NPA Bulletin

National Parks Association of the ACT Vol 25 No 2 December 1987

4$ *

'. -J3T LIONS PARK THIS 4 HECTARE PARK WAS CONSTRUCTED OUT OF A WILDERNESS ASA PROJECT Of THE LIONS CLUB OF TOOWOOMBA WEST

Can a //ff/e nature be saved before we 'improve' upon it all Picnic Point, Toowoomba, Qld. NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY INC. Inaugurated 1960

Aims and Objects of the Association Office Bearers and Committee

Promotion of national parks and of measures for the President protection of fauna and flora, scenery and natural Kevin Frawley. 4 Shiels PI.. Curtin. 2605 features in the Australian Capital Territory and else­ 82 3080 (H). 68 8309 (Wl where, and the reservation of specific areas. Vice-President Vacant Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor re­ Secretary creation areas. Julia Tramor. 2 Hill Comer. Yarralumla. 2600 Stimulation of interest m. and appreciation and enjoy­ 81 1 195 (Hi. 62 1514 iW) ment of. such natural phenomena by organised field Ti easurer outings, meetings or any other means. Jan Gatenby. 1 6 Goodparla St. Hawker. 261 4 54 3094 (Hi Co-operation with organisations and persons having Publicity Olticer similar interests and objectives. Glyn Lewis 95 2720 iH)

Promotion of. and education for, nature conservation, Bulletin Editor and the planning of land-use to achieve conservation. Judith Simondson. 1 06 Jackie Howe Cres Macarthur. 2904 91 6201iH) Outings Convenor Ian Haynes. 21 Roberts St. Macquane. 2614 51 4762

CONTENTS Other Committee Members . Neville Esau 86 41 76 iHi. 49 4554 IWI 1 Philip Gatenby 54 3094 (Hi Kevin Totterdell 81 4410 (Hi 'S3 "5270 iWi President s Foreword Immediate Past President ComnHttee New.s Ross Carlton 86 3892 (Hi New Members Public Othcer The Protection ot Reserved Lands m me ACT Charles Hill 95 8924 (Hi Buiidmg A Home To Tread Lightly On The Landscape The- Fire History Of Rotten Swamp Managing r-irewood ualhynnc) In Parks Annual Subscription Rates 11 July JU Junei Jusl Briefly Household Members $20 Let lei S Single Members Si 5 The Dedicated Traveller Corporate Members S10 Bo- Vale Walking Track Bulletin Only $10 Heysen Tr.ui Concession- Half Above Rates Grunting Up To Cudgenby For new subscriptions joining between 1 January and 31 March - half specified rate Flora and Fauna Special Protection Measures 1 April and 30 June - annual subscription ABC Of Eul-n.vilkinq (up to 1 5 months membership benetiti

Membership Enquiries welcome , Please phone Laraine Frawley at the NPA office on 57 1 063

The NPA of the ACT office is located m Kingsley Streel. AUon

Office Hours: 10.00am to 2.00pm Mondays 9 00am to 2 00pm Tuesdays and Thursdays Telephone: 57 1063 Postal Address: Box 457 GPO. Canberra L.'b01

DEADLINE DATES for NPA BULLETIN contributions: 15 October, 1 5 January 1 5 April. 1 5 July Articles by contributors may not necessaniy retted Association opimvn ot objectives

Printed by Derek Kelly 54 1 226 Attention All Members ! Typeset by Top Typesetters 51 6550 Contributions of between 200 and 300 words, with ot without photographs (black and white preferably! are sought eagerly for the Bulletin Of course we need longer items as well, but short ones are popular with everyone 1 Share with us your camps, trips and pack walks your trials and tribulations and adventures of all kinds. PRESIDENT'S FOREWORD

Kosciusko National Park has been a focus of committee attention in the last few months. We have prepared comments on the proposed amendments to the K.N.P. Plan of Management, and on the Development Study on the Eastern Approaches tothe Park(Department of Environment and Planning, NSW). Onething is clear- development pressures are growing at an alarming rate for this area. The Development Study outlines a 'preferred strategy' for the eastern approaches to K.N.P. (from Jindabyne), which is, in effect, a corridor of development at differing densities and standards, stretching from Jindabyne to the Park boundary on both the Alpine Way and the Kosciusko Road, This is clearly inconsistent with the widely supported view of recent years, that development should be concentrated in existing centres adjacent to the Park. Of particular concern is the proposal that major developments be allowed in the so-called 'Bullocks', 'Little Thredbo', and 'Penderlea' precincts which directly abut the Park. In responding to this and the proposed Plan of Management amendments, we have taken the view that our guiding principle should be to aim for the maximum protection of natural values in the Park. For example, we have recommended that there be no camping, including pack camping, at or near Blue Water Holes because of the rapid degradation of this area in recent years. We have strongly opposed the suggestion that camping be allowed in or near the restored Coolamine buildings. Also in the northern part of the Park, we have supported the designation of the Bimberi Wilderness area, but recommend the area be extended to incorporate Mt Morgan and Half Moon Peaks and adjacent areas. In the Perisher area, we have expressed our concern at the potential for increasing environmental degradation with the proposed new down-hill ski developments in the Blue Cow area. The problem of reconciling recreational use (especially that involving extensive infrastructure) and nature conservation in our National Parks is not a new one for NPA, as a perusal of past Bulletins shows. Currently, however, the Parks are facing a new level of threat, as governments and private developers attempt to make the most of the tourist/recreation boom and its resultant commercial opportunities. For the Association, the result will be the necessity for an increasingly vigorous role in supporting the preservation of natural values. At times this may confront us with challenges to our own thinking, as well as difficult choices and decisions.

Red Spot A red spot on the label of your Speakers for General Meetings Wanted Bulletin indicates that NPA records show you as unfinancial. To renew your membership see the Treasurer The NPA holds general meetings on the third Thursday of each month from at the next general meeting of the February to November inclusive. Association, call at the NPA office These meetings are planned to provide a variety of guest speakers and in Kingsley Street, Acton (phone films on conservation and national parks issues. 57 1063) or post your subscription Volunteer speakers and/or suggestions for topics are always needed. If to GPO Box 457, Canberra 2601. you would like to know more about a particular subject, or know someone The Bulletin distribution list will be who is willing to speak, we'd like to know! revised in December by deleting Please contact Julia Trainor (phone 811195) with your ideas. any unfinancial members. Committee News New Members The following new members are welcomed fo the Association: preparation ol management briefs NEW PURCHASE Peter BAYLISS. Charnwood; for which might be carried out by The Association is now the proud Carmel BELL. Jamison: David voluntary organizations. owner of a microcomputer- an Opal Graham Scully. Presidenl of the BENNETTS. Garran; Ashley and Turbo PC/XT to be exact. Laraine Joanne CROSS, Chisholm; Richard Kosciusko Huts Association, was Frawley. our Office Assistant, is invited to attend our September and Sally De FERRANTl Deakin: already using it for word processing, Committee meeting. Mr Scully out­ Lesley FORBES. Wanmassa. P.A. and the next step is to create a lined the interest of the KHA m GARDNER and B.W BORRELL. membership database The design doing maintenance on huts in Lyneham, Mr and Mrs R GRAY. of the membership database is Namadgi. Campbell. Jennifer and Barthol­ underway, and Neville and Maxme omew HAND. Latham. Clive Esau nave entered a few member­ ENVIRONMENT MATTERS HUGHES and Kasuma NISHIGAYA- ship records as a trial Other future HUGHES. Hughes. Catherine applications could include account­ On wider conservation matters, the JOHNSTON. Aranda: Tanya and ing and desk top publishing If any Committee has prepared responses Max KIERMAIER. Gowne; Mrs J members have any interest or to the fasfern Approaches to Kos­ KLOVDAHL. Curtin. Richard LAN­ expertise to offer, please contact ciusko National Park Development CASTER and family. Reid J.A and the office or a member ot the comm­ Study to the Dralt Amendments to G.M LESLIE. Garran McMURRAY ittee. the Kosciusko National Park plan family. O'Connor Susan and Robin ot Management and to Cooleman MILLER. Gairan: Suzanne O'CALLAGHAN NAMADGI Plain Karst Area Management Plan. Giralang. Keith and Bron- All these documents and The Assoc­ wyn OCTBORN. Red Hii|. Amswcfh Following the successful1 construct­ iation's comments are available PATRQNI Downer Miss A. PRIT ion of the Yerrabi Track, several trom the Office. The draft amend­ CHARD * 'eston: Betty ROSS. Red members have drafted an interpre­ ments cover alpine skiing facilities, Hill. Johanna VERBECK Flynn tative brochure which outlines the the extension ol horse riding into Chns WARE Downer Mr and Mrs flora fauna and natural features to parts of some wilderness areas, R. WATKINS. Duffy Eric ZURCHER. be seen along the track. The and measures to reduce the impact Tom HATTON Linda BROOME. Committee has approached the on the Cooleman Plain Karst Area. Lyneham Parks and Conservation Service for Another ot our regular meetings assistance ;n publishing the bro­ was held with membe*'S of the chure and agreement has been NPWS ***** iNSWi The discussion was reached to work together on its (literally1) very wide ranging, cover­ preparation and publication Tiy a different ing the Australian Alps. Namadgi With the Yerrabi Track receiving kind of Brindabella Range, and the Kos­ much use. some members have holiday ciusko and Morton National Parks expressed interest in constructing this The Australian Nationa1 Parks additional tracks near the Boboyan summer' Council held its Annual Conference Road. Committee representatives The Austral/an National in Sydney m mid-October, and our have met with (he ACT Parks and University will be conducting Association was represented by Conservation Service (o discuss a 1988 Summer School on the Neville Esau and Ross Carlton. procedures for future voluntary Environment. All courses are works m Namadgi A set of proced­ residential and will be held; PUBLICITY ures has been agreed upon, and 24-28 January Kosciusko in will be used as a model for any On the publicity Ironl, preparations Summer, in Kosciusko future voluntary works by the Assoc­ are well under way for Heritage National Park iation m Namadgi It describes all Week m 1988. and an expanded 3-6 February Rainforests of the steps involved in such a project, walks programme is being devel­ Southern NSW. at Kialoa. commencing with the preliminary oped The proposed Environment South Coast of NSW discussion of the concept, and Fair for l 988 has been cancelled. working through the formal pro­ 8-12 February Native Plant posal, approval, implementation, Identification, at Jervis Bay, and finally the evaluation of the South Coast of NSW impact after a period of use 12-14 February Nature and The Namadgi huts have so Landscape Photography, in received some attention lately f he Annual Report Kosciusko National Park ACT Parks and Conservation FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Consultative Committee has formed The NPAottheACTs Annual Report Telephone t062) 49 3016 a subcommittee called the Huts for 1986-87 is now available, Inter­ 49 4754 Maintenance Working Group for ested members may oblain copies Namadgi. The group will advise the Centre for Continuing Education trom our Kingsley Street Office, or if Consultative Committee on the Australian National University preferred the Report will be posted huts, and will be responsible for the GPO Box 4 Canberra ACT 2601 to you. Phone Laraine on 57 1063. The Protection of Reserved Lands in the ACT

Andy Turner & Ian Garven

This article has been written in response to the article 'Namadgi Notional Park' by Reg Alder in the September 1987 Bulletin.

INTRODUCTION Federal Parliament has a range example, the Committee has com­ of other powers available to it for The Commonwealth's direct inter­ mented on such matters as whether the control of land use in the ACT. It est, and ownership of land, in the a particular exercise of ministerial has the power, under Section 12A Australian Capital Territory has power constitutes an entry into an of the Seat of Government (Admin­ required the evolution of a complex area more appropriate for parlia­ istration) Act, to disallow proposed system of legal, administrative and mentary action and whether del­ variations to the Plan of the City of planning procedures for land man­ egated legislation contains material Canberra. The structure of the agement in the Territory. For that should more appropriately committees of the present Parlia­ example, the system relies on the have been played in an Act of Parlia­ ment has yet to be finalised but the use of delegated legislation to an ment. Parliament has exercised its scrut­ extent which is unique in Australia There is some debate as to iny of the Plan through the Parlia­ One consequence is that the ACTs whether Parliament's positive mentary Joint Committee on the land management system is difficult power of passing an Act differs ACT (PJC). The PJC reports on all to understand for both residents of significantly from the negative proposals for modifications or var­ • and visitors to the ACT. power of disallowance of an Ordin­ iations and monitors Canberra's Recent debate, including the ance in providing security of tenure. environment, alterations to land article 'Namadgi Notional Park' in The ACT Parks and Conservation use and other matters that have the September 1987 Bulletin, has Service's legal advice has not in­ been referred to it by the responsible generated more heat than light dicated that this is a significant Minister. The Parliament also has around this complex subject. This issue. the power to exercise this scrutiny article attempts to put the record Delegated legislation is the norm through committees other than the straight on some of the issues and in the ACT. Territorial Ordinances PJC, such as the Standing Comm­ demonstrate how reserved lands in are subject to close scrutiny by ittee on Environment and Conser­ the ACT have a security of tenure at Parliament and even disallowance vation which reported on Namadgi least equivalent to that available by its committees. Why should park National Park. elsewhere in Australia management be treated any diff­ The Senate Standing Committee erently to all other matters affecting LEGISLATION IN THE ACT on Regulations and Ordinances the lives of ACT residents (welfare, also plays a role in providing Parlia­ housing, traffic etc.)? Moreover, it is The law making process in the ACT mentary scrutiny of ACT legislation. worth noting than an elected gov­ was established by the Seat of The Senate Committee has mem­ ernment can revoke the protected Government (Administration) Act bers drawn from all political com­ status of land reserved under either 1910. The Act delegates the legis­ plexions, providing a non-partisan a Commonwealth Act or an ACT lative powers of the Federal Parl- approach to the review of delegated Ordinance if it has the necessary iament concerning the ACT stating: legislation. The role of the Comm­ parliamentary majority and believes until the Parliament makes other ittee has been to make recommen­ it has political support in the elec­ provisions for the government of dations to the Senate on whether torate. Legislation (both Acts and the Territory, the Governor- that House should exercise its Ordinances) merely provides a General may make Ordinances power to disallow delegated legis­ process which must be followed to having the force of law in the lation (Ordinances and Regulations achieve statutory revocation or Territory. under either Acts orOrdinances). In other amendments to protected The Governor-General acts on making such a recommendation status. That process has to occur in the advice of the Minister respon­ the Committee considers the legis­ public (ie Parliament) under ACT or sible for the ACT in exercising this lation against several well defined other Commonwealth legislation. power. This means that most ACT legal principles to see whether the proposed amendment or new legis­ laws are made by Ordinances, which THE NATURE are signed by the Governor-General lation accords with those principles. and subject to disallowance by The Committee does not consider CONSERVATION either House of Parliament, rather the policy objectives of legislation. ORDINANCE than by Acts of Parliament. The The Senate Committee has a The Nature Conservation Ordinance Commonwealth has the power to record of objecting to delegated 1980 is the principal legislation for pass Acts relating to the ACT but it legislation that either provides for managing natural areas in the ACT. is its cu rrent policy not to do so and wide ranging administrative dis­ The Ordinance is now equivalent to it has exercised this power only cretions or acts retrospectively to other Commonwealth and state leg­ rarely, eg the National Capital Dev­ the detriment of any person other islation in providing for the prep­ elopment Commission Act. than the Commonwealth. For aration and/or amendment of management plans for reserved is revocable at will and does not models provided by state parlia­ areas, public participation in that prevent the exercise of a power ments or even to the Federal Parl­ process and management m acc­ or the performance ot a function iament's role in other Common­ ordance with the prepared plan. by the Director. wealth issues. This should not be Proposals for the creation, amend­ interpreted as a lack of parliament­ ment and/or revocation of reserves, NAMING OF RESERVES ary oversight of land use. including as well as management plans for natural and cultural conservation, The Nature Conservation Ordinance those reserves, must be tabled within the ACT The facts are that neither prescribes nor proscribes before both Houses of Parliament. the controls are different rather than the use of any classification or label This provides the public process for absent. Areas of the ACT reserved for reserved areas. Whether this any alterations to the protected under the Nature Conservation constitutes a weakness in the Ord­ status of all lands affected by the Ordinance enjoy a security of tenure inance is a matter of personal judge­ Ordinance. and protection from inappropriate ment. The issue appears to be Any member of either House may exploitation at least equivalent to whether the value of a park derives move a motion of disallowance of the protection available under any from its name or from the protection any of these proposals within fifteen other legislation elsewhere in Aus­ it is afforded through its manage­ sitting days. Any motion made within tralia. ment. There appears to be more to this period and not subsequently be gained from improving manage­ withdrawn is debated by the House ment practices than from improving in which it was made and. if earned, the legislative basis for the name. the proposed legislation is with­ Other amendments to the Nature drawn. The Namadgi Management Conservation Ordinance, therefore, Plan has been approved by Parlia­ have had a higher priority ment and any amendments to it must be tabled in Parliament and The use of the 'national park' be subject to the process previously label conforms to the criteria estab­ outlined. The issuing of new leases lished by the International Union or licences within reserves is pre­ for the Conseivation of Nature and cluded under Section 51(b) of the Natural Resources (IUCN). These Ordinance. criteria are applied throughout These processes and provisions Australia and refer to a reserve provide a rigorous ana effective where management action has been system of ensuring no unwarranted initiated to protect a combination of or incompatible developments or conservation and recreation values. 1989 Churchill modifications occur in or to reserves The label is used quite differently in the ACT as well as providing and more liberally in Australia than Fellowships security ot tenure. is the case in comparable overseas countries (eg USA and Canada). for overseas study The September 1987 NPA Bull­ There are over 300 national parks The Churchill Trust invites applic­ etin referred to the House of Rep­ in Australia while there are only 37 ations from Australians, of 18 years resentatives Standing Committee in the USA and only 28 in the whole and over from all walks of life who on Environment and Conservation of Canada. This is largely because wish to be considered for a Churchill recommendation relating to the land use control and management Fellowship to undertake, during declaration of Namadgi under the is a state rather than federal respon­ 1989. an overseas study proiect National Parks and Wildlife Con­ sibility under the Australian Const­ that will enhance then usefulness servation (NPWC) Act 1975. The itution. to the Australian community. A Committee's recommendation The Council of Nature Conserv­ No prescribed qualifications are" reads: ation Ministers (CONCOM) has required, merit being the primary Namadgi National Park be de­ concluded that the existing class­ test whether based on past achieve­ clared a national park under the ification of reserved areas reflects ments or demonstrated ability for National Parks and Wildlife Con­ the diverse legal, political, social future achievement servation Act 1975 but that this and other circumstances in Australia Fellowships are awarded ann­ declaration not proceed until the and does not easily lend itself to fit ually to those who have already Department of Territories and the IUCN Commission on National established themselves in their the Australian National Parksand Parks and Protected Areas (CN PPA) calling. They are not awarded for Wildlife Service agree to the Classification System. the purpose of obtaining higher Director of the Service deleg­ academic or formal qualifications ating all his responsibilities and Details may be obtained by powers under the Act. as they CONCLUSION sending a self addressed stamped apply to Namadgi. to the Depart­ The unique origins of the ACT have envelope to. ment of Territories. provided it with a political, legal and The Winston Churchill Memorial The only relevant reference to administrative framework different Trust, 218 Northbourne Ave. delegation in either the Nature from that operating anywhere else Braddon. ACT 2601. Conservation Ordinance or the in Australia at either Federal or Completed application forms and NPWC Act is Section 20 (3) of the State levels. This means that the reports from three referees must Act. which states; role of Parliament in controlling land be submitted by Monday 29 Feb­ a delegation under this section use cannot easily be compared to ruary 1 988. Building A Home To Tread Lightly On The Landscape

Trevor Lee°

"Didyou know that the perfect solar house site is coming up for auction in a fortnight?" So said a friend one evening a little over a year after we had moved to Canberra from the Northern Terr­ itory. We had fondly hoped that being nearertothe kinship families would make the cold winters bear­ able but it was apparent now that better shelter was needed if we were to stay. This opportunity then was too good to let pass, and with such a clue the site of our new home was not hard to find. At the eastern end of Fadden was a patch of ground with a north­ erly slope on the side of the knoll which separated that snug suburb from the broader sprawl beyond. Without legally protected solar access, the northerly slope was essential to ensure that our house would not be shaded out by neigh­ bouring buildings or by inconsid­ erate landscaping. And, for passive solar design where the northerly The house as seen from the Nature Reserve Photograph by Trevor Lee windows are the solar collectors, it can also give a pleasant outlook beyond your own site if the house and landscaping are designed accordingly.

There was a group of a dozen or so unsold blocks which met the solar description but there was no confusion as to which one was per­ fect. The knoll was just high enough to be declared a nature reserve, so the highest blocks in the group were to have the bush for a neigh­ bour for always. Moreover, one of them was a battleaxe block, isolated from the street and feeling attached to its natural setting. Standing there, we could easily see how landscap­ ing could let us pretend that suburb­ ia just wasn't there. We loved it. It is, of course, a little euphemistic to call this environment "natural" when it had probably been inten­ sively grazed for a century or more. Certainly it had scant topsoil and lacked the presence of young trees. Worse still, the three grand old ones left in the vicinity were "des­ igned out" by the surveyors and the Electricity Authority which followed them. The resulting open grassland The house from the front Photograph by Trevor Lee will bewithusforawhile now. along "We don't want that sort of thing Honorary Secretary of theANZ Solar with its tire risk m summer holidays, in Canberra", was the response of Energy Society. He and his family but tne :,!•(•-••, have provided us the National Capital Development are keen advocates of solar housing with see;; ••>•.,•• 'NR the long restor­ Commission when they approved in wintery places and never miss a ation ;.):,-_•( - i ; ijladdens us to the design on the condition that we chance to tell people how it can be know that it :^ •. i^i-v happening in paint the walls to deruralise it. Sadly, done our wake. they seemed unaware of the unsufa- The ANZ Solar Energy Society We rather imagined that on such urban niche their subdivision had can be contacted through the Envir­ a perfect site the house would created and were reluctant to onment Centre tor information on design itself, but it took three att­ embrace anything beyond their solar housing and other activities in empts before that happened. Judith brie k-n-tile norm. Fortunately, the Canberra area. They also operate and I weie seeking four objectives however, the Design and Siting a very popular Solar House Tour beyond what most people want Appeals Tribunal had a little more every winter to help intending home- from their home: vision and the condition was duly makers to appreciate and discern 1 To maximise the use of natural removed. amongst solar housing concepts. energy flows to achieve comfortable Of course, the form had also to Interested people are invited to temperatures indoors with a min­ incorporate large northerly windows register their interest now lor future imum of fuel consumption; to admit the power of the low winter tours sun; and to retain flexibility in furn­ 2. To allude to the colours and iture placement we built three stub- forms of rural Australia, particularly Trombe walls of Masonry just inside as viewed from the nature reserve m -_ SOLAR them. These metre high walls work lying higher and to the south; like solar-charged heat banks; being 3. To retain as much as possible of warmed during the day to about PROGRESS the rainwater received to enrich the f orty-five degrees and then, insul­ Want to keep up to date on this important subject^ site's vegetation without the long ated from the night's cold by the And perhaps even helo the progress lo happen"^ term use of irrigation; and t glass and curtains, they give up Join L };-'.^.'--'zL-,' i 4 To use selective planting and their heat to the house when it is .'. '[•!.' exists to promole Ihe use and earthworks instead of fences to needed most. development ol all forms ol solar energy throughout Australasia and publishes ihe give privacy while creating the illus­ The combination of northerly ion of our home being an integral magazine SOLAR PROGRESS to keep people windows, stub-Trombe walls, inside- informed of this rich and renewable energy source. part of the broader reserve. out-brick-veneer construction and earth-sheltering works beautifully n Want to know more? The first design decision was to (03)556 2242 nestle the house into the hillside. In two winters now, one of them This reduces its apparent size and getting down to minus nine degrees, • Want to join ? prominence while at the same time we have only used our slow combus­ ($A30'year, students etc SA20 year) tion wood heater for a total of forty burying much of its southern walls, Contact: ANZSES Administrator reducing the heat losses in winter hours. For the rest of the time the PO Box 26, and giving the coolness of a cellar sun has kept us comfortably warm Hjghett, VIC 3190 Australia. in summer The "spoil" generated and often basked us delightfully. by the excavation was spread to the Getting technical, our house north of the house to provide a heating is ninety-five percent solar. small and relatively flat area of lawn Add that to the fact that eighty-five enclosed by a low "dam wall". This per cent of our hot water is solar traps the escaping rainwater and heated and the result is a home sends it down a slotted drain under which consumes only a quarter of Conference f the grove of fruit trees to let it soak the energy of conventional houses. deeply into the ground. But, perhaps And it's beautifully cool in summer, Notices more importantly, with its cover of too. The maximum-minimum therm­ Australia's Ever Changing dense shrubbery it forms the visual ometer in the lounge has never Forests barrier between us and suburbia read over 27 degrees even though CANBERRA beyond. we have yet to install the curved 9-1 1 MAY 1988 Next came the building form. shades over the northerly glass. Judith hails from rural New South As for our desire to be integrated Changing Tropical Forests Wales and wanted our home to into a re-treed reserve, we will have CANBERRA reflect that fact as well as respond to wait a while. But what a glorious 16-18 MAY 1988 to the rural setting it enjoys. And for place to wait. If you would like to submit a thermal efficiency I wanted to build A solar house is a delight. Outside paper or if you require further it of inside-out-brick-veneer so that of the tropics, it's hard to believe information, contact: the heat storage of the bricks would that anyone could be happy in any­ be snugly inside the insulation in thing else. Dr John Dargavel the walls. These two themes came Centre for Resource & together in the decision to use Environmental Studies The Australian National curved corrugated iron wall cladding Trevor Lee currently works as the University in an allegorical composition of rain­ Senior Architect lor Energy Manage­ GPO Box 4 water tanks and on-farm silos ment with the Department of Hous­ capped with gently curved roofs. ing and Construction and is also the CANBERRA ACT 2601

o The Fire History of Rotten Swamp Robin L Clark*

Rotten Swamp is an open area of about thirty hectares, a cold air drain­ age basin within snow gum {Euc­ alyptus pauciflora) forest on the saddle between Mt Kelly and Nam­ adgi Peak in the south of the ACT, see map. The swamp is at an altitude of about 1450 metres and forms the headwaters of Licking Hole Creek, which drains north-west into the Cotter River above Corin Dam. Base rock is granodiorite, with org­ anic soils and peat on the gentle slopes of the clearing and skeletal soils on the steeper forest slopes around. Most of the clearing is cov­ ered by tussock grassland, with islands of Snow Gums on rocky out­ Eucalyptus woodland crops. Grassland/Heath/ Rotten Swamp is one of several Sphagnum sub-alpine bogs severely burned in the Gudgenby fire in the southern part of the ACT in January 1983. The bogs were exceptionally dry as the fire followed a long drought. On Rotten Swamp the fire was of suff­ icient intensity to burn into the mar­ gins of Sphagnum hummocks and, in some cases, to burn out the centres of hummocks by carrying down shrubs. Some areas of Sphagnum may have been comp­ letely removed by the fire. Following the 1983 fire only one extensive area of Sphagnum crist- Map of Rotten Swamp and, inset, its location in the atum could be found, but most of Australian Capital Territory. the stream courses were lined inter­ mittently with Sphagnum. Earlier air photographs suggest that the area of Sphagnum was greater in the past. Cotter River catchment for Can­ burned the area frequently to prom­ Sphagnum bogs are common in berra's water supply. ote new growth of grass for stock the headwaters of streams in the Following the Gudgenby fire, the moved into the mountains for ranges to the west and south of question was asked: would the summer grazing. Later, fires may Canberra. Most are spring-fed and burned Sphagnum regenerate nat­ have been set by rangers stationed can cover large areas, as at Ginini urally or should measures betaken at Cotter Hut. As well, small lightning Flats, or line streams where grad­ to encourage regeneration? To fires may have burned the swamp ients are low. Sphagnum stabilises provide part of the answer it was without being noticed or recorded. both the soils'surface and stream decided to investigate the fire hist­ To discover whether the Sphag­ banks and acts as a filter, removing ory of Rotten Swamp to find out if num had burned before and, if so, suspended sediment. Sphagnum the swamp had burned before and, how long it took to regenerate, cores bogs alter the hydrology of streams if it had, how long it took for Sphag­ were taken through the peat and by impeding flow and retaining num to regenerate. samples analysed for pollen, char­ water, thus preventing erosion Regeneration of the vegetation coal and some plant remains. The downstream in what would other­ following the fire is being monitored cores were tied in to the general wise be extreme runoff events and along permanent transects by the stratigraphy of the remaining by maintaining a more constant ACT Parks and Conservation Serv­ Sphagnum area. Radiocarbon flow between events. These high ice. There are no historical records dating gave the age of the peat at mountain swamps are important in of fires on the swamp before 1983, eighty-three to eighty-eight centi­ maintaining water quality in 'the but it is likely that early settlers metres depth as 4570 + or — 110 BP(Before Present) From this date ation will continue to change Obstructions across stream cour­ and the first evidence of European through plant succession and in ses, such as those being used by fires an age-depth relationship was response to climatic change and the ACT Parks and Conservation established The estimated time extreme environmental events, but Service, could speed up this process that peat accumulation began is it is the regeneration and continuity by reducing stream flow and by about 10.000 years ago. Pollen of Sphagnum that is important for water-spreading. These obstruct­ analysis showed that at some time water quality. If fires at Rotten ions should be monitored to ensure before 10,000 BP, alpine conditions Swamp in the past destroyed they are not creating new channels. prevailed at Rotten Swamp, with Sphagnum, there is no evidence to When the remaining Sphagnum suggest their effects were lasting. the tree-line well below its present along stream courses at Rotten At Ginini Flats, an area cleared of level. Eucalypts were established Swamp regenerates sufficiently to Sphagnum in 1940 regenerated impede drainage and to slow run­ around the swamp before peat within thirty years and is now off, then the Sphagnum on the began accumulating, and there has almost indistinguishable from un­ slopes should be able to spread been little change in the surround­ disturbed parts of the swamp. A from existing areas, and. perhaps, ing vegetation over the past 1 0,000 long trench through the peat at colonise or recolonise other parts years Ginini was cut in 1 938; Sphagnum of the swamp. Changes in the vegetation on is now growing over the trench near the swamp itself around 1500 to the upslope spring line, but down- 2000 years ago suggest a change slope areas remain dry for some to wetter conditions, due to increas­ metres eithersideofthetrenchand ed precipitation, decreased evap­ there is no Sphagnum. Dr Clark is a Research Scientist oration or local hydrological with the CSIRO Division ot Water changes. Swamp vegetation Regeneration of Sphagnum over Resources Research. Canberra. changes about 60 to 100 years ago large areas at Rotten Swamp may The above article is an abridged indicate a reversal to drier cond­ not be possible until regrowth on version of a report prepared for f/ie^fc itions. stream banks impedes drainage. ACT Parks and Conservation Serv-^m These vegetation changes corr­ Natural regrowth will take many ice in August 1986. espond to changes in fire regime as years and will depend on the overall indicated by charcoal. Climatic climate and on the frequency of change is sufficient to explain the intense rainfall, drought and fires. earlier increase in abundance of ***** charcoal although there might have been a change in Aboriginal fire pi cssuie, Large, unweathered charcoal fragments found above twenty- three centimetres in the peat core probably remain from fires lit by stockmen between about 1850 and 1880. The decrease in charcoal after about ninety years ago testifies to the success of fire prevention and suppression measures used this century. The vegetation record suggests that Rotten Swamp is drier now than in pre-European times. This is probably because damage of stream banks by stock increased drainage from the swamp. Droughts as severe as that which preceded the 1983 fire must have occurred in the past, even if infrequently, but, if the swamp retained more water than it does now, it may never have dried out sufficiently for the Sphag­ num to burn. Because of increased drainage, the effects of the 1983 fire were unique in the 10,000 year history of Rotten Swamp, but are likely to recur. To maintain water quality in the Cotter River it is desirable that Sphagnum bogs, such as Rotten Swamp, be restored to something approaching their state before European settlement. The veget­ iflK and Objects of the Association OUTINGS PROGRAM Promotion of national parks and of measures for the protection of fauna and flora, scenery and natural features In the Australian Capital Territory and else­ where, and the reservation of specific areas. December 1987 - February 1988 Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor re­ creation areas. Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoy­ ment of, such natural phenomena by organised field outings, meetings or any other means. Co-operation with organisations and persons having similar interests and objectives. Promotion of, and education for, nature conservation, and the planning of land-use to achieve conservation.

OUTINGS GUIDE Day Walks - Carry lunch, drinks & protective clothing Pack Walks - Two or more days, carry all food and camping requirements. CONTACT LEADER BY WEDNESDAY. Car Camps - Ottenlimitedornofacilities,Vehiclestakentosltecan be used for camping. BOOK WITH LEADER EARLY. Other activities include Nature Rambles, Field Guide Studies, Ski Tours, Snow Crafts, Tree Maintenance and other projects. POINTS TO NOTE DAY WALKS - GRADING New faces to lead, new places to go I A Up to 15 km, mainly on tracksorforest roads, relatively ffat terrain Please help to keep our Outings Program alive by volunteering or shorter distances through trackless open bushland. to lead a walk occasionally. B Up to 20km, mainly on tracks or shorter walks through trackless Contact Walks Convenor Ian Haynes on 51 4762 (h). open bush. C As for 'B' may include rougher terrain, I.e. heavy scrub, rock hopping or scrambling or steep terrain. All persons joining an outing of the National Parks Association D Up to 30 km, relatively easy terrain or less over trackless or steep of the A.C.T. do so as volunteers In all respects and as such terrain. accept sole responsibility for any Injury howsoever incurred and the National Parks Association of the A.C.T., Its office PACK WALKS - GRADING bearers and appointed leaders are absolved from any liability In 1 Up to 14 km a day over relatively easy terrain. respect of any injury or damage suffered whilst engaged in any 2 Up to 20 km a day, may Involve long ascents. such outing. 3 As for '2' may include rougher terrain, ie, heavy scrub, rock hopping or scrambling, 4 Strenuous long distance or much steep climbing or very difficult terrain. The Committee suggests a donation of FIVEcents per kilometre 5 Exploratory in an area unfamiliar to the leader. (calculation to nearest dollar) be offered to the driver by each passenger accepting transport. Drive and walk distances quoted Additional information will be contained in the actual walks program. If In the Program are for approximate return journeys. necessary contact leader. DECEMBER 'FEBRUARY

5/6 December - Pack Walk (1 /2) 6/7 February - Pack Walk (3/5) Shoalhaven Ettrema/Shoalhaven Ret: Touga 1:25 000 Leader: Neville Esau 86 4176 Leaders: Pat & Eric Pickering 86 2128 Contact leader by Wednesday lor details of (his walk to the Contact leaders by Wednesday (or details of this walk. Shoalhaven River for a walk/swim weekend. Steep 300m ascent and descent, rock hopping, swimming 6 December - Sunday Morning Walk (A) in Water Race Ck to Shoalhaven or Ettrema Gorge depen­ National Botanic Gardens Ret: Canberra Street Map ding on conditions. 350 km drive. Leader: Barrie Hadlow 88 1168 7 February - Sunday Walk Contact leader as numbers limited. NPA members only. Swamp Creek Ref: 1 MOO 000 Stroll around part of the Botanical Gardens viewing the Leader: Dianne Thompson 88 6084 flowers and possibly the glasshouses. People may choose Meet: Cotler Road/Eucumbene Drive 0930. Walk, swim, to stay and have lunch in the gardens. blackberry picking. Bring containers. 4 km walk and 40 km 9 December - Outings Sub Committee Meeting drive. Meet al 1930 with ideas and details ol outings for March, 5/6/7 February - Lodge Weekend April. May. Anybody with ideas or who would like to lead an Charlotte Pass Ref: Kosciusko 1:100 000 outing please contact Outings Convenor ASAP. Ph 51 4762. Leader: Ian Haynes 51 4762 12 December - Saturday History Tour (A) Contact leader early for details of this weekend among the Various Sites Ref: ACT 1:100 000 alpine flowers. Leader: Doreen Wilson 88 5215 13/14 February - Pack Walk (2) Meet; Chisholm Shopping Centre 0900 for tour of Axe Styles Creek Ref: CMW Budawangs Grinding Groves, Canoe Tree, Rock Shelter and Farrers Leader: Philip Gatenby 54 3094 Grave. Bring Lunch. 40km drive. Contact leader by Wednesday for details of this walk to (he 13 December - Sunday Annual Xmas Party head waters of Styles Creek. Either on tracks or through Orroral Ref: ACT 1:100 000 open country. 300 km drive. Leader: President 14 February - Sunday Walk Meet: Orroral picnic grounds at 1500 for annual NPA Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Xmas Party. Members and friends welcome. Leader: Laurie Adams 581048 Meet: Tidbinbilla Visitors Centre 1000 for Tree Guide instruction in the use of keys. Group I (and perhaps one or two wattles and eucalypts). 70 km drive. JANUARY 18 February - Thursday Weekday Walk (A) Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve 9/10 January- Pack Walk (4) Leader: Gladys Joyce 95 6959 Tuross Gorge Ret: Belowra 1:25 000 Meet: Cotter Road/Eucumbene Drive 0930 for this walk in Leader: Philip Gatenby 54 3094 the nature reserve. 70 km drive. Contact leader by Wednesday for details of this walk in 20/21 February-Pack Walk (1) Wadbilliga National Park. Plenty of rock scrambling and swimming with packs lo get through the gorge. 320km Goodradigbee River Ret: ACT 1:100 000 drive. Leaden Fiona Brand 47 9538 Contact leader by Wednesday for details of this easy 2 km 16/17/18 January - Pack Walk (2/3) walk for beginners and children, 160 km drive. Brassy Mountains Ref: Khancoban 1:50 000 Leader: Nick Gascoigne 51 5550 21 February - Sunday Walk (A) Contact leader early for details of this walk in the central Uriarra Crossing Ref: Act 1:100 000 area of the KNP. See the flowers and alpine scenery. Leader: Beverly Hammond 88 6577 Numbers limited. Meet: Cotter Road/Eucumbene Drive 0900 for this morning 16/17 January - Car Camp walk along the river from Uriarra Crossing, 30 km drive. Kangaroo Valley Ref: Kiama 1:100 000 27/28 February - Pack Walk (2) Leaders: Ray and Joan H eg arty 81 3973 Corang River Ref: CMW Budawangs Contact leaders early for details of this car camp and walks Leader: Babette Scougal 48 7008 in the Kangaroo Valley. A 400 km drive. Contact leader by Wednesday for details of this walk, swim 23/24 January - Pack Walk 13/4) and tilo trip along the Corang River, weather permitting. Brogo Base camp, but numbers limited. 300 km drive. Leader: Garth Abercrombie 81 4907 Contact leader early for details of this walk in the Brogo River area. Managing Firewood Gathering In Parks ft Phillips0

Firewood usage is becoming a prob­ park, and makes monitoring and with seats positioned strategically lem in many parks, particularly in management of the problem easier, close to discourage blazing bonfires. high use areas. By gathering fire­ through interpretation and other The fireplaces in the main camp­ wood, visitors are having a detri­ measures. ground are designed to allow three mental effect on vegetation in and Secondly, woodgathering can groups to cook at once on the one around these well frequented park be effectively reduced by limiting fireplace. Campfires are strictly areas. Not only fallen branches are the number of campfires allowed. confined to these sites and some gathered for firewood, but also twigs, This applies mostly to car-camping firewood is supplied only to school bark and even leaves, thus removing areas where proper fireplaces or groups, with the source usually the natural mulch layer. This layer is firepits can be constructed. These being from firetrack works. Wood- important for seed germination, as firesites are constructed with gathering is controlled to an extent habitat for ground-dwelling reptiles benches placed strategically from by the number of fires able to be lit. and soil micro-organisms, and ess­ the fireplace, so that if too big a fire Other measures used to reduce ential for the soil nutrient cycle. is built, users cannot sit down at the woodgathering in the park, are the benches. The firesites are also banning of wood barbecues in the The issues designed so that more than one day visitor area at Mambray Creek group of campers can share them. Banning campfires is an unpop­ with three gas barbecues having This can be unpopular as many ular measure with visitors, partic­ been built. ularly in cold weather, and can be campers are individualistic and Problems are encountered in ruled out in many parks. Providing want their own campfire, next to the form of the odd complaint from firewood is not the long term answer their tent. This is where some inter­ campers about insufficient fire­ either, unless you have a charitable pretation of the problem to visitors places, and from day visitors regar­ or service organisation to provide comes in, either via leaflets or per­ ding the banning of wood barbe­ and sell wood. Firewood supply can sonal contact. By pointing out the cues. Another problem is the coll­ be a useful additional tool in reduc­ possible long term effects of wood- ecting of trailer and boot-loads of ing the woodgathering impact, but gathering and the need to balance wood from other areas of the park supplying firewood to all campers visitors' needs with conservation, by campers during busy periods. by park staff is a chore that takes people may better understand the Most of these problems can be away valuable time from otherareas, problem. surmounted via interpretation, tell­ and in any case the wood still has to The fireplaces must be cleaned ing people why these measures come from somewhere. Parks are out regularly by parkstaff to enable were undertaken. for people to recreate in, but natural continued use of them. area managers are supposed to The future maintain the conservation values Mt Remarkable National Park as There are other methods by which of parks in perpetuity. Firewood a case study woodgathering can be reduced: gathering must be having a long Firstly, there are only fourdefined . Campers may be able to bring term effect on parks. Therefore how camping areas. If bushwalkers want some wood from home, and some do we reconcile the issues of camp- to camp elsewhere they have to ask already do; fires and firewood gathering, and permission from staff. This is only conservation in parks? given in certain cases and camping . By not having campfires when There are no perfect solutions in some sensitive areas is prohibited. unnecessary (for example, in the but there are a number of measures Enforcement of this requires foot middle of a sunny day). that can alleviate the problem. patrols of walking trails by staff, The camping public can be particularly in busy periods. educated away from these practices Some strategies Secondly, campfires are limited by interpretative leaflets and by Firstly, in high visitation parks, to fireplaces built by park staff in park staff detailing ways in which camping needs to be strictly con­ the main car-camping area at firewood usage can be reduced. trolled. This means only allowing Mambray Creek. Fifty-four defined The methods in use at Mt Rem­ bushcamping in certain areas. This campsites accommodate approx­ arkable National Park do reduce can be unpopular, particularly with imately five campers per site, and firewood gathering, stop popular many bushwalkers, who like the two school sites together accomm­ areas in parks from becoming eco­ freedom of camping where they odate approximately sixty to sev­ logically poorer, and help retain want to. But in parks that are heavily enty students and teachers. There campfires as an acceptable part of used for bushwalking, it means that are only six campfire sites to service park use. woodgathering will be confined to the main campground area and one ° Ranger, Mt Remarkable National the immediate surrounds of those campfire site for each of the two Park, South Australian NPWS areas. This removes or reduces school sites. The school site fire­ Reprinted from Australian Ranger woodgathering in the rest of the places are simply concrete pits Bulletin, Vol. 3, No. 4 1986, p19. Just Briefly-

it is always mt^esLng to hear about On another lyrebird note - Beverly When the snow ceased to tall National Paiko ;n various parts of Hammond and others on Ross and the clouds cleared sufficiently this country, as for most of the year, Carlton's walk in August were to reveal Tidbinbilla Mountain and a large percentage of NPA members astonished to see a lyrebird rock- Peak, it was evident that the Nature are limited to weekend visits to hopping its way up the straight Reserve was the place to be. When Namadgi and close NSW Parks. sides of the Big Hole from way contacted a day later. Julie Crawford Sometimes the 'travelling ones' down. Incidentally, only one ducking (Acting Manager) described the favour us with descriptive articles occurred during the Shoalhaven scene at Tidbinbilla on Monday and photographs. Sometimes they crossing, and that fortunately was morning. The valley looked superbly are generous enough to contribute on the way back! beautiful, she said, the kangaroos to Just Briefly' contrasting against the vast white • * * areas, and the koalas looking strangely out of place in snow-laden Once again the President's BBQ boughs. The clear blue sky was a Audrey and Charles Hill were was marred by rain. Last year only perfect backdrop for the picture. accompanied by Barbara and Sid four hopefuls arrived at the venue, Comfort on their most recent and two others got lost seeking it in northerly tour which took them constant heavy rain. At least this • * • fossicking at Lightning Ridge before year, the rain held off until afterthe The outbreak of spring has brought relaxing in some northern NSW forty or so picnickers had BBO-d its usual results at Tidbinbilla - an National Parks. Fossicking pro­ and eaten. Then as intermittent increase in the population. There duced no world famous 'opal extra­ showers became heavier, so did are several batches of emu chicks ordinaire' but a tew interesting the enthusiasm fade, and the in the Reserve - as usual, they are stones with some colour. However, gathering gradually broke up as some of the earliest arrivals. Unusual later on in Kyogle. Barbara hit the more and more small groups hurried though, is the fact that some pairs jackpot by winning a large tray of to their vehicles. Do we have a were still mating after other parents very welcome fruit and vegetables. Nostradamus or an Inigo Jones had hatched their brood. Down m The travellers visited Washpool willing to predict the weather for the waterbird area, the black swans, National Park which adjoins Gibral­ the President's BBQ next year? By grey teal, chestnut teal, and black tar Range National Park (between the way, did you see La Campbell's ducks are proudly parading their Glen fnnes and Grafton) and con­ latest chapeau? Another Canadian young, whilst Mr and Mrs Musk sists of varied forest types. Curiosity import, it claims to be regarde de Duck are occupying the honeymoon doesn't always'kill the cat'. Charles birdeaux officiales! suite - hoping to convert it to a tells of a track in this Park which nursery later. took them onto a wooden platform, • * • to one side of which was a very • • • pretty waterfall. The platform, built The familiar sight of stately Eucal­ over a creek to a side gully, had a yptus mannifera ssp. maculosa, By the time this is published, there trapdoor in it, but with no explan­ even in our city streets, and those will have been many weeks of activ­ atory notice. Fascinated by this, stark old stalwart 'scnbblys' on Black ity in the Tidbinbilla snake comm­ Charles lifted the trapdoor to dis­ Mountain - E. rossii - are privileges unities (already evident in October), cover ... two mugs and a soup ladle of living in the 'bush capital', as is and visitors are warned to be on the on a long chain - the means of the rich diversity of parrot life in this lookout for them. obtaining a drink from the clear city. These familiar sights we take stream below. for granted. However, on the morn­ • * • In a rainforest in Washpool Nat­ ing after a warm October weekend, ional Park, they came across a very an unexpected treat was in store for old tree. About five feetup the trunk Canberrans. To the delight of young Finally, from sometime in November. was a lyrebird's nest complete with and old, the first sight for the day Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve will chick. Along came one of the adult was a curtain of large snowflakes open between 9 a.m. and9 p.m.Two birds which started a display per­ falling gently onto a thick white similar, but separate ways of taking formance, probably in an attempt to carpet later be-jewelled in some advantage of this are: distract the onlookers away from backyards, by the arrival of crimson (a) The very popular guided tours the nest. It then began scratching rosellas. It was truly the 'icing on by spotlight, for which booking is for food, followed closely by a tiny the cake', and a sure cure for essential, as they fill up fast. Dates scrub wren scavenging insects in 'Monday-itis'. The Bureau of Met­ will be advertised in the Canberra its wake. Charles thinks that the eorology informed us that this freak Times. Octoberoccurrence was caused by birds were possibly the Albert's (b) Summer Saturday Nights - a meeting of NW winds with a cold Lyrebird, distribution of which is enjoy a leisurely evening bushwalk front from off-shore Tasmania. We confined to extreme SE Queensland between 6.30 and 8 p.m. as the were fortunate indeed that the and NE NSW. bush cools down in the twilight. meeting took place over our part of Ring the Reserve for date of Australia. * • • commencement. same walks. How about a few new Letters leaders coming forward to offer to break new ground! I urge members to share their bush-ranging experiences to induce others out of their armchairs into Jean and Ian Currie report seeing Ian Haynes the mountains where the panoramic some quite exciting fauna during Outings Convenor views or delicate alpine flowers will their recent tour of some of the NPA offer renewed enthusiasm for our more distant Australian National environment. Verily Parks. Two places where these Dear Ian, sightings occurred were on the "... whoso walketh wisely, he shall As Oliver Cromwell once said, Atherton Tableland - at Lake Each- be delivered". - Proverbs "Wo man goes further than he who em, where they were lucky enough knows not where he is going." I Margus Kariiaid to see a tree kangaroo and fame would like to suggest through the catbirds, and at Palmerston Nat­ NPA Bulletin that after a walk, some­ ional Park, where they saw rifle one should provide a brief descript­ The President birds and glimpsed a quickly re­ ion for the edification of all members. National Parks Association treating cassowary. I joined the NPA not only to lend of the ACT support to an organisation which • • • constructively lobbies against Dear Mr Frawley, threats to our natural environment By now, Joan and Ray Hegarty are I have been visiting the Australian but also to participate in leisurely probably in that strange state of National University since February, bushwalking jaunts around Can­ transition when - whilst it's good to and through Jack Smart I became a berra with other people of similar be home, a kind of unsettled feeling member of the NPA. On the eve of persuasion. However, one rarely persists, as the momentum of my return to New Zealand, I am sees an article in the NPA Bulletin months on the move gradually writing to convey my appreciation which recounts a member's exper­ slows down. Welcome home to you for the NPA activities in which I ience of a particular outing. By con­ both - bet there's an interesting log participated during my stay in trast, other newsletters or mag­ book! Canberra. By temperament I am not azines which cater for outdoor a 'clubby' person - and indeed, enthusiasts include reports of bush- when it comes to outdoor activities, * • • walks as a regular feature. Often I am distinctly anti-social. Never­ such reports are quite entertaining theless, I thoroughly enjoyed my Welcome home also to Barbaraand but more importantly, very inform­ NPA outings, not least because I Sid Comfort and any other members ative. met so many nice people on them. recently returned from 'far-away An informative description would It has occurred to me that per­ places with far-away names'. Just do much to promote national parks. haps I could be of assistance to imagine the interesting conver­ It could recommend to members NPA members who wish to do some sations floating about the Orroral the easiest route to take, interesting bush-walking (=tramping) in New Valley on this December's annual features along the way, good camp­ Zealand. My knowledge is not get-together! See you there. ing spots, even expose the quirks of extensive, but there are certain leaders or the idiosyncracies of areas about which I can give first­ fellow walkers. In Namadgi NP, for hand information and advice. One example, it would be particularly such area is Arthurs Pass, where I useful to know the degree of difficul­ have a cottage which N PA members ty encountered when walking might wish to use as a haven from through areas which were scorched New Zealand's all-too-frequent rain by the Gudgenby fires in 1983. If I and all-too-plentiful sandflies. have the time I like to loiterthrough Some members might care to try the bush so I can appreciate a alpine climbing of a modest stan­ different environment from that in dard: Arthurs Pass is ideal for that, my office during the working week. and I can recommend various other However, I'm sure other members places for exciting but not excess­ FOR HOLIDAY RENT have also stumbled, sweated and ively dangerous mountaineering. cursed their way through a tangle Large isolated house adjacent I would be grateful if you would of regenerated scrub, wondering 'if to Wadbilliga National Park pass this message on to other NPA only I'd known ..." and on the Tuross River west of members. Unfortunately I shall be Bodalla, N.S.W. Like most people, I can't partic­ overseas till next February, but mail ipate in as many scheduled walks sent to my home address will be DETAILS: on the Outings Program as I would forwarded. A. & C. TYRREL, like to because of other commit­ This address is: 3 Candy's Road, BODALLA, 2545 ments. However, if I could refer to a Christchurch 3, New Zealand. My PHONE: (044) 73 5453 OR description of a walk it might telephone number is 227-582. (044) 77 9314 encourage me to lead it myself another time for NPA. So often it is Yours sincerely, the same individuals leading the Robert Stoothoff The Dedicated Traveller

Va! Honey

Australia's greatest botanist of the tific publications appeared in Lon­ nineteenth century was also a highly don and in Germany relating to his regarded explorer and geographer. finds. Small of stature and not very robust, By 1852, hoping to widen his he made his arduous way on horse­ explorations, and spurred on by the back over difficult terrain for many gold rush. Mueller decided to open months at a time, mostly on his own. a chemist's shop in Victoria. How­ Preceding his arrival in this country, ever, he arrived there when Gover­ and contributing to the shaping of nor La Trobe was about to appoint a his life, were the tragic circumstan­ Government Botanist, and received ces of the early years ot one of the appointment in January 1853, Victoria's most eminent citizens. having been highly recommended Born in Rostock. Germany in June by Sir William Hooker of Kew Gar­ 1825, Ferdinand von Mueller was dens in London. Immediately afler ten years old when his father died his appointment, Mueller set out on of tuberculosis. Five years later his the first of many hazardous journeys mother died, and m 1843 the dis­ undertaken during the first ten of ease also claimed the life of his his forty-three years as Victorian eldest sister. Concerned for the Government Botanist. health of the older of his remaining Accompanied by John Dallachy. sisters, for whom the doctors had Superintendent of the Botanic ordered a sea voyage, and with his Gardens, he travelled with pack- own health impaired as a result ot horses to the hitherto unexplored years of intensive study. Ferdinand Buffalo Mountains, where they dis­ ians through which Sir Thomas felt compelled to make a decision. covered the beautiful Grevillea victoriaeMitchell had come in T836- Origin­ His consuming interest from the They ascended the Horn, ally he had intended to reach the age of eight had been botany, his which at thetimeMuellernamedMt Mallee from the Grampians and to most prized possession being an Aberdeen. As Dallachy had to return continue towards the Murray River, ever-widening collection of spec­ to Melbourne, Mueller continued but due to excessive heat and lack imens. Following the seven years in on alone, travelling from Buffalo to of water, he had to follow the Avoca which he completed his chemist's Mt Buller. This was the first time any River almost to the Murray. Still apprenticeship were three years of part of the Australian Alps had been determined to explore the Mallee, studying botany under Professor botanically explored. From Mt Buller he turned west to Lake Lalbert and Nolte of Kiel University, culminating he travelled to the Goulburn River, went through the Mallee fringe until in the writing of a thesis on Ihe following it to the junction of King reaching the Murray River just below common shepherd's purse and Parrot Creek. He then followed this Swan Hill in December. Travelling gaining him his Doctorate of Phil­ creek to its source near present past the site of present day Mildura. osophy. Inspired by reports of Aus­ day Kinglake. Crossing the Plenty he continued to the Murray'sjunct- tralia's climate and astonishingly Ranges in the Yarra watershed, anc ion with the Darling River. Now. as if different flora and fauna as des­ going around the Dividing Range, to compare the great diversity of cribed by Dr Priess, a noted botanist he turned south to the head of the Victorian landscapes, he set off in and family friend, Ferdinand and his Latrobe River, eventually reaching an easterly direction, reaching sisters sailed from Bremen in July the coast between the Gippsland LakesAlbur y in mid-January 1854, on his 1847, arriving in Adelaide on 18 and Port Albert. In Gippsland way to the high country. December. he spent four days and nights with­ Proceeding along the Mitta Mitta He secured a position as an assi­ out food, having been delayed by Valley, he visited the Gibbo Range, stant chemist, devoting all his spare winter rains. From Port Albert he crossing it at an elevation of 5000 time to the pursuit of new spec­ went to Wilson's Promontory and feet. From Omeo, he attempted to imens. Later, having exhausted the back to Melbourne by the coast. On reach Bogong, but was prevented botanical possibilities of Adelaide this first expedition he had covered from doing so by fierce bushfires. and the Mt Lofty Range. Mueller, 1500 miles and added 936 plants Instead, he explored the Cobberas gaining in strength, went further to the list of Victorian flora. Mountains near the New South afield He almost drowned whilst Mueller's second Victorian ex­ Wales border. Then going east to exploring the Murray scrub, and ploration which began on 1 Novem­ the Snowy River, he crossed it and went alone to the practically un­ ber 1853. took him through much turned back to the Tambo River, known Flinders Ranges, climbing unexplored country where dense following it for some distance. He Mts Brown and Arden and investig­ scrub and forest greatly impeded again crossed the Snowy River and ating country around Lake Torrens. progress. Climbing every mountain reached Cabbage Tree Creek, which Following these excursions, scien­ in his way, he traversed the Gramp­ is the southern limit of palms in King, part of the Gippsland Lakes MUELLER'S JOURNEY and back to Melbourne, apparently by the ordinary Gippsland track, regretting that he was unable to M ascend Baw Baw on account of illness. During the summer of 1858-59, Mueller spent a few weeks in the mountains along the Macalister River, examining vegetation and making geographic surveys of the south-western Alps, Mt Wellington and Mt Useful, and predicting that a leading spur would be found to extend to the hitherto unapproach- ed alpine elevations of Mt Baw Baw. He decided to settle the quest­ ion during the next season. The following appears in the 1860-61 Government Botanist's Annual Report:

"Mount Wellington, inasmuch as LEGEND it can be reached by a path access­ RIVERS: G - Goulburn, g - Genoa, L - Latrobe, M - Murray, ible to horses from the Avon Ranges, Mm - Mitta Mitta, m - Mitchell, O - Ovens, may be regarded as the southern S - Snowy, Y - Yarra. key to the Australian Alps, from MOUNTAINS: 1 - Baw Baw, 2 - Bogong, 3 - Buffalo, 4 - Buller, whence along the crest of the main 5 - Cobberas, 6 - Kosciusko, 7 - Mueller's Peak, ramifications of the high land, a 8 - Townsend, 9 - Wellington. journey with horses seems possible PLACES: A - Albury, M - Melbourne, C.H. - Cape Howe, in most directions. Otherwise, the G.I. - Gabo Island, P.A. - Port Albert, dense underwood frustrates any W.P. - Wilson's Promontory. attempt to traverse the tracks through the jungle, whereas the main range, at elevations exceeding Australia, the creek taking its name Cobungra... traversed the grassy 4000 feet, is usually destitute of from the only Victorian palm species. tableland in a north-easterly direc­ these impediments." Travelling along the Buchan River, tion, along the Cobungra downwards In mid-December 1860, Mueller Mueller then returned to Melbourne until the country appeared practic­ set out for some quite unexplored along the main Gippsland track, able towards the north to reach the country in the south-western parts arriving there half-way through April. highest part of the Bogong Ranges of the Alps, and found on reaching During his five and a half months ... On 3rd Dec. ascended the south­ Good Hope Creek that he could not away, he had travelled 2500 miles east of the two highest mountains take his horses any further, as even and added almost 500 species to of Bogong Range ... (6th Dec.) a man on foot would have needed the Victorian flora list. In a report ascended the more abrupt summit to cut a track as he went. Eventually, written for the Legislative Council, of the north-westerly mountain from on 23 December, he left Good which included comments on the upper Mitta which skirts base ..." Hope Creek, accompanied by John utility of some plants, Muellerspec- The despatch also mentions find­ Russell, William Randell, Robert ifically recommended bluegum ing the source of a main branch of Morrison and Louis Quaas. They (Eucalyptus globulus) as being the Mitta Mitta, and the sources of traversed the ranges adjacent to excellent timber for ship-building, the Ovens and Mitchell Rivers. This the Tyers (now Thompson) and Tanjil blackwood for furniture and callistemonpart of the journey added sixty Rivers, and on travelling north and as hardwood. species to the flora list of Victoria. then north-east, crossed these On 3 November 1854, Mueller Leaving Omeo in mid-December, rivers several times. The progress left on his third expedition, going Mueller went north-east towards was very difficult until they reached through the Dandenong Ranges to Mt Kosciusko, ascending Mt Tambo the level of 4000 feet where the the head of the Latrobe River and on December 17. Reaching the vegetation became much less following it as far as the Avon River. Snowy Mountains, the peak which dense. They descended into the He went up the Avon to Mt Welling­ he climbed and described on New main valley of the UpperTanjil River ton where he stayed for about a Year's Day 1855 was possibly Mt and noticed that replacing the Baw week. From here his progress is Townsend {7357 feet). The next Baw stringybarks were beech for­ described in a special despatch highest peak (7272 feet) is now ests interspersed with "... highland sent from Omeo: known as Mueller's Peak, in his white gum-trees under which luxur­ "Left Avon on Nov. 22, thence up honour. From Kosciusko, he retur­ ious ferns grew". On Christmas Day, Mitchell, Wentworth and Dargo ned to the Buchan River on his way they camped on the summit of the Rivers, crossed Dividing Range to revisit Cabbage Tree country, highest eastern mountain of the between waters of Gippsland and beyond the Snowy River. Afterthis, Baw Baws and spent several days Murray near upper part of the he travelled along the coast to Lake exploring this region. The party travelled the whole length of the Baw Baws and then descended to Box Vale Walking Track the narrow Yarra Glen, passing through ferns and gigantic eucalypts, Trevor Plumb and discovering the Wittsteinia, the On a car trip to or from Sydney have with shallow soils on Sydney Basin Baw Baw berry. They found that the you ever wanted to walk the Box sandstones. Near the lookout we descent from Mt Useful was gentle Vale Track near Mittagong but found (in August) many wildflowers and that beech forests covered reluctantly decided against doing blooming between the sandstone some of its lower regions. Retracing so because you could not spare outcrops. Of special interest is the their steps, they arrived at Good three hours'? If so. here is a shorter regrowth in the cuttings - a grove of Hope Creek on 30 December. On version that may interest you. casuarinas in one and ferns, includ­ returning to Melbourne, Mueller But first, some information about ing Dicksonia in another- and along immediately left for a visit to the the Track and its locality. It is sign­ the embankments, where some upper Tarwin {now Tarago) River, posted on the northern side of the sizeable eucalypts are now growing. and discovered the Grevillea bark- Hume Highway between Berrima lyana in this area. He travelled on For a shorter walk that still and Mittagong. Currently this sec­ prospectors' tracks and thus sugg­ includes most of the attractions it is tion of the Highway is being widen­ ested in his report that tracks be cut possible to join the Track at Kells ed. According to a brochure pub­ along the Baw Baw Mountains to Creek Ford To do so. take the lished by the Crown Lands Office enable miners and pack-horses to Wombeyan Caves Road and the and available from the Tourist travel more easily. This was done minor (unsealed) roads shown on Information Centre at Mittagong, two years later by an expedition in the accompanying sketch. (See the turn-off into a carpark is located the charge of Angus McMillan, also Mittagong 125 000 Central 0.8 km east of the Wombeyan Caves known as 'Victoria's Pathfinder'. Mapping Authority.) The total driving Road and 3.7 km west of Mittagong. Over 200 miles of tracks were distance from the Hume Highway is successfully cut and constructed. After leaving the carpark, the only about 2.8 km. At the end of the In March 1861 McMillan accomp­ Walking Track follows the formation road, just past Stone Ridge' farm, anied Muelleron his second visit to constructed for a railway to a coal there is room to park and a stile Mt Wellington and the sources of mine. Bofh mine and railway oper­ gives access to the Track. At the the Macalister River. ated briefly late last century. The ford, take note of the rock holes Track passes through cuttings and that once provided footings lor the Two months before the Baw Baw an 84 metre tunnel and along vertical timbers of a trestle bridge. I expedition of December 1860, embankments, with small deviations believe this bridge and another Mueller had conducted a short where bridges have disappeared. across Nattai Creek were destroyed exploratory trip to the 'south-eastern At the far end ol the formation a by bushfires in 1 939 frontiers of the colony', crossing short path leads to an impressive From Kells Ford to the Lookout the country from Twofold Bay to the view over the Nattai Gorge, where and return takes T? to 2 hours, Genoa River and travelling along it the Nattai River can be seen winding depending on your fitness and the towards the coast. He visited Cape it way about 180 metres below. time you take gazing into the go.ge Howe and the adjoining freshwater The natural vegetation along the and examining features along the lake, and ascended the Genoa River route is mostly dry sclerophyll forest. route. again, following it to its sources, and examining the surrounding highland and Nungatta Mountains en route. During this trip he discov­ available in four sections of what ered the Gippsland Waratah (Tel- Heysen Trail will eventually be an 1 800 kilometre opea oreades) and found many Syd Comfort trail. These sections are: from Cape NSW plants. Potential economic Jervis through Mount Lofty to value of some species was comm­ Whilst in Adelaide recently. I asked Tanunda; from Crystal Brook ented upon in the copious notes at the offices of the South Australian through Mount to near taken during these expeditions. Remarkable Department of Recreation and Wilmington; a short section near Sport for published information on Mount Brown, east of Port Augusta; the Heysen Trail and was both and from Hawker through Wilpena (Based on biographical material pleased and stimulated by the to just west of Blinman. The trail is from Margaret Willis' By Their FruitsJ. response to my request. essentially a walking trail and is not Part 2 will appear at a later date. It The concept of a long distance available for horse riding but is will cover Mueller's journey of six­ walking track from Cape Jervis subject to some restrictions be­ teen months as the appointed bot­ (adiacent to the eastern tip of Kan­ cause some parts pass through anist to Augustus Gregory's 1855- garoo Island) to the Northern private land and because of the 56 expedition to north-western Flinders Ranges was proposed by need to impose some limitations Australia, and how he assisted other MrC. Warren Bonython in 1969 and during the bushfire season. inland explorers. Included in refer­ subsequently accepted by the ences used are the journals of the Sounds like a good idea for South Australian Government under autumn '88. Gregory brothers. the name, "Heysen Trail". It was officially opened in 1976 although Reference: only nine kilometres of trail had SA Department of Recreation and been constructed at that time. Sport: Information Sheet No 5. The Today. 780 kilometres of trail are Heysen Trail Grunting up to Gudgenby Mount Gudgenby Day Walk 30 August 1987

Margus Karilaid

Members assembled in the carpark quite slippery, but puffing and pant­ very fit and it is al&o very demoralis­ at Kambah Village Shops at 8.30 ing we reached the base of the ing when you can't see the peak a.m. In the future I suggest it be no sheer-faced granite which makes until you are within half an hour of later than 8.00 a.m. because we Mt Gudgenby and other peaks finally making it to the top. We also didn't start walking from the carpark such a feature in the Park. tended to punish the Sigg bottles at Boboyan Pine Plantation until It was here that the party disin­ on this route up which can be disas­ 10.00 am. It's a shame that the tegrated into a number of splinter trous if you run out on a hot day as carpark can't be relocated to the groups depending on fitness and there is nowhere to replenish your southern end of the plantation at the urge to be the first 'peak buster* water along the wav. GR774378 because I find walking for the day. My heart leapt to my I pushed the pace on the way through this carrot patch a big throat when I saw one person sil­ down because I didn't want to get yawn, especially on the return leg. houetted on the skyline of a broad back too late. As a consequence, I However, I expect the managers of slippery rock face. I had a vision of learnt a lesson in leadership be­ Namadgi NP have good reasons. him clawing his fingernails on the cause a large rock was dislodged From the fiats to the top of Mt rockface if his jogging shoes lost under someone's foot, tumbling Gudgenby is a rise of 700 metres in traction. Thankfully he negotiated down heavily onto Regina's calf elevation. Ably led by Reg, once we the face without mishap. The length causing ft to swell quickly. Olive ad ambled through the pines, the of webbing which I'd borrowed from promptly applied some HIRUDOID party of twenty made its way through Tom Rhymes proved to be invalu­ ointment from herfirst-aid kit which the bush south of Bogong Creek. able in assisting some members reduced the swelling. After applying Although the 1983 Gudgenby bush- clamber up some of the more slipp­ a crepe bandage we continued. It fires touched on this part of the ery sections. was quite amusing to see everyone bush, the scrub was still relatively We all made it to the cairn at the leap to one side after a warning open and low to make progress top (1735m) by 2.00 p.m. The drizzle bellow of 'Rock!' when the same fairly easygoing. This was assisted abated for the half hour while we thing happened soon afterwards. by the numerous animal tracks had a late lunch, enjoying the fine Good idea. which traverse the contours as we views of the surrounding peaks, Despite this incident we reached plodded upwards. Our pace gave some of which were dusted with the open meadow of Bogong Creek us ample opportunity to enjoy the snow. safely at about 5.00 p.m. and made variety in vegetation (still too early Before we became too chilled, it back to the cars as it was getting forf lowers) and the granite boulders, the descent was made directly dark at 5.45 p.m. and to catch glimpses of Mt Gud­ down the steep eastern slope. At I dropped off my passenger at genby through the tree canopy. first the regrowth was thick and Kambah Village at 6.45 p.m. and A fine drizzle kept the temper-, somewhat difficult but gradually went home feeling contented with ature cool but even so everyone opened up. Although it is steep I the day's outing. had worked up a sweat by the time still think it is the best way down to All in all, the weather could have we reached the saddle at the flats if care is taken. However, I been better, but then again we PR732384 by 12.30 p.m. We rested wouldn't recommend going up this were lucky that it wasn't any worse. briefly here to have a guzzle and way to Mt Gudgenby as I had done I hope all enjoyed themselves. I did. gobble before heading straight up with a party of three friends the the slope to the peak. previous weekend. It is too tough The rain made the undergrowth, on the legs for those who aren't litter, logs and moss-covered rocks

•r-er

Drawing by Ken Johnson Flora and Fauna: Special Protection Measures Part 4

Keith McRae

In three recent editions ot the If) Retrain from using natural one would anticipate, there are Bulletin, a code ol behaviour for materials tor shelter except in conflicting research findings and bushwalkers and other people who emergency situations and never there is a need for further research use natural environments for leisure cut down vegetation for unnecess­ and for the continuing use of purposes has been outlined. It is ary purposes such as furniture or commonsense in the application of considered that human beings who bedding Sleep on a single-cell the guidelines. It is anticipated, venture into the bush have a res­ foam mat or other soft material however, that strict adherence to ponsibility to behave in a way which brought for the purpose. the code by all people will result in will ensure that natural communities decreased impact and damage to (g) Try to avoid difficult and persis­ and entities are protected. In this and increased protection of natural tent "bush bashing' since this can final part of the code, additional environments and particular natural cause considerable damage as measures designed to protect flora entities. It may still be necessary for well as placing a strain on inexper­ and fauna are outlined. It rs sugg­ individuals and groups to adopt ienced members of the party. ested that people: even stricter measures in certain (a) Resist the temptation to feed (h) Refrain from leaving messages circumstances For example, if the birds and animals which appear for other people if this involves conditions to be encountered on a curious or hungry. Even in low- damage or alteration to the environ­ particular trip are such that there is impact areas, the feeding of wildlife ment, eg broken branches, stone real risk of damage to the environ­ can have serious long-term effects markers. ment, the activity should be can­ on patterns of behaviour. In addition, (i) Keep to tracks when they exist celled or postponed until conditions left-overs may carry bacteria harm­ even if this involves walking in improve. During a trip, it may be ful to the wildlife muddy sections Unnecessary necessary to change plans for particular activities as a result of (b) Respect the needs of birds and trampling of the vegetation may unanticipated or altered conditions animals for undisturbed privacy. cause erosion or damage to plants. Generally, there will be circum­ Observe animal behaviour but do (j) Avoid descending steep slopes stances in which particular guide­ so with care, common-sense and if possible, as a descent can cause lines in the code will need to be restraint and with a minimum of more damage to soil and plants applied more rigidly The ability to noise, movement or encroachment. than an ascent. An easier route determine behaviour appropriate (c) Leave undisturbed all insects should be sought. to prevailing conditions will be and reptiles including those which (k) Leave pets at home, and finally developed as a result of increased bite and cause pain. Apart from and in summary .. experience and sound educational being acceptable behaviour to­ programs. (I) Avoid wilfully damaging or des­ wards the inhabitants of a visited troying any living or non-living part area, it will also lessen the risk to of the ecological community in ADDITIONAL READING the visitors. which you are a fellow-traveller, a Anyone interested in reading (d) Avoid damaging plants, partic­ visitor, a member of a community further about environmental ethics ularly in fragile areas, eg in the charged with the responsibility for or minimum impact camping or in shade of some forest floors, plants protecting all other entities. discussing the guidelines should have a very slow growth rate; in contact Keith McRae at the Can­ sub-alpine areas, marshes and berra C.A.E. on 52 2474 (message meadows may be fragile and slow- on 52 2973) or at home on 47 8181. growing: and in sand dunes, plants SOME FURTHER may be surviving precariously. It THOUGHTS may laKe years io repau aamaye Reasoned and detailed explanation caused by just walking through in support ol the guidelines has such areas. been deliberately restricted m the (ei Refrain from picking or uproot­ interests of brevity, although an ing plants. If a record is required, attempt has been made to make photographs will usually be an the code coherent, logical, consis­ adequate substitution for a real tent and justifiable, there is sub­ specimen. Field guides should be stantial support for the guidelines used m the held lor ail identification in the considerable research which purposes. has been undertaken although, as ABC of Bushwalking

A for Anorak - garment designed to allow rain, cold and wind to penetrate from outside, while retaining body moisture inside. B for Boots- instruments of torture, efficient in creating blisters and twisted ankles, guaranteed to slip on any known surface and to take in and retain water.

C for Camp-a piece of ground affording maximum discomfort for sleeping. Usually rocky, boggy or on a forty- five degree slope. Sometimes all three, chosen by leader to ensure pre-dawn start next day.

D for Defector - Ex-bushwalker now enjoying self at weekends.

E for Easy Walk - leader's description of forthcoming assault on South Col of Mt Everest.

F for Fly-an ability wished for by all bushwalkers when faced with near vertical ascent or descent. Also piece of cloth erected over leaking tent in vain hope of keeping the rain out.

G for Ground sheet- fragile material laid on swamp or rocks in hopelessly optimistic belief it will keep camper dry and comfortable. Attracts all insect life.

H for Heavy - property of all walking and camping equipment which gains weight in proportion to distance covered and state of exhaustion of walker.

I for Injury - tactic adopted by slower members of party to frustrate leader and faster members.

J for Junk Food - quickly devoured at Fast Food shop after long day(s) of pretence of healthy living. K for Knee - favoured area of anatomy for bandaging. Turns into jelly on downhill grades.

L for Leader - sadist who sets impossible tasks at impossible speeds. When lost, has been heard to say 'Of course, I know what I'm doing. It's just that I don't know where I'm doing it.'

L for Leech-affectionate creature who, it is said, can last up to a year without a meal, but who always appears to be questing for sustenance from wary and unwary walkers alike.

M for Map - strange document decorated with marks and squiggles which bear no resemblance to location walkers find themselves in.

N for Numbers - head count which for various reasons fluctuates.

O for Odd - word appropriate when describing other bushwalkers.

P for Photography- pastime associated with hysteria which supposedly justifies destruction of fauna and flora for a better shot. Can be countered by false birds' nests and other red herrings.

Q for Quicker - one of the leader's favourite words. One of the rabble's most feared.

R for Rest - period of time never of sufficient duration, which becomes shorter in time and more frequent in direct proportion to one's increasing fatigue.

S for Survey - quick look at map by prospective leader the day before a walk in vain hope that 'something familiar1 will appear on the day.

T for Tent - ridiculously expensive piece of easily torn material. Similai properties to Anorak. Specially designed to give smallest internal space for largest amount of material used. Always one size too small for the number of occupants. Usefulness reduced if poles, pegs, ropes are left at home.

U for Undergrowth - vegetation often as thick and impenetrable as average bushie.

V for Vertical - type of walk favoured by leaders. Fortunately usually modified to eighty-nine degrees on the day.

W for Water-something in plentiful supply when not needed but seemingly non-existent when weather is hot. Has been declared to be better than beer on a hot day. Nickname Adam's Ale, aqua pura or H,.0.

X for Xhaustion - most common state of average walker before, during and after a walk.

Y for Younger - dim memory of what it felt like before a walk.

Z for ZZZZ-favourite sound made by bushie wher asleep undera shady tree, a situation guaranteed to attract squadrons of flies and mosquitoes. Incenses ^ider who wishes to be making tracks.

ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz

~' Courtesy of the Brisbane Bushwalker, March 1986 and the lllawarra NPA Newsletter, October 1986. Field Guide to the Native Trees of the A.C.T. This pocket book describes 60 species of trees of four metres or more that are known to grow naturally within the boundaries of the ACT. It is written for the non-specialist and has instructions on how to use a botanical key. For easy reference it is divided into three parts- Eucalypts; Acacias and other species, with trees that are similar placed side by side.

Each species is treated separately and is fully illustrated, with a thumbnail map to show where authenticated specimens have been collected A key to all species, index and glossary are provided

The Field Guide is useful in the neighbouring Southern Tablelands (Goulburn. Cooma. Kosciusko National Park) Price $4 00 (plus $1.00 to cover postage and packagingi

Produced by (tie National Parks Association of tho Australian Capital Territory inc assisted by a Heritage Grant from the Department of Territories and Local Government

NPA Bulletin National Parks Association of the A.C.T.

P.O. Box 457, Canberra City 2601. POSTAGE PAID REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST PUBLICATION No NBH0857 ISSN 0727-8837 AUSTRALIA

GENERAL MEETINGS

Held at S pm. Room /. Grittm Centre Bunda Street. CIVIC

DECEMBER- No meeting

JANUARY - No meeting

FEBRUARY - Thursday 18 Roger Treagus. an active member of (he New South Wales National Parks Association, will give an illustrated talk about his recent holiday and fact finding tour in South America. Roger will discuss rainforest management and land management in general as he observed them in Chile. Peru. Ecquador and Argentina. Roger is currently preparing a film about his trip.