Namadgi views Caring for the Lower Molonglo NPA BULLETIN Volume 32 number 4 December 1995

CONTENTS Please note User pays and benefits 5 The office manager will be away from Len Haskew 1-23 February The office will be attended intermittently during that period. Glaciation in the 8 Bob Galloway Namadgi views 10 NPA Christmas Party Reg Alder Sunday 10 December Caring for the Lower Molonglo 14 3.00pm Orroral Valley Picnic Ground Clive Hurlstone Development and tourism 18 A botanical experience in Yunnan 19 Cover photo by Reg Alder Doreen Wilson Sunday briar cutters at Orroral

National Parks Association (ACT) Subscription rates (1 July to 30 June) Household members $25 Single members $20 Incorporated Corporate members $15 Bulletin only $15 Inaugurated 1960 Concession $10 For new subscriptions joining between:" Aims and objectives of the Association 1 January and 31 March—half specified rate • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the pro­ 1 April and 30 June—annual subscription tection of fauna and flora, scenery, natural features and Membership inquiries welcome cultural heritage in the Australian Capital Territory and elsewhere, and the reservation of specific areas. Please phone the NPA office. • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation areas. The NPA (ACT) office is located in Maclaurin Cres, • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment Chifley. Office hours are: of, such natural phenomena and cultural heritage by or­ 10am to 2pm Mondays ganised field outings, meetings or any other means. 9am to 2pra Tuesdays and Thursdays • Cooperation with organisations and persons having simi­ Telephone/Fax: (06) 282 5813 lar interests and objectives. Address: PO Box 1940, Woden ACT 2606 • Promotion of, and education for, conservation, and the plan­ ning of landuse to achieve conservation. Contribute to your Bulletin Contributions of articles (news, descriptions or fiction), Office-bearers and committee black-and-white photographs and line drawings are President Eleanor Stodart 281 5004(h) keenly sought for the Bulletin. Please label photographs Vice-president Clive Hurlstone 288 7592(h); with the name of the subject, the name of the 246 5516(w) photographer and the date. Leave contributions at the Immediate office or phone the editor, Roger Green, on (06) 247 0059. past president Beverley Hammond 288 6577(h) The editorial fax is (06) 249 7373. Secretary Max Lawrence 288 1370(h); 272 2032(w) Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect Association opinion or objectives. Treasurer Mike Smith 286 2984(h); 248 3624(w) Deadline for March issue: 1 February 1996. Committee NPA Bulletin is produced by Green Words for the Len Haskew 281 4268(h); fax 281 4257 National Parks Association (ACT) Incorporated. The Stephen Johnston 254 3738(h); 264 2100(w) NPA Bulletin was produced with the assistance of funds 264 2364 (fax) made available by the ACT Government under the Phil Bubb 248 6769(h); 275 8028(w) 1994-95 ACT Heritage Grants Program. Steven Forst 2516817(h); 279 1326(w) David Large 291 4830(h) Printed on recycled paper by Koomarri Printers, Colin McAlister 288 4171(h) Belconnen, ACT. ISSN 0727-8837 President's report 1994-95

This has been a challenging year for we welcome Ray Polglaze to the forward the need for adequate NPAbut fortunately it has not been position. He brings experience resources to be allocated to the beyond the resources of members. working for the conservation of area's rehabilitation The first problem was the lack of Perth wetlands and much • a statement on the future an elected president. As the second enthusiasm, and we look forward to development of Tidbinbilla acting president, however, I can working with him. Nature Reserve testify to the effective networking The general committee and the • a submission to the Legislative and commitment of our members. subcommittees on Namadgi and the Assembly Standing Committee on Many do not have the time to serve environment have met monthly Economic Development and on committees, or need a break from throughout the year. Len Haskew as Tourism emphasising the need for doing so, but whenever necessary, secretary has recorded minutes, conservation to be paramount in people have come forward to make arranged speakers for meetings and national parks. sure that we have continued to work provided support at other times. All these reports were prepared by to our objectives. Clive Hurlstone Treasurer Mike Smith has managed Nicki Taws in consultation with the acted as president until March the accounts with assurance. Environment Subcommittee. when he took on the position of vice- Stephen Johnston has convened the president, and I, the elected vice- Environment Subcommittee and Members also made progress president, stepped into the Steven Forst the Namadgi constructing boardwalks in president's position. Subcommittee, both giving time well Namadgi under the direction of park rangers. The boardwalks cover We have had other changes beyond that demanded by the swampy ground on the track during the year. Charmian meetings themselves. Phil Bubb has between Orroral camping ground Crimmins, who ruled our little roost organised the outings program so and the space tracking station site. at Chifley, resigned as office that once again members can go Less tangible achievements manager to take up full-time work, walking, canoeing, or skiing with include meeting with ACT but we were fortunate to engage the Association nearly every politicians Gary Humphries, Lucy another excellent manager, weekend if they wish. Horodny, Michael Moore and Paul Maureen .Blackmore, and the The more tangible achievements Osborne, to put our view that the changeover went very smoothly. of the year have been: present management of Namadgi And now the year has ended with • the report on the rehabilitation of has been sensitive to the a change of research officer. We the Boboyan pine plantation, conservation of the area, and that thank Nicki Taws for her valuable prepared in anticipation of developments in national parks work over the past 18 months and harvesting of the pines, to put must be consistent with the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. These visits were prompted by the government's A word from the president proposal to let the management of In the ACTEW Environment Management Plan launched last Namadgi to interests outside the September it was refreshing to read that 'ACTEW recognises that we ACT as well as by the push for need to move towards more sustainable development and use of ecotourism developments which resources' rather than the more frequent glib promise to maintain may compromise wilderness sustainable development, for it shows a recognition that a sustainable qualities. Previously committee use of resources is something that will not come simply and easily. members had accompanied Bill It is fairly obvious that water supplies need long-term planning and Wood on a walk along the Yerrabi are of value to the community. The management structure of a national Track. Committee members also park also requires long-term planning and is of value to the community, met with Linda Webb, Director of for different managements will almost inevitably have different effects ACT Parks and Conservation, and in the longer term. Conservation in national parks requires a very long- we plan to continue liaison with the term view. NPA's main project at the moment is to look at the kind of department. NPA was also management that will best conserve the natural and cultural features represented at two workshops run of Namadgi National Park so that we can take a proactive rather than by Parks and Conservation, one on reactive role in assessing any changes that may be proposed. a strategy for weed control and the other on the management of Eleanor Stodart Tidbinbilla, and we expect to

continued overleaf President's report pine report. We continue to benefit continued from previous page from Alastair Morrison's generous Bush-walking grant towards the cost of printing comment on draft plans which will the Bird Book as funds come in from result from the workshops. the sale of the book. food The Bulletin continued to be of a Monthly general meetings have high standard and was again I am conducting a study of the food been held in the Griffin Centre where produced by Green Words. The customs and traditions of bush- members have had the opportunity Bulletin published articles on walkers. The aim is to document the to listen to a variety of environment- natural and cultural heritage in the types of food and meals that walkers related talks, from the importance of ACT as well as a broad range of prepare and take with them, and the the ACTs remnant native grasslands changes that may have taken place other items of environmental to trips by members. over the years. interest. NPA (ACT) has maintained links Funding for all this activity has With this issue you will find a with the ACT Conservation Con­ come from several government 'Bush-walking Food' survey sheet. sultative Committee, the Conserva­ grants as well as subscriptions, Please take the time to complete and tion Council of the South-East Re­ return it to me. It will help the donations and voluntary effort. We gion and Canberra, the Landcare project greatly to get as many received a grant from the federal subcommittee, the Heritage Week replies as possible. I am interested government's Grants to Voluntary committee, and the Australian Na­ in your experiences, whether you Conservation Organisations tional Parks Council. We have also are an occasional day walker or very towards our administration, had public displays on Canberra experienced expeditioner. enabling the office to continue its Day, World Environment Day and function as a very important base Feel free to photocopy the survey in public libraries. from which voluntary committee and distribute it amongst your bush- I would like to conclude by thank­ walking friends, bush-walking and members can achieve something ing all members who have ensured mountaineering club members, towards conserving the environ­ the Association continued to func­ scout and guide groups and school ment. We also received grants from tion, from the regular providing of classes. Alternatively, you can easily the ACT Heritage and Environment supper at general meetings to the obtain further copies of the survey Grants Programs. They went floating of ideas on how we can best by writing to me at the address towards the production of the work towards our aims. The many below. Bulletin and the publication of individual contributions make the articles on heritage, and the I am the current secretary of the Association what it is. Australian Folklore Association, a preparation of reports on the life member of The Wilderness environment such as the Boboyan Eleanor Stodart Society and a bush-walker myself. I have been researching and writing on aspects of Australian folkhfe over A 'solution' to the Coree conundrum many years. Twenty years ago I worked for the Australian Outward Bound School A report on the results of this (based at Tharwa). The school ran 26-day courses for students aged study will be submitted to this 17 to 30. Part of this course was based at Mt Coree and one of the magazine once the project is activities was a solo experience. During solo, students would spend three completed. days and nights alone at a designated spot in the bush. Thank you for your help! Please Students were given plastic sheeting to construct a shelter, survival return completed survey sheets (or food and water. They were asked not to move more than 50 feet from make further inquiries) to: Mark their designated spot. Some students spent considerable time Moravec, Folklore Project, 104 constructing their shelters and did not remove the rocks when they left, Howitt St, Ballarat, Victoria 3350. leaving behind the arrangements described by Reg Alder in the last Mark Moravec NPA Bulletin. The cairns along the ridge top may have been placed so that the instructor doing the daily check of the students would be able to locate them all. Up to 50 students would be put out on solo at the same time—along Correction the north-east and south-west ridges of Coree and along the border ridge In the September issue of the line south to Piccadilly Circus. Over a season (November-March), Bulletin, the heading on page 4 300—400 students might be placed on solo in the Coree area, so I would should have been 'Fiona not be surprised if more of these stone arrangements are found. MacDonald Brand OAM'. We regret the error. Irish Macdonald, Ranger, Namadgi National Park User pays and benefits On 15 October Mike Smith led an camping facilities, certainly justify there the party walked, rock- NPA outing to Bungonia Gorge in charging entrance (or, in this hopped and scrambled up the creek the Bungonia State Recreation particular case, exit) fees. through the gorge. This section Area. Mike chose to combine a couple of featured grassy camping areas Bungonia SRA is the largest of its the area's tracks to make a very beside Bungonia Creek. They are kind in NSW and caters for a variety interesting (and a little challenging) obviously very popular as firewood of activities such as caving, circular walk through the is non-existent. Anyone considering climbing, canyoneering and spectacular Bungonia Gorge. The camping here would be well advised canoeing as well as walking. I would walk commenced by following the to bring their fuel stove. A little imagine that the area also attracts Mount Ayre track or white walk further up the creek we others interested in more passed huge boulders passive activities such as bird- that have fallen into the watching, studying flowers and creek as a result of the photography. quarry's activities and, For as long as I've been indeed, there are several visiting the area it has been a ominous sign boards that 'user pays'facility. Visitors can tell of the warning signals freely enter through a boom that are given on gate but can only leave through weekdays when blasting another boom gate that has to is in progress. The gorge be fed with an appropriate itself is literally littered' token. with boulders (I don't When we arrived for Mike's know if they occur walk, the fruits of 50 000 or so naturally or whether they visits per year were to be are the fruits of previous plainly seen. Well-defined and quarryings) which cert­ sympathetically sited car parks ainly slow progress. The have been constructed near the last time I was there was popular lookouts, making a decade or so ago and at things much easier for both the time I thought they motorists and pedestrians. The approximated suburban lookouts too have been houses in size—this time, upgraded and now look like though, they resembled giant diving towers suspended small blocks of home above the gorges. They give units! After passing over uninterrupted views of the and through (but seldom chasms and creeks and the around) the boulders, the Shoalhaven (and, unfortunately, the ugly floor of the gorge is limestone quarry at South reasonably flat and there M ami an). The larger car park is time to look around and also has ample toilet facilities. marvel at the high walls Walking tracks have been and wonder how the rock extensively upgraded with NPA members walking through Bungonia Gorge. climbers cope with them. prominent signs at the Photo by Len Haskew. Mike chose to leave the beginning of tracks and junctions. gorge when the party The 'tourist' routes to the more passing slightly to the east of Mount reached Efflux Creek and this popular viewing areas have been Ayre. This part of the walk afforded reasonably steep climb led us back well paved and although this looks fine views of the to the Lookdown car park. a little incongruous I suppose it and at one point it was possible to All in all it was a most enjoyable helps eliminate erosion and also see one of the old chimneys that walk enhanced somewhat by seeing keeps viewers on the track. These mark the former Tolwong Mine site. our park-use fees being put to such improvements, coupled with the Mike left this track to lead us down worthwhile use. already existing comfortable to the junction of Bungonia Creek Len Haskew and the Shoalhaven River and from Oral history Matthew Higgins has recently completed two oral history projects which will be of interest to many members. Remembering Tidbinbilla is the title of the report on the 1995 Tidbinbilla Oral History Project. The report consists of summaries of interviews with families who lived in the Tidbinbilla area before the nature reserve was established and it looks at a range of themes in the history of the district. Also interviewed was the first manager of the nature reserve. The report is illustrated with 60 photographs taken by interviewees. Copies of the report can be obtained from the Tidbinbilla Pioneers Association ($19 plus postage) by contacting Claire Lewis at 1 Dakin Place, Hackett ACT 2602. Hopefully copies will also be available in Canberra libraries in due course. The original tapes are held by the ACT Heritage Section at Tuggeranong. The project was funded by the ACT government's Heritage Grants Program. The second report is Bulls Head and the Arboreta. This is the outcome of a series of oral history interviews looking at two major themes in the forestry history of the Brindabellas: the story of the Bulls Head logging and bushfire prevention settlement and the history of the trial plots of conifers and other exotics planted on the range and elsewhere from the 1920s to the 1960s. The report consists of full transcripts of the interviews and was supported by the National Estate Grants Program. From January 1996 it will be available from the National Trust (ACT) office in Light Street, Griffith ACT, phone 239 5222.

A wintry view of loggers' quarters at Bulls Head, 1950s. Photo from Murray Colless collection.

Raptors in the ACT

Jerry Olsen was guest" speaker at pointed out. Jerry also mentioned nests that are some years old but the October general meeting. Jerry's that our own Field Guide to the prefer sites that are relatively association with birds of prey began Birds of the ACT was an excellent 'warm'. Jerry also acts as a about 25 years ago. He is presently publication for the purposes of consultant regarding the siting of a member of the Applied Ecology identification. tracks in urban bushland—raptors Research group at the University of Part of Jerry's research involves tend to abandon their nests if there Canberra and he is also well known studying nesting sites and nesting is too much human activity nearby. for his work on the rehabilitation of habits and he told stories of falcons Jerry's enthusiasm was certainly orphaned or injured raptors. that tried time and time again to transferred to his audience—many Jerry began his presentation by nest on the ledges of office blocks of us will be out and about with pointing out the large number of only to have the eggs washed away binoculars and Field Guide trying to raptor species that live and nest in in rainstorms and of others which become more familiar with these or near suburban Canberra. Each don't bother to build their own nests fascinating birds. species was shown to the meeting but use abandoned nests. These Len Haskew on slides and some of the points that birds, Jerry says, are quite can confuse identification were particular in that they won't use A visit to Queanbeyan conservation sites

About 20 members of the NPA and the Leptospermum obovatum, and the intensive management will be Monaro Conservation Society visited river provides habitat for native ani­ required to ensure the future two important conservation sites on mals mcluding platypus. An interest­ integrity of the proposed reserve, the outskirts of Queanbeyan on ing feature was the dense regrowth which has the potential to become Sunday 17 September. of Acacia, mearnsii that has developed an important natural asset for The tour was led by Tom Baker, since bushfires swept through the Queanbeyan and the district. former secretary of the Conserva­ area in 1985. After lunch a number of people tion Society, who was recently The second walk was to the Gale visited a revegetation project on the elected to the Queanbeyan City precinct further downstream. This (which has Council. area has been the subject of a provided work for long-term The first walk was from controversial housing development unemployed young people), the old "Wickerslack Lane through leasehold plan. The issue was resolved by the railway bridge, and the cemetery and Commonwealth land to the Queanbeyan City Council recently where the graves of the pioneering Queanbeyan River gorge, down­ with about 35 per cent to be set McKeahnie family were of stream from the wall of the Googong aside for housing and the rest for a particular interest. reserve. The area has unfortunately Dam. While there has been some Stephen Johnston infestation of willows and noxious suffered from years of uncontrolled weeds along the river banks, this sec­ use by trail bikes, four-wheel drives, tion of the river still has quite a wild firewood collectors and the like. But appearance, in stark contrast to the it still retains some valuable burgeoning suburban development bushland, a spectacular limestone nearby of one of the fastest growing outcrop, caves, and the remains of cities in NSW. Anumber of significant two lime kilns which operated native plant species grow on the rocky during the 1920s. However it is banks, mcluding Hakea microcarpa, rapidly deteriorating through lack Melaleuca parvistaminea and of protective fencing. Sensitive,

NPA and Monaro Conservation Society members visit sites near Queanbeyan. Photo by Reg Alder. Glaciation in the Snowy Mountains

(The following is the text of Bob 'permanent snowline'. At present, Cootapatamba and Club Lakes and Galloway's address to the October the equilibrium line is in the Hedley Tarn. Most of the moraines general meeting.) atmosphere more than a kilometre form double arcs indicating two separate stages in the glacial story, Most people know there was a time above the summits of the Snowy but the degree of post-glacial when great ice sheets, similar to Mountains, but around 20 000 years weathering and erosion of the two those in Antarctica today, existed in ago, in response to worldwide arcs is very similar, so they must the northern hemisphere. Modern climatic changes, it was low enough have been closely spaced in time. glaciers in the mountains of New to just intersect the highest part of Associated with some of the cirques Zealand, the Andes of South the range and cause the are ice-scratched rocks. America and elsewhere were then development of small glaciers. The glaciers last existed around much larger, and there were also The Snowy Mountains form a 20 000 years ago, and by 15 000 glaciers in lower mountain ranges rolling plateau that falls steeply on years ago the ice had disappeared. that are now ice-free. Actually, the the west and more gently on the We know these approximate ages, growth and decline of glaciers and east. The highest summits (the partly by radio-carbon dating of ice sheets was only one result of a 'Main Range') are on the western organic material that accumulated stupendous series of climatic edge of this plateau, and these used in one of the cirques after the ice changes which affected the entire to act like a snow fence to catch snow disappeared, and partly by analogy planet just yesterday, in geological coming from the west. The snow with glacial histories elsewhere. We terms. Such effects included piled up on the lee of this ridge and cannot know when the glaciers first lowering of the sea level by 100 that is where the glaciers formed. started to form in the Snowy metres or more and changes in Elsewhere on the mountains Mountains but there is no definite rainfall, evaporation and vegetation snowfall was insufficient or evidence there for earlier glacial over vast areas. summers were just too warm for episodes during the last couple of In the Snowy Mountains, the permanent snowfields and glaciers million years. This is in strong climatic changes can be seen from to develop. contrast to more heavily glaciated the clear traces of former glaciers. When glaciers form in mountains parts of the world, including More extensive evidence exists in they tend to be located in hollows Tasmania, where there is abundant Tasmania. and valley-heads. Initially, the evidence for several earlier glacial Put simply, glaciers can form cirques are just small depressions episodes, sometimes larger than the wherever snowfall exceeds melting. in which permanent snow patches most recent one. Evidence for more As one climbs a mountain or moves accumulate. The patches thicken extensive previous glaciation in the from warmer to colder latitudes, the and turn into ice which gradually Snowies put forward by earlier ratio of snowfall to melting increases creeps down the slope and researchers has not stood up to until eventually snow patches eventually carves armchair-shaped critical examination. It remains survive from one winter to the next hollows, known as 'cirques'—or possible that future work may and glaciers can begin to develop. 'cwms' or 'corries' if you are Welsh uncover such evidence, although The line (really a zone) where or Scottish. If there is sufficient ice, finding clues gets steadily harder as snowfall equals melting is called the moving sufficiently rapidly, and if the vegetation recovers from the 'equilibrium line', or sometimes the the rocks are suitable, glaciers can carve out rock basins. Some of the grazing era and obscures evidence debris produced by the erosion is such as rocks ('erratics') possibly dropped at the lower margins of the transported by moving ice. Tenders invited ice to form arcuate ridges known as When the glaciers existed, average moraines, but much is carried away annual temperatures were between NPA has updated its office computer by melt-water streams issuing from 5 and 10 degrees Celsius lower than and is now calling for tenders from now and colder conditions affected people interested in the previous the ice. computer and printer. In the Snowy Mountains, not only the mountains but also 13 cirques have been recognised. much of the continent, with drastic 286 IBM-compatible PC effects on vegetation and landform 40 megabyte drive Most of them are weakly developed, processes. In the mountains, 4 megabyte memory but Blue Lake cirque is a true rock dot matrix printer—Epsom LQ-550 basin, eroded in granite where two vegetation was very scanty and bare ice masses converged. In places, the ground was subject to severe Tenders in writing will be accepted moraines have acted as dams freezing. It is even possible that the until 31 January 1996. retaining the shallow Albina, highest areas, where not covered by ice, experienced 'permafrost'— permanently frozen ground such as The bush-walker detectives exists in the Arctic today. Under such cold conditions, rocks split and A party of 10 Sydney bush-walkers numbered and had nowhere to run. the debris crept down slopes, set off down Meryla Pass on what An inspection of their gear found an smoothing their profile but forming was intended to be an easy walk to identical cigarette lighter. little steps in detail. Very minor Lake Yarrunga. With the camp-site The parents duly arrived to collect versions of these phenomena still part of the way down the track, the their wayward offspring. The occur on bare areas in the walk continued without packs. difference in responses on being told mountains. At about 11am the packs were left what had occurred was marked. One The lower temperatures resulted off the fire trail at a track junction. wonders how the parents could have in a much lower treeline. We do not Later, after lunch on the return accepted their explanations as to know how low it was in this area, journey, four teenagers accompanied how they acquired four packs full of but possibly it was as low as the site by two dogs were encountered. One gear and food. of Canberra—about 1200 meters had a machete and a comment was At 3pm all of the party crowded below its present level. made that they had come down into the Bowral police station to tie Many lakes in dry countries like through the bush. The matter of up the three available police and have no outlet and their dogs being prohibited in national everybody else for two hours. level rises and falls with changes in parks and other general matters It would appear that the dogs, the ratio of precipitation to were discussed, including the time presumably sensing food, drew evaporation. Lake George is an they were to be picked up by their attention to the cache of packs. As example, and when the climate was parents the next day. the culprits would have had to carry much colder it was much bigger and Returning to the junction, the two packs each to their cars, deeper and overflowed to the west walkers went in search of their perhaps it was their intention to at Geary's Gap, even though the packs to find four of the ten were rifle the packs and exchange their rainfall was probably less than now. missing, clearly stolen. The party equipment with that which might Winds were probably stronger and split into small groups to search the have been better quality and then could blow sand up out of the river area for the packs and for signs of just discard the rest. beds—one example can still be found other people while two raced back (Adapted from an article and club on Mt Pleasant overlooking the to the top of the pass to check the meeting report in The Sydney Bush- Military College. cars. A freshly disturbed Walker of September 1995.) As the climate ameliorated after embankment some 500 metres down Reg Alder the glacial time, the treeline the lake track was investigated and, gradually rose and warmth-loving by following this indication of entry, plants reinvaded the mountains. We three of the four lost packs were can trace this invasion from pollen found. The lightest one was missing; New members as at in the mud at the bottom of Blue in one of the three a cigarette lighter 6 November 1995 Lake and Club Lake. By around was found wrapped in the cover of Simon Middleton Campbell 7000 years ago the climate was at the missing pack. Chesley Engram and least as warm as it is today and the It seemed obvious that the four Margaret Innes Watson ice had all gone. teenagers were possibly the culprits, Mary The glacial traces in the Snowy and a plan to apprehend them was and Maurice Sexton Duffy Mountains, small though they are, made. Mirek Zak Uni of Canberra provide valuable clues to the Knowing that they would come Gregory Gardiner Banks dramatic changes that affected the back before 11am in time to meet Ron Chesham Mitchell Debra Cazalet entire world over the last couple of their parents, the walkers replaced Downer Simon Munslow Kaleen million years. The present landscape the stolen packs and took up Marjorie (Bonnie) Fox Ridgeway, and vegetation are, in geological strategic positions with a camera Queanbeyan terms, both recent and transient. cocked at the ready to take photos. Mike Morriss This raises problems for a The dogs sensed that the walkers and Margaret Cole Bungendore conservation ethic that seeks to were hiding behind the trees but, Tom Conners Lyneham preserve the natural landscape we before their positions were given Ian, Joanna, Michael see today. away, a shout to stop set the and Kathryn Hufton Yarralumla Simon Josey O'Connor Bob Galloway teenagers running. One dropped the light pack on the way. A call that Sonja Weinberg and Ian Mason Macquarie others were up the track caused all to stop, since they were out­ NAMADGI Namadgi views

Above left The Alpine Track and the Cypress Pine Walk followed a common route from the Namadgi Visitor Centre until they reached this waterfall. For safety reasons the Alpine Track has now been re-routed. If walkers should venture onto the granite top of this waterfall, especially in wet weather, extreme caution should be taken to keep back from the exposed granite surfaces.

Above right A slight error of judgement. Words cannot describe the pain, hunger and thirst, being prey to every flesh-eating animal, bird or insect, or the lingering death. Kangaroos follow set routes to new pastures and shelter, using open Above . gates or forcing their way under fences. Where kangaroo The re-routed Alpine Track now passes over the creek from paths are obvious, panels of internal fences should be MtTennent a short distance down from the original waterfall removed or lower wires cut on boundary fences to avoid crossing. From this point the track climbs easily to rejoin repetition of these cruel deaths, the original route. Except in times of flash-flooding, the creek can be crossed safely. The Cypress Pine Walk continues The description of the thirdsection of theAlpine Track straight on by itsoriginal route from theAlpine Track marker, will appear in the next issue of the Bulletin. 27 Dec-1 Jan Holiday Pack Walk 1/D/E/F 3 February Saturday Walk 2/A/B ^Ettrema and Leyden Creeks, Tidbinbilla Mountain ^porton National Park Ref: Touga, Yalwal, Burrter ^BOO Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Ref: Tidbinbilla 1:25000 Outings program Leader: Pat and Eric Pickering Phone 286 2m (h) Leader: Max Lawrence Phone 272 2032(w) 288 1370 (h) Joint FBI/rJpA walk. Contact leaders as soon as possible for Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.30 am. Walk along the fire December to March 1996 bookings and'details. Six days in this interesting and remote area. trail in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve to Fishing Gap, and then up the Rock scrambling, swimming, and magnificent views. Could track to the summit of Mt Domain, a total climb of about 675 establish a base camp near a beautiful pool which could provide a metres. Great views over the nature reserve and also over the relaxed option for some while olhers adventure. Distance 320km S Cotter Valley to the Brindabellas. Return may be by the same per car. route, or cross country, depending on how we feel. Distance 60km $12 per car. 7 January Sunday Walk 1/B/C/D Grassy and Sheep Station Creeks I Namadgi National Ref: Yaouk, 1:250(10 9-11 February Weekend Pack Walk 2/A/D/F Leader: Stephen Johnston Phone 254 3738 (h) Gungarlin and Burrunguhuggc Contact leader for booking and inquiries. A long but very Kosciusko National Park interesting walk through the former grazing leases of southern- Ref: Berrldale,Eucumbene, Kosciusko 1:50000 ACT past old huts, fences and yards. The walk concludes with a Leader: Mick Kelly Phone 241 2330 (h) Contact leader by the Wednesday of the previous week for details. 300m climb and descent over Boboyan and Pheasant hills. 140km It is planned to leave Canberra on Friday afternoon. Mainly on fire drive $28 per car. trails and tracks but trackless between Teddys Creek and Kidmans Hut. A circular walk including the lower , 13 January Saturday Walk 2/A/D Kidmans Hut and the . Return to Canberra on Mount Glngera, "the easy way" Sunday evening or stay over to Monday for die Kosciusko-Blue Namadgi National Park Ref: Corin Dam 1:25000 Lake-Charlottes Pass circuit. Distance 400km $80 per car. Leader: Mick Kelly Phone 241 2330(h) Meet at the corner of Eucumbenc Drive and Cotter Road at 8.30am. 10-11 February Weekend Pack Walk 1/A Outings guide A 13km return walk from Mt Ginini carpark via Pryors Hut and Mt Goodradlgbee River Idyll Gingera. Suitable for beginners. Road to Mt Ginini is a narrow Near Wee Jasper Ref: Brindabella or ACT special 1:100000 Day walks carry lunch, drinks and protective clothing. Leader: Fiona Brand Phone 247 9538 (h) Pack walks two or more days, carry all food and camping and gravel. The climb from the hut to Mt Gingera is about 200m. requirements. CONTACT LEADER BY Distance 120km $24 per car. Contact the leader by Wednesday for details. A short walk to a WEDNESDAY. campsite with ample opportunities for swimming, picking Car camps facilities often limited or non-existent. 21 January Sunday Walk 2/E blackberries, or contemplation. Drive about 180km $36 per car. Vehicles taken to site can be used for Glgerline Gorge camping. BOOK EARLY WITH LEADER. Ref: WlUiamsdale 1:25000 10 February Saturday Walk 2/A/C/D Naas River Gorge Other activities include canoe trips, nature and history Leader: Stephen Johnston Phone 254 3738 (h) rambles, environmental and field guide studies and ski Contact leader for bookings and inquiries. A good walk for a hot Namadgi National Park Ref: Orllnton 1:25000 tours. day - follow the Murrumbidgee upstream from Cuppacumbalong to Leader: Jack Smart Phone 248 8171 (h) Angle Crossing with possible side trip up Guises Creek and Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.30am. Leave cars at Shanahans optional swimming. 50km drive - $10 per car. Mountain car park and descend to Shanahans Falls Creek, Walks gradings following it downstream to its with Naas Creek. Lunch Distance grading (per day) 30 January-4 February Pack Walk Day 1: 3/A on cliff looking up one gorge and down another. Some steep terrain 1 —up to 10 km Namadgi's Elusive Peaks • Days2-6: 1/A/D/E and some scrub, as well as open level walking. Distance 110km 2 —10 km to 15 km $22 per car. 3 —15 km to 20 km Ref: Rendezvous Creek, Yaouk 1:25000 Leader: Graham Scully Phone 230 3352 (h) 4 — above 20 km Contact the leader at least a week before (he walk, preferably 24 February Saturday Walk 2/A/C/E Terrain grading earlier. An opportunity to spend time climbing and sitting on top of Tolwong Mine near Bungonia A — Road, firetrail, track the summits of, Mt Gudgenby, Mt Kelly, Mt Sentry Box and Morton National Park Ref: Caoura 1:25000 B — Open forest others. The walk is a combination of easy and moderately hard Leader: Mike Smith Phone 248 3624(w) 286 2984(h) C — Light scrub D — Patches of thick scrub, regrowth walking and scrambling with plenty of time for rest, recuperation Meet at Southwell Park and corner of Northbourne Avenue at 8am. E — Rock scrambling and socialising. View stone arrangements on some peaks. Descend to the Shoalhaven River by the old flying fox trail. Wade F — Exploratory Participants need to be of average fitness. A food drop will help to across river to old mine workings. Return by different route to the keep packs light. 150km drive $30 per car. entrance of Bungonia SRA. 500m descent/ascent. Small car shuffle. 250kn $50 per car. 2 I/S/C/U March Saturday Walk Contact leader bv Drevlow Wedncsdav tor delalls. x waM m me rulrrla ru rlurr:- ~ - Glhraltar Creek HUls anal $&k along Diamond ?reek which has several 5 PIe?se SnPPOrt the 0utiflgS program by vo~unleerin~to lead Namadgl National Park Ref: Tldblnbilla 1:25000 Thk walk inlad horn M~~~~~ in Leader: Stephen Johnston Phone 254 3738 (h) theatcoed adjacent logging, Probable Friday stay a outmgs. New leaders are welcome. The greatest demand is Contact leader for bookings and inquiries. A short but fairly sharp holiday hoUL 00 the coast to ensure an early start. APP,,,X 500 for gentle day walk. The outings convenor is happy to walk hom Gibraltar Falls across the three rocky hius that form the drive $100 per car. suggest locations suitable for a walk if you do not have northern boundary of the Booroomba property tbougb some somethine in mind vourself. Feel free to send in sueeestions interesting forest, including the only known stand of Silver-top Ash 30-31 March Work Park for outin& to the association's office as soon as yo;fhinkof them. in the ACT. Total climb about 600m.60h drive $12 per car. -~~pNamadel~~n-~ National~~~ .Park Leader: Len Haskew Phone 281 4268 (h) 9 March Saturday Walk 2/CD Contact Len by Wednesday to express your interest and find out persons joining an outing of the National Park 'The Bog' what is to done, This is an opportuoity for members to Association of the ACr do so as volunteers in all respects Namadgl National Park ReE , Collntoo 1:25000 how much value Namadgi National Park by and as such accept sole responsibility for any injury however imud. The National Parks Association of the ACT, its Leader: Max Lawrence Phene2722032(w) doing their bit 1,) help maintain and improve it. ~~~~~d day Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.30 am. the walk commences at or both. otIice bearers and appointed leaders are absolved from any the cnd of the bitumen at Gudgenby, crosses Dry Creek and climbs liability in respect of injury or damage suffered while up over the Booth Range to an interesting hsthollow known as 5-8 Anril Easter Pack Walk 2ID/l?IF engaged in any such outing . - -~ -- ~~~ 'The Bog' high on the eastern side. This is the site of an old stock Belowra and Yuwrie camp, and features a hut (now collapsed) and fencing for what was WadhiUiga Natiunal Park Rep Belewra, Yuwrle 1:25000 The committee suggests a donation of TWENTY cents per probably once a hone paddock. The walk is entirely off back, bas Leaders: Pat and Eric Pickering Phone: 286 2128(h) kilometre DIVIDED BY THE NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS a total climb of around 8Wm and has some patches of fairly dense Joint FBI/NPA walk. Contact leaders before January 20 for details. in the car, including the driver, (to the nearest dollar) be wanlc to get lhrough. 100kms $20 per car. A four day adventure in the remotc Wadbilliga National Park. We offered to the driver by each passenger accepting transport. intend tu climb Belowra and Barren Jumbo Mountains. Wc saw Drive and walk distances quoted in the program are 15-18 March Pack Walk l/D/E/F these peaks from Jillicambra Mountain on the October '94 walk. approximate distances for return journeys. Budawang Range We shall also cxnlore thc Wadhillira River. either Oueens Puund Ref: CMW The Northern Budawang Range River or Lake Creek and one -of the nearby ridges. Rock Leaders: Pat and Erlc Pickering Phune 286 2128(h) scrambling, rock hopping, steep climbs, swimming if warm Joint FBIINPA walk. Contact leaders by 8 March for bookings and enough. Approx 375 km $75 per car. details. A four day circuit from Newhavcn Gap taking in Folly Point, Dmi Head, Monolith Valley, Mt Taro, Pagoda Rocks, etc. 28 April Sunday llcrihge Month Drlvc Somc tack walking. some thick snub and rock scrambling, Blue Range area magnificent views. Numbers limited. Abou075km $75 per car. Leader: Dureen Wllson Phone: 288 5215 Meet at Eucumbene Drivc and Coner Road at 8.30am. An ray 16 March Saturday Walk 1/A walk from Blue Rangc Hut to the site of Sherwood Homestead. An Murrumbldgee Rlver - Casuarlna Sands area of historical significance and autumn colour. Walking on Murrumbldgee Rlver Corrldnr ReE Tuggerannng 1:25000 backs with some steps to climb. Take lunch or a drink. 60km drive Leader: Gary Schneider Phone 254 9801(h) $12 per car. Meet at Casuarina Sands at 9am. Bring swimmers. A leisurely walk along the tack to the south exploring the river and swimming 24 April - 2 May (nr longer) Great North Walk as the opportunities present themselves. Sydney tn Newcastle CALM route maps 16-18 March Weekend Pack Walk Z/A/D Leaders: Pat and Eric Plckering Phone: 286 2128(11) Mt Kelly vla Sams Creek ReE Rendezvnus Creek Contact leaders before 28 February for details. The Great Nurth Namadgl National Park Yaouk 1:25000 Walk beween Sydney and Newcastle was opened in the Leader: Frank Clements Phone 231 7005(b) Bicentennial year, 1988. It was the idea of two Sydney Contact leader by Wcdnesdav for details. Pack Walk to Mts Kellv bushwalkers and was taken up by the NSW Department of CALM. and Scabby or ~.amadgithro;gh Gudgeoby Saddle and along N& The total distance is 250kms and takes 14 days. Much of the walk and Sams Creeks. Mostlv bv fnc bail. but some off back walking. is in State forest, national park and council bushland. The Cooking stoves are pref&ch but not e.sntia1. lookm $20 per car: 'discovery kit' available from CALM indicates an exciting walk with great views, splendid forest as well as historical and yes, Z?.-24 March Weekend Pack Walk some urban features. We arc thinking of a trip of at least seven Dlamond Creek days- shorter or longer options can be negotiated. A mecting of Deau Natlonal Park Ref: Bendethera 1:250OU those interested will be held on Tuesday 5 Marcb 1996 to discuss , Leader: Mlkc Smlth Phune: 286 2948(h) 248 3624(w) arrangements. Join us for a day, a few days or week or more! NAMADGI

Above left The McKeahnie family grave plot in the Queanbeyan cemetery. Charles McKeahnie built the Gudgenby and Orroral homesteads. Gudgenby, which was demolished in the early 1960s, was of similar design to Orroral and the Kosciusko Huts Association has been instrumental in bringing back to the ACT a large component of this important building. The remaining timbers of Gudgenby are now in store awaiting a long delayed decision on a site and funds for its rebuilding.

Above right A viewing platform, seat and guard rails have been On the way to the Rendezvous Creek rock art shelter there is an built within the Rendezvous Creek rock art shelter. early attempt to block off an overhang to prevent rabbits bur­ Part of the former wire mesh fence and gate, now re­ rowing by using rocks to prop up wire mesh. The origin and pur­ moved, provides easy access to view the paintings at a pose of other groups of rocks laid out on adjoining boulders is less distance, which should help in their preservation. clear and may be thought over while a rest is taken. These rocks are about 150 metres before the second fence is met and are be- All photos by Reg Alder, low the large rock slab about the same distance above the track. PARKWATCH

NSW forestry reforms Wild dogs in ACT Spotlight on Ranger The NSW government has Over the past 12 months farmers in Recent protests by traditional announced that it will shift logging the Naas Valley close to Namadgi owners and others prevented the out of389 000 hectares of old growth have lost between 850 to 1000 sheep release of 500 000 cubic metres of forest. Once a nine-month forest because of attacks by wild dogs. The contaminated water from the assessment has been completed, a dogs are not domestic strays but a Ranger uranium mine into the moratorium will be placed on high distinctive hybrid breed, tall and waterways of Kakadu National conservation value areas and more rangy with some dingo. The ACT Park, But the miners will continue national parks will be created. Parks and Conservation Service is to seek permission to release toxic However, environment groups are responsible for controlling the dogs water unless the notion of uranium continuing to press for urgent in Namadgi National Park and for mining in monsoon areas is action—despite the announcement some years has been employing reviewed. of logging cuts, forests which should trapper Bill Osbourne—in recent Because Ranger is an open-cut be conserved are still in danger of years he has trapped a greater mine, it has significant areas where being logged and woodchipped over number of dogs, indicating the rising uranium ore is exposed to rainfall the next nine months. So far, logging dog numbers. The use of poison and run-off. During the wet season cuts do not apply to the woodchip within the park is not permitted but the surface run-off can become industry and with 90% of trees felled if trapping proves to be ineffective contaminated. A total of 600 000 in the south-east forests going to the in reducing sheep attacks then cubic metres of excess water has Eden woodchip mill, environment poison bait on adjoining land may accumulated as a result of above- groups are pressing Bob Carr to be used. average rainfall during the 1994-95 remove the 'Harris—Daishowa wet season. The pit in which it is roadblock' for serious forest Landnews, Agriculture and stored is needed for tailings storage protection. Landcare Section, ACT Parks and A summary of the NSW Conservation Service, September if mining is to continue. government's forest reform follows: 1995 A new review of Ranger under the Environment Protection (Impact of • there will be a 15% price rise for Proposals) Act is needed. timber from state forests Alps recommended • logging will be rescheduled so that for World Heritage Habitat, Australian Conservation hardwood logs are sourced mainly Foundation, August 1995 The International Significance of the from regrowth forests and Natural Values of the Australian Dryland salinity plantations—previously agreed Alps, a report commissioned by the volumes of logs will be maintained Dryland salinity affects thousands Liaison Committee, • a $60 million industry- of hectares in the south-east region. has concluded that the area has restructuring package will assist It damages our most productive land many qualities which merit its employers and contractors over and even has an impact on urban inclusion on the World Heritage list, the next 12 months building sites. and that the Alps ranks higher than • over the next 12 months the The key to dryland salinity is several other Australian sites which production of value-adding timber groundwater. Groundwater can pick are already included. According to products such as laminates, up salt from the soil and rise into Professor Kirkpatrick, the report's paper, furniture and plywood will the root zone of plants, damaging or compiler, the major feature of be investigated killing them. Widespread bare outstanding value is the eucalypt- • in July 1996 hardwood quotas for patches where little will grow can dominated sclerophyll vegetation sawlogs (not woodchips) will be be the result. Evaporation further which extends from sealevel to over reduced by 30% in coastal regions concentrates salt on the surface. • hardwood plantations will be 2000 metres. Salt water oozes from the bare increased from 2000 hectares to The report is the culmination of patches and, if left untreated, the a target of 10 000 hectares in 1998 an official process of assessment bare patches spread into a complex at a cost of $47 million. Softwood which started in 1988 and it is now of erosion gullies. plantations will be expanded by up to the Australian public, the Dryland salinity is increasing 18 200 over the next three years Commonwealth government, NSW, because we have altered the • logging in the Eden Management Victorian and ACT governments to vegetation. Changes to vegetation in Area will be rescheduled away decide whether the area should be one part of a catchment may cause from state forest areas which are nominated for World Heritage salinity downstream. Simple needed for conservation reserves. listing. changes in land use in key recharge National Parks Journal, NSW Park Watch, Victorian National areas (areas where surface water National Parks Association, August Parks Association, September 1995 soaks into the soil and recharges 1995 PARKWATCH

groundwater) can improve Industries, Roger Filke, envisages solvents, oils and petrol. The conditions downstream. that the native food industry will Conservation Council believes that Halting dryland salinity requires expand beyond its current gourmet the federal government should take the active cooperation of all food lines to mass market products responsibility for this and the other landholders in an afflicted such as muesli bars, in which case contaminated sites which have been catchment, even those who may not there will be a need to farm acacias. inherited by ACT people with self- be experiencing the symptoms of government. Ecos, CSIRO, Spring 1995 salinity. Sustainable Times, Environment Bogong, Canberra and South-East Hardwood plantations Centre and Conservation Council, Region Environment Centre, Spring September 1995 A series of demonstration hardwood 1995 plantations are to be established in Bega, Eden and Bombala districts. Wilderness Red Index Export woodchipping The plantation project is sponsored The Wilderness Red Index is a non­ by the Department of Land and In 1993 Japan imported over four government monitor of wilderness Water Conservation's Farm million tonnes of woodchips from and its protection throughout Forestry Project to produce Australian native forests. The Australia. At the Fourth National commercial timber on previously assault on native forests has never Wilderness Conference in Sydney in cleared agricultural land and been greater. But the economics do 1993, it was resolved that the index provide environmental benefits by not make sense: the combined debt be adopted as a major tool in preventing soil erosion, creating of the forest agencies of state wilderness preservation campaigns. governments is about $5 billion. We windbreaks and controlling ground­ Under the terms of the Index, only are paying to have our forests water. The project will also create statutory protection as a wilderness destroyed. employment through New Work confers secure status on a Opportunities teams to make fences, Daishowa has a licence to export wilderness area. For endorsement of plant trees, control weeds, fertilise 950 000 tonnes a year, which their management as satisfactory, and follow-up maintenance. In the includes 250 000 tonnes of supposed wilderness areas must be managed long term, a regional hardwood sawmill waste. The forests of NSW to ensure wilderness quality. In the timber industry is envisaged. and East Gippsland cannot sustain case of impaired areas, policies must the current level of exploitation. Broadcast, Greening Australia ACT demonstrate that wilderness quality ACTwild, The Wilderness Society and SE NSW (Inc), July/August is a management goal.The index (ACT Branch) Inc., Spring 1995 1995 contains information on 158 wilderness areas throughout Acacias—gourmet Contaminated sites Australia. Obtained from first-hand knowledge, the material is available tucker in ACT to any group or individual interested Bread, biscuits, cereals, salsas, Old sheep dips and farm dumps in in wilderness areas. Information on jams, chutneys and salad dressing the ACT are potentially dangerous individual areas costs $5. The entire are some of the products produced and according to the Conservation NSW 1993 index costs $100. There by Australian Native Product Council, need to be identified and is no charge for index researchers and campaigners. Industries. Its Adelaide kitchens properly managed. There are prepare a range of gourmet foods approximately 100 dip sites— The Wilderness Red Index needs derived from native plants. The 16 being in urban areas such as more researchers. If you have a company has been testing a variety Lyneham and Theodore, and a favourite wilderness area, you can of wattle seed species for food similar number of dump sites. assist by helping to update basic potential as well as developing a In spite of the creation of a information on the area. You may be range of native spices. Roasted and contaminated sites unit in 1994 by able to check the accuracy of what ground wattle seed and ground the ACT government, little has been is already on file or add to pepper leaf are already available. achieved. The ACT desperately knowledge of land use history and Wattle seed is high in protein and needs to develop environmental conservation measures. gives food a nutty flavour—it can be protection legislation which would Wilderness Red Index Newsletter, used to flavour damper, bread, not just apply to agricultural June 1995 sauces and ice-cream, and can. be contamination, but other sites such used as a coffee substitute. as the highly contaminated At the moment wild wattle seed Kingston foreshore which is likely can supply the industry but director to be contaminated with PCBs, of Australian Native Product organochlorines, arsenic, creosote, Caring for the Lower Molonglo

The following is a letter from NPA The area includes: Conservation corridors to The Hon Gary Humphries MLA, • extensive mature and regenerat­ The proposed Lower Molonglo the Minister for Planning and the ing stands of an unrecorded, and Nature Reserve could provide an Environment. probably locally endemic and rare important fink with: Dear Minister open forest/woodland/open wood­ • the nearby Shepherds Lookout land association between Callitris At a meeting with representatives Nature Reserve and the endlicheri (black cypress pine) of the National Parks Association on Murrumbidgee Corridor and Eucalyptus macrorhyncha Friday 7 July 1995, we emphasised • the natural vegetation of Pine (red stringybark) the need to protect the important Ridge south of Stockdill Drive and environmental values of the Lower • mature and regenerating stands areas of natural vegetation north Molonglo Gorges. You indicated that of Callitris endlicheri open forest/ and south of the upstream limit you were unaware of the area's woodland, of regional significance of the proposed reserve significance and invited us to because of their extent • fringing Casuarina woodland outline our concerns. • a distinct and unusual occurrence downstream and upstream of I understand that an officer in of stunted and sometimes mallee- Coppins Crossing your department is currently form Eucalyptus blakelyi • Stromlo Forest and hence Black working on a management plan for (Blakely's red gum). Mountain. the Lower Molonglo. The NPA Significant fauna— believes the area should, as a Threats to the area matter of priority, be protected in a reptiles The two main threats to the native nature reserve. The reptile fauna is unusually fauna and flora of the Lower The Lower Molonglo Gorges are diverse for such a small area with Molonglo are fire and grazing by one of the five areas of river gorge in 20 species recorded. They include: livestock. the ACT and together with the adja­ • extensive areas of native grass­ Fire cent, relatively intact sections of the land habitat for the nationally Lack of formal protection has led to Lower corridor, pro­ endangered pink-tailed legless liz­ an increased frequency of vide an important refuge for a range ard (Aprasia parapulchella) destructive bushflres which have of plant and animal species of na­ • four regionally significant reptiles destroyed significant areas of the tional, regional and local signifi­ including the stone gecko and fire-sensitive Callitris endlicheri cance. They were recognised as a marbled gecko. and the nationally rare and Nature Conservation Area by the vulnerable shrub Pomaderris National Capital Development Cor­ Significant fauna—birds pallida. Callitris endlicheri is very poration in 1983, as a site of regional The area includes: slow-growing and appears to take significance by the National Capital • regionally significant habitat for several centuries to reach maturity. Planning Authority in 1990, and are birds, particularly raptors such as to be examined for National Estate the brown goshawk, wedge-tailed Grazing listing in a study funded by the Aus­ eagle, peregrine falcon, brown Grazing by sheep and cattle tralian Heritage Commission. falcon and Australian kestrel destroys existing habitats for native which breed in the area Significant native flora plants and animals and inhibits the • important woodland habitat for successful regeneration of a wide A report by Dr Peter Barrer to the the regionally rare southern range of native forbs (a herb other ACT Heritage Council identified whiteface, diamond firetail and than grass or sedges), shrubs and 225 species in an area of about 600 regionally uncommon double- trees including the three nationally to 700 hectares. These include 17 barred finch. rare shrub species. It leads to a species listed in the National widespread lack of groundcover to Capital Planning Authority Draft Significant fauna— support and protect many reptiles Flora and Fauna Guidelines as mammals and small mammals, soil regionally uncommon or rare, and The area includes extensive habitat compaction, loss of topsoils and, in two, possibly three, nationally rare for a significant population of the some areas, sheet and gully erosion. or rare and vulnerable species, regionally uncommon eastern Though livestock grazing in the Discaria pubescens, Pomaderris wallaroo as well as habitat for, and Lower Molonglo Gorges was pallida and Pomaderris sp. aff. populations of, platypus, eastern terminated recently, there could be andromedifolia. water rat and bush rat. pressure for its resumption. Because of the damage grazing causes, any such requests should be rejected. ANPC annual conference Other actual or potential threats Representatives of national parks lated to conservation organisations include introduced fauna and flora, associations and nature conserva­ across Australia with requests for pasture improvement, incompatible tion councils from the ACT, Victoria, feedback and contributions. The recreational use and infrastructural , Queensland, submission has now been endorsed developments. South Australia and Western Aus­ by about 20 peak conservation or­ Conclusion tralia attended the 22nd annual con­ ganisations. ference of the Australian National Some other issues considered at The NPA believes it is essential that Parks Council in Canberra on the the Lower Molonglo Gorges and the conference were: weekend of 21 and 22 October 1995. adjacent areas of high natural value • protection of remnant native After hearing a summary of the be declared as a nature reserve as grasslands and grassy wood­ ANPC's activities over the past soon as possible to recognise their lands—an important issue in the 12 months, the conference consid­ significant flora and fauna ACT ered its priority issues and appro­ summarised above, and to provide • native vegetation clearance con­ priate strategies for 1995—96. The appropriate management for their trols ANPC's main concern has been the current and future preservation. • forests Commonwealth government's Declaration of the nature reserve • marine and coastal reserves National Reserve System Coopera­ and provision of management that tive Program, a Commonwealth ini­ • the future of lighthouses and removes or reduces the threats to its tiative to help establish a national their surrounding land areas, natural values would be an system of conservation reserves rep­ many of which are within or ad­ important and widely-supported resenting major biogeographic ar­ jacent to national parks and re­ conservation initiative by your eas. In May 1995 the ANPC received serves and have been offered by government. funding from the Australian Nature the Commonwealth to the states If you would like to become more Conservation Agency to perform the • the proposed nomination of the familiar with the Lower Molonglo, program's community liaison func­ Australian Alps for World Herit­ Dr Peter Barrer would be pleased tion. This project is due to run until age listing. to expand on the points raised in at least May 1996. Stephen Johnston, a member of this letter and to guide you to some the NPA's general committee, was of the area's most notable sections. An important aspect of the project was coordination of a submission, re-elected president of the ANPC Application of the Interim and Anne Reeves, president of the Yours sincerely Biogeographic Regionalisation for NSW NPA, was re-elected as hon­ (signed) Olive Hurlstone Australia to Develop a National Pro­ orary secretary. Acting president tected Areas System. Based on re­ The ANPC delegates' acknowl­ 8 September 1995 search by the World Wide Fund for edged the Association's generous Nature, this document was circu­ support of the conference.

Cape York campaign

The Cape York Peninsula is an area view that the traditional owners of tial outcomes of the foundation's of immense ecological and cultural the land must first re-establish their campaign are of greater value in the importance. Over 50 Aboriginal lan­ links with the land before environ­ long term—socially, economically guages are spoken and elders con­ mental conservation values can be and environmentally—than a con­ tinue to teach and guide their com­ secured and aims for the land to be tinued reliance on grazing. munities. The peninsula's indig­ returned to the original Aboriginal The foundation needs the support enous population of approximately custodians to own and manage ap­ of the wider community—many 13 000 continues to rely significantly propriately. Cape York Peninsula properties are on the natural environment for food, The pastoral industry currently now for sale and money needs to be fuel, medicines, implements and art. occupies about 54 per cent of the Pe­ raised in order to return the land to In June 1995 the Cape York Indig­ ninsula and generates an eco­ its custodians. If you would like to enous Environment Foundation, nomic return of less than 4 per cent help, send your donation to the Cape which is an alliance comprising the of the cape's gross regional product. York Indigenous Environment indigenous, original owners of the Food for the indigenous population Foundation, PO Box 2496, land, members of the Australian accounts for a subsistence economy Cairns 4870. Conservation Agency and the Wil­ with a conservative market value of derness Society, was formed. $6 million, about the same as the Habitat, August 1995, Australian Conservation Foundation The foundation is based on the pastoral industry. Clearly the poten­ Photo album

Above Four-wheel-drive enthusiasts, in testing their vehicle capabilities, have seriously damaged this bank above the Queanbeyan River east of Queanbeyan. It is an indication of the damage that could occur in Namadgi if four-wheel- Above drivers are given unfettered access to the park. Fiona Brand and Len Haskew never deviated from the tTack (or couldn't if they tried) crossing EndeavouT Moor from Nadgee Lake to the Bunyip Hole. Nadgee Nature Reserve had devastating fires in 1971 and 1981. The extent of the prolific regrowth since then is almost obliterating the track.

Right NPA members join Sarah Sharp, ACT Parks and Con­ servation grassland expert, for a tour of four native grassland sites around Canberra. The tour started in the paddocks of Gungahlin where the proposed town site has been moved to ensure the protection of the striped legless lizard (Delma impar). The next stop was the Majura firing range where a re­ markable diversity of species makes the range one of southern Australia's most important native grassland sites. The group was fortunate enough to see two earless dragons (Tympanocryptis lineata pinguicolla) which, only four years ago, were thought to be extinct in the ACT.

Lunch was at the Barton cathedral site where kanga­ roo grass (Themeda triandra) grows thickly and yam daisies (Microseris lanceolata) and bulbine lilies (Bulbine bulbosa) are quite prolific. The tour finished at a small remnant area in York Park, behind the new offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which provides habitat for the endangered golden sun moth, Synemon plana.

The grasslands tour was both enlightening and en­ joyable and heightened our appreciation of the impor­ tance of preserving this inadequately recognised but fascinating ecosystem. Stephen Johnston Above Adrienne Nicholson was a trifle wary of the thrashing of this dwarf sperm whale (Kogia simus) on Nadgee beach as it attempted to once again become water-borne. The whale was first sighted moving slowly along behind the first line of breakers. There were barnacles on its body and it appeared to be old or ill as the effort to regain the water was obviously tiring. These whales only have teeth in the lower jaw and feed principally on squid, but crustaceans and fish are also eaten. They can dive to at least 300 metres out to the continental shelf. Last seen it had managed to free itself from the beach and was swimming once again within the first line of breakers. Reported strandings of this species of whale are rare in Australia. The sighting was reported to the Australian Nature Conservation Agency which maintains a database of whale Above strandings. The agency would A distmguishing feature of the dwarf sperm whale is the shape of the dorsal appreciate information on any fin. Other features are a maximum length of 2.7 metres and seven to 12 strandings that members might pairs of teeth in the lower jaw. observe. Photographs and as much information on the condition of the The pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) has a shorter dorsal fin with whale should be obtained to enable less shape, a length of up to 3.4 metres and 12 to 16 pairs of teeth in the a questionnaire to be filled out. lower jaw. Neither species have any functional teeth in the upper jaw. All photos on these two pages are by Reg Alder. Development and tourism in ACT's parks

The following text is taken from a completed management plans (and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and at transcript of the NPA's evidence to the Namadgi's is nine years out of date). Corin Forest. ACT Legislative Assembly Standing This means that we are really not in a Bill Wood asked how the NPA would Committee on Economic Development position to be able to say we should be feel about importing Australian spe­ and Tourism. promoting the parks more. Although cies not native to the area into Clive Hurlstone, Ray Polglaze and other reserves do not have manage­ Tidbinbilla. Nicki Taws replied that Nicki Taws, all of NPA, were called to ment plans, a great deal of decision­ until we have some overriding vision give evidence at this standing making about things such as paths, for Tidbinbilla, it is impossible to de­ committee. parking areas and marketing is still cide. Mr Wood replied that Tidbinbilla goingahead. TheACTdoeshaveaproc- NPA's concern is more with the ben­ is a natural environment which will ess for management planning that in­ efits, or otherwise, to national parks be kept that way, although steps have cludes provisions for issues to go to the of economic development and tour­ been taken to make it easier to see public and includes provisions for mat­ ism. The NPA sees the primary role the animals. ters to go to the Assembly, but that proc­ of national parks and nature reserves Ray Polglaze said that Tidbinbilla ess does not seem to be happening. as nature conservation. had a relatively fragile balance. He Is increased ecotourism going to said he would not be surprised if there How does tourism affect national result in better resources and was a significant increase in the parks as habitat for other better management of the parks? number of people wanting to wander species? It looks like the commercial tour around an area like Tidbinbilla, and We think that their principal value operators are not in a financial that if this happened it would not be or character at present is their un­ position and are not likely to be able possible to maintain it in the way that spoilt, undeveloped nature. Our con­ to contribute very much in real funds. it is; more people would definitely cern would be towards maintaining It seems that visitor fees are not mean some effect on the animals. that aspect or character. viable; they are not going to generate However, no specific proposals have In general, the NPA is opposed to much income. Even if we do have yet been made, so the NPA can make infrastructure or major developments large numbers of fee-paying visitors no specific recommendations. within the parks. However, infra­ to the parks, it looks as though that The standing committee also asked structure could be a walking path in is not going to lead to large additional for the NPA's view on the possible an area which is delineated for rec­ resources to the parks. sealing of the Boboyan Road. reation, or it could mean a lodge An option that still needs to be Clive Hurlstone replied that there within a wilderness area. Until one looked at is ACTEW, who do not seem are a range of views on this, even is looking at the specific proposals it to pay anything for the management within the NPA. The NPA has sup­ is a bit hard to know how to respond. of the catchment although they save ported improvements to the road Many people still don't know that about $2 million a year by using that which have already been made, be­ some national parks exist—when catchment rather than taking water cause the road has been quite dan­ they find out there may be a great from Googong. gerous in the past. Although sealing many more visitors each year. On the Both Bill Wood and the chairman the road would lead to more through- one hand this is an opportunity, but agreed that these points were very traffic, it is difficult to tell what im­ on the other it could be a threat to interesting and should be included in pact this would have on the park. If the integrity of our parks. Before any the report, and that the NPA's sub­ the New South Wales government development goes ahead it is impor­ mission was very comprehensive. The seals the road from the ACT border tant to assess the carrying capacity chairman agreed that the introduc­ through to where the sealed road be­ of national parks. At this stage we do tion of management plans should be gins near there would not even know the current condition the first priority, as without one it is definitely be a lot more tourist and of parks, or how current visitor num­ impossible to judge whether a pro­ ski traffic using that road, and this bers are affecting them. posal should be approved. may mean service stations and road- It is vital that we set up a manage­ Mr Wood indicated that he was im­ houses. ment planning process. We need to pressed with the NPA's submission Ray Polglaze added that it is diffi­ define the extent of opportunities, because it pointed out the primary cult to answer such a general ques­ identify where there may be scope for purpose for national parks, which tion, and that the NPA would really additional visitors and where there are should override anything else. He also need an impact assessment in order already too many visitors, and work noted that the committee is not an­ to decide whether resurfacing the out what controls are needed. We are ticipating any developments in the road would be acceptable or whether four years down the track from when park or on its periphery, although it would be a real problem. Mr Wood the legislation said the management Clive Hurlstone and Nicki Taws agreed that, as there is no funding plan should be prepared, and yet only pointed out that there are already available for the road, the question is Jerrabomberra and Namadgi have proposals for developments in fairly academic. TRIPS

A botanical experience in Yunnan

We left Australia in May so it was good spring weather in China and an excellent time to look for China's great abundance of flora.. Our hosts, Dr Zhou Zhekun and Guan Kaiyun of the Kunming Institute of Botany, introduced us to a mass of flowers and shrubs in off-the-beaten-track sites up to 3500 metres. Many specimens were quite well known to us, as the plant-hunters of the early 20th century diligently worked in the same mountains and valley, bringing plants into the western world—rhododendrons, orchids, lilac, iris, berberis—the list goes on, with some of the slipper orchids being most out­ standing. Of course the clearance of the forest from the hills is known to a few of us and we were pleased to see reafforestation in many ar­ eas. They certainly do need plantations in the far-flung areas to the west where it is extremely cold in the winter and power sup­ ply is very limited. Our botanists collected small samples of flora during the day (this was also fieldwork for them) and had an identification trivia night after our dinner. For those who did not take to the higher walks, this was one way to catch up on the great finds. The bota­ nists also had 'great finds' and plants in places they were not aware of, so it was great to know our tour money was going to such a good cause. Of course we did some touristy things as well, and met some lovely people including a marvellous orchestra in Lijiang, with an apt description, living fossils of music'. A visit to the Stone Forest south of Kunming brought back memories of seven years ago. There are more visitors now but it is holding up well and still keeps the cam­ era busy with its towering columns and sometimes crazy shapes of limestone karst. I wish it was easy to do it again!

Doreen Wilson

Tbp: Eucalyptus globulus growing alongside the highway in SW China. Bottom: Eucalyptus globulus stripped for production of eucalyptus oil—a shadow of the glorious trees that we all know. Photos by Doreen Wilson. Calendar

DECEMBER Thursday 7 Committee meeting 7.30pm, for location contact Eleanor Stodart, 281 5004(h) Sunday 10 NPA Christmas Party 3.00pm, Orroral Valley Picnic Ground

JANUARY

Tuesday 23 Environment Subcommittee 7.45pm, for location contact Stephen Johnston, 254 3738(h)

FEBRUARY Thursday 1 Committee meeting 7.30pm, for location contact Eleanor Stodart, 281 5004(h) Thursday 8 Namadgi Subcommittee 7.30pm, for location contact NPA office, 282 5813 Thursday 22 Environment Subcommittee 7.45pm, for location contact Stephen Johnston, 254 3738(h) MARCH Thursday 7 Committee meeting 7.30pm, for location contact Eleanor Stodart, 281 5004(h) Thursday 14 Namadgi Subcommittee 7.30pm, for location contact NPA office, 282 5813 Thursday 28 Environment Subcommittee 7.45pm, for location contact Stephen Johnston, 254 3738(h)

NPA Bulletin If undelivered please return to: SURFACE POSTAGE National Parks Association of the ACT PAID PO Box 1940 Woden ACT 2606 MAIL AUSTRALIA Print Post Approved PP 248831/00041

General meetings

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

Thursday 15 February: The Ramsar Convention Australia will host the next of the once-in-four-years meetings under the Ramsar Convention in Brisbane in March. The conference will press the need to identify and adequately protect wetlands of international significance. A representative from ANCA will talk to us about the convention and its importance and also discuss significant Australian wetlands. Thursday 21 March: Threatened species legislation The ACT is developing its own threatened species legislation and Debbie Worner and Bill Logan from the Wildlife Research Unit of the Parks and Conservation Service will speak to us about current proposals. Thursday 18 April: The Boboyan pines The harvesting and rehabilitation of this area is a matter of interest for all NPA members. At this meeting we are fortunate to be able to listen to a presentation on the future of the area from Dianne Garrood, manager, Conservation and Wildlife Section of the ACT Parks and Conservation Service.