9 NPA Bulletin

- .•.'fpasK"- NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY INC. Inaugurated 1960 AIMS AND OBJECTS OF THE ASSOCIATION CLASSIFIED Promotion of national parks and of measures for the protection of fauna and flora, scenery and natural features in ihe Aus- If you have anything to sell, swap or whatever, post irjlian Capital Tcrritor> and elsewhere, and the reservation of your advertisement to the Editor NPA Bulletin, Box 457 specific areas. GPO, Canberra, 2601, or drop it into the NPA Office, Kingsley Street, Acton. Advertisements are restricted to Interest m the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation members of this Association and (from the next edition) areas. to 20 words each, and are free. Closing date for the next Bulletin is 15 July 1985. Stimulation ol interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment of, such natural phenomena by or^ani/cd field outings, meetings or any other means. For sale

Co-operation wiln orgdnisations jnd persons having similar Cloth badges with NPA of the ACT logo, $1.20 at meeting, interests jnd objectives. $1.50 posted. Write to GPO Box 457, Canberra 2601, or phone (062) 571063. Promotion of, and eduutrun for, nature conservalion and the planning of iand-usc lo achieve conservation. Field Guide to the Native Trees of the ACT, $4 at meetings, $5 posted. Write to GPO Box 457, Canberra 2601, or phone (062) 571063. Office bearers and committee Binoculars (new) 8 x 40 $50.00. Betty Campbell, 811771. President: Ross Carlton, 41 Batehclor Street, Torrens, 2607. Zeiss Continette Camera, 35mm f2.8, recently checked at 863892 (H) 685 366(W). George's - A.I. condition. $50.00 (proceeds to Vice t'rc-ident: Brand Rr^nd, 11 Dyson Street. L\ncham, Barnardos). Contact Betty Campbell 811771 or Sheila 2602. 479538(H). Kruse 486104. Secretary : HJBancroftcrol t, 4/9 TrManiJ Streel, Rivc11, 26 11. 889 100(H). House-minding

1 Irrusurei NeviEsau sau, II RvmiM PIJU. , Mawson, 2607. Reliable person to caretake a 3 bedroom house, 6 weeks 864 176 (H) 494554 (W). from mid-September. Free except for phone, elect., heating Us/s/unr 3LY retary : vacant. and TLC. No pets please. Phone 81 2174 Story. Publkif. Ottiier: Robertsoncmon, PO Bo\ 424, Dickson, 260.'. 724S35 (W). Committee Members: KevFrawleylc> 82.J08U (H), Beverley CONTENTS Hammond 886577(H), |dn Haynes 514762(H) M2087(W), Charle, Hill 958924(H), Syd Comfort 862573(H). Bdbuttc Scougall 487008(H). President's Foreword 3 Membership Setretary• Ijn Currie, 10 Arnhem Place, Red Committee News 3 Hill, 2603. 958112(H) 958I07(W). (For membership Sub-committee Reports 3 inq ui 11 Li, pie JSC phone NPA office 571063). Heritage Week '85 4 Bulletin / ditor. Bjbcito S^OUKJH, 7 Verdon Street, O'Connor Corin Forest Ski Recreation Facility 4 2601. 487008(H). Namadgi Draft Plan of Management Immediate Past President Currie Currie-, 10 Arnhem Place, Red to be Ready in June 5 Hill 2603. 458112(H) 958107(W). Brayshaws Hut 6 Outings Convenor: Beverley Hammond, 21 Hyndes Crescent, Eden Woodchip Industry 7 Holder, 261 1. 886577(H). National Woodchip Campaign 7 Booh Sales. (concision prices): Bernicc Anderson, 34 Bamlord How Are Those Trees at Gudgenby? 8 Succi. Hughe*. 2605. Si 2082(H) 4975?7(W). The Origins of the Name Kosciusko 9 Field Guide Walk 10 The NPA (if the ACT Office is looted in Kin>;sle> Street, Just Briefly 11 Acton Hour^ 9.30am to 3pm Tuesday to Friday. Bogong National Park - Victoria 12 Telephone: 571063 Kosciusko — From Below Ground Upwards 13 Postal Address: Box 457 GPO, Canberra, 2601. Alaska and Contiguous Canada — National Parks 14 Silver Jubilees 14 Kosciusko National Park History in Concrete and Timber 15 Annual Subscription Rates (1 July-30 June) Floating Down the Merrica — An Easter Trip Family members $15 Student members $6 to Nadgee 15 Single members SI2 Corporate members $8 Ettrema via Pretty Beach ...! 16 Pensioners $ 6 Bulletin only $8 Letters to the Editor 17 Outings Program 17 For new members joining between: Outing Summary 20 i January-31 March: Half specified rale 1 Apn 1-30 June: Annual Subscription - 15 months General Meetings 20 membership benefit. Cover photograph on March Bulletin. Many people have admired the banksia man on the cover of the last Bulletin. The photograph was taken by Reg Alder, who was also DC ADLIN E DATES for NPA Bulletin contributions: leader of that Baw/ey Point weekend. Apologies to Reg for leaving 15 | ulv, 1 5 October, 1 5 December, 15 April off the by-line.

Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect COVER Association opinion or objectives. Two scenes of the same subject. Should we 'mill' around with nature? cover prints by PhotoAccess PRINTED BY DEREK KELLY 541226 TYPESET BY BELCONNEN TYPESETTING — 547390 PRESIDENT'S FOREWORD

I know you don't need reminding what a great organisation the NPA is but I want to mention what I believe is one of the strengths of our Association; its breadth and tolerance. The NPA encompasses a wide range of views; of conservation, of politics, of philosophy. It caters for the sedentary and the energetic, as well as for children, the retired and those in between. While this breadth is one of our strengths it also presents us with one of our major challenges: that of preserving a proper balance in the organisation. That is, a balance which properly reflects the whole membership. The NPA is a number of things. It is a conservation lobby group, a bushwalking club, a social organisation, a watchdog for Namadgi National Park, to list a few. It is not always easy to maintain the balance between these roles. One matter on which opinions sometimes differ is the degree to which we should involve ourselves in matters outside the ACT. How do YOU see the Associa­ tion? Which way would you like it to move? Should it simply be a source of information on conservation issues in other places or should it play an active part in the wider conservation movement? If you have a view, make it known to a member of the committee. Some have already done so. Speaking of the committee, it is that time of year again when we are looking for new committee members. More than half of the present committee have served for several years, and some have indicated that they would like to retire. While hard-working committee members will certainly be missed {and they are all hard working) it is a sign of health in any organisation when new members come on to the committee. If you would like to contribute more to the Association or to conservation, think about volunteering. Perhaps it is time you put something back into an organisation that has given you a great deal. Perhaps you have helped with one of the sub-committees and feel ready to do more. I am sure you will find a deeper involvement very rewarding.

COMMITTEE NEWS Visitors to the NPA office may The Sub-committee undertook a have noticed that we now have our study on the funding of the woodchip own photocopier. This was funded Sales of the NPA's publication project {see 'Committee News') and Field Guide to the Native Trees offro m the Community Development concluded that if the application the ACT have Fund office establishment grant which for a grant were unsuccessful, the cost generated a worthwhile has made possible the setting up of surplus and there is wide support for of the study could be met by the the office in its first months of opera­ Association. using these funds for particular pur­ tion. Applications have been lodged poses rather than for assisting in the The Sub-committee also considered with the Community Development Association subscription rates for day-to-day expenses of the Associa­ Fund for 1985/86 grants to assist a tion. The Committee is considering 1985/86 and this involved projections number of our activities: increased of next year's income and expenditure. appropriate uses for the funds, one free distribution of Bulletin to schools proposal being publication of a revised Of course there are many uncertainties and libraries, operation of the office, in this equation but the Sub-committee edition of the field guide after current public exhibitions, and project studies. stocks are exhausted. In the mean­ concluded that with subscription rates time the field guide funds have been At the March general meeting the unchanged the Association should be 'earmarked' and separately invested. President announced that a project able to balance its budget. The Com­ officer had been appointed to collate mittee endorsed this position by main­ Readers may remember that the data on wood chipping in south-east taining 1985/86 subscriptions at the December 1984 Bulletin carried a NSW as a resource to assist in con­ current level. report on the Annual Conference of sideration of an environmental impact the Australian National Parks Council statement on future industry proposals at which an NPA of the ACT motion expected to be released later this was adopted supporting a conference year. Funds for this important project ENVIRONMENT SUB­ on the conservation of Australia's are being sought as a research grant COMMITTEE alpine area. The proposal was for the from the Department of the Arts, NPAs of Victoria, NSW and the ACT Heritage and the Environment but The Sub-committee has now re­ to conduct the conference in 1985 in if these do not become available the ceived replies from Terry Barratt order to bring together conservation­ cost will be met from NPA funds. {Superintendent. Nowra/Goulburn ists, both professionals and voluntary The Community Development Fund NPWS District) regarding walking workers, to discuss the reservation of grant for project work will be applied tracks in the Budawangs especially areas to adequately represent the to activities within the ACT. the Canowie Brook area. We are alpine region; to study the manage­ informed that the Service is examining ment of the alpine region for conserva­ the problem of track degradation tion and recreation and to consider throughout the Budawangs of which management plans for alpine wilder­ FINANCE AND MEMBERSHIP Canowie Brook is sysmptomatic. With ness areas. The Committee has decided SUB-COMMITTEE regard to the bridge over Camping that this conference should be held Rock Creek, Endrick Trail (Morton later this year {or early next year), A budget which projects a modest N.P.), Terry Barratt advises us that probably in Canberra and is forming surplus for the current year has now locked gates are to be erected at a sub-committee to manage the been adopted by the Committee. Newhaven Gap on the park boundary, function. This is an important com­ The preparation of this budget by the and at the western end of the trail, mitment appropriate to our twenty- Sub-committee has provided greater to halt uncontrolled recreational fifth year which will need deep support insight into the Association's financial vehicle use. through the Association if it is to be situation and experience which should fully successful. In March, response was made to be of value in future years. the Department of Arts, Heritage and Environment on the Corin Forest Ski Recreation Facility EIS. The response CORIN FOREST SKI RECREATION FACILITY was critical of both the proposed project and the draft EIS. Comments Kevin Frawley arc now with Margules and Partners who arc acting for W & G Promotions In 1983 a Canberra-based private Pty Ltd in the preparation of the company, W & G Promotions Pty would undoubtedly bring extra pres­ draft and final EIS documents. Ltd, commenced construction of a sure to establish the link road. The pilot man-made ski facility at Smokers Debbie Quarmby (formerly Direc­ proponents have been made aware Gap. The project opened in June tor of the Environment Centre) is that NPA opposes any proposal for a 1983 and has operated for two seasons. now working as a Project Officer for link road and will look to retain the In January 1985, a draft Environmen­ NPA on the preparation of a report current limited access to the area in tal Impact Statement was prepared collating existing information on the the forthcoming Namadgi National by and Partners Pty Ltd for environmental, social and economic Margules Park Plan of Management. a proposed full scale facility having a impacts of the Eden woodehipping The EIS is curiously silent on the capacity of ten times the present industry (see 'Eden Woodchip Indus­ success of snowmaking in the pilot facility. The proposal is for a recrea­ try on page 7). If any members are project. Surely a main object of the tion complex with some affinities able to provide information or assist­ pilot was to test artificial snowmaking with the Thredbo Resort. Activities ance to this project, they could at the site. It is apparent that the would include snow skiing, sledding, contact either rmself ui Debbie winter rainfall does present a problem tobogganing, mountain slide, ice (phone 474S06). for the relatively thin man-made skating, snowplay, nature walks, stght- snow cover. In the absence of any II you are interested in being sceing/chairlift rides, tennis and skiing evaluation, it is suspected lhaSmokers TS involved in the Sub-committcc's activi­ on an artificial surface. The facility Gap is a marginal location for snow­ ties (no special skills required), please would operate summer and winter. making. contact me .it the numbers below. In reply to the Environmental Projections and estimates of usage Kevin Frawley 823080 (h) 688556(w) Impact Statement, NPA has outlined of the facility are intererting and serious reservations about the project. highly speculative. It is assumed that The EIS was found to be unsatisfactory 50% of the novice-intermediate clien­ HERITAGE WEEK '85 because of its unsubstantiated asser­ tele of Mount Selwyn will be captured. tions (e.g. regarding effects on water In addition, it is estimated that 5% of Anne Robertson quality), assumptions (e.g. an antici­ Canberra's school children will visit This year the people of Canberra pated usage) and lack of information in school groups. There is no indica­ were encouraged to 'discover their on some crucial aspects (e.g. economic tion of any survey of ACT schools as hidden heritage" during the annual viability and success of snowmaking in a basis for the latter figure. Heritage Week celebrations held from the pilot project). In contrast to the With all the uncertainties surround­ 13-21 April. 'Heritage Week creates proponents' evaluation, NPA considers ing the project (environmental, tech­ the opportunity tor people to find that theie would be substantial local nical, economic), NPA is concerned out about the rich natural and cultural environmental impact. The project that the project may prove uneconomic heiitage of the ACT which is all might also set a precedent for similar and collapse financially. Public author­ around us hut too often overlooked,' activities in the natural bushland of ities may then be faced with rehabilita­ the Chairman of the Heritage Week the ACT. tion of the site which for years could Steering Committee, Carolyn Forster, The proponents obviously look remain an eyesore in the area. Re­ remarked at the official launching of forward to the possible establishment generation of the slopes could take the program in early April. of a Mount Franklin-Corin Dam loop decades. The annual exhibition at Albert road and see the opportunity to pro­ Copies ot the draft EIS and the Hall once again provided an excellent vide services to tourists using the response are available for perusal or opportunity to publicise the Associa­ road. Establishment of the facility loan at the NPA office. tion. In keeping with the local theme the Association prepared a display promoting Namadgi - the National Capital's National Park. The display briefly recorded the Association's involvement in the establishment of the park and described the region's aboriginal, pastoral and natural herit­ age. An impressive array of members' photographs was featured, and a tray of touch-and-scc items proved popular with young onlookers. In addition to the Albert Hall exhibition the Association participated in several other Heritage Week activi­ ties. Beverley Hammond, Charles Hill and Norm Morrison led public walks during the week while Gary Werrin, Olive Buckman and Kevin Frawley courageously volunteered to speak to school students as part of the Week's educational program. The publicity committee wishes to thank all members who kindly con­ tributed their time and effort to Heritage Week '85. NAMADGI DRAFT PLAN OF MANAGEMENT

Denise Robin

The draft plan of management grazing, recreation, archaeological re­ Parks and Conservation Service) for Namadgi National Park is expected sources, restoration of land, water and that the NCDC document to be completed and presented for supply etc.). should be viewed as an input into public exhibition and comment by the At the Con su I tative Com mi ttee the development of this plan and end of August. meeting, Adrian Davey gave his in relation to inputs from other Progress towards this draft was impression of the task ahead. He interested parties. outlined at the last meeting of the related it to his work on the develop­ • Mr D. Paine and Mr W. Padarin Namadgi National Park Consultative ment of other plans of management, from the Department of Housing Committee on 14 March. particularly that for Kosciusko, but and Construction gave a very The drafting is being done by a emphasised the different statutory, informative presentation to the consultant ot the ACT Parks and administrative and management frame­ meeting on Canberra's water supply Conservation Service, Mr Adrian work in the ACT. He also pointed out — its history, operational practices, Davey, supported by a steering com- the difference in scale in some of the water quality objectives, catchment mitee within the Service. community issues and concerns. monitoring and reservoir manage­ Mr Davey has qua! ifications in Subsequently there was some dis­ ment. natural resource management and has cussion about the legal status of • The next meeting of the Committee prepared drafts for management plans Namadgi, with a general view expressed will be held on 6 June. for many other significant natural that Namadgi did not have the protec­ areas, including Koscuisko National tion it deserved. The Committee re­ By now I have accumulated a large Park, the Ninety Mile Desert and solved that the following motion folder of papers about Namadgi. the Permanent Park Reserve on Lord should be conveyed to the Minister Please be in touch with me if you Howe Island. for Territories: would like to wade through these papers (phone 814837 a.h.). He has completed phase one of 'That the Government give the Nation­ the project which was to identify the al Park some form of statutory status management issues, establish a manage­ and protection in terms of the accepted ment framework, evaluate the public objectives for management as a Na­ submissions and prepare a working tional Park, e.g. following IUCN HELP WANTED draft. A proposed table of contents principles, and that a plan of manage­ has been drawn up, as well as the ment for the National Park be given a The job of producing the NPA draft of a management philosophy and similar statutory authority.' Bulletin has grown over recent years also what might be called a check and is now too much for one person list of issues and questions to be In brief, other matters to report to do. Volunteers are needed to form covered. from the meeting include: an editorial collective to plan and pro­ The submissions received by the • Alpine ecologist Mr Dane Wimbush duce the Bulletin each quarter. The Department are being taken into has been invited by the Minister to work involves organising and chasing account in these developments. join the Committee, following the up contributors, editing, picking up Altogether, the Department is con­ resignation of Dr Alec Costin (who and delivering copy to typesetter, sidering some forty separate state­ had been appointed Chairman). printer and/or NPA office, and work­ ments from members of the public • A new chairman is to be appointed. ing on the design and layout. and community groups. About half of Mr Ken Shepherd acted in this Would any members willing to con­ these are submissions in response to capacity at the meeting. tribute their time and talents to the the call for public comment. These • Mr Bill Pool of the CSIRO Division Bulletin team please contact Babette come from fairly predictable sources of Wildlife and Rangelands Re­ Scougall on 487008 (AH). - two from NPA ACT, and from search has been appointed to the groups as diverse as the Kosciusko Committee. Huts Association, the ACT Equestrian • The Minister for Territories, Mr Association, the Southern Tablelands Gordon Scholes, has been invited to Four Wheel Drive Club Inc., the ACT accompany the Consultative Com­ Rural Lessees Association, the Cooma- mittee on a visit to Namadgi to Monaro Shire Council and the Con­ acquaint him with this aspect of his PIG CORNER servation Council of the South-East portfolio and members of the Region and Canberra. Committee. Sighting, Orroral Valley, January Project Manager for the Namadgi • The closing date for comments on Long Weekend. Three pigs feeding in- plan of management, Dr David Short- the NCDC's Gudgenby Area Policy marshy creek at map reference 7482, house, reported that these submissions Plan has been extended until the 5692 Corin Dam 8626-l-N 1:25 000. were generally supportive of the end of May. Actual location is intersection offence establishment of the national park and • A sub-committee of the Consulta­ line and marshy creek approximately of the intention to publish a plan of tive Committee is preparing a re­ SW of hut at map reference 7536, management. sponse to the plan. In discussion, 5720 same map. The fence is at The other half of the comments are several members expressed dissatis­ boundary of cleared land and bush. in the form of correspondence from faction with the policy plan and Pigs ran back into bush at our department files (again NPA features concern about the confusion be­ approach. several times) and other documents tween the overlapping roles of the Another two (or the same) pigs with a direct bearing on Namadgi NCDC and the Department in were seen at the same spot on 10 matters. relation to Namadgi. The Commit­ March 1985. Frank Clements All have been sifted and statements tee believes that the management placed for reference under topic plan should be written by those Other sightings: See article by Charles headings (for example, wilderness, fire, responsible for the day-to-day Hill on Glendale trees. See item on fire trails, management philosophy, management of the park {i.e. the Brayshaws Hut. BRAYSHAWS HUT - SIX MONTHS LATER

liohitScougallttjdll

The mantel shelf and orhcr woodwork have been ripped off the wall above the fireplace r The Paik-- and Con sen ain.ni Sen ice >s e\posmgdeal­ the chimney stones which a e ing »ith the pig proble-i:. Only a tinallbeginning lo collapse. Some are already on amount ot rooting m/i appment'.his time. the floor, others have been propped up by- bricks and a smallish stone. This part of the chimney needs urgent repairs.

Id i A close-up of the interesting band-shaped wooden support under the floor boards in the back room.

"Kh! From the outside the main part of the chimney appears to be fairly stable. A gap has appeared in the top layer of stones, and the red brick additions right at the top is falling into the fireplace (and the stones immediately above rhc fireplace are out of position, j

bulow What is now left of the fibro wall on the western end of the front addition to the Fibro smashed and plywood splintered bv original hut. Hardly making the building shotgun blasts. Bray shows is he ing uunJj> 21 \/'fl. Th,'-. sreincJ In come from tin. hc

Kevin Frawley If one takes a LANDSAT image of from East Gippsland. In 1982- the has accumulated on the industry but the south-east corner of Australia and company applied for a licence to there has been no collation of this looks at the forest mantle of the export 100 000 tonnes of woodchips information. It currently exists in ranges of coastal New South Wales, on a trial basis from East Gippsland. In widely scattered sources and some is large bare patches are quite conspicu­ 1984 permission was given to export unpublished. ous — the indelible imprint of the an extra 50 000 tonnes above the To provide some of the basis for woodchipping industry centred on authorised tonnage of 850 000 for an informed response to the forth­ Eden. that year. These figures show the coming EIS, NPA is employing Debbie The industry began in 1968 when continuing increase in tonnages and as Quarmby as a Project Officer to col­ the New South Wales government the traditional sawmill industry de­ late existing information on the agreed to sell 450 000 tons of wood- clines further (as in East Gippsland) industry. Debbie will be examining chips per annum to Harris-Daishowa woodchipping will be looked to as the environmental effects (hydrology, Pty Ltd for a 20-year period to 31 economic saviour and a way of renew­ wildlife, fire, soils, the place/status of December 1989. Export began in 1970 ing the wood supply from run-down national parks and reserves), economic with chip logs being drawn from 800 forests. impacts (economics of the industry, hectare felling coupes. In 1974, the Currently, Harris-Daishowa Aus­ effects on other forest industry export licence was increased to tralia is preparing a draft Environmen­ sectors, employment, cost/benefit 762 000 tonnes. By 1977 when the tal Impact Statement for its operations factors), and social effects (place of licence allowed an export of 806 000 post-1989. John Kerin (Minister for Harris-Daishowa in south-east region, tonnes, environmental concern was Primary Industry) has stated that the Eden's future, pressures on timber- widespread. By then many had seen study will address questions concern­ workers). the massive scars of clear felling and ing current pulpwood harvesting and The Eden operation is part of an wondered if the forests had a long the overall level of chip production industry having a widespread impact term future. In that year the Senate which might be sustained in the long on the forests of southern Australia. Standing Committee on Science and term. As tonnages grow and areas extend we Environment held an inquiry into The EIS will be a blueprint for might ask to what extent our forests woodchip operations throughout Aus­ forest management in the Eden area are being converted by these large- tralia, resulting in a report entitled into the next century, and will require scale operations into 'factory forests' Woodchips and the Environment. In detailed scrutiny by the environ­ - while towns like Eden remain, as 1979 the company was granted mental movement. At a recent meeting someone recently noted, 'third world permission to export 900 000 tonnes organised by the Conservation Council towns' locked by overseas capital for 1980 only, and applied for a very of the South-East Region and Canberra into a stage of permanent under­ substantial increase in the quota, to examine the woodchip industry, it development. (g\ proposing to take 400 000 tonnes became clear that much information

NATIONAL WOODCHIP CAMPAIGN

Decisions will very soon be made ravaged. Logging in the Weld, Huon last November. It was agreed unani­ which will affect the long term future and Picton Valleys would devastate mously that the decision on the of large areas of Australia's forests. views from Federation Peak, Mount Tasmanian woodchip licences would The Commonwealth Government is re­ Anne and Precipitous Bluff. Vistas set a precedent for the other states. If viewing the woodchip export licences. from the Cradle Mountain overland the Tasmanian licences are renewed Its actions will determine the condi­ track would be scarred by operations without significant restrictions and tions of these forests well into the in the Lemonthyme. Almost a third environmental safeguards, there is next century. of Tasmania's wilderness is threatened little hope of success in other states. by forestry: more than was saved in Therefore it was decided to launch a Tasmania the Franklin victory. national campaign to convince the Commonwealth Government of the The Tasmanian woodchip licences Other states need for conditions on the Tasmanian are being reviewed right now. An en­ licences. Little time remains to achieve vironmental impact statement (EIS) Woodchip projects in other states this aim. is being prepared and the Common­ come up for review in successive wealth Government will decide what years after Tasmania. First the Eden Strategy licence conditions to impose, if any, scheme in south-eastern New South by July 1985. Wales. Next the program in Western In a similar fashion to the Franklin There is much at stake. State Re­ Australia's karri and marri forests. campaign, two types of strategy need serves contain only 4% of Tasmania's There is still a possibility of wood­ to be used: forests, and do not adequately protect chipping commencing in far eastern 1. Bring direct pressure to bear on many species and community types. Victoria, which includes the famed the Commonwealth Government Forestry threatens cool-temperate rain­ Errinundra plateau. through lobbying, letters, telegrams forest, the world's tallest hardwood etc. stands, and the state's last unlogged A national strategy 2. Demonstrate through the media, catchment of dry sclerophyll forest. Conservationists from NSW, Vic­ national concern over the woodchip The edges of the cherished South toria, WA, Tasmania and the ACT issues. West World Heritage area may be attended a national woodchip summit Steps to saving the forests HOW ARE THOSE TREES AT GLENDALE?

NPA members are urged to do the Charles Hill following, in particular the first two tasks. Please: For the benefit of new readers, scale, beetles etc. hard at work, 1. Write to the Minister for Primary nearly two years ago the Association including a splendidly decorated cater­ Industry, the Hon. ). Kerin, asking planted some 470 native trees at pillar I knew as Spanish Galleon which him to implement ALP policy on Glendale in what is now Namadgi inflicts a painful sting if one brushes woodchip exports (available at NPA National Park. This planting is one of its hairs. E, rubida is the species which office). our projects initiated in 1982 to mark has suffered most from insect damage, 2. Comment on the draft EIS (available the International Year of the Tree. wi t h E. bridgesiana also suffering at Environment Centre). 'EIS re­ The last progress report appeared on significant damage. Some trees appear sponse kits' are also available page 19 of the June 84 Bulletin; a not to have survived the attacks, but from the Environment Centre, and statistical table of losses and growth others, which look in similar condition, from the contacts listed below. also appeared on page 2 of September have sent up new shoots from or near Write to the Minister for Arts, 84 Bulletin. This is a further progress ground level. The degree of infestation Heritage and Environment (pre­ report. differs markedly in different parts ol sently Hon. B. Cohen) demanding Outings (or liee maintenance were the site. We deemed it unwise to a copv of the draft EIS be placed arranged in May, July, September, attempt to spray because of the pollu­ in your local library. November and December ol 198-1 tion risk and the possible danger to lative fauna. We spent some lime 3. Write letters to major and local and February, March and April ol 1985. The main site area was divided disposing of insects bv hand but this newspapers, stressing the national probably gives only a brief respite. importance. Visit newspaper editors into three sections by long cords on to explain the significance of the each occasion; by allocating people to Some minor damage to Hcegujuh Tasmanian woodchip licences. a particular section we were able lo continues to occur. Some guards have 4. Visit your local Federal member minimise overlap of effort and some been removed because ihe trees appear and Senators. Again stress [lie trees missing attention. Attendance to be large enough to be un.itti active national significance of the Tasma­ varied between lour and twelve to rabbits and hares. nian review Explain that persons and much work was carried Some parts of the site ,ue being alternatives to logging the reserve out in pleasant surroundings. On mown by the i.ingeis' machine, but proposals exist which maintain jobs behalf of the Association I thank all much ol the sile is loo rough and has in the industry. Mention the ALP those who came along and particularly too many obstacles. Mowing reduces platform commitments. the small band of 'icgulars' who were the tire risk, eases the weed problem the back bone of the effort. and gives easier access for maintenance. Contacts Ample rain fell until early October We hope to be able to remove some of Jonathan Miller/Tim O'Loughlin, 102 1984, but since then Glendale has Ihe obstacles during the maintenance Batbursi Street, HobaM 7000 (002) been as dry as Canberra. The river outings m the winter. 345566 (002) 343552. fell, but stilt maintained a reasonable Pigs have been busy on the liee flow; the creeks and channels dried sile on two occasions. A large boai Roger Smith, ACF, 672B Qenferrie out except towards the river where was shot by a ranger and smaller ones Road, Hawthorn, Vic 3122 (03) they were still sunning ot damp. We driven off by dogs. Recently m>>ic pigs 8192888. watered a small number of trees by have been about and the rangers have bucket from the river in Match this a trap in the old orchard across ihe year to encourage rcgiowth after road fiom the site; several pigs have severe inseel allatk. Generally how­ been napped. Pig damage by rooting/ ever, they stood up to the dry spell ploughing in the moist parts or the site satisfactorily, although some made- is evident, bul lo dale the rooting has NEW MEMBERS lit tic new gi owth in tha t period. stopped at the trceguaids and no In 11y spring at our request the tree damage from this cause has been The following new members are Senioi Ranger at Glendale made some detected. welcomed lo the Association: more wood-chip mulch available. We Generally the growth of pauci- Phillip BUBB, Yjfr.tJumla; R»b CALD­ appreciated the thoughtful way this thta (Snowgum) and E. stellulata (Black Sallee) has been good this WELL. Kippax; Margaret CONLEY . was delivered in several heaps at Newport; Jeff COWAN and Pam convenient locations lo save us time season with some specimens nearly to PRITCHARD, Rivett; Murray GED- and eiloit. The mulching was aimed head height. The juvenile form of DES, P.O., Civic Square. Edna at both conserving moisUnc and in­ E, rubida (Candlebark) and E. bridge­ HOWARD and family. Gairan; Hilary hibiting weeds. siana (Apple Box) have more growing HUGHES and family. Hughes; Sieve The dry weather has meant that points, most of them closer to horizon­ and Lois JAMIESON, Queanbeyan; weeds aic not nearly as ihick or high tal than vertical and so they look like Dianna JAMIESON, Weston; Ms H. as last season with the exception of a small bush; several are about one M. LANG, Campbell; Philip LEAN. the lower 'channel country' wheie metre high. At the end of last growing Ma wson; An lonia LEHN, G. P. O., ihey are slill as lush as before. Weeding season the surviving trees totalled 402; Canberra; Pete MARSHAL L and family, is a fairly constant task as il is impor­ I estimate that a further 5-10°b have Dickson; James and |ane McMASTER, tant that the young, trees are not been lost this season. Wc plan locairy Maequarie; Ha/el MOIR, Cook; Jim smothered by competitors for nuiricnis out another survey this autumn to MORRIS. P.O Civic Square; Berna- and sunlight. Next year the strong determine losses accurately. dettc O'GORMAN, Goulbc-rn; Wendv growing trees should need minimum An accuiate survey of the trees is QUINN, Deakin; Mr and Mrs RITCHARDweeding. more difficult than one might think. , Forrest; Gloria ROB- Inseel damage has been much The site is an irregular shape, the BINS, Evan; G. SHORT, Belconnen; worse Ibis season. Some ol the damage planting plan simulated the variety Rita VAN VEEN, Kambah; Ellen may have been caused by disease as of aspects found in nature, and the WITT, Hawker; Joan WALTERS, some leaves have died completely. We trees were planted lo avoid straight Torrens; R.C. WESTON, Giralang. found a variety of caterpillars, bugs, or regular lines. At the time of the

tS survey the weed growth was much more time resolving differences than in the channels and creeks to delineate higher than the trees. So the task the initial survey. The reader will the strip. At least you knew when you was somewhat of a challenge! appreciate that with the weed growth reached a channel when pushing We drew up. a recording format one could see only one or two trees through the weeds as the water ran with four main columns, one per from any one spot. At times we into the tops of your boots! species, each divided into three sub- literally stumbled op trees with tyre It speaks well for the dedication of columns to show whether under and guard completely overgrown. The the surveying group that they have 30cm in height, between 30 and 90cm only solution was to reduce the width all 'volunteered' to carry out another or over 90cm. Each tree when identi­ of the strip to two or three trees survey this year. However we hope fied and assessed was recorded by a which meant more moving of wires that higher trees, less weed growth pencil stroke in the appropriate column. and cords, but much less time in and more experience will all contribute We used two teams of two persons each rechecking. to an easier task. so that there would be an independent When we reached the 'jungle' of check on results; in each team one per­ the channels at the north end, the use son was recorder and the other located of wires and cords had its problems The results of the survey (done and identified the tree. Robert Story as we could not see them either, mid-April) shows a total loss of just and Joan Hegarty were one team and quite apart from the difficulty of over 5 per cent in the last twelve Reg Alder and myself the other. A fifth running them out. We mainly used months — Ed. member, Brian Hammond, brought some long steel surveying wires/tapes and it was his task to divide the site into strips for survey so that (a) counting would be manageable and Articles in previous Bulletins on this subject are listed for convenient reference: (b) we knew in which strip particular Bulletin Page Heading Author Synopsis trees had been counted and could later monitor survival rates by location. Sept 82 6 Tree Planting Project C. Hill Plans for project, in Gudgenby Nature call for volunteers We started off in the south corner Reserve where it is open and the width of the Dec 82 4 Year of the Tree G. Chippendale Details of species site is small. Juvenile E. rubida and selected E. bridgesiana in most cases can be Project fairly easily identified, but we found Mar 83 5 Gudgenby Planting J.Hook Seed collection, several young trees where colour, Project germination and shape and positioning of leaves on potting stems were confusing and a decision Sept 83 5 NPA Tree Planting at C. Hill Planting out, was not clear-cut. The two teams Glendale work leading up started at different.ends of the marked to it strip and we reconciled results before we moved on. Even at the easy end we June 84 19 NPA Tree Growing at C. Hill Progress report found differences and some rechecking Glendale first growing was necessary. Then we moved into season longer strips with more and higher Sept 84 2 Glendale Tree Planting C. Hill Table of losses weeds and found we were spending Statistics and growth

THE ORIGINS OF THE NAME KOSCIUSKO up by the 1830's. Many however will not be so well acquainted with the Most who have walked to the peak of Mt Kosciusko will patriot Kosciusko in the quotation — The 'Summer Guide — be familiar with the quotation on the summit cairn plaque 1983-84' for the Kosciusko National Park contains a well by the explorer Paul Strzelecki who named the mountain in researched article on 'Who was Kosciusko*. Tadeusz, or as February 1840. The quotation reads 'The particular con­ in an English version Thaddeus, Kosciusko was a Polish figuration of this eminence struck me so forcibly, by the statesman and general with a wide range of qualifications similarity it bears to a tumulus elevated in Krakow over the and interests which included surveying, civil engineering, tomb of the patriot Kosciusko, that although amongst a artillery, architecture, gardening and painting. Born in free people, who appreciate freedom and its votaries, I could 1746 and at the start of a brilliant military career he was not refrain from giving it the name of Mount Kosciusko. forced to flee to France after he had eloped with the The Aboriginals called the Main Range Muniong (or daughter of a magnate. Moving over to North America in Munyang) and Tar-gan-gil has been suggested as their name 1776 he fought on the colonists' side in the War of Indepen­ for Kosciusko. This name however bears a similarity to the dence. It was at his suggestion that the Military Academy name given to other prominent peaks and it could be just was later founded at West Point their general term for a mountain. Once, touring Yugoslavia, He returned to Poland in 1787 and by 1791 was at the I came across a prominent sign near the top of a mountain head of a Polish army which was successful in warding off a and duly recorded it on my photographs as the name of the Russian advance. Later in command of the Polish armies mountain. Later, many miles away, I came across a similar he was defeated and captured in the Battle of Maciejowie sign and then found out it meant 'serpentine* or curves! in 1794. After his release he lived in Switzerland and France, Early explorers would have had the same problem in finding becoming an Honorary Citizen of France where he wrote a out the particular name for a feature from .i. language they book on partisan warfare which right up to now has been a did not understand. great influence on partisans in their tactics. He died in 1817, Although Strzelecki was the first European to record the recognised as a hero in both Poland and the United States. name of the mountain, there are some doubts that he Had he lived this century it is possible he would have been would have been the first to have seen it as all the main regarded as a conservationist as he designed and built parks pastoral runs on either side of the mountain had been taken and gardens wherever he went. Reg Alder red stringy bark, has distinctively FIELD GUIDE WALK Val Honey thick fibrous, deeply furrowed bark, grey to red outside, and rich cinnamon colour on the inside. Its ovate juvenile leaves are rough surfaced; there is a pronounced concave ring at the base What better way to compliment an the circumference of the trunk. The of the bud-cover (where it meets the bud), and the strongly projecting excellent reference book than to effect of this was evident in the upper experience a field day with not one, branches which had died. However, valves from the dome-topped fruit but three extremely welJ qualified lower branches were attempting re­ give this species its name, macro­ tutors, who happen also to be co­ growth. It was here we were reminded rhyncha meaning long-beaked. authors of the said book? I refer, of that the outside layers of the trunk are We drove on to our next study course, to the NPA's Field Guide to the living parts of a tree, not the area after a restful lunch by the the Native Trees of the ACT, and to core or heart-wood. Cotter River at Murrays Corner. John Hook, Peter Ormay and Laurie A few more kilometres' driving Shortly after entering (with permis­ Adams. brought us to our next specimen. sion) a gate labelled 'Private Property', we became conscious that our instruc­ Soon after 8.30am on Sunday, 3 This magnificent tree with its huge tor of the moment was speaking more March, a good 'turn-up' of 18 members bulk proclaiming a great age, stood loudly. This had become necessary travelling in half a dozen vehicles gleaming in the morning sunlight, a for his voice to be heard above the (having parked the superfluous cars), fitting subject for a potential Hans noise emanating from what seemed to set out along Cotter Road in near Heysen. The Field Guide key very me to be a large granite boulder. It perfect weather. Our first stop was a quickly (stage 2) directed us to the sounded somewheie between a cour­ short distance beyond the Stromlo description of three species from ting koala and the local GTS V8 pines where the Field Guide's key to which it became relatively simple to 'revving' for Saturday night 'wheelies'. eucalyptus species was put to the identify this tree as E. rossii. Here With precise timing, our education on test. It led us to the point of deciding within a few metres of one another Eucalyptus rubida terminated coin- whether our roadside specimens were were growing seedlings of E. rossii, E. cidentally with the elevation of the E. blakelyi, E. camphora or E. man-mannifera ssp. maculosa and E. mac- grey boulder onto lour sturdy legs, nifera ssp. maculosa. On turning to throrhyncha,e their juvenile leaves having one of which began to raise a small detailed description of each of these, been checked against the Field Guide cloud of dust. Being keen to inspect we found that there were at least descriptions. Association of these the next specimen, we followed our two factors which greatly facilitated three species on dry hillsides is quite teachers through a second gate into identification of these specimens, and common. E. rossii is the 'scribbly another paddock. From here, we which can be employed successfully gum' of the ACT, the 'scribbles' moved leisurely up the gradual slope in recognising many other species, i.e. being sharply etched into the smooth to the accompaniment of the mellow occurrence (or type of habitat), and usually silvery-white bark by insect tones of basso bovino, now giving description and diagram of buds, re­ larvae. E. rossii is also distinguished encouragement to three of his com­ quiring of course, the finding of some by 'pressure ridges' where branches panions on our side of the fence, who sample buds for comparison with the bend, or join in. E. mannifera ssp. fortunately regarded us with indif­ description and diagram in the Field maculosa, red spotted gum, similar ference. However, concentration on Guide. The two inappropriate habitats to E. rossii with its white trunk, is eucalypt study became less than were discarded (it is not always that conspicuous around Canberra, having intense, as some private calculations easy), then while checking the buds been used in street plantings in large were made as to the degree of the found beneath the tree against the numbers. The last of this commonly angle of a strategically positioned Field Guide diagram, we were aided associated trio, E. macrorhyncha, the also by a tip from Peter and |ohn, that the buds had the longest, conical caps of any ACT species. Hence, we stood before the unveiled mystery Sketch by loan Hegarty of our first correctly executed ID (albeit not the most difficult of eucalypts) - E. blakelyi, Blakcly's Red Gum. Another factor which can be help­ hi- ful in identifying eucalypt species is association. That is to say, a par­ ticular species will often be found in the company of one or two other species. For instance, before leaving the roadside area of our first stop, we were shown some examples of E. mel- lidora (which means honey-scented). This species, commonly known as V yellow box, is often found near E. blakelyi, as was the case here. Taking into .iccount thai tho bark of E. melltodora is extremely v

JUST BRIEFLY Barbara Hicks, an active member a An apology to the hirsuted, gar­ Not only did NPA of the ACT cel­ few years ago, sends her thanks for rulous, bogy men of the Association: ebrate its 25th Birthday in March, so cards while in hospital, and wishes to Reg Alder's cover photo of the last also did the Milton Association. Our be remembered to all those with issue was not intended as a caricature official guests (Fiona Brand and Reg whom she had the pleasure of walking of a banksia man. No alteration or Alder) joined them for a barbecue of and camping. Her operation was most retouching was carried out on the roast pig on a spit and a seminar — successful, she is walking a lot in the original subject. all in perfect weather. Happy Birthday U.K., returning to Australia around ******* to both Associations! Christmas to work and live in Sydney. ******* On her travels back she hopes to walk During the summer break in our in the Drakensburg Mountains in program many members 'did their own If you have tried (unsuccessfully) South Africa. thing'. Reg, Fiona, Frank C. and to contact a member before our ******* Beverley spent time in the Victorian monthly meetings, do not despair. Alps, with day and two-day walks led They are quite likely to be at a certain ^ Scribbly Gum, the Editor and by two of our Victorian members, vegetarian cafe within 'culinary aroma' others were honoured (?) to see their Stephen Johnson and Vern Routley. distance of Griffin Centre (sorry no para on wild pigs (last issue) taken up lan Haynes stretched his legs in free advertising). I hear this is getting at great length by lan Warden in the his beloved 'Snowies' for 14-16 such a popular spot that maybe a Canberra Times recently. (Good pub­ days, and Olive B. attended a summer small outlay on an NPA badge or licity for NPA and the cause.) school on geology, fauna and flora of logo will bring you a discount! ******* Kosciusko, based at Jindabyne (see ******* separate article). ******* Fiona Brand, Beverley Hammond One VERY hot day, 34° predicted (actual 37°), five members wanting and Bonnie Fox are off to Kashmir The weekend camp by the Good- for six weeks in June. Among their exercise and fresh (?) air, followed Gudgenby Creek. Lingering in shade, radigbee, which only entails a 2km travels will be an 18-day trek, and we backpack along the lovely Micalong wish them all joy and no problems. flopping into pools, drinking hourly, Creek was enjoyed by many members they learnt (the hard way) how to ******* — swimming holes, shady casuarinas, cope with dehydration, taking 7-8 and blackberries for the picking hours to cover an easy 14km. Luckily (these also appearing to be well they all had a sense of humour! loved food of a wallaroo that joined us ******* for breakfast). BOGONG NATIONAL PARK — VICTORIA

It had been some forty years since i had been to tlie Bogong High Plains by bicycle and an open fabric hooded tourer in the clays belore the hydio electric development and the declara­ tion of a national paik, when the plains were almost for anyone to despoil from over grazing. There had been many change* for besides the plus rea I di ffei ence* there are now large number-, of people using the area. Today there aic tourist loads, lire trails, aqueducts, dam* and walking tracks and the tattle are still there chomping awav on the Iragilc alpine pastures. Sheep arc no longer allowed, burning of I is prohibited but the cattle are brought up in their hundreds. They are lo be seen everywhere, eroding paths arid trampling down the swamp stream sources. The only thing in their favoi/r is that they are ail in excellent condition and extremely docile. Their while faces all turn to watch you pass by and they will only move ii your two paths coincide. Sent in the i emote* t gullies and in the thick standi of snow gums it is a wonder ihal they can all he mustered be fore the first snow fall. A ca 111 e- woman told u* that the placement of salt lick blocks prior to mustering helps ments can be made. Control* lor to bring them out but later searches Iaige groups such as this horse riding still have lo be made to bring out the party may need to be established shaggleiv Then there is also the prob-Reg Alder for Namadgi. The Victorian park authorities seem lem of cutting out the caltle belonging to have adopted a standard toilet to the various owners. design tor the snoconservationistssince The Alpine Walking Track with its two similai one* were seen. You first numbered snow poles for a guide to step into a covcied poich and then a the route is very popular. One church stable door, built to withstand ihe group of thiriy-seven member*, with heaviest blast, give* entiv. The lowei ages ranging from the early teens to sec I ion was t oo low toi pi ivacy and the sixties, had been having long peihap*environmentalists wav lu allow annual walks to many plate* owi the quickei Wildlife Preservation Societyt past seventeen years. One voung wait to shovel anolhci couple of feet woman told us proudly that this was of snow awa\ from the dooi. Pegs her eighth consecutive one. This for hanging clothe* on and a small year they had started at Harrietville, whisk weie hung high in one coinei. were then four nights out and were Was this lo brush ihe *pideis aua\ headed for Wallaces Hut near Rocky hum ihe seat, eleai the *now oi du*i Valley. Oui leaders should nevei the floor? complain about having too many to No one could claim that ihey had keep track uf - at least fieri.' a marked not seen the many notices fuibidding route made thi* leader's task a liltle vehicles to be diiven olt ihe loads easier. onto ihe snow gia*-.e*. Howevei one Not so good were ihe activities ul Iaige gioup of seveial i.,iis must have a iaige horse trail riding gruup who been illi tei ale oi insensitive to lhe took over our campsite while we damage they weie causing because were away. Cais, lorries, horse floats, they all drove well off the load and a large barbecue table and a generator then immediately stalled vigor on* *urrounded us. The horses and their ball game*. Whv thev had to travel lidcrs had yet to arrive. One of their gieat distance*, lo plav hall games on members said (hat the site had been thi* sensitive teiiain i* heyond me. reconnoitred several months ago, prob­ Still, peihapslhev weie doing no moie ably without official approval. As it damage than ihe oMicialh condoned was not a designated camping silc il placid uhiie-LiLed cow* munching gave them no right* of occupancy. We close bv. will have to give consideration lo the feelings of other people when one of uur large car-camp groups descend* on a place for which no prior arrange­ QUOTABLE QUOTE

We aie called conseivalionists oi greenies by the media when thev repoit on our opposing developmental FOOTPRINTS projects, but when wv aie involved in 'tec planting, wildltte suney* oi flow many member* can recognise the luotprints in educational piojecis (he media icteis jur logo' The single one on the (eft is made by an emu; to us as env ir on men l a I isls. the parr on die right, by a kangaroo. The best places for Suwcf: Wildlile Pi esmation Soc iei v searching 'oi footprints are muddy creek and dam hanks, ot Queensland, Xovf/nhct /9S-*. patches uf sand, dried out puddles and dusty roads - anywhere the ground is sufi enough to take but fiim enough to hold an imprint.

.'he third member of the group here is our famous (infamous?) feral porker, which is seen a little too often and in tuo many paits of Namadgi now.

More prints will be included in our next Bulletin.

Illustration* are ii> Ken Johnson KOSCIUSKO — FROM BELOW GROUND UPWARDS Olive Buckman

In January, I attended a Summer he battled to get the 'locals' to see the then followed him closely, like children School on Mount Kosciusko, organised area as more than just for grazing, with with the Pied Piper, on field trips and by the University of New England's the Snowy Mountains Authority build­ excursions. He also gave an informal Department of Continuing Education, ing roads and dams. He predicted (so talk on 'Photography in the Alps'. returning richer in experience, more rightly) that many of them — and On Wednesday we travelled in air knowledgeable, and ready for further their descendants — would one day get conditioned coaches up the Thredbo visits to look at our great National their living from the Park. We sat Valley (with comments on geology Park with fresh eyes. enraptured one evening, as he non­ and alpine vegetation). From the top The 'nitty gritty' involved: enrolling chalantly reminisced on the trials, of the chairlift, most of us walked in early (a popular course into its third tribulations and incidents of those groups (with tutors commenting) year), finding one's own accommoda­ early days. across to Mount Kosciusko, along the tion in Jindabyne, and being physically Bob Galloway, a research scientist tops to Lake Albina (where the fit for field trips and excursions. with the CSIRO, took us back millions weather took a typical 'high altitude Fees covered all sessions, morning of years, covering the forces of nature change' from sunshine to cold show­ teas, substantial lunches and coaches that produced the landforms and ers), up Mount Carruthers, past Blue for excursions. geology of the areas, as we know it Lake, to finally stagger to the waiting Starting on a Sunday evening, we today. Each talk and field trip was a coaches at Charlottes Pass. Those not had a warm welcome from Frank joy, as he explained so much behind able to walk the 16-18 km, took a Bitmead, the School Director, and a what we ail take for granted. gentle stroll along the summit road. drinks-and-nibbles reception. Tutors Roger Good, Research Officer with On Friday, our full-day excursion and staff were introduced, then a the National Parks and Wildlife Service took us along the Alpine Way to the brief, special lecture whetted our of NSW, brought home the many Yarrangobilly Caves. Here, we had appetite for the week ahead. problems of park management, restor­ well-known speleologist, Andy Spate, On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, ation of the eroded, fragile alpine to tell us about the formations, and to illustrated lectures were held each areas, and different opinions and conduct us over the beautiful Jersey morning, field study trips (in three angles on the bushfire problems of an Cave. Gathering later for a farewell groups) each afternoon, and informal area of some 3000 square miles. evening, one of our fellow students — talks in the evenings. On Wednesday Jane Mallen, who is at present a Pole from Queensland — gave us an and Friday we enjoyed two full-day working on the spread of weeds in the insight into the life of Count excursions, carrying our learning fur­ Park, and Will Osborne, who has Kosciusko, and some reasons why ther afield. done a number of surveys on the explorer Strzelecki decided to call Our tutors were all highly qualified, Kosciusko fauna, had us enthralled Australia's highest (mainland) peak with many years' experience in various with talks, slides and live specimens, after him. It was an enlightening, en­ spheres and areas, especially the especially on field trips, covering joyable Summer School and I can Snowy Mountains. Welcoming ques­ some 400 species of fauna. thoroughly recommend it. tions at any time, they were a great Many 'oo's and 'oh's' greeted Colin The course will be run again in team in working with each other and Totterdell's fascinating talk and beau­ 1986, but maybe not by the University relating to us students. tiful slides on alpine flora. Colin is of New England. However, inquiries Neville Gare, Deputy Director of scientific photographer with CSIRO. should be made to the University the Australian National Parks and His work is known far and wide Council Secretary, University of New Wildlife Service, dealt with the history through many publications, but es­ England, Armidale, NSW 2351, as of the area, and his experiences as the pecially through the book Kosciusko soon as possible. first Superintendent of the Kosciusko Alpine Flora, which he co-authored. National Park. As recently as I960, We sat entranced through his talk

THE PRIMEVAL DESOLATION AND UNAS! LABLE PURITY OF MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS Trekking in the Himalayas has been going on for longer flung off their nightly garments of the purest blue and stood than the tour operators would have one believe. The first arrayed in robes of glowing white. The intermediate moun­ attempt atorganisingtreks may be discerned in the activities tains cast their disjointed dark broad shadows across the of three Aberdonians, Dr James Gerard and Alexander and swelling ranges below, and in the interminable plains were Patrick Gerard when they took holiday parties to Simla at illumined, all the ineffable variety of earth became distinct; 7,000 feet on the watershed ridge of the Indus-Ganges it was day and the voiceless soul of the great globe seemed basins. to rejoice smiling. On May 7th 1822, they aroused their bleary eyed party This first description of the view from Simla is probably with a promise of an experience never to be missed and withthe finest. Dawn somehow intensifies the primeval desola­ some misgivings the trekkers climbed up a steep woodedtio n and the unassailable purity of the mountain wilderness. hill called Juckoo. One of the party, Ma/orSir William LloydLloyd looked on it with the wide-eyed wonder of one seeing wrote this memorable description of his experience. the hitherto unseen and, without contrived art nor yet We reached the summit of Juckoo long before daybreakfea r of the fanciful, he penned this grand evocation. and anxiously awaited the dawn. The sky appeared an enor­ Simla by 1847 had 400 British residences. To build all mous dome of the richest massy sapphire, overhanging thethe fanciful cottages and lodges with their dormers, balco­ lofty pinnacles of the Himalaya, which were of indescribablynies an d rustic porches, the forests of cedar and evergreen deep hues, and strangely fantastic forms. At length fiveoak vast had bee n whittled away. Already the town had that look beaming shadows sprang upwards from five high peaks aso f being spread-eagled along the bare crest of the ridge. though the giant day had grasped the mighty barrier to For subsequent visitors the mountain wilderness looked raise himself, while in the same instant the light rolleddifferen int through a crack in the chintz curtains. dense dazzling volumes through the broad snowy valleys between them, and soon the glorious orb rose with blinding Adapted from John Keay's splendour over the Yoosoo Pass, and assumed the appear­ 'When Men and Mountains Meet' ance of a god-like eye. In a moment these rising solitudes by Reg Alder ALASKA AND CONIK.UOUS CANADA - NATIONAL PARKS SILVER JUBILEES f'innj Brand Pi s ;> nnc ot a \v it^ nt .p; nlcs ahnut \./t!onai Parks vptteJ fn \f'\ members Charles and \udrt\ I hit >.n \ta^l:a a/hi Canada >/l /9>J. Written in- Unities Hill The month ol Match 1960 was when an NPA branch was begun in WrangcTI St Llias National Park and Kluane National Park Milton, NSW. and the NPA ol the Preserve ACT was founded. In this the tweim- Kluane is m Canada, sharing a lillh year of both oiganisations, This Park h.is ils hi'rdi'i aholll L oriimon bor der with Wran gel I/.Si celebrations have been held, and more 25l)km due west nt Afkhukigc and F.iias. It is aiso iccentiy declared bill is are planned lor our Association. runs Ir-ini there th;r>ugh l" the (Cana­ iiol quite hall the size ol its laige The Milton NPA held a seminar dian dei. Ii w.ii dett.ued :n I9tt() neighbour It encompasses most ol the on 16 March I9S5 at . the and, with an aiea ol .SO 00U sq km, (...madian side of ihe Si Llias Moun­ Ulladulla theme chosen was 'Parks, Conservation eriu impa-sc s I he Wt .111 gel I Range and tains which are just as niagnil iceni as and Development on the South Coast the Al.iskan p.ui n] the Si CM.is Moun­ those in Alaska including Mt Logan - the next twenty-five years'. Russ tains. M.nn ••! US numnous peaks 1595 In), second in ihe whole ot Evans, the Shoalhaven city planner, .11 e mil 1300m and ihe h ighcsl is North America only to Ml McKinley. pleaded for a balance between iural 548'lm. We Jul walk in the Park We 1 uv el led by road noi th past landscape and bushland; Judith Wright hut the in.id il'HTH limn Valdcv is Wr angel I St hlias and then south­ spoke of the role of groups in the almost '»n its hni'fci .ind with gond east into Canada and alongside the fight for conserved areas and the weather \u' had THE nvcis. lorcsls boundary of Kluane on the way to restriction of development; Bruce and in mountains spojad out Whi'.ehoivj. Ml Logan is over 100km .igiutiLcni Leaver, Regional Director of ihe Na­ in lull \ lew fi 'i ha It .1 dav. Irom the Park boundary and it and its high neighbours are almost im­ tional Parks and Wildlife Service, stated possible to see from where we were, that I he protection of estuaries was Mt Wr.ingell (4jl7in) h>oks peace- ihe most urgent conservation need on fuI eni>ugh with its white mantle ul due to the n-vvs ol lower mountains which aie attractive but not spectacu­ the south coast; and Brian Kenny snow and ice, hill n'i l.id is an .a'll'u- of the Lands Department urged every­ \nk.inn which is 'hiillulg up' Massive lar. We looked at the very new Park Visitor Centie and walked lor two or one to become involved in local ihanucs in the ice cover aie uccuiring government planning. in and .Hound the uatei aiul scientists Ihiee limits in lire Park, which was ai e giv ing these L h ise at lent 11 ui as pleasant Beavers, squirrels and chip­ The seminar was well attended, continuing observations accurately dis­ munks were about. I disturbed a with visitors from Sydney, Nowra close iln- imiiiuil n] heat being gener­ golden eagle endeavouring to catch a and Canberra swelling the numbers. ated. In cf f CL 1 the mountain has tree squirrel which, when sale, loosed On Sunday, an excellent barbecue become a giant caloi '.meler !ni volcanic a torrent ot squincl abuse at me! lunch (roasted pig on a spit) was reseai ch. held on a beautiful local rural property. Wiangell/St Llias combined with During the function it was announced Kluane stretch about 500km along that a small nature area in Ulladulla Copper was mined in Ihese mi> u n - this great mountain divide with a had been named after Chris Humphries, breadth of l00-200km in the main. tains in the early 1900s and a railway A foundation member. was laid to ti an sport ore Together they form a recently declared the to the The ACT NPA marked its twenty- p'Ui ol Cordova. Th is I ine 1 t wu World Heritage Area. There are some cr issed fifth birthday by having a beautifully active glaciers, one loi a distance ot intriguing walking routes but most decorated birthday cake at the March 9km; ihe ballast was laid directly on at this early stage require several days meeting. We thank Adrienne Nicholson the i^e and maintenance ciews toiled backpacking to reach their objective for making and decorating the cake. constant I v lo compensate lor glacier and a car lo get to ihe various widely We hope that later in the year (or movements. The railway operated scattered start points. We had to be early next year) we too will hold a successfully lor iweritv years. The content to see the Irmge only on seminar 10 mark our Twenty-fifth mining heritage leaves a second class ibis tiip. Jubilee. road along the Chilina Valley to the These two Parks have wonderful ghost towns of McCar ih\ and Kcn- opportunities for the stiong, well- nicot t and th is gives access to the equipped walkei to travel through centre of the Par k. and explore some undeveloped, spec­ tacular country. fc\ COMMENT CORNER The Murrumbidgee River Corridor at Red Rocks. A short walk upstream from Kambah Pool will bring you to this delightful vantage point • Photo Reg Alder PIGS OF ANOTHER KIND

Walking back through the old Gud­ genby pine forest a few months ago, I PICKED up and carried out: • a spent 0.22 cartridge case • a small empty package that might have been associated with the shooter as it was nearby • a nondescript mass ot plastic • an empty supermarket plastic bag • an empty soft drink bottle, and • back at the carpark, two empty- Coca Cola cans! No comment. Frank Clements KOSCIUSKO NATIONAL PARK HISTORY IN CONCRETE AND TIMBER

Below. A substantially built concrete room, no windows, tucked under a slope in the Kiandra area, li had been fitted with fights and other special wiring until these items were ripped out. What purpose did it serve and when was It built?

Above. New information centre at entrance to Coolamine Homestead. The timber is handworked - note neatly fitting slabs on side with each end shaped with an adze. Framed sheets with photos and explanations about the homestead's history are attached to the waifs. Extensive timber restoration is being carried out at the homestead.

Photos by Sybil Story

TRIP TO NADGEE

Stephen Johnston

No matter how dry a summer we torian border and the woodchipped down to the Newtons Beach camping have in southern Australia, no matter forests south of Eden. Fifteen people area. He also brought us the revised how many days of 35+ degree temper­ booked for the walk — the maximum forecast — continuing rain on Friday atures, you can almost always be sure walking group number allowed in the and Saturday, clearing on Sunday. that the drought will break around Reserve — but one, Frank Clements, The predictions prompted Fiona Easter. obviously knew something that the Brand to begin working out what was Easter, when the rain comes down rest of us didn't. Pleading that he had to become a series of daily contingen­ in torrents for hours without end, 'too much to do at home', Frank was cy plans. I seem to recall that we got when the dusty roads turn to mud and a last minute scratching. There were up to plan E that morning ... or was dry rocky gullies are filled with moments when we wished we could it F. Well, whatever, the problem was foaming, tumbling water! Well, that's have joined him. that when it came to the vote I had how it seems to a lot of bushwalkers The Bureau forecast looked pretty forgotten what plans A, B, C and D anyway, whose memories of Easter good — low pressure system off the were. Two of our number decided hikes are filled with recollections of east coast moving west with a high they were only interested in one how wet they got, how strong the becoming the dominant influence. As contingency — returning to Canberra. blizzards were and how long they were we drove down the Brown Mountain And then there were 12. holed up in tents and huts waiting for road on Thursday night through pour­ Friday was spent in Reg Alder's the weather to clear. Despite those ing rain we reassured ourselves that it van and on the front verandah of the vivid memories many of us still, every must have been the tail end of that ranger's house with a walk for some in year, join the lemming-like evacuation low. Tomorrow will be clearing, we the afternoon down to the mouth of from the cities on the Thursday before thought, and by Saturday we'll be the Merrica River. About 5 o'clock Good Friday with thousands of other reaching for the suntan lotion. By a bedraggled figure arrived at the cars towing trailers, caravans, boats 11pm most of us had arrived at the ranger's house asking if there was an and trail bikes. It really is wonderful Merrica River crossing where a locked alternative way into the Reserve. 'The to get away from it all. gate kept us on the west bank and we river's flooded,' he said, 'there's no One of the scenes for the Easter spent a reasonably comfortable night way you could cross it.' Sure enough deluge this year was the Nadgee sleeping on the dirt floor of a garage. the river we had crossed only eight Nature Reserve, that remarkable When the ranger arrived in the morn­ hours before was now a brown torrent stretch of wilderness country jammed ing to unlock the gate it was still that was too much even for the ranger in between the Pacific Ocean, the Vic­ pouring and he warned against driving in his four-wheel-drive utility. He left Ins vehicle on the other Mile alter vertically and a foot horizontally' . . . to Mallacoota in the south, the reluming from his duties, .it Ben Boyd 'clown hall an inch.' Such was our mountains of Nalbaugh National Park Njtion.il Park and crossed hv the accuracy ! in the west, Egan Peaks in the north, suspension footbridge. That night he After mote heavy rain on Saturday Twofold and Disaster Bays in the east. showed his hospnalitv, inviting us lo night, Sundav dawned with clouds The vista was marred only by ihe ugly join him In the tne to di v oil. lilting and even a lew patches of blue gashes where the forest had been clear- With tine sky ,i lighter shade of grey sky. The Weather Bureau's second felled to feed the voracious appetile on Saturday morning.md ihe lonen- attempt at an Easter forecast had been of the Harris-Daishowa woodchip mill lial ram ieduced to a mist, we chanced accurate. Fiona held her regular morn­ south of Eden. out luck and drove lo the lop ol ing contingency planning session but On our icturn to the cars most of Mount Tumbledown where wc walked by this time we were down to plans the party headed back to Canberra down to Walk Newtons Beach and A, B and C. Most of us headed oil thai while Reg, Fiona and I drove down along the moors lo ihe mouth ol the Little day lo the mouth ot the Mcrrica Rivci, to Ben Boyd National Paik where wc River. The weather gradually enjoyed a swim and the sweeping went for a lovely walk along the lined up thai morning until the sun views of Disaster Bay Irom the cliff coastal moors the following morning. made a Meeting appeal ance while above the estuary while having lunch. Before starting the long haul back to we weie having an early lunch. Alas, On our return a dingo was beard and Canberra we called in to Eden where the hiight prospect was quickly briefly sighted running across the the milk bai proprietress informed us blotted out bv the black clouds which track. Fiona later walked within a lew that 13 inches of rain had fallen over opened up and saluiated us as we leet ul a large black snake before her Easter. She had no difficulty in con­ slushed our wav hack to the cais. attention was drawn to its angry, vincing '.»s. Despite the lain and the The rangci was again most consideiate llattened shape. The NPA river heights fact that we had to cancel uu' hike that night providing us with an inter­ sub-committee had meanwhile been down to the Victorian border, we still esting slide show, the pioiedoi powei- keeping vigil but the news was not had some enjoyable day walks. Fiona ed by a spluttering generator. The encouraging the Mcrrica had been showed her great strength as leader, projci u>r. slides and screen had all dropping only very slowly. maintaining humour under the diffi­ been can led across the narrow suspen­ By Monday, at last, the sun shone cult conditions. Maybe some other sion budge o\et the slill-r ising Mei i ica clown through a nearly cloudless sky time we will return to Nadgee when Rivei. The nvei's level developed into and after morning tea and some final the sun will stream down on the long a major topic oi convention as sticks deliberations we left the Nadgee golden beaches and the coastal marking ils vaiy ing height were Reserve and headed towaids Mt Imlay mountains will rise up to a clear blue checked and moved evei y houi. Nut which dominates the skyline west of sky. Then wc will have no worries of even the ABC's Country Hour could Eden. The walking tiack up the sodden clothes, flooded rivers and have male lied our zeal tor river northern ridge climbed steeply muddy boots. But then without them heights, 'up lour inches' . . . 'it's through mature forest and flowering it just wouldn't be Easter. ^) covered the hrsl marker and made a wattles to afford sweeping 360 degree new channel' . . . 'down lour inches views from the summit trig point:

ETTREMA VIA PRETTY BEACH...! Judith Webster

\\ o 4^ a.m. we lei 1 mji c.n s on flat, savage wind tore at Ihe ireetops in phone call to Canberra to advise ot lockv . ground among low scrub and Iren/ied gnsls. There were loo many our change ot plans and then drove on -el ol | tor Llli cina. I lir ee ol the unknown factors, so we lumed back. lo Prettv Beach. At 5.30 p.m. we left pai u wen.' par 1 iciliar I v e\e ited as it A11 t hings being c cms icier ed we wer e the cars near the commercial camping was lo he our lust trip to tins bejuli a I lei all bushwalking lor pleasure ground and set off with our packs for tul goige. It was a Ixiglll. Clear da\ not to put ourselves or vehicles at the second lime that day Forty-five bul the warm sunshine was tempeied i isk. minutes, and several beaches, later we In a heice wind. Back at the cars we opted to drive came to a little sandy cove (one ol Atlei about tilleen minutes walking, right away Irom the area, down to the campsites lor Reg Alder's five-day a whilish cloud was observed on ihe the coast. We had a late lunch stop, coastal walk programmed for May) horizon SMOKE. It appeared lust off the load by the Tianjara Falls. It is a delightful spot among tall fanly distant. We kept a watchful eye From the lookout, the reddish brown spotted gums and seemed to be just on it: 11 grew iapidly and became cloud seemed lo be enveloping the waiting for us to set up camp. But discoloured Alter about another hum whole sky The gale lashed and thrashed fiist things first it had been a we seiambled lo the top ol a rise. at the bush. We took our lunch down wry long day with an early stail, From this vantage poinl. we look to the creek, just above where its some walking, a certain degree ol slock ot tlie situation. Ihe cloiul was gentle flow toppled hundreds of feet worry and a great deal of travelling thicker, dirly looking and much into the valley. Even here the wind the beautiful sea called to us to cast closer (though it was hard lo gauge took control - n snatched at the off our clothes and cares and plunge distances J. Ther e was cam ci n abou I water, threw it into the air in beaded into the surf. where we had lelt the cars the wind curtains of blight droplets or shook it So, not this time the waterfalls direction was away from them now over us in unexpected showers. and deep pools of Ettrema, but our but a change was forecast for later. We We tiavelled on through an eerie kind (and wise) leader, Phil, has could continue down into the gorge half-light, the smoke-lillcred sunshine promised lo continue the trip in and know we were safe there, hut up glowing reddish gold. When we finally November. on top what would be happening? reached the coast, it was to discover how could we tell the progress of the more fires, lesser than the one we had (The firc was around Bungonia fire? how vulnerable were the cars? tied, spreading a haze over the whole Gorge, only 15 kilometres from would our return route he cut olf? We countryside. We had .i welcome stop Ettrema, and burning on a 25 kilo­ pondered . . . while all aiound the for drinks at Ulladulla, made a quick metre front.) New book on Daintree LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Daintree — Where the Rainforest Meets the Reef. The Australian Con­ servation Foundation has joined with Australian publisher Kevin Weldon to TRANSPORT PROBLEMS? projects and social and economic produce Daintree to support the issues was included, now in accordance national conservation campaign to save May I again beg a small space to ask with guidelines issued the report is this magnificent Australian and world members who would like to partici­ restricted to information about opera­ heritage area. pate in day walks, but have no trans­ tions and financial statements. To The 256-page book measures 21cm port to get to meeting places, to contact complement the Annual Report the x 30cm, is printed on high quality me (48 8774, NOT 1-3pm). I realise Commissioner decided, partly as an paper and has 160 colour photographs the December Bulletin (when our experiment, to produce a separate by Dawn and Clifford Frith and Leo program is at rest) was not the ideal publication covering key projects and Meier. Text is written by nature writer issue to bring the subject forward. important issues during the past Rupert Russell. Thank you. twelve months. Members of conservation and en­ vironment groups around Australia can Olive Buckman This new publication Canberra NCDC Projects 84 - the Way We Are, order direct from the ACF sales depart­ a very glossy pictorial and free, was ment on the coupon below. released towards the end of last year. ACF proceeds from sales of the THE DISMANTLING OF THE All member Canberra and Territory book will be recycled back into con­ NCDC ANNUAL REPORT watchers are advised to secure a copy, servation. look behind the pictures for the To: Australian Conservation small detail and to see that it continues Foundation For the past fifteen years I have as an annual publication. 672BGIenferrie Road been reading about the present and Hawthorn, Vic. 3122 future projections of the NCDC in Reg Alder their annual reports. Firstly they were (Telephone: (03) 8192888) free and posted on request, then free I wish to order copies of postage was withdrawn and finally Daintree at $24.95 plus $4 postage copies had to be paid for. and packing. Total enclosed This year the very belated report was not available until early March and Name: it turned up in a different format. In the Commissioner's letter to the Address Minister an explanation is given that although in previous years a significant Postcode amount of descriptive material on

NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION OUTINGS

AH persons joining an outing of the National Parks Association of the A.C.T. do so as volunteers in all respects and as such accept sole respon­ sibility For any injury howsoever incurred and the National Parks Association of the A.C.T., its officer bearers and appointed leaders are absolved from any liability in respect of any injury or damage suffered whilst engaged on any such outing. The Committee suggests a donation of FOUR cents per kilometre (calculation to nearest dollar) be offered to the driver by each passenger accepting transportation. Drive distances quoted from the meeting point, for one way only, are approximate and for guidance only. Walk dis­ tances shown are total. Please notify the leader by the previous Wednesday of your intention to go on any weekend outing.

JUNE 2 SUNDAY WALK Yankee Hat Paintings * * Ref: Yaouk 1:25 000 Leader: Dianne Thompson 886084 Meet: Kambah Village Shops 9.30am. Walk from Boboyan Pine Forest to rock overhang near base of Yankee Hat. Fairly flat but some fences and a swamp crossing. Aboriginal paintings. 50km drive. JUNE 2 SUNDAY WALK Naas Creek Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Leader: John Webster 476769 Meet: Kambah Village Shops 8.30am. Walk from Mt Clear camping area 'up the creek' and back. About 12.5km. 60km drive. JUNE 8/9/10 QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND CAR CAMP Bournda Leader: Ian Currie 958112 Camp at Bournda State Recreation Area on shore of Lake Wallagoot. Beach and forest walks. About 200km drive. Meet at campsite at noon on Saturday. Contact leader before Wednesday for transport or information. JUNE 8/9/10 QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY PACK WALK Budawang Range Ref: CMW Budawangs Leader: Neville Esau 864176 Beginning at Newhaven Gap we will visit Folly Point, Holland Gorge and Mt Tarn, returning via Quiltys Mt. Contact leader before Wednesday for details of this medium walk. 160km drive. ^ ^ JUNE 16 SUNDAY WALK £f Pierces Creek Falls Ref: Corin Dam and Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 % ¥ Leader: Lyle Mark 862801 Meet: Eucumbene Drive/Cotter Road 8.30am. A 12km walk along Hardy Range fire trail and walking tracks. Short 150m descent to Falls. 15km drive. JUNE 16 SUNDAY WALK Brandy Flat Hut Ref: Michelago 1:25 000 Leader: Shirley Lewis 952720 Mi'ei: Kamhah Village Shops 9.00am. 10km walk along tiie tiail over undulating terrain from Glendale Maintenance Depot to hut. -I 1 km di ive. |UNE 19 WEDNESDAY MIDWEEK WALK ^9 Molonglo Gorge Ref. ACT 1:100 000 Leader: Olive Buckman 488774 ' Meet: Morshead Drive, liist barbecue area east ol main Duntroon entrance 10.00am. 6km walk on track with some rocks and shoi t climbs. 10km drive. JUNE 22 SATURDAY TREE MAINTENANCE . , Leader: Charles 95892ftrOM4 Glendale Crossing Ref: ACT 1:100 000 7l SUNDAY WALK AND BIRD WATCHING Orroral Valley Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Leader: lan Currie 958112 Meei: Locked gate oil road iust before Orroral Tracking Station 10.00am. Short walk down the Orroral Valley on fire trails and h ac ks bv the r iv er. Bi ing lunch and binomial s. JUNE 23 SUNDAY WALK J&y Mt Booth Ref: Michelago, Colinton 1:25 000 ' Leader: Frank Clements 317005 Meet: kamhah Village Shops S.30am. I (ikm walk from Boboyan Road. Steep climb of 600m, scrub and stony sections, mostly hush bul a lew tracks. oUkm drive JUNE 30 SUNDAY WALK Smokers Gap Ref: Corin Dam 1:25 000 Leader: Sophie Caton 472469(w) 487701(h) Meet: Luiurnhene Drive/Cotter Road 9.00am. Walk about I4km on fire trail from Corin Dam Road. Return by same route. 30km drive. JUNE 30 SUNDAY WALK ^j Nursery Creek and Rendezvous Creek ' Ref: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 Leader: Les Pyke 812982 Meet: Kambah Village Shops 8.30am. Walk about 14km on bush tracks and through open scrub from Orroral Valley Road to Nursery and Rendezvous Creeks. 40km drive. JULY 7 SUNDAY WALK Rendezvous Creek Ref: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 Leader: Dianne Thompson 886084 Meet: Kamhah Village Shops 9.00am. An 8km walk, mostly along fire trails, covering the three watersheds of Orroral, Nursery Swamp and Rendezvous Creek. 50km drive. ^vfULY 7 SUNDAY WALK ' Reedy Creek Ref: Colinton 1:25 000 Leader: Jack Smart 488171 Meet: Kambah Village Shops 8.00arn. A moderately rough walk, off track; explore from Shanahans Mountain to southern end of Booth Range and Reedy Creek. 60km di ive. 'j^'X. JULY 13/14 WEEKEND CAR CAMP \ North Durras Ref: Batemans Bay 1:100 000 ?\ * Leader: lan Currie 958112 Contact leadei early for bookings for this coast weekend. * JULY 14 SUNDAY WALK Mt Blundell Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Leader: Arno Wynd 478542 Meet: Cotter Road/Eucumhene Dr ive 8.30am. Walk of about 12km on fire trails from Brindabella Road. Overall climb of 500m with some steep sections. I 2km drive. JULY 18 THURSDAY MID-WEEK WALK Glendale Crossing Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Leader: Shirley Lewis 952720 Meet: Kambah Village Shops 9.30am. 8km walk from Glendale Visitors' Centre over open, undulating terrain following Gudgenby River. View the NPA Tree Planting project; good river views. Anyone requiring transport please phone leader. 40km drive. JULY 21 SUNDAY WALK Tuggeranong Railway Line Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Leader: Betty Campbell 811771 Meet: Monaro Highway/Mugga Way 11.00am. Pleasant ramble along railway line area. Bring lunch. Short drive. JULY 20/21 WLLKLND SKI TOUR Kiandra Ref: Kosciusko 1:100 000 Leader: Craig Allen 525746(w) Contact leader early lor details of this trip. Skiing experience required. Numbers limited. NPA members only. JULY 27/28 CAR CAMP AND SUNDAY DAY WALKS Mt Clear Camping Area Ref: Bredbo 1:25 000 Leader: Gary Schneider Campers please arrive by I 0.00am Saturday. Walks to Horse Gully Hut, outdoor toilet, border of ACT. Sunday walkers please arrive by 9.30am. 65km drive down Boboyan Road via Tharwa. Contact Beverley Hammond if more information needed, 886577 JULY 26/27/28 PACK WALK Pinch River Ref.Jacobs River 1:100 000 Leader: lan Haynes 514762 Walk to Ingeegoodbee Hut and River and Bills Garden, with return along fire trail to Snowy River. Contact leader before Wednesday. AUGUST 4 SUNDAY WALK Orroral Rocks Ref: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 Leader: Shirley Lewis 952720 Meet: Kambah Village Shops 9.00am. 10km walk up fire trail and through some scrub near the top to prominent rocky outcrop with interesting formations. Some walking around ridge, and return through bush. 200m climb. 41 km drive. AUGUST 3/4 PACK WALK Currockbilly Mountain Ref: CMW North Budawang Leader: Robert Story 812174 Contact leader before Wednesday for details of this medium walk. Some scrub. AUGUST 6/7/8 MID-WEEK PACK WALK % Folly Point Ref: Budawangs CMW Leader: Ken Johnson 485979 Walk from Sassafras to Mt Tarn and Folly Point. Contact leader early. AUGUST 11 SUNDAY WALK Lake George Ref: ACT 1:100000 Leader: Betty Campbell 811771 Meet: Bungendore at Braidwood turn-off 10.30am. Walk up to 10km by the lake. Bring lunch, binoculars. AUGUST 11 SUNDAY WALK Mt Domain Saddle Ref: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 Leader: Lyle Mark 862801 Meet: Eucumbene Drive/Cotter Road 8.00am. 12km round trip up the Fishing Gap fire trail then on bush tracks to climb Mt Domain. 300m climb. Return along saddle with view of Cotter and Tidbinbilla. Down Lyre Bird Spur. Short car shuffle. 30km drive. * AUGUST 14 WEDNESDAY MID-WEEK WALK X «^ Isaacs Ridge and Wanniassa Ref: ACT 1:100 000 ^ Leader: Syd Comfort 862578 Meet: Corner Bulwarra Close and Terrigal Crescent, O'Malley 9.30am. 9km walk from O'Malley along Isaacs Ridge to Mt Wanniassa and in Canberra Nature Park. Mostly on tracks with some ups and downs. Good views. Possible car shuffle. AUGUST 17 SATURDAY TREE MAINTENANCE Glendale Crossing Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Leader: Charles Hill 958924 Ring leader for details of this work party, or arrive with assorted gardening tools any time after 9.30am. AUGUST 18 SUNDAY WALK Pierces Creek Forest-Camel Road Ref: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 Leader: Reg Alder 542240 Meet: Eucumbene Drive/Cotter Road 8.30am. 13km fire trail walk with extensive views of the Tidbinbilla Valley and Canberra. 15km drive. AUGUST 25 SUNDAY PRESIDENT'S BARBECUE Pierces Creek Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Leader: President Come to Pierces Creek beyond Cotter and bring barbecue lunch. Short Walks. Watch for NPA signs. AUGUST 24/25 PACK WALK Kybeyan Range Ref: Cobargo 1:100 000 Leader: Phil Gatenby 416284(h) 526304(w) Walk in Wadbilliga National Park to Kydra Peak and beyond ... Contact leader for details. 160km drive. AUGUST 30/31 SEPTEMBER 1 PACK WALK Mt Youngal Ref: Kosciusko 1:50 000 Leader: Ian Haynes 514762 Walk from Swampy Plains along fire trial to Mt Youngal, Pheasant Ridge, Swamp Plains River. Contact leader before Wednesday. SEPTEMBER 1 SUNDAY WALK Mt Gudgenby Ref: Yaouk 1:25 000 Leader: Neville Esau 864176 Meet: Gudgenby Bridge (beyond Glendale) at 8.30am. 20km walk, 600m climb. No tracks. Superb views over Gudgenby and Naas Valleys. 55km drive. SEPTEMBER 8 SUNDAY WALK New Yankee Hat Ref: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 Leader: Charles Hill 958924 Meet: Kambah Village Shops 8.30am. 12km walk, mostly without tracks. Vertical component of climb up ridge is 550m. Very good view points. Return via Bogong Creek. 55km drive. SEPTEMBER 14 SATURDAY NATURE RAMBLE Black Mountain Ref: Canberra UBD George Chippendale 812454 Meet: Belconnen Way Entrance 9.30am. Morning ramble to see flowers for those aged 4 to 80. Bring morning tea. Finishes midday. SEPTEMBER 15 SUNDAY WALK ^t^4 Mt Coree Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Leader: Sophie Caton 472469(w) 487701 (h) Meet: Eucumbene Drive/Cotter Road 9.00am. Walk about 10km on fire trail from Blundells Flat to top of Mt Coree (about 600m rise) and return by same route. 30km drive. SEPTEMBER 15 SUNDAY WALK Stockyard Spur Ref: Corin Dam 1:25 000 Leader: Ian Haynes 514762 Meet: Kambah Village Shops 8.00am. 18km walk mostly along track from Corin Dam wall with a steep 500m climb. 45km drive. SEPTEMBER 18 WEDNESDAY MID-WEEK WALK Bullen Range Ref: Cotter Dam 1:25 000 Leader: Reg Alder 542240 Meet: Eucumbene Drive Cotter Road 10.00am. 5km walk, gentle climb. 18km drive. SEPTEMBER 21/22 PACK WALK Pigeon Box Mountain Ref: Yankees Gap 1:25 000 Leader: Phil Gatenby 416284(h) 526304(w) Walk partiy on tracks in southern part of Wadbilliga National Park. Contact leader for details before Wednesday. 220km drive. SEPTEMBER 22 SUNDAY CAR DRIVE AND WALK Bundanoon Ref: Moss Vale 1:100 000 Leader: Ian Currie 958112 Please contact leader if you plan to undertake the 160km drive to see the wild flowers - boronia especially. (lew Have you ideas for walking areas? (3b Do you own a property suitable for weekend camping? l^V* Do you know of some suitable camping sites? Please talk to one of the Committee Members or telephone the Convenor of the Outings Sub-Committee 886577 National Parks Association A.C.T. OUTINGS SUMMARY JUNE 2 Sunday Yankee Hat Paintings Walk 2 Sunday Naas Creek Walk 8/9/10 Weekend Bournda Car camp 8/9/10 Weekend Budawang Range Pack walk 16 Sunday Pierces Creek Falls Walk 16 Sunday Brandy Flat Hut Walk 19 Wednesday Molonglo Gorge Walk 22 Saturday Glendale Crossing Tree maintenance 23 Sunday Orroral Valley Walk/bird watching 23 Sunday Mt Booth Walk 30 Sunday Smokers Gap Walk 30 Sunday Nursery and Rendezvous Creeks Walk

JULY 7 Sunday Rendezvous Creek Walk 7 Sunday Reedy Creek Walk 1 3/14 Weekend North Durras Car camp 14 Sunday Mt Blundell Walk 18 Thursday Glendale Crossing Mid-week walk 21 Sundav Tuggeranong Railway Line Ramble 20/21 Weekend Kiandra Ski tour 27/28 Weekend Mt Clear Car camp and walks 26/27/28 Weekend Pinch River Pack walk

AUGUST 4 Sunday Orroral Rocks Walk 3/4 Weekend Currockbilly Mountain Pack walk 6/7/8 Mid-week Folly Point Pack walk 1 1 Sunday Lake George Walk 1 1 Sunday Mt Domain Saddle Walk 14 Wednesday Isaacs Ridge and Wanniassa Mid-week walk 17 Saturday Glendale Crossing Tree maintenance 18 Sunday Pierces Creek - Camel Road Walk 24/25 Weekend Kybeyan Range Pack walk 25 Sunday Pierces Creek President's Barbecue 30/31/Sepl. 1 Weekend Mt Youngal Pack walk

SEPTEMBER 1 Sunday Mt Gudgenby Walk 8 Sunday New Yankee Hat Walk 14 Saturday Black Mountain Nature ramble 15 Sunday Mt Coree Walk 15 Sunday Stockyard Spur Walk 18 Wednesday Bullen Range Mid-week walk 22/23 Weekend Pigeon Box Mountain Pack walk 23 Sunday Bundanoon Car drive and walk

GENERAL MEETINGS

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

JUNE — Thursday 20 'Some Aspects of Mountain Dwellings', talk with slides, given by Craig Allen.

JULY — Thursday 18 Norman Morrison talking about fossils.

AUGUST — Thursday 15 Annual General Meeting and Election of Officers followed by photographs and slides of the year s activities. Contact lan Currie if you have any photographs you'd like to show.