serious a great deal of huffing and puffing. It Trail between Dial Road and Purton’s erosion through motorbikes was then down to work with Mark Flats. This section of the trail is on traversing trails specifically for Alexander on chainsaw all day, Eddie State forest and Simon, with some walkers and mountain bikers only,” doing the benching, Pat Scott, Francee assistance from other club members, commented Community Liaison Lee and Garry Watts pruning and had previously tackled some track Officer, Gina Harvey. “We welcome helping to throw the rubbish off the clearance. the opportunity to work with the track, clearing ferns and branches. We When the opportunity arose to community through the Adopt-a- camped at First Creek overnight, after formally “adopt” the track in Track program.” farewelling Eddie and Garry who could partnership with WILDCARE and A working bee was held in September only stay for the day. The rain started as Forestry Tasmania, Simon was very 2002, which twelve NW Walking soon as we set up camp. That night I keen. “With Forestry Tasmania’s Club and WILDCARE members managed to collect two leeches in my assistance and guidance, this section attended. “We had a fantastic day with left ear. Pat helped cleanup my face and of the trail will be cleared, drainage half of the track clearing completed.” the first leech came out. The second works carried out, steps placed at Simon said. one however was deep in my ear canal. creek crossings and signage Another working bee will be advised So next day we packed up and headed installed”, Simon said. in due course through WILDCARE home in the rain. I had the second leech The Dial Range is popular amongst for this section of the Penguin Cradle sucked out by my doctor with a special many user groups and several years Trail. machine. I am planning the next ago, a Recreational Management Plan working bee for February 7,8,9 2003 so was compiled to provide direction For further information on adopting a mark it in your diaries. Despite the and actions for future management. track in the Murchison District, please leeches it was great fun and we got lots Forestry Tasmania is using the plan to contact — Gina Harvey, Community of work done, but there is heaps still to Liaison Officer, Forestry Tasmania, do. Hope to see you there. Murchison District on phone (03) 6434 6323 or email
Karst CARe working bee in Kubla Kahn
On a Sunday in August 2002, after a “call-up” from WILDCARE,five Karst CARe members supervised by Mole Creek PWS Ranger Dick Dwyer carried out flowstone cleaning in Kubla Khan Cave. To access this cave requires considerable experience, especially in negotiating pitches (cliff faces), both up and down. Participants were chosen based on those who registered availability first, combined with being able to move through the cave follow! Getting to the work site took reasonably quickly to the work site. about 2.5 hours and involved We left the Mole Creek Ranger station negotiating four pitches abseiling soon after 8:30 am after sorting out down, and about 1800 metres of the considerable gear required to caving. Much amusement was undertake this task. Soon after leaving caused in the section known as the cars it was decided that our next “Sally’s Folly”, which involved a working bee would be on the track to water-level traverse, hanging on to the cave as it was considerably the wall to avoid an over-the-head overgrown, and in places difficult to dunking. Water from here was WILDTIMES December 2002 WILDTIMES 9 December 2002 transported in collapsible backpack below! Some of the group ferried cleaned area. spray units to the work site at the end water to the washers, whilst others On our return back through the cave of the Folly. scrubbed down a notoriously slippery we filled our backpack sprayers to top After lunch the work began in earnest, flowstone bank. Underneath the mud up another washing station in an area with a rope & pulley system rigged at were many micro-gores (like tiny little that rarely has water nearby. It was a the top of a climb. Two participants dams), which actually give good grip hot trip back with all the pitches to be washed down this climb with for a climb AFTER the mud is climbed and we emerged just on dark, scrubbing brushes and the sprayers to removed. We managed to return a having been underground 8 hours. No remove the greasy mud, which had slippery horrible area into an attractive doubt this would be one of made this climb somewhat precarious. and interesting flowstone bank. We WILDCARE’s most inaccessible Fortunately this mud proved also installed a boot wash station work sites — but the job got done! reasonably easy to wash away — below where we’d cleaned; ensuring David Wools-Cobb much of it landing on those working little mud will be transported over the Karst CARe Group Coordinator
What’s been happening at Kate Reed? in roads were made into the gorse and Spanish heath problems in the Reserve. The Kate Reed Nature Recreation December 1999 with the aim of Area is approximately 120ha of restoring and protecting the area as During the first Green Reserve project remnant native vegetation located well as promoting the importance of — a 6-month project predominately south of the Silverdome in the the Reserve to the community. The concentrating on weeds — it was Launceston suburb of Prospect. The main focus of the group was initially recognised that a change was needed area that has been recognised under weed removal. In May 2001, our to keep the project going and the team the RFA as having the priority plant group was approached by enthused. So the group looked at the communities of Eucalyptus Conservation Volunteers Australia walking tracks in the Reserve and amygdalina on dolerite with small (CVA) with a proposal to take on a decided that what vague tracks existed areas of Eucalyptus ovata and Green Reserve team. Between the needed serious upgrading to Melaleuca ericifolia. initial four CARes group volunteers encourage the community to use the The Friends of Kate Reed Reserve and the Green Reserve team weed Reserve while protecting the CARes group was formed in removal continued in earnest and huge conservation values of the area.
Volunteers finishing construction of bridge in Kate Reed Reserve. Constructing the bridge across the rivulet. Construction of walking track. 10
The first WILDCARE project funding create a new access point to the submitted with the CVA for the team submission the Friends of Kate Reed Reserve from the Kings Meadows to commence their 4th round in (in conjunction with Green Reserves) connector. This part of the project is January 2003. This partnership could applied for was to reconstruct the now well underway, thanks to not have happened without the very bridge across the Kings Meadows WILDCARE funding! good support from PWS staff — rivulet and reconstruct part of the The Friends have also applied to the Rangers Gary Hutchison, Dave track to this bridge. With the Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF) Frelek, Andrew Napier and District construction of the bridge completed, for project funds to construct a Manager, Stan Matuszek — and of boardwalk across the wetlands to another WILDCARE grant was sort to course Andrew Smith, Jo Field and protect this sensitive area, with the WILDCARE Inc members. Our long term aim of restoring and creating a network of walking tracks group also acknowledges the support The that takes in the natural attributes of it has received from the Tasmanian the area while protecting the Landcare Association, Bushcare and POSSUM important conservation values. Tamar NRM. SHED The very successful partnership Rodney Milner Coordinator Westerway (Nr Mt Field NP) between the Friends of Kate Reed and the Green Reserves is set to Friends of Kate Reed Reserve continue with an application CARes group
Profile of PWS/RMC staff…
Visiting the Huon Valley? Why not completed Customer Service training drop into the Parks Shop in and is working on completing Huonville and meet Melanie? Certificate III in Business. Melanie has Melanie commenced work with Parks an interest in continuing to work for & Wildlife Service in January 2002 as Parks & Wildlife Service in the future, 10% discount to a Trainee Customer Service Assistant. maybe in a field orientated role. WILDCARE members Initially sharing the workload with two The Parks Shop’s (see advertisement in other trainees, then commencing full- this issue of WILDTIMES) popularity on all gifts. time in April 2003. Recently Melanie is growing, by both the community and visitors to the region. A range of free information relating to Tasmania’s Parks and Reserves is available; including previsit notesheets, parks Specialists in Adventure Equipment passes and promotion of summer ranger activity programs. Visitors can Packs, Tents, Boots, also purchase Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs tickets. There is a Clothing, Sleeping Bags, wide range of nature and activity orientated product available. Some of Climbing Gear, Stoves, the most popular lines are Australian- made jigsaws and animal puppets. One Maps, Foods, Cookware, of the most popular jigsaws being the Southwest National Park 1000 piece Torches, Compasses, puzzle. Books and maps are also well Kayaks & Accessories. supported. So drop in and say hi! to Melanie — Expert Advice. and bring your WILDCARE membership card to take advantage of 104 Elizabeth Street, Hobart the 10% discount on a range of products (see advertisement on page 2). Ph 03 6234 7877 Mail order welcome. Phone for catalogue.
10% discount to WILDCARE members (Just quote membership number when making a purchase.) WILDTIMES December 2002 WILDTIMES 11 December 2002 Cats — Feral and Domestic
Feral means wild or untamed. It is a word most often used to describe domestic animals that have established breeding populations in the wild. Individual stray animals aren’t necessarily feral, however if stray animals breed and their descendants live and breed in the and in the central highlands. movement, particularly rapid jerky wild, then those descendants are Feral cats are formidable competition. movements. The prey is often left called feral animals. They will travel several kilometres uneaten and may be brought home. Feral animals are closely associated each night in search of prey and not Surveys of domestic cats reveal that with the first European settlers who only prey on native animals, but also the list of prey matches that for feral came to Australia. Some of their utilise habitat and food reserves that cats. They have a major impact on the animals were abandoned or lost and these native animals need. They have native wildlife in your area. Feral cats are no accident — there is constant recruitment from the domestic population and of course feral cats breed efficiently. Even the best kept cat can go wild, whether through wandering too far from home when hunting or via interactions with
Tyenna Valley Lodge Junee Rd, Maydena
established breeding populations in excellent eyesight, acute hearing and a the wild. In the Northern Midlands sharp sense of smell and show no there have been problems with cats mercy when hunting small mammals and dogs and even goats, and now we and birds. And they can climb. All of have foxes. Cats were brought to these features together with four sets • Peaceful, self contained Tasmania as domestic animals by of retractable claws, and teeth adapted accommodation early European explorers and settlers, for gripping, tearing and shearing, •Tyenna River frontage and some of them became feral. We make them fearsome hunters. •Walking distance to now have extensive populations of Cats are the definitive host of the Junee Cave Reserve feral cats stretching right across the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii •Between Mt Field & state. Cats have been spotted in that causes toxoplasmosis and is South-West National Parks remote areas of south west Tasmania known to induce abortion in sheep and • Ideal for families and to infect humans and wildlife species. groups. Toxoplasmosis can • Lovely log fires and com- cause central nervous fortable beds system and systemic • Delicious on-site meals at disease leading to Cockatoo Café death in bandicoots and other wildlife species. Phone: 03 6288 2293 Pet cats hunt, and your Fax: 03 6288 2166 cat, no natter how cute you may think it is, is Email: [email protected] no different to any URL: www.tvlodge.com other cat, even when fed on a regular basis. 10% Discount to This is because cats instinctively react to WILDCARE Members 12 feral cats. Unfortunately way it cannot breed with any other irresponsible owners often cats feral or domestic. Fit your cat dump unwanted domestic with a collar and two bells, one on cats or kittens in remote either side of the nametag so that areas, where they start new potential prey (birds) are warned of populations. Domestic cats the cats approach. Many cats continue that survive join the feral to hunt successfully with a single bell. population and may breed A second bell can reduce its chances with other feral cats if they of success. have not been desexed. Feral cats are not just a problem in The Hobart Cat Centre admits about the bush. Indeed, a greater 4,000 cats per year, 90% of which are density of feral cats occurs in humanely destroyed. It is best to take and around cities, towns and unwanted cats there than to dump rural settlements. This is them in the bush, where they will probably due to more stable either dye a slow and horrible death or and abundant food sources survive, increasing feral cats numbers being available in these areas. The unfortunately many of them grow and and decreasing populations of native presence of domestic cats may also thrive and continue to breed. animals attract feral cats to population centres. Produced by Bushcare Technical, If you own a cat keep it indoors at Female cats can breed before they are Nature Conservation Branch, dusk and at night, and well fed. This one year old. A healthy female DPIWE. produces two litters of kittens per way a cat’s home range (where it lives and hunts) may be reduced by up to For further information call Bushcare year, usually during spring and Technical on 03 6233 8322 or visit our 75%. This often results in a substantial summer, with an average of 4 kittens website where you can download a fact per litter. Some fall prey to birds of decrease in the number of native sheet on feral cats
Tasmanian Bettongs
Tasmanian Bettongs (Bettongia gaimardi) once roamed all of south eastern Australia but following European settlement their numbers declined drastically. Large scale land clearance and the introduction of exotic animals that are now feral, provides food and nesting areas, both from which they have removed the particularly foxes and cats, wiped essential if they are to thrive and fungi. Look out for the characteristic out all known mainland reproduce. Bettongs are pernickety diggings next time you are out in the populations. Today Tasmania is only eaters. Their main food source is made bush. This type of disturbance is place on earth you will find the up of subterranean fungi and these are beneficial to the bush and promotes Tasmanian Bettong so we have to hidden underground. Bettongs have a the growth of many small native make sure we retain suitable habitat keen sense of smell and use this to herbs, lilies and orchids. and keep foxes out, other wise the bettong, now uniquely Tasmanian, locate the underground food source, There is an interesting three way will be lost forever. and once located they dig around interaction between the fungi, the furiously and leave deep conical holes bettongs and the plants. Bettongs Bettongs are the second smallest ingest the fungi and in this way member of the Macropoidea group disperse them. Where ever they land living in Tasmania. Macropods are animals with big feet, the reference being made to their relatively large hind legs that help them get around. They have brown-grey fur above and are pale, almost white underneath. Their long tails usually have a distinctive white tip, and they use it to cart around sticks and litter for nest building. The type of habitat favoured by bettongs is generally eucalypt forest and woodland, with a complex understorey. This combination WILDTIMES December 2002 WILDTIMES 13 December 2002 they start to infect the roots of plants native fauna. in the area. These infected plants are The best way to maintain bettong Exciting summer better at taking up water and nutrients. populations is to protect existing projects in PWS So everyone benefits, the bettongs are bushland. Bettongs need bush with a SE District… fed, the plants healthier and the fungi complex understorey and also large A couple of potential projects have been spread around! trees, with which fungi have strong coming up in this District over the Bettongs do eat other foods as well. In associations. Bettongs make a nest next few months are: research done on bettong scats other under grass tussocks or in hollow logs 1.A heritage inventory of old farm foods found in their diet include tubers, so it is important not to tidy up the machinery and other artefacts at the fruit and leaves of plants, bush. Leave plenty of logs on the Woodvine Nature Reserve near invertebrates and acacia gum. These ground — and remember the useful Forcett. foods are an important secondary source old hollows were once new wood, so 2.A user survey of campers and of nutrition for bettongs, particularly make sure new wood is left there as other visitors at Lime Bay when fungi are not abundant. these are the hollows of the future. In camping area down on the some cases gorse may be providing Apart from the threat of reduced Tasman Peninsula over the habitat, domestic cats and dogs also the best habitat for the bettongs — it is summer period. prey on bettongs, and your cat or dog excellent shelter when there is no WILDCARE members interested in — no matter how cute it may be — is other bush around. So if you are doing being notified of these volunteer unfortunately no exception. some serious weed control, just ensure activities simply need to update that there is other habitat around that Cats are formidable hunters, they have their member record with the will provide protection for any native excellent eyesight, acute hearing and a following activities: General sharp sense of smell and show no animals in the area. Maintenance Assistance; Archival mercy when hunting. Dogs let loose Produced by Bushcare Technical, Research; or Preferred Reserves Nature Conservation Branch, during the day form packs and will Coal Mines/Lime Bay; Tasman DPIWE. hunt in nearby bushland. Always keep Peninsula; Woodvine NR. your cats and dogs under control and For further information call Bushcare Nicole Walsh indoors from dusk — this will reduce Technical on 03 6233 8322 or visit our PWS Planning Officer (SE District) the effects on local populations of website
Maatsuyker Awards Jill Thiele & David Abbot (former Maatsuyker Island caretakers) in conjunction with the WILDCARE and Parks & Wildlife Service For enquires and bookings organised the Maatsuyker Award Ceremony for volunteer caretakers Phone (03) 6248-5390 which was held in November 2002. The event had a very impressive turn Fax (03) 6248-5117 out (probably 60Ð80 people). Jill did a fine job with the displays at the Waterside Workers Pavilion next to Flights to Tasmania’s South West National Park Ð Constitution Dock in Hobart. World Heritage Area. The caretakers each received a green polar fleece top and a certificate of Award winning Par Avion can take you to this appreciation for their efforts from WILDCARE and Parks & Wildlife pristine and remote region allowing you the Service. opportunity to experience Tasmania’s inspiring The senior public service government representatives present could not have wilderness. failed to be impressed by the commitment to Maatsuyker Island Tours range from half to full day World Heritage that the volunteer caretakers have Flights to overnight camps as well as luxury cruis- towards the existing caretaker program. es aboard MV Southern Explorer. Jill & Dave also arranged to have Maatsuyker feature on the ABC news during the weather reports for 1995, 1996, 1997 the week the award ceremony was Tourism Award Winners. held on. Christian Bell Marine and Coastal Community 10% discount to WILDCARE members Network (Just quote membership number when making a booking.) 14
New Projects Funded
Stabilisation of Claytons Hut — Melaleuca The Hobart City Council are also providing minor Contact: Mark Bryce/Mark O’May sponsorship. It was agreed that commitment will only be made for the first project — future commitment can’t be Requested: $2,530.00 made. Accepted. Granted: $2,530.00 Details: Have previously been granted funding for plane Attendance at Celebrating Mountains Conference transport to plan implementation. This application is $30 over the limit. They now have a CARes group setup for Contact: Angie McGowan the area — good project. Approved the application as is. Requested: $500.00 Granted: $500.00 Interpretation Brochures — Tamar Island Wetlands Details: $500 requested for airfares to send Chris CARes Group Cooper to the Celebrating Mountains Conference, Contact: Dave Frelek/Julie Nermut Jindabyne in November. It was suggested that Chris take display material and for Chris to wear a WILDCARE Requested: $2,420.00 vest while at the conference. It was also agreed that Granted: $2,420.00 Chris will prepare a report to be published in Wildtimes Details: Design, produce and print 2000 full colour on his return. Accepted. brochures for the Tamar Island Wetlands Centre. Julie said the current brochure is really old and unreadable. Tarrameh School Landcare Group Andrew said it’s a good project but the brochure will need approval from the PWS Interps section. Contact: Kate Kaltenbach Recognition for WILDCARE on the brochure as well Requested: $2,240.00 should be included eg logo. Approved. Granted: $1,285.00 Details: As part of the funding arrangements, Tarremah Joey Care — Training on care of injured & orphaned School Landcare Group is required to be integrated with wildlife the larger CARes group connected with Peter Murrell Contact: NCB Branch DPIWE Reserve and equipment is to be available for use by volunteers working on this Reserve. Requesting funding Requested: $1,298.00 for purchase of tools for work in the Peter Murrell Granted: $1,298.00 Reserve. The funding submission was accepted subject to Details: Great project. People attending the course who the following conditions: are not WILDCARE members will be joined up as ¥The equipment is to be locked away. members. It will be a good chance to get NCB and ¥The equipment is the property of WILDCARE. WILDCARE working closer together. Approved. ¥The equipment is made available to other groups in the area for use. Aquarium Educational Displays — Tamar Island ¥The safety helmet and brushcutter requested are not Wetlands CARes Group granted. Contact: Ruth Mollison Requested: $455.00 Pelion Hut — Hut Warden Program (Out of Session) Granted: $455.00 Contact: Kathy Van Dulleman Details: The centre has borrowed 1 tank from the Requested: $2,500 QVMAG indefinitely and require fittings for that. Are in Granted: $2,500 need of another tank as well. Andrew said recognition for WILDCARE will be needed on the tank perhaps just Details: Extension to the annual Cradle Valley Hut a sticker. Andrew also said later on maybe get a plaque Wardens program at Waterfall Valley, to have additional done as well. Approved. volunteers at Pelion from mid December to mid March.
The WILDCARE Tasmania Nature Writer’s Prize Deal Island working bee (Out of Session) Contact: Peter Grant Contact: Stuart Dudgeon Requested: $5,000.00 Requested: $2,500 Granted: $5,000.00 Granted: $2,500 Details: Funding Submission is actually over the $2,500 Details: Friends of the Kent Group National Park limit but the project is biennial so is okay to support. Ten CARes group maintenance working bee on Deal Island Days on the Island will have copyright over the pieces. in December 2002. WILDTIMES December 2002 WILDTIMES 15 December 2002 What have we all been doing for the last 12 months?
WILDCARE Inc. volunteers work on year round, Coal Mines/Lime Bay CARes annual and/or working bee programs or projects. In inaugural meeting PWS 4/5/02 addition, around 40 individuals have also been WILDCARE Office — admin W 5/02 ‘authorised’ to assist individual departmental staff Archaeological Funding Support THO 9/5/02 members in the field and/or in the office. WHA Vegetation Mapping assistance NCB 29/5/02 Granville Harbour (4 Mile Beach) Year round programs adopted Hours $ value @ working bee PWS 7Ð9/6/02 $15/hr Threatened Sp. Epacris virgata Maatsuyker Is Caretakers Program 17,520 262,800 working bee — Trial Bay/Kettering NCB 23/6/02 Deal Is. Caretakers Program 17,520 262,800 Biannual Waterbird Count — Tamar Is. Visitor Centre Moulting Lagoon NCB 10/7/02 operations/staffing 5,824 87,360 Friends of Snake Island Adopt-a-Track (50 Track (D’Entrecasteaux Channel) NCB 20Ð21/7/02 Caretakers and 36 Tracks statewide) 3,000 45,000 Cheltenham Bush Landcare Caring for Injured & Group working bee 31/7/02 Orphaned Wildlife * 613,200 9,198,000 KarstCareÐMole Creek Kubla Khan WILDCARE Office admin 320 4,800 working bee PWS 18/7/02 WILDCARE Office special Injured & Orphaned Wildlife — assistance/mailouts 84 1,260 “Hospital” Bird Cage building NCB 7/02 TOTAL 747,548 9,860,420 Tasmanian Trail working bee — shelter erection at Ouse TT 19/10/02 * Represents 70 people, full time statewide caring for Tasmanian Trail working bee — animals 365 days of the year, 24 hours a day, which 100km of new trail with markers TT 23/11/02 would include other associated expenses such as foods, AAT Crescent Bay & Mt. Brown Track PWS12Ð13/10/02 travel, telephone and the building/purchasing of special AAT Dial Rd to Purton’s Flats animal accommodation. The figure of 70 people is a full (Penguin — Cradle Trail) PWS11 & 18/9/02 time equivalent figure that includes all the part time AAT Kermandie Track, Hartz Mtn PWS 17/9/02 carers. All figures err on the conservative side. Friends of Trevallyn Bushland working bee PWS 14/9/02; Annual programs adopted Hours $ value @ 19/9/02; $15/hr 9/11/02; Overland Track Wardens Program 7/12/02 — Waterfall Valley Hut 3,600 54,000 Orange Bellied Parrot Surveys Orange Bellied Parrot Recovery at Melaleuca & Birches Inlet NCB 18/10/02Ð Program @ Melaleuca 6,000 90,000 4/4/03 Orange Bellied Parrot Recovery Fox Taskforce Admin assistance PWS 10/02 Program @ Birches Inlet 6,000 90,000 KarstCare ÐMole Creek Kubla Khan TOTAL 15,600 234,000 track clearing & maintenance PWS 26/10/02 AAT Tulip Creek (Penguin — TOTAL 763,148 10,094,420 Cradle Trail) PWS 4Ð6/10/02 Note: All figures are based on the number of participants Maria Island working bee — X number of hours/day X number of days X $15/hour erosion control at Fossil Cliffs PWS26Ð27/10/02 (the nationally accepted value of volunteers/hour). Maria Island working bee — art gallery opening assistance PWS 23/11/02 AAT Kermandie Track Working Bees/Projects 2002 For Date(s) Hartz Mountain NP working bee PWS 15/10/02 & AAT Postman’s Track — 8/11/02 Rocky Cape NP PWS 10/2/02 Friends of Cradle Valley AAT Paddy’s Lake (part of General Meeting PWS 23/10/02 Penguin to Cradle Track) PWS 2Ð3/3/02 Threatened Sp. Epacris virgata Eddystone Point Annual Weedbusting PWS 9Ð10/3/02 working bee — Trial Bay/Kettering NCB 2/11/02 Mountain Festival 15Ð24/3/02 Devils Kitchen/Waterfall Bay Rice Grass Action Day — Port Sorell NCB 23/3/02 working bee PWS 8/12/02 SE Reserves Friendly Neighbours PWS 3/02 Note Seven Mile Beach office — data entry PWS 3/02 1. The figures for the working bee/projects have not WHA Zoologist — data entry NCB 3/02 been compiled at this time. Schouten Island Annual 2. Some of the projects are ongoing after the initial Gorse Gnashing (2002) PWS 13/3/02 call up. Beach Weed Watch Botanical Guardians NCB 10/4/02 16 Thankyou! WILDCARE wishes to thank the following sponsors for their support of the WILDCARE Fund Gold Sponsors ($10,000 plus) Category 2 sponsors ($5000–$9999) Environment Australia Category 3 sponsors ($1000–$4999) ¥ Malcolm Murchison ¥ Dept. Premier and Cabinet ¥ Brighton Council ¥ Lea Photography ¥ Resource Management & Conservation And the following WILDCARE member-discount sponsors Parks and Wildlife Service Ð $20 discount on Annual Park Pass Snowgum equipment Ð 10% discount Par Avion Wilderness Flights Ð 10% discount Eaglehawk Neck Backpackers Ð $2 discount per night Moonpads Ð 10% discount, Tyenna Valley Lodge Ð 10% discount The Possum Shed, Westerway Ð 10% discount on all gifts Eaglehawk Cafe — 10% discount (on meals over $20.00 excludes alcohol) (To claim your discount, simply present your WILDCARE member card.) We are looking for other sponsors, both for the WILDCARE Fund and as discounters. Know someone who you think might be interested? Why not have a chat to them and suggest they contact Andrew Smith at Community Partnerships Section for more details (Ph 6233 2836 — GPO Box 44 Hobart 7001).
Tasmanian Trail Guidebook Ð Tasmanian Trail This essential guide will give walkers, bicyclists and Fascinating snippets of information on the natural and horse riders all the information needed to travel all or cultural features you will discover along the trail are part of the unique Tasmanian Trail. liberally spread throughout the book. Detailed trail notes cover each stage of the journey, If you are contemplating a full traverse of the state or providing concise directions and information on just a day trip, this book is a must. access, campsites and facilities. Distances are given for Recommended Retail Price: $22.00. Order through the trips in either direction, while each stage is supple- WILDCARE Office, GPO Box 44 Hobart 7001. Please mented with detailed maps. make cheques payable to The Tasmanian Trail Association. Planning, safety and environmental issues are all thor- oughly covered. ISBN 9 318923 009651 Graphic Plus 1679 WILDTIMES December 2002