March 2001

Environment Sub-committee report Willows and wild horses Thredbo Diggings car camp NPA BULLETIN Volume 38 number 1 March 2001

CONTENTS Environment Sub-committee report 3 Researching traditional life in Namadgi 11 David Large Len Haskew

New members 3 The South Coast forests - from Nowra Foreign correspondent - from our man in USA 3 to Narooma 12 Andrew Wong Martin Chalk

ACT Alive, Sunday March 18 3 New South Coast national parks 13 Reg Alder Willows and wild horses 4 Di Thompson "They want the Blue Mountains!" 14 Thredbo Diggings car camp, February 2001 5 Len Haskew Adrienne Nicholson Association's 2000 Christmas party 15 ACT Parks and Conservation Service operational changes 7 Max Lawrence

Tony Corrigan Letters on Gudgenby Homestead 16 Climbing Mustag-Ata 8 Wilderness 2000 protection plan 18 Syd Comfort Fish of the high country 9 Len Haskew

Len Haskew General meetings 20 Parkwatch 10 Calendar 20

National Parks Association (ACT) Incorporated The NPA (ACT) office is located in MacLaurin Crescent, Inaugurated 1960 Chifley, next to the preschool. It is staffed by volunteers Aims and objectives of the Association but, at present, not on a regular basis. Callers may leave • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the phone or email messages at any time and they will be protection of fauna and flora, scenery, natural features and attended to. Mail from the post office box is cleared daily. cultural heritage in the Australian Capital Territory and elsewhere, and the reservation of specific areas. Telephone/Fax: (02) 6282 5813 • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation Email: [email protected] areas. Address: PO Box 1940, Woden ACT 2606 • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment of, Internet: http://www.spirit.net.au/-npaact such natural phenomena and cultural heritage by organised Membership field outings, meetings or any other means. New members are welcome and should enquire through the • Cooperation with organisations and persons having similar NPA office. interests and objectives. Subscription rates (1 July to 30 June) • Promotion of, and education for, conservation, and the Household members S40 Single members $35 planning of landuse to achieve conservation. Corporate members $30 Bulletin only $30 Office-bearers, committee and convenors Concession $25 President Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592(h); For new subscriptions joining between: 040 778 3422(w) 1 January and 31 March - half specified rate Vice President David Large 6291 4830(h) 1 April and 30 June - annual subscription Immediate NPA Bulletin Past President Eleanor Stodart 6281 5004(h) Contributions of articles, line drawings and photographs Secretary Len Haskew 6281 4268(h) including colour prints are welcome and should be lodged with Treasurer Mike Smith 6286 2984(h) the office or Syd Comfort (02) 6286 2578. Committee members Deadline for June issue: 1 May 2001. Steven Forst 6251 6817(h) 6279 1326(w) Judy Kelly 6253 1859(h) Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect Timothy Walsh 6285 1112(h) association opinion or objectives. Eleanor Stodart 6281 5004(h) This bulletin was produced by the NPA Bulletin Working Group Max Lawrence 6288 1370(h) with assistance from Green Words & Images. Neville Esau 6286 4176(h) Printed by Ausdoc On Demand, Canberra, ACT. Jacqui Cole 6241 9984(h) ISSN 0727-8837 Convenors Cover photo: Lunch stop on the Thredbo River Track Environment Sub-committee David Large 6291 4830(h) Outings Subcommittee Max Lawrence 6288 1370(h) between the village and Dead Horse Gap. Photo Bulletin Working Group Syd Comfort 6286 2578(h) Adrienne Nicholson Environment Sub-committee report

Members will be aware of a number released ACT Nature Based Tourism further in the letters printed on of problems that have caused a Strategy and a plan of management pages 16 and 17. hiatus in our activities and that little for wild horses in Kosciuszko The wild horses issue is very work has been carried out with only National Park. A working group emotive and members have differing a few meetings held over the past convened by Tom Heinson is looking views. These mainly relate to the six months. I'm pleased to say that after the Nature Based Tourism question of shooting wild horses. The we are now back on track and we Strategy and Gary Thompson is Report on the Cull of Feral Horses are moving on with a number of leading the group on wild horses. in Guy Fawkes River National Park projects. If you would like to assist in any in October 2000 makes interesting We need to complete the 1999/2000 of these projects, please contact me reading and members should read projects in order to acquit the grant or Clive, Tbm or Gary. Any help is this report before reaching we received from Environment ACT. very welcome. conclusions. My own position is that Clive Hurlestone Hurlestone has agreeThed tNaturo e Based Tourism I have seen the damage done by wild coordinate these projects. They Strategy is likely to cause us many horses in Kosciuszko National Park include: problems. It is not clear just what is and hope they can be removed. • NPA input to the Second proposed. One matter of immediate The protagonists to keep them in Namadgi National Park concern is the proposal to develop place are mainly drawn by people Management Plan to take Gudgenby Homestead as a who enjoy the "sport" of brumby account of the claim for commercial accommodation and running. I have no argument with recognition of native title; food outlet. This proposal was them. I only have a argument with • development of a Plan to Manage rejected by members last year. them conducting their sport in Remnant Native Vegetation in Clearly, if this went ahead it KNP. If they want to indulge in such ACT Forests; and would only lead to many more a sport then let them do so on • comments on implementation requests for additional resources private land. plans for Murrumbidgee River and facilities. The strategy looks to Di Thompson sets out her views Corridor, Canberra Nature Park develop Namadgi National Park on the feral horse problem in her and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. for eco-tourism and seems to pay article on page 4. Two additional projects are to little attention to the values of a develop submissions on the recently national park. This issue is explored David Large Foreign correspondent - from our man in USA In September of last year, exploration beyond the reach of the association member Barry casuaRidgewayl traveller . New Members Ridgeway and his companion Given the autumnal timing and The association extends a warm embarked upon an 11-day the location of the wilderness, welcome to the following new exploration of an American weather was always to be a factor wilderness - the Boundary Waters in their journey. Indeed, delays members: Canoe Area Wilderness in caused by rain and storms required Jennifer Ballard Queanbeyan Minnesota. Given the populated them to re-assess their objective on Helen Corrigan Dickson nature of the USA when compared day four. Nevertheless, the to Australia, Barry initially had a combination of solitude, weather Valerie Elder Watson certain scepticism about the extremes, stillness and the call of Rosalie Grant Aranda remoteness of this wilderness. the loons combined to impress on Peter Hann Chifley However, his report of the trip, sent Barry that a country of250 million to the NPA, freely admits that the people, too, can have national parks N and D Hanson Deakin million or so acres of lakes, forests which offer genuine wilderness Brian O'Neill Fisher and rivers soon had him in its experiences. grasp. The daily routine of paddle N and L Page and portage set the pace for Martin Chalk Margaret Power Deakin Ben Schimer Gowrie ACT Alive, Sunday March 18 Sylvia Sun Canberra John Tassie Chifley The association again plans a display for ACT Alive so volunteers to assist Alan Walker Murrumbateman would be welcome. Note the change in venue and the later date. Details are in the Outings Program. Pauline West Kaleen Willows and wild horses Last year, Di Thompson was stabilisation, and for ornamental conservation. This WHMSC has appointed to the NSW National Parks and sentimental purposes. These been brought together to develop a and Wildlife Service Snowy plants spread through accidental plan of management for wild horses Mountains Advisory Committee. In striking of broken branches and by in the Alpine area. Two formal public this article, Di reports on some issues further planting. However the consultation processes have been which the committee has considered. planting of additional species in held - a forum in Jindabyne in Willows and wild horses are just more recent decades, with both male January and an information evening two of the issues on the Snowy and female trees growing within in Queanbeyan on February 13. Mountains Advisory Committee's polUnating distance of each other, There was almost unanimous (SMAC) agenda. Others include the started to produce seeds and agreement at the Jindabyne forum Walker Enquiry into the Thredbo seedlings and this has resulted in an that wild horses be removed from the landslide, the legacies of the Snowy exponential growth and spread of Alpine area and the sooner the Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme, many species. better. The next issue is how? new reserve additions, resorts, waste The two really aggressive species The NPWS is particularly management, relationships with in our region are Salix fragilis and sensitive to community opinion and landholders and adjoining shire S.nigra (commonly known as the political backlash on this issue councils, bushfire strategies, park crack willow and the black willow (generated to a large extent by usage fees, feral controls, Alps respectively). The black willow talkback radio and other media). Liaison and eco tourism. parent population is sourced from A direct consequence has been that SMAC membership is eclectic. We the Tumut River. However the black the approach to the management of come from a diverse range of willow creates a massive seed wild horses in KNP is limited in its backgrounds and expertise, including supply, and over the last 10 years scope and definition to the removal local councils and communities, seeds have blown more than 100km, of wild horses in the Alpine area resorts, tourism, indigenous with sites now recorded on the Goodradigbee(that is, abov e 1850m). The terms of communities, science, conservation Goodradigbee, Queanbeyan, reference for the WHMSC do not and the rural communities. Molongo and Murrumbidgee Rivers cover wild horses in other parts of Depending on the circumstances, near Canberra. I can only conclude KNP or the much broader issue of SMAC members also work on sub­ that given the flightpath of those horse riding. committees and working groups. Two seeds to our region, that seeds would NPWS public presentations such recently formed groups relate have also germinated in the Naas, outline the problem - that "wild to the control and management of Gudgenby and Orroral Rivers. horses have expanded their willows and wild horBes. I hope that Kurt will be able to give populations beyond traditional These issues are both topical and a presentation on willows to the NPA areas, they are now above the tree emotive. Public knowledge is in the near future. There are Borne line along the Main Range", and of generally low and each attracts more excellent free publications available course they "make a significant than its share of misinformation. It on willow management and willow impact on the fragile alpine is Borne years now since Fiona identification, details of which are environment". However, of concern McDonald Brand and Tim Walsh set out below. to conservationists, are other NPWS drew the association's attention to Now to wild horses. Many people statements that it "recognises the willows as a problem in our midst. have not been aware until very cultural value of wild horses" and Since then park authorities have recently that up to 30 wild horses "that the welfare of wild horses is made various assessments of their spend the summer months in the paramount" as opposed to any distribution, identified the more Alpine region of Kosciuszko statement referring instead to the invasive willow types and begun National Park (KNP). The horses humane treatment of horses. The programs of control. are usually in several groups, and NPWS obviously needs further Kurt Cremer, a SMAC member, is over the last six years have been support and encouragement to make a CSIRO willow expert. Kurt recently moving to the area above 1850m, stronger statements concerning the made a presentation on willows to generally in the Rams Head area paramount importance of the the committee, and impressed on and in the headwaters of the welfare and protection of native flora members that there was a rare and Swampy Swampy Plains Riveanr d faunaand , to provide scientific very limited Hwmdow-of-oppoi1ninityw Leatherbarrel Creek. evidence on impacts, and "that to contain or even eradicate some The National ParkB and Wildlife horses are introduced and have no willow species in our region. He also Service (NPWS) has formed a Wild natural predators". advised that not all willow species Horse Management Steering There are several theories about required such urgent control and Committee (WHMSC), with where the alpine horses have come intervention. As we all know, willows representatives from horse riding from, one of which maintains that have been planted extensively in organisations, local communities, a they are being pushed up from Australia over the last 150 years, for vet, alpine ecologist, NPWS staff and Cowombat Flat because of the the protection of river banks, for yours truly representing nature increasing population pressure in that area. They are not thought to NPWS — under the guise of keeping Fd appreciate hearing from you if be part of the Dead Horse Gap numbers down, and increased (read you sight wild horses in KNP, and of population. this as unlimited) access to the any realistic suggestions for removal As to the process so far. NPWS park - both by horses and 4-WDs. of wild horses in that area. Also Tm and the WHMSC members were Neither in Australia nor overseas happy to forward an electronic concerned to ensure that the initial has mustering alone kept wild horse version of the Tbny English report for public consultations be small, populations down. Wild horse those who would like to know more manageable and successful. populations, without predators, about the aerial milling of wild horses However, there continues to be increase at a rate of between 15 per at Guy Fawkes National Park. My strong opinion from those outside cent to 20 per cent a year, so their contact details are: 6288 6084 (h) the immediate local region, that the numbers double every four to five [email protected] (h) Canberra, Sydney and resort years. Wild horses have not been [email protected] (w). communities form a significant officially managed in KNP for 20 For more information on willow constituency of key stakeholders in years. In fact, the Report on the Cull management and identification See KNP and that all should be brought of Feral Horses in Guy Fawkes http://www.ffp.csiro.au/publicat/ into the community consultation National Park by Dr Tony English articles/willows process. I believe that for the time explains that not only is mustering For the following free booklets, being we have a depth of ineffectual as a single tool, but that write to Bob Trounce, NSW community comment on the issue there are significant animal welfare Agriculture, Locked Bag 21, of wild horses in the Alpine zone. concerns in relation to the horses Orange, NSW, 2800, or fax him on Further public input will be being mustered, yarded and (02) 6391 3605. required when the debate is transported. Cremer, K W (1996), Willow extended to wild horses and horse The horse riding community is identification for river management riding elsewhere in the park. pushing hard to be allowed to in Australia. Technical Paper 3. It became very clear to the reduce the wild horse numbers. If CSLRO Forestry, Canberra, 22pp. conservationists who attended the locals (without accreditation and Cremer, Kurt (1999), Willow forum and the nformation session, other independent evaluative and management for Australian rivers. that wild horses and brumby monitoring constraints) get this Natural Resource Management, running in KNP are intrinsically task, then brumby running will be Special Issue, Dec. 1999, pp 1-22. linked and presents a much larger institutionalised, as they will Trounce, Bob and Cremer, Kurt problem than many of us thought. ensure that there are always (1997), Willow control. Publ. by NSW This raised a whole new set of sufficient numbers of wild horses in Agriculture. 6pp. circumstances that we must all parts of the park for ongoing Di Thompson consider. It can be argued that annual culls. removal of the wild horses from the In the northern part of KNP, the Total fire bans Alpine area was an easy trade-off for Tantangara, wild horses are now Tony Corrigan, Manager ACT Parks many in the horse riding fraternity. crossing the ranges into the ACT. and Conservation, has provided the Basically the real issue is access. One participant at the information Furthermore, brumby running is following information on the action sessions firmly stated that wild taken by his service on days of total alive and well. Some riders operate horses were elsewhere in Namadgi fire ban. like hunters, putting the catch back National Park too. The ACT For Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve the in many instances or introducing Government shot, what were then, new blood, to ensure the sport is risk of fire is computed specifically the last wild horses in Namadgi for the reserve and on the basis of sustained and built up. Readers National Park in the late 1980s. this a decision is made. If the ban is should be aware that this is a sport, One theory is the current horses to apply to the reserve the reserve is an activity, carried out by a few have been so "chased" by horse closed to the public; otherwise the families, at public expense and riders on the Tantangara Plain reserve may remain open even of resulting in the large areas of that they are being pushed up over days of total fire ban. Thus during destruction in KNP, the jewel of the the border. I had hoped that ACT this season Tidbinbilla has been NSW national parks system. Parks and Conservation would be closed on only one day I believe the general public has been able to support the NPWS by duped by the emotive images Namadgi National Park is closed eradicating any reintroduced wild on days of total fire ban in the portrayed through links to "Man horses in the ACT. I believe they following way. The park is not closed from Snowy River" into associating plan a wait and see approach with to pedestrians although as far as heritage values with wild horses, some initial thought being given to possible they are warned about the without consideration of horse the possible construction of a fence fire danger. Similarly, occupants of numbers, distributions, impacts, the (or barrier) to stop the horses the camp grounds are advised of the reason for creating national parks, coming into the ACT. The potential situation but are not evacuated. and so on. for damage to the fragile bogs and Roads are closed where they could ponds in those border gaps by become a fire trap because they are What is at stake is the potential fencing workers may be worse than the only road in or out as, for for annual musterings (brumby the horses. example, to Orroral. runs) endorsed by WHMSC and the Thredbo Diggings car camp, February 2001

Two leaders arrived at Thredbo were a rich leaf-green and more track, on the lookout for another Diggings on Thursday evening to a robust. The males could fly, in a track shown on the information camping ground under perfect manner of speaking, but the females boards (we found no sign of either conditions. Clear sky, calm air and did not; most of the individuals end of this cross-track and remained dehghtfully comfortable temperature; stranded through having landed on confused). This part of the track is very still on the river giving wonderful the river, were males. They were more undulating, passing through reflections. There were about five everywhere and we did get used to denser bush but with many glimpses other groups in the camp area, so we them, but fewer would have been of the river appearing as both mini- had oodles of room and settled better. Huge flocks of little ravens (we white-water sections and large still ourselves nearest the easy fine gravel rough-counted hundreds at a time) pools. We'd a leisurely ramble, slope accessing the river. Our space wheeled and settled and we botanising, enjoying the bush, and included a fireplace with hotplate and discovered they were feasting on the passing the time of day with fly- suspension chain, a picnic table and insects. fishermen we came across from time benches, both open and shady areas, We set off for a morning Bullock's to time on/in the river (none seemed room to spread out tent spaces and Track walk, with other NPAers to be catching anything). accommodate a camper-van. The pit expected to arrive around Iunchtime. Reg and Fiona had arrived by the toilets were close by but not too close. Many flowers were out, mcluding two time we returned to camp, and a With a close-to-full moon and brilliant orchids; ladies' tresses (Spiranthes leisurely lunch followed. Margaret stars, we needed no torches. Idyllic sinensis) with their myriad tiny rich re-walked Bullock's Track with them conditions when we retired at pink flowers arranged spirally up the while Adrienne remained about about 10.30. stem, in moist but open ground, and camp then went to meet the others That evening, a wombat chomped parson's parson's bands returning(Eriockilus. Surprise, surprise, Fiona his (or her) way past soon after we cucullatus) with up to three pinky wound up her afternoon activities went to bed. I watched him for some mauve flowers per stem, favouring with a swim! Pre-dinner and dinner time but he just grazed around the open woodland. Many species from in very pleasant conditions; though camp untroubled. Each evening a the daisy family were flowering; billy cloudy, there had been no rain for wombat grazed around 'our' area, buttons (or whatever), different most of the afternoon. even while we were still sitting yellow and white paper daisies, Our last two campers (Phil and round our campfire. Most of the raggedy multi-headed yellow ones, Jayne) arrived about 7:30, already groups camped at the Diggings native yams, Brachycomes, etc. fed. We spent a pleasant evening reported a wombat around their Conspicuous red-berried bushes, chatting, though not around a camp; wombats always have seemed to be of two forms, one with campfire, the evening being featured in my mind-picture of this green foliage and very red berries, the comfortably warm. However, the particular campground. other with more blue-green foliage moon managed only a brief had berries more pinkish. A reedy High, thin wispy clouds came up appearance through the trees low lagoon area (of maybe two acres) to some time during the night, then a on the horizon before being engulfed the right of the track was bright with breeze; it intensified becoming a by cloud. patches of yellow fringed lillies blustery wind roaring down the Saturday saw two levels of activity (Nymphoides). valley. By Friday morning, it had being undertaken: less strenuous started to rain intermittently, and We called in to the Bullock's Flat and more strenuous! The first group things did not seem too promising. Ski Tube terminal for an ice cream, wandered up the Thredbo River However, we were able to breakfast pit stop and to watch the train come track from the village to Dead Horse between showers and were never and go. Hardly bustling; about four Gap and return. We enjoyed (after confined to tents or car shelter. passengers alighted, maybe eight the golf course!) open woodland and Phasmids (stick insects) in vast boarded. Trying to be helpful, the grassland, interspersed with fine numbers were dropping from the sky chap in the shop told us we couldn't views along the river; mini-rapids, (the trees really, but it seemed from get coffee at the lower terminal, but still pools and waterfalls. We the sky generally). It did not take we could up at Blue Cow! We went encountered an abundance of us long to work out that the browny on to Bullock's Hut sitting out a wildflowers and also came across ones with a cream lateral stripe and heavier rain shower reading the many insects and spiders, including beautiful mauve transparent hind visitors book, then returned to the wings were males, while the females Diggings along the river section of the continued on page 19 ACT Parks and Conservation Service operational changes

I would like to thank the National Dr Colin Adrian Parks Association for this Executive Director opportunity to introduce myself Environment ACT and to explain some of the operational changes that the ACT Tony Corrigan Parks and Conservation Service Manager has implemented over the past few ACTP & CS months. Firstly a little about 6207 2240 myself. I was appointed to the position of Manager, ACT Parks Project Officer and Conservation Service in August last year. I have a long association with the ACT Parks 1 Livicia Jarrett Bill Woodruff Rod Hillman Peter Galvin Brett McNamara and Conservation Service having Finance and Human\ Community and Resource TtdbinbUla NR West District East District Resources Service Unit 6205 1221 6207 2904 6207 2088 worked as a ranger for the past 6207 2243 6207 2195 15 years. During my career I have worked in Canberra Nature Park, Googong, Tidbinbilla, Namadgi, Murrumbidgee Namadgi Canberra Googong the Murrumbidgee River Corridor River National Nature Foreshores Corridor Park Park and as a rural ranger. I have a thorough understanding of the excellent natural and cultural lands. This allows for a holistic and Namadgi Visitor Information Centre resources that this agency protects catchment based approach to non just south of Tharwa. on behalf of the community. The urban land management in the I personally value the partnerships challenge is to maintain these Territory. By working in a between community groups such as values while making places cooperative manner with other land the NPA and Environment ACT, and available for the enjoyment of owners through Land Management look forward to developing our visitors and tourists. Agreements, natural values and relationship. I would like to take this The ACT Parks and Conservation good productive use of the region can opportunity to invite all the NPA's Service has recently implemented be sustained. members to contact me on 6207 2240 some operational changes to enable As you are probably aware, Parks should you wish to discuss any issues. better service to the people of the and Conservation headquarters is Tony Corrigan ACT and to ensure continued high located at Athllon Drive. The East quality management of the ACTs Manager District main office is at Grimwade ACT Parks and Conservation reserve system. These changes Street Mitchell, while the West Service include the creation of two new District is administered from the Environment ACT districts, one east of the Murrumbidgee River Corridor and including Googong Foreshores and Canberra Nature Park and another including the Murrumbidgee River New conservation reserve maps Corridor and Namadgi National Park. The following is a summary The NSW National Parks and Wudlife Service has produced black and of the new structure. white maps of south-east NSW showing the new conservation reserves It is important to note that the in the area. The maps, with accompanying notes, are available from ACT Parks and Conservation the service, free of charge Service is also responsible for the day to day administration of rural Climbing Mustag-Ata Francis Lawrence, our guest at the discuss his travels over a cup of association's February meeting, tea.. The meeting enthusiastically came to Australia from France in endorsed the vote of thanks 1973, has lived in Canberra since proposed by President 1975 and will be remembered as an Clive Hurlstone. Olympic torchbearer here last year. After the meeting Francis passed An avid traveller and climber, in on to me the two short notes 1989 he espoused the idea of reproduced below. climbing the highest mountain in "In general, wild places and each continent. Part way on this traditional communities are not quest having conquered Elbrus in doing well in most countries around Francis Lawrence with association European Russia, he recognised the world. I have seen primitive that Everest and Vinson would be member Mieke van den Bergh. villages in the Himalayas, once only beyond his financial resources and Photo courtesy Francis Lawrence accessible on foot, instantly thus stood in the way of his reaching disfigured, polluted and his goal. So he shifted the goal posts on the mountain the party was overcrowded all because of the and directed his energies to climbing subject to extreme cold with building of a new road. peaks in remote and wilderness Francis's thermometer at times "Answering the cry for help by areas. And thus to Mustag-Ata forced on to its bottom mark of sponsoring a third world child is a located in China's western Xinjiang -25 degrees. During this time some most humane thing to do but at the Province. members suffered serious frostbite. same time it disturbs me that so Apparently if this is to be endured, In July of last year Francis set out little is done to limit the phenomenal the ears are the favoured location! from Islamabad by minibus in a overpopulation taking place right The long treks on snow, at times group of 14 people. Following the now. India's population increases by quite soft, made for extremely tiring Karakorum Highway they 52 000 every day. More and more it karakorum progress and led some members to travelled through spectacular seems that only tourists with their favour snow shoes in these country; along the Indus valley for dollars, despite their heavy conditions. From these high slopes many miles; along tortuous and demands on the environment, can Francis was able to see high peaks narrow mountain roads at one help to keep the remaining wild in distant ranges which he had point making a rough crossing of places with a functioning climbed on previous expeditions. the partly cleared rubble from a ecosystem." When the time came for the huge landslide; climbing, climbing "Altitude. On average, the assault on the summit Francis was to high passes; through verdant temperature drops by 1 degree for a member of the small group to make high meadows; across the border every 160 metres increase in the attempt. He gave us some insight into China and so to their base altitude. No humans live into his mental processes as he camp. Francis's commentary on permanently above 5000 metres. We pondered on making the decision this section of the journey showed humans loose 10 per cent of our about the final stage of the climb; a deep awareness of the people he power and oxygen for every 1000 balancing the drive to reach the top saw and met along the way. metres increase in altitude, so a against the demands of the trek up climber on top of Everest without We were told that Mustag-Ata at and return, and his physical state. supplementary oxygen has only 10 7546 metres is not technically a He and two others from the group per cent of the energy he would enjoy difficult climb calling for extremely succeeded in reaching the mi mm it. at sea level. As a result, as soon as a high skill to surmount steep rock which lay above some rocky climber rises above 5000 metres he and ice faces, but that it is very outcrops, and marked it by erecting is in a process of dying. This can take demanding in that long distances at their national flags including the two months at 6000 metres, one to high altitude need to be covered. Australian flag. They retraced their two weeks at 7000 metres and three Slides of the mountain clearly steps down the mountain and back to four days at 8000 metres. If we illustrated the long snow- and ice- to base camp. were to find ourselves suddenly at covered slopes on the way to the Their return trip to Islamabad was 7000 metres unacclimatised, we summit. Becoming lost in this white in a very different mood from the would all perish within 20 minutes. expanse, particularly in bad outward journey and in a relaxed Mental capacity is also greatly visibility, is a great risk which way they took in the country and its affected by altitude; one can go from indeed did overtake a climber from people with a spell of a few days in bliss to despair in seconds and another group at this time. There is the Hunza Valley. also the risk posed by crevasses. normal intellect is severely Francis illustrated his talk with restricted at extreme altitude. There followed a period for some magnificent slides, answered Otherwise, climbing is real fun!" acclimatisation and then the trek to questions at the conclusion of his camps 1 and 2. Throughout the time presentation and stayed on to Syd Comfort Fish of the high country Members and friends who braved sphagnum moss were transported clearing of riparian vegetation the wet weather on the night of the here in sailing ships. Mark is also below dams brings about a loss November General Meeting were critical of groups such as Coarse of shade for fish. Often the water rewarded with a fascinating Anglers, who, in Mark's words, below dams is very shallow. presentation by Dr Mark "catch Carp in Lake Burley Griffin, • introduction of exotic species - Lintermans. The essence of his talk kiss them and then throw them the present operation of dams was its absolutely delightful back!" and reservoirs facilitates the presentation. Mark's talk was not The construction of dams and maintenance and spread of only very informative but it was also reservoirs alters or destroys fish introduced species, which are a one of the most entertaining that I habitat and this is widely regarded major source of native fish have experienced at an NPA as one of the most important causes decline. The abundance of carp meeting. The subject of his address of native fish decline in Australia. has been shown to be directly was the plight of native fish in a The major classes of habitat related to the proximity of large changing alpine environment and modification caused by impoundments. Goldfish and what the future holds for them. impoundments are: redfin perch all have a greater Mark is a senior fisheries scientist • barriers to fish passage - proportion of small individuals in with the Wildlife Research and upstream movement for regulated rivers, indicating Monitoring Unit, Environment ACT, spawning and recolonisation is greater recruitment success in and he has worked for the ACT prevented and contributes to the these environments. Government for 19 years. He has fragmented nature of many fish (Another potentially serious also spent seven years with the populations. Fish are injured threat from introduced fish is the Centre for Cooperative Research for when they "fall over" dam walls spread of foreign diseases and Fresh Water Ecology in Canberra. • alterations to flow regimes - parasites to native fish species.) His principal area of interest has impoundment partially reverses What can be done? been the upper Murrumbidgee the seasonal nature of flows as • strategies for environmental flow catchment, but it was obvious to the water from spring and autumn releases need to be developed. people at the meeting that his rains are stored for release in interest and enthusiasm extended summer. The release of cold • minimum environmental flows to all native fish species. water at an inappropriate time should be based on the 80th percentile flow from the pre- Mark began his talk by pointing removes water temperature cues regulation hydrological records. out that Australia has very few for fish to commence spawning. • the environmental flow strategy native fish when compared to the • sedimentation — Macquarie should mimic natural daily and rest of the world. The Mississippi perch, along with some other monthly variability. River is home to about 327 native native species, normally deposit species, Japan has about 127, adhesive eggs amongst rocks and • water releases should be such as whereas Australia can only muster gravel on stream beds. to ensure that there are no about 200 inland fish. This is not Sedimentation can either adverse effects from thermal really surprising as Australia is a smother spawning sites pollution. very dry continent. Only four species rendering them unsuitable, or • the environmental flow strategy of native fish actually evolved in smother the eggs themselves. should include provision for fresh water, the ancestors of all The establishment of sand and 'channel forming' flows to others came from the sea. The three gravel extraction facilities can maintain stability of the river species of the upper Murrumbidgee ftrrther exacerbate this problem channel. catchment, trout cod, Macquarie by destabilising river channels • an 'adaptive management' perch and the two-spined blackfish and resuspending fine sediment. approach should be adopted so are all threatened, having been Urban development and general that alterations can be made as adversely impacted by the land degradation from necessary. construction and operation of large overclearing and inappropriate • a systematic monitoring program impoundments and the land management also contribute should be established. depredations of introduced species. to general siltation Mark believes that if an environmental flow regime is While very critical of • reduction of instream habitat - adopted it will aid considerably in acclimatisation societies and others streams are often narrow and the conservation of threatened fish who have introduced a variety of shallower below dams because species, but that other actions such exotic fish whose mere presence is they are no longer periodically as limiting water extraction, erosion a great threat to native populations, flushed by floods. control and management of riparian Mark has a grudging respect for the • reduction in water quality - the vegetation are also necessary if the efforts of those responsible for the release of a cold slug of water health of our rivers is to be restored. introduction of trout to Australia. during the breeding season Apparently trout eggs, packed in inhibits spawning behaviour. The Len Haskew Parkwatch

Birds of Mulligans Flat At a Public Meeting to be held in and on Swiss television. The There is now a walking path at the Armidale today, the NCC is Telegraph said that 264 bird species Yellow Box/Red Gum Grassy concerned that the NSW Farmers at risk of extinction include the red- Woodland at Mulligans Flat with will use the emotion generated from tailed black cockatoo, the regent and orange-bellied parrots signs about the habitat and the birds recent fires to circumvent the orange-bellied parrots and the you might see. There is also a scientific planning process that the hooded robin. It said koalas are brochure with a map and a NPWS has conducted to manage for suffering from land clearing, and comprehensive bird list for the fire hazard as well as biodiversity. that for every koala lost, 10 000 Nature Reserve. If you want a copy The NCC supports the NPWS as insects, birds and reptiles are killed. of the brochure call 6207 2113. a fire-fighting agency and as a land "It's bizarre to find that the Sustainable Times, November 2 manager. The NPWS has an international media care more about extremely good record in managing the impacts of tree clearing than our Topical Media releases fire in terms of both planning and own politicians," ACF Executive Wilderness Society welcomes operations", said Dr Judy Messer, Director Don Henry said. Following move by Premier Beattie to Chairperson of the Nature the failure in August (2000) of the protect World Heritage Conservation Council of NSW Queensland Government to bring in rainforest Nature Link threat (NCC). laws to stop clearing in that state, it Date: 08 November 2000 "Of the recent 219 fires that was estimated that a wooded area Premier Beattie and the effected the north coast NPWS the size of 50 football fields is lost Queensland Government are to be managed lands, 82 fires had escaped each day. congratulated for the decision to not from neighbouring lands and habitat Australia, October 2000. allow the "Naturelink" cableway in entered onto NPWS managed lands. Salinity and all that the World Heritage-listed Only 35 fires spread from NPWS rainforests of the Gold Coast managed lands onto adjoining A recent edition of The Australian hinterland to proceed. property." carried a CSIRO warning that "50% The route chosen for the cableway "Within NSW, three times more of birds in agricultural areas face the would have posed a threat to some fires enter National Parks from threat of extinction over the next 50 of the world's most important neighbouring land than escape from years, because of salinity - we're rainforests. These forests are far too the parks. This demonstrates that talking probably 70 to 80 species.'A valuable an asset to the people of NPWS is very effective in containing couple of days later, the same Queensland to risk for the sake of fires to within their lands" Dr Judy newspaper published the findings of the commercial interests of one Messer continued. a Newspoll survey that showed developer. In regards to bush fire planning, strong public support for the When it comes to areas of the NPWS has established clear environment. It is the fourth most outstanding global and universal and regular communication with important issue for Australians after biological significance like this, it is landholders neighbouring education, health, and imperative that government's National Parks. unemployment but before family demonstrate the capacity to step "There is a process for park issues, leadership, taxation and back from a development at any cost neighbours to provide input and interest rates. mentality and respond to the needs feedback into fire management Despite flares from a litany of of the environment and concerns of activities on park and farmers are scientific studies and strong public the community. informed of exactly what hazard support, some governments have The Premier has ably reduction is to be carried out each still not adequately tackled the land demonstrated this capacity with this year." said Dr Judy Messer. clearing issue, and are impeding decision. ACF Media Alert efforts to move the nation onto the November 2, 2000 path of ecologically sustained Conservationists Support development. NPWS Park Fire Management Life Lines, Spring 2000. Date: 09 November 2000 International press exposes Parkwatch continued on page 19 Summary: The Nature Conservation Australian land clearing! Council of NSW opposes claims by Australia's standing as the biggest the NSW Farmers Association who land clearer of all developed nations Bulletin mailout have criticised NPWS fire recently made international news in Many thanks to Judy Kelly who management practices. three countries in the same week. has coordinated the Bulletin The Nature Conservation Britain's Sunday Telegraph ran a mailout for this issue. She would be Council of NSW opposes claims by major article headlined "Millions of pleased to hear from volunteer the NSW Farmers Association who birds die as Australian farmers clear helpers. Her phone number is have criticised NPWS fire bushland", following similar 6253 1859 (h). management practices. coverage in The South China Post NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION (ACT) INCORPORATED NPA outings program March-June 2001 Outings guide

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Day walks carry lunch, drinks and protective clothing. Pack walks two or more days, carry all food and camping requirements. CONTACT LEADER BY WEDNESDAY OR AS INDICATED IN PROGRAM. Car camps facilities often limited or non-existent. Vehicles taken ro site can be used for camping. BOOK EARLY WITH LEADER, Other activities include nature rambles, environmental and field guide studies and ski tours.

Points to note Please help keep our outings program alive by volunteering to lead outings. New leaders are welcome. The outings convenor is happy ro suggest locations suitable for a walk if you do not have something in mind yourself. Feel free to send in suggestions for outings to the associations office as soon as you think of them, with a suggested date. All persons joining an outing of the National Parks Association of the ACT do so as volunteers in all respects and as such accept responsibility for any injury howsoever incurred and die National Parks Association of the ACT, its office bearers and appointed leaders are absolved from any liability in respect of injury or damage suffered whilst engaged in any such outing. The committee suggests a donation, ro the nearest dollar, of TWENTY FIVE cents per kilometre DIVIDED BY THE NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS in the car, including the driver, be offered ro the driver by each passenger accepting transport. Drive and walk distances quoted in the program are approximate distances for return journeys.

10 March Saturday work parry 10—12 March long weekend carcam p home. Bring a camera. Those unable or Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group WallagaLake unwilling to undertake this considerable climb Leader: Eleanor Stodart Leader: Len Haskew may be able to arrange a 4WD lift ro the Phone: 6281 5004 Map: Central TUba 1:25 000 saddle by contacting the Umbarra Cultural Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre at 9- 15am Phone 6281 4268 Centre on 02 4473 7232 (at a fee). or Yankee Hat carpark at 10.00am. Weeding, A carcamp at Ocean Lake Caravan Park (fee), Day 2: A coastal walk of about 9kms from wilding removal or other work for 7kms north of Bermagui. Wallaga Lake to Bermagui. A fairly easy walk rehabilitation of the Boboyan pine area. Tools Day 1: Meet at 10.30am at Pams General mosdy near the sea. There are ample rewards will be provided. Store, TilbaTilba, just off the realigned Princes in the form of coffee shops, fish and chips Highway. Climb Mt Dromedary for views of shops and a pub when we get there! When Montague Island and much of the coast. sufficiently refreshed and rested we'll walk off Return through a delightful stand of our excesses by returning the 9kms back to rainforest. The climb is steep - 800m in the Lake (car shuffle is definitely an option). 5-5kms, but its mosdy downhill on the way Plenty of birds, bring binoculars. Day 3: For those who can stay on an extra 24—25 March weekend packwalk 1 April daywalk day Len will see if he can arrange a trip on Mt Burbidge The Historic Corn Trail Wallaga Lake with members of rhe local Leader: Martin Chalk Leader: Len Haskew indigenous community. 2A/D/E 2A Please contact Len two weeks beforehand Maps: Rendezvous Creek, Yaouk 1:25 000 Map: Monga 1:25 000 (ie by 24 February) if you would like ro go so Phone: 6268 4864(w), 6292 3502(h) Phone: 6281 4268 that accommodation can be organised at the We will try again this year and hope for better Meet at Canberra Railway Station carpark caravan park. 400kms, $100 per car. weather. Walk from Yankee Hat carpark across (Kingston) at 7.30am. Walk the Optimist old Gudgenby station to Middle Creek From Section (so called because in the 1830s it was 11 March Sunday daywalk the cascades, up the southern arm to camp considered that only an optimist would even Mt Twynam and Watsons Crags below Mt Burbidge. Sunday morning will see think of putting a road through ic) with the Leader: Steve Hill a packless scramble up Burbidge followed by Friends of the Mongarlowe River. This will 4A/C/E a return along our Saturday route. Be prepared be a 12.5km walk, mosdy downhill, from the Map: Mt Kosciuszko 1:50 000 for rock scrambling and regrowth. Call leader top of the Clyde through former forestry land Phone: 6231 9186 by the previous Wednesday for bookings. which has never been harvested to the A day of fabulous views not available from I40kms, $35 per car. Buckenbowra River. The Friends have Mt Kosciuszko. This walk will proceed only organised a bus to take us back to the top of if the weather is likely to be sunny. We drive 25 March Sunday daywalk the Clyde. Afternoon tea in Braidwood. ro Charlotte Pass carpark (2.5hrs) and follow Mulligans Flat Bird Walk 120kms, $30 per car, plus share of bus cost. the Main Range track to the Blue Lake Leader: Beverley Hammond lookout. We climb Mu Twynam (2196m, 1A 7 April Saturday Work Party third highest in Oz). Then we trek ro the spur Map: Canberra Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group known as Watsons Crags for unmatched views Phone: 6288 6577 Contact: Eleanor Stodart of the grand Western Fall wilderness and far The Mulligans Flat Bird Walk was launched Phone: 6281 5004 beyond. The walk requires good fitness, will on 1 November. Bring a snack, field guide and Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre Tharwa at be largely offtrack and will involve regular binoculars for this 6km amble. Meet at the 9.15am, or Yankee Hat carpark at 10.00am. climbs which are steep in parts. It brings with Mulligans Flat Nature Park carpark about Weeding, wilding removal or other work for it an early start and a late return to Canberra, 2.5km north of Gungahlin Town Centre on rehabilitation of the Boboyan pine area. Tools but the sights are supremely rewarding. Ring the Gundaroo road at 9.00am. will be provided. leader by Friday evening to register and for 24 March to 7 April extended packwalk 8 April Sunday daywalk details of the meeting place. 430kms, $108 Mt Gudgenby plus $15 for vehicles without permit. Wilsons Promontory, The Sequel Contact: Syd Comfort Leader: Ken Free 16-18 March Phone: 6286 2578 4A/C/D/E Grose Valley and Blue Gum Forest Strict regulations apply to walking in this park, Maps: Rendezvous Creek, Yaouk 1:25 000 Leader: Ross Walker and early bookings and advance payment are Phone: 6295 8894 2/3A required by the park management. Following Meet at Kambah Village shops at 7.00am for Map: CMA Blue Mtns- Burragorang Syd s November Prom walk we have a number a long tough day conquering one of the best 1:150 000 of spaces we've been able to defer to March - peaks close to Canberra. The views from the Phone: 6254 7117 April. So some of you who were unable to go top are well worth the sometimes very steep Day 1: Victoria Falls lookout to Acacia Flat in November will get another crack at it. The and challenging climb. Some rock scrambling campsite via Blue Gum Forest. Day 2: details are essentially as for the November and regrowth. Walkers need to be fit and well daywalk to Govetts Leap Falls and Pulpit Rock expedition - Drive to Wilson's Prom and camp equipped. 140kms, $35 per car. and return. Day 3: Acacia Flat to Govetts Leap at Tidal River on first day. Then walk two 15 April Easter Sunday daywalk lookout. A walk for fit packwalkers bearing circuits of about six days each in north and Mt Aggie to Bendora Arboretum in mind there are sections of steep ups and south sections of the park with a day or two Leaden Rob Forster downs in the valley, which is 600m deep. break between. Contact Syd for details. 2A Contact leader between 1 January and Expressions of interest in leading The Sequel Map: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 23 February for details and bookings especially appreciated. Phone: 6249 8546 (numbers limited). 650kms, $162 per car, 28 March Wednesday daywalk plus share of taxi fares. Attractive views over both the Brindabella and Mts Majura and Ainslie Cotrer Valleys. Walk follows fire trails to the 18 March Sunday daywalk Leader: Rob Forster Arboretum, and we will probably do a car Wee Jasper 2A shuffle back to our starting point. Meet at Leader: Col McAlister Map: Canberra Street Directory Uriarra Road carpark just off the Cotter Road 1A Phone: 6249 8546 at 8.30am. 120kms, $30 per car. Map: H&H track notes Meet at 9.00am at the An till St Hackett access Phone: 6288 4171 to Canberra Nature Park (just past rhe last A fully guided tour of the magnificent Careys house). Walk up trail to Mt Majura, then along Cave and a stroll through part of the Wee ridgeline to Mt Ainslie. Return via lower route Jasper Nature Reserve. Booking and prior back to cars. Total climb 290m. payment essential. Please contact leader before Wednesday 28 February so that special tour(s) can be arranged. Departure will be from the carpark ofFUriarra Road near the Cotter Road at 8.00am. I60kms, $40 per car plus cave entry fee for each person. 22 April Sunday daywalk 4—6 May three day packwalk 19 May Saturday daywalk Tantangara Plain Jillicambra Mountain Lake George Leader: Brian Slee Leaders: Pat and Eric Pickering Leader: Margaret Aston 2A 3B/C/D/E 1A Map: Tantangara 1:25 000 Map: Belowra 1:25 000 Map: ACT 1:100 000 Phone:6281 0719 Phone: 6286 2128 Phone: 6288 7563 Meet at Kambah Village shops for 7.00am Joint walk with FBI. Thejillicambra massif Meet at the coast road junction at Bungendore departure. Park 6km north of Kiandra and covers an area of about 40 square kilometres, at 9.30am. An easy walk along the lake road walk to Gooandra Hut (under restoration) for and its triple peak rises 850m above the Tuross with time for bird watching. Bring lunch, morning tea. Descend to Tantangara Plain and River which flanks it on three sides. The walk binoculars and a copy of the NPA Field Guide cross Tantangara Creek on way to Witses Hut starts at the junction of the Tuross River and to the Birds of the ACT. Finish with coffee at for lunch. Return same way. Gently woila Creek. Approach will be via a 5km spur. the Woodworks Cafe. Bungendore is about undulating walk on tracks, some spongy First nights camp will be part way up the 40kms from Canberra, depending on where hollows on plain. Afternoon tea Adaminaby. mountain. Day 2 will involve a 200m climb you start from. Make your own travel Bring your insect repellent. 280kms, with day packs to the peak with its splendid arrangements. $70 per car. rock formations and views, and return down a steep spur to the Tuross to camp. The final 20 May Sunday daywalk 25 April day will be an easy but wet-foot return to the Honeysuckle Circuit Wednesday daywalk cars. Total climb 1000m with some rock Leader: Pat Miethke Leader: Col McAlister scrambling. For details and bookings contact 2D Phone: 6288 4171 leaders by mid April. 400kms, $ 100 per car. Map: Corin Dam NPA's midweek walk this month falls on Phone: 6241 2798 Anzac Day. Phone leader for details, which 6 May Sunday daywalk A wonderful circuit through some of the best will be determined nearer the date. Tinderry North Peak ACT ridge and granite boulder country. Leader: Max Lawrence Up the ridge to the W of Honeysuckle carpark 28 April Saturday daywalk 2A/C/D/E to admire its huge summit boulders, across Compo Canyon Maps: Tinderry, Michelago 1:25 000 to the Orroral Ridge, N to Emu Flat clearing, Leader: Mike Smith Phone: 6288 1370 E to a steep scrubby drop across to an amazing 2A/C Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.00am. For cube boulder, and S back to the cars. 1 lkms, Map: Captains Flat 1:25 000 fit walkers a solid climb of nearly 800m (on all offrrack, often sreep and fairly scrubby, bur Phone: 6286 2984 the vertical axis!), mosdy on the steep Mt Allen a wonderful day out. Meet at Kambah Village Meet at Canberra Railway Station Kingston and West Tinderry fire trails. Final 2km to shops at 8.00am. 80kms, $20 per car. at 8.30am. A walk from carpark at the the summit is through bush, and involves 23 May southern end of Googong Reservoir past some rock scrambling. Views to everywhere. Wednesday daywalk London Bridge limestone arch, old London 120kms, $30 per car. bridge homestead, Curley Falls and then wade Leader: Ken Free across the Queanbeyan River to Compo 12 May Saturday work party Phone: 6295 8894 Canyon. Return to cars by similar route. Old Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group The May edition of our series of monthly footwear for crossing the river would be Contact: Eleanor Stodart, Syd Comfort midweek walks. Phone leader for details, advisable. 50kms, $12 per car. Phone: 6281 5004 (Eleanor), which will be determined nearer the date. 6286 2578 (Syd) 29 April Sunday daywalk 26 May Saturday daywalk Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre Tharwa at Big Hole and Marble Arch Mt Coree and Devils Peak 9.15am, or Yankee Hat carpark at 10.00am. Leader: Ken Free Leader: Matthew Higgins Weeding, wilding removal or other work for Map: Kain 1:25 000 2A/B/D rehabilitation of the Boboyan pine area. Tools 2A/E Map: Cotter Dam 1:25 000 will be provided. Phone: 6295 8894 Phone: 6247 7285 Meet at Canberra Railway Station, Kingston, 13 May Sunday daywalk Climb two stunning peaks in the northern at 8.30am. A pleasant walk in Deua National Rob Roy Brindabellas. We'll ascend Coree from near Park on a dedicated walking track. Our Leader: Col McAlister Blundells Arboretum, then walk to Coree destinations are the Big Hole, a vast unfenced 2A/B Flats, climb Devils Peak, then descend to the sinkhole (beware 114m deep!), and Marble Map: Tuggeranong 1:25 000 start. Some history, a good deal of great native Arch, a limestone cave through a ridge Phone: 6288 4171 forest, excellent views from both peaks. Steep followed by a narrow, spectacular limestone A loop walk through the southernmost part climbs, about 14kms. For rhe fit. Book with gorge. Drive through Captains Flat with some of Canberra Nature Park Partly on fire trails, leader, numbers limited. 90kms, $22 per car. gravel. It will be necessary ro paddle across partly off track with a steep climb to the top the Shoalhaven, so bring sandshoes or thongs, of Rob Roy from the Monaro Highway side. etc. This walk was originally scheduled for Great views in most directions. Meet at Australia Day, but had to be put off because Kambah Village shops ar 8.30am. Small of hot weather and park closures. April should distance, short car shuffle, SO. be perfect. 180kms, $45 per car. 26-27 May weekend packwalk $85 per car. Something different to look Southern Namadgi Exploration 9 June Saturday work party forward to in our winter Leader: Phil Gatenby Gudgenby Bush Regeneration Group 3A/B/E/F program... Contact: Eleanor Stodart, Syd Comfort Maps: Shannons Flat, Yaouk 1:25 000 Phone: 6281 5004 (Eleanor), 6286 2578 29 July Sunday daywalk/shurne (?) (date to Phone: 6254 3094 (Syd) be confirmed) A partly exploratory walk in the southern part Meet at Namadgi Visitor Centre Tharwa at of Namadgi National Park on tracks, open A winter walk on snow shoes to the 9.15am or Yankee Hat carpark at 10.00am. grasslands, and through the bush. Visit the Paralyser We may be weeding or seeding a newly burnt headwaters of Grassy Creek and Sheep Station Leader: Brian Slee area. Because this is best done while the ash is Creek. Depending on weather conditions a 1B (in snow) fresh the date of the work party may be climb (450m) up Sentry Box Mountain may Map: Mt Kosciuszko 1:50 000 changed. Please check with leader. Tools will be involved. Contact leader by previous Phone: 6281 0719(h) be provided. Wednesday for details a»d bookings. I60kms, Our first snowshoe walk. Need to be fit, but $40 per car. 16 June Saturday daywalk snowshoe experience not necessary. The Long Flat Snowshoes (worn with ordinary boots) can 30 May Leader: Martin Chalk be hired from Jurkiewicz (Fyshwick) and Wednesday daywalk 3A7B Wilderness Shop and/or Paddy Pallin Leader: Mike Smith Maps: Colinton, Bredbo 1:25 000 (Jindabyne). From Guthega climb on to the Phone: 6286 2984 Phone: 6268 4864(w), 6292 3502(h) Paralyser from Farm Creek and follow ridge NPA has two 'monthly' midweek walks this Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.00am. The to trig point and beyond. Superb views of month. Phone leader for details, which will walk will start at the Mt Clear campground. Main Range and Perisher. Early start (to secure be determined nearer che event. We will travel south along Grassy Creek to parking) and early finish. Book early with leader, bearing in mind that walk will be 3 June Sunday daywalk the NSW border, and then follow it along to dependent on favourable weather oudook. Urambi Hills Circuit the most southerly point of the ACT. We will 430kms, $108 per car, plus $15 for vehicle Leader: Col McAlister return along the Long Flat and generally without permit. 2A7B follow the old farm track back to base. A walk Map: Canberra Stteet Directory through some rural hisrory of the ACT. Phone: 6288 4171 I60kms, $40 per car. A loop walk from Kambah Pool, over Urambi 24 June Sunday daywalk Hills to Pine Island, and back to Kambah Pool Red Rocks on the Murrumbidgee Tuggeranong via Red Rocks Gorge. Delightful views from Leader: SteveHill several places. Meet at Kambah Pool upper dry stone wall 1A/C/E car park at 8.30am. Map: Tuggeranong 1:25 000 Recently, after bagging the heights-of Urambi in the summer heat, members 9—11 June long weekend carcamp Phone: 6231 9186 paused a while to contemplate the greater Bournda National Park A relatively easy walk, mainly on track, but Leaders: Adrienne Nicholson and Margaret involving a litde rock scrambling along the task of digging out, gathering, transporting Aston Murrumbidgee Corridor from the confluence and building the dry stone wall near Pine 1A of Tuggeranong Creek to Red Rocks. We Island. Map: Wolumla 1:25 000, Bournda NP might divert to 'the canyon' along the way The combined memories of the party guides (some more mild rock scrambling). This is were unable to advance any facts about its Phone: Adrienne 6281 6381, Margaret one of the most scenic stretches of the river origin but it was suggested that it could have 6288 7563 and, if we are quiet, we will be overwhelmed been buik by convict or Chinese labour. In Camping by Lake Wallagoot in the Bournda by a huge variety of native birds and the period in which it had been built, labour National Park with most mod cons including kangaroos.. Meet at the Urambi Hills carpark from these sources would have been shelter shed and hot showers. Coast and near the corner of Athlon and Learmonth unlikely. Drives at 10.00am for a pleasant day. No forest walks and bird watching. Do as litde The Sites of Significance in the ACT vehicle costs. or as much as you like to enjoy this restful (National Capital Development scenic area. For details and bookings contact Commission) at volume 4, pages 34 to 36, either Adrienne or Margaret by the preceding refers to the wall as a boundary marker and Wednesday. 400kms, $100 per car, plus states that it is commonly referred to as "rhe camp fees. old stone wall" defining the boundary 9-11 June long weekend packwalk between the Lanyon and Yarralumla Mt Elliott properties. Leader: Steven Forst It appears that the construction period is 2A/B uncertain, as it is stated that it was probably Map: CMW Budawangs built between 1867 and 1875 by Phone: 6219 5236 (w), 6251 6817(h) Cunningham of Lanyon in order to protect A packwalk from the Nerriga entrance to his stud stock against his neighbours scrub Morton National Park, camping in the Vines stock. No information on the type of labour area. A day walk from camp to Mt Elliott for used in its construction is given. views over Hollands Gorge before returning to camp. Walk out the following day. Contact Reg Alder leader by the preceding Wednesday. 340kms, Researching traditional life in Namadgi

As part of the excellent and calories. It is thought that moth shields or coolamons were made and worthwhile Special Events at gathering was primarily a male there are also 'canoe ' trees in the Namadgi National Park Visitor activity. Names on the map such as district (eg, at Lanyon). Stone Centre Dr Josephine Flood Dicky Cooper Bogong suggest that artefacts are abundant in the area - presented an illustrated talk on the moth gathering areas may have 1000 stone tools were found near the above topic on 12 November 2000. been 'owned' by particular groups. top of Gibraltar Falls in what is the Dr Flood is a well-known The moths were caught with nets barbecue area today. archaeologist and author of four in the rock shelters or were knocked Dr Flood has done a lot of books on Australian Aboriginal down with sticks and collected on archaeological work at the local prehistory and rock art. Her kangaroo skins. Then fires were lit rock painting sites. At the Yankee presentation was an outline of her and later the moths were placed on Hat site (which has been dated at research undertaken in the ACT hot stones which acted like hot about 1500 years old) there is a high country between 1969 and plates for about a minute. They were possible representation of the 1974. Josephine Flood is well-known then either eaten straight away or Bogong moth. The Rendezvous too, to many NPA members and ground into a paste for later Creek site possibly shows early indeed, I think it would be correct consumption (probably by the rest contact with Europeans - one of the to say that there would be many who of the tribe who remained in the artworks could be a man on a horse. assisted her in her field work. lower valleys). Josephine Flood An excavation at Bogong Cave (near Dr Flood began her presentation informed her audience that they Tidbinbilla) turned up pestle type with a discussion of the two-way tasted like roasted chestnuts and artefacts which when subjected to migration of the Bogong moth, she gave some humorous accounts TJV light showed evidence of being (Agrotis infusa). Although the moth of some of her colleague's reactions used to grind Bogong moths at least is also found in New Zealand, it is to a feast of Bogong moths. 1000 years ago. only the Australian moth that has a As well as the rich food source Excavations at the Birrigai Rock migratory habit. The moths leave provided by the moths, the Shelter site reveal evidence of the wheatbelt region of north­ Aboriginals also relied heavily on continuous occupation over a period western NSW and Queensland possums and both the tubers and of about 21 000 years. This site was flying south to (probably) escape the flowers of the yam daisy (Microseris used even after European heat, and pass through Canberra scapigera). occupation and Dr Flood believes it around the beginning of October, on The second part of the was a safe retreat. their way towards the ACT peaks. presentation was directed at the Also mentioned were the various Mt Gingera and Sentry Box evidence of occupation left by the stone arrangement sites, Mountain are among the favoured Aboriginal community. Although (eg Mt Namadgi), and the kangaroo 'camping' areas, where they occupy ethnological and historical accounts tooth necklace from the Cooma area clefts, fissures and small caves in are rather patchy, Dr Flood believes found in a burial site at least 7000 compact formations. The very large there is sufficient evidence to say years old. The necklace consisting of populations of moths aestivate for a that the Walgalu people lived in this 370 pierced teeth is the oldest tooth period of several weeks when they area all year round. They lived in necklace found so far. do not seek food. the lower regions in winter and the The basis of Dr Flood's Early records of the Bogong moth men, at least, moved to the higher presentation was her book The Moth migration talk of the moths forming country in summer. Carved wooden Hunters an Aboriginal Prehistory of a 'dark cloud' as they travel towards artefacts have been discovered the Australian Alps, published by the peaks, and of thousands of throughout the area, as well as the Australian Institute of ravens and currawongs following lethal (barbed on both sides) spears. Aboriginal Studies in 1980 and now this congregation. There is some evidence that out of print. Unfortunately is also on Dr Flood stated that the moths waterproof shelters were the 'endangered species' list in were important in the diet of the constructed. Around the local area libraries which means (according to local Aboriginal communities for there are some fine examples of both Dr Flood) that together with books approximately four months of the ochre and pipe-clay quarries. Axe on sex it is most likely to be stolen! year. The moth's body consisted of grinding grooves can be found in local streams, (some within the about 27 per cent fat and 20 per cent Len Haskew protein and so were a rich source of urban area at Latham and food. Indeed, 1 kilogram of moths is Theodore), there are scarred trees, the equivalent of about 3000 particularly red gum, from which The South Coast forests - from Nowra to Narooma

Early this year huge new national parks were created in the NSW South Coast, covering places that for many of us in Canberra and the surrounding region are like a second backyard. The South Coast forests stretch from Nowra down to Narooma, and from Batemans Bay inland almost to Canberra. Below is a summary of the things we won - and the things we lost - in the Southern Regional Forest Agreement.

What we won • The South Coast's state forest estate was more than halved in area, with about 200 000 ha (2000sq km) converted to national park. • Now 70 per cent of public land in the South Coast is protected in national park - an increase of over 60 per cent from last year. • Habitat for over 400 native species, or one fifth of Australia's terrestrial animal species (mammals, birds reptiles and amphibians), has been securely protected in national parks. • Many of the conservation movement's "icon" high conservation value forests have been protected, for example: • Virtually all state forests east of the Princes Highway, between Batemans Bay and Jervis Bay, are now in national parks, extending Cudmirrah, Conjola and Murramarang National Parks, and creating the new Meroo National Park. • Most of Monga and Buckenbowra State Forests, across the highway from Clyde Mountain, have become the new Monga escarpment to those on the coast • With the protection of Monga/ National Park. have been created (last year there Buckenbowra and parts of Badja, • All of Croobyar State Forest, next were none): between Morton there is now a contiguous corridor to Pigeon House Mountain, has National Park and the coast south of forested national parks been protected. of Sussex Inlet; between Pigeon stretching for over 300 km north- • Large areas in Dampier, Badja, House Mountain and Lake to-south between Kangaroo Valley Tallaganda and Bodalla State Tabourie; and between Wadbilliga and Victoria. Forests have been protected. National Park and Wallaga Lake • Three national park corridors National Park (including Gulaga/ connecting the forests of the Mt Dromedary). continued on page 13 New South Coast national parks

The near South Coast, with its national park which incorprates • Monga National Park of coastal escarpments, lakes, beaches areas formerly managed by 25 OOOha combines the former and scenery, has always been a State Forests, Shoalhaven City Buckenbowra and Monga State popular area with members. Some of Council and the Lands Forests to provide a crucial link our activities there have involved Department. Over the past few between the Deua and visits to state forests, which, with years an attempt was made for Budawang National Parks as public access encouraged, provide this area to be managed well as providing protection for opportunities for driving, camping, conjointly. The area was old growth forest, pinkwood picnicking and bushwalking. These surveyed, public interest rainforest and a range of areas, however, have always been meetings held and a draft threatened plant and animal under the threat of intensive logging management plan produced for species. with the attendant loss of the public comment. The • Kooraban (14 OOOha) and Gulaga biodiversity of a natural growth area. establishment of Meroo National (4000ha) National Parks, which The NSW Government has Park under the management of are respectively 15 and 10km recently added almost 320 OOOha of the NSW NPWS is significant in south-west of Narooma, provide land to the conservation network of that the area will be under the protection for important koala south-eastern NSW. This will create control of a single authority and and frog habitats and a 89 new conservation reserves, the threats of logging and significant Aboriginal sacred site further additions to 18 existing development will be removed. on Mt Dromedary (Gulaga national parks and nature reserves The new park has an area of National Park).The reserves managed by the NSW National 3600ha and connects the coastal formerly known as Wallaga Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) lakes of Wallaga, Meroo, National Park and Gonna as well as seven new flora reserves Termeil, Tabourie and Burrill. It Nature Reserve have now been covering 8000ha to be managed by also provides a link through added to Gulaga National Park. State Forests of NSW. Morton National Park to the • Additions to Conjola National There has been a long, ongoing tablelands. Park between Sussex Inlet and campaign, initiated by Mylo Dunphy, • With its extension from the coast Milton combine the former to have the coastal lake areas north to the Princes Highway, Cudmirrah and Conjola of Batemans Bay declared national Murrainarang National Park has National Parks to form a parks to preserve their uniqueness been expanded from 2000ha to significant link to the from development and their almost 12 OOOha, and thereby expanded Morton Nation Park resources from exploitation. adds significantly to the and the Southern Highlands. The areas of most significance are: protection of the Durras Lake Reg Alder • Meroo National Park is a new catchment.

The South Coast forests - from Nowra to Narooma continued from page 12

What we lost same amount of logging is • Icon areas, containing huge areas • Almost 200 000 ha of native equivalent to a doubling of of sweeping old growth forests, forests still remain in the state impact on the ground). rainforests, threatened species forest estate, and are therefore • A wood-fed power station is habitat, and important water available for logging. The proposed for Batemans Bay, catchments, have remained government assessments during which would decimate the local unprotected and available for the Regional Forest Agreement native forests far beyond what logging. These include large process determined that all but a sawlogging and woodchipping areas of Badja (Tuross few hectares of these were high are currently achieving. Along Wilderness), Dampier (Deua conservation value and worthy of with a potential charcoal Wilderness) and Wandella State protection production plant, logging levels Forests, along with the • Woodchipping will continue (at may rise to up to 350 per cent remaining part of Monga State least 70 000 tonnes per annum), times current levels - and with Forest (next to Clyde Mountain). and sawlogging will increase to only half the state forests to do it Andrew Wong 48 000 tonnes per annum in, this means a 700 per cent Forest Campaigner (remember, this is in less than increase in impact compared to The Wilderness Society, Canberra half the area of state forests last year compared to last year, so the "They want the Blue Mountains!"

After almost a decade and a half of For a long time it has been a committed campaigning the Blue popular resort for hardy bush Mountains area was deservedly walkers who were vigorous enough declared a World Heritage Area to climb up and down from Burning recently. Palms beach; now it has been Yet many present members of NPA preserved for all time for the people, can remember when there was no thanks to the offices of the Blue Mountains National Park. Its federation, which is going to see that declaration was also due to the work it is kept in its natural state. of conservationists. Not content with this victory, the The following extracts from an federation has its eye on other article, written in 1939, give a little beauty areas. insight into the birth of the idea for a Like Hitler planning a new coup, national park in the area. The article but with somewhat different has an added interest for us in that motives, the hon. secretary of the Reg Alder s photo published in the it contains one of the first published Sydney Morning Herald, photographs by Reg Alder. A scanned federation, Mr. C. D'A. Roberts, 23 January 1939. copy of the photo accompanies this spread a map out on his desk last article. week and said simply, "We want the Many men insist you must wear Blue Mountains next." The Miss Dorothy English referred heavy boots, others that sandshoes are best; there are even some to in the text and who is also the Mapping the mountains subject of Reg's photo is better known Spartans who will walk only TO some extent, the Mountains today as Dot Butler. (How she came barefooted and among them is Miss already belong to the federation by to be eating an ice-cream in such a Dorothy English, one of the most right of topographical conquest, remote area is another story. Perhaps enthusiastic Sydney girl walkers. because among the many activities the Editor may be able to prevail of bush walking clubs, surveying the Miss English sets a good example upon Reg to write an explanation of Blue Mountains in association with to girls by wearing a simple rig-out of the event for a subsequent edition of the Lands Department has been khaki shorts and shirt; but the the Bulletin). ones of their regular self-appointed beginner walkers are by no means the Len Haskew tasks. only ones who go wrong in their dress. At the other extreme is to be found Now the department has been Bush Walkers Plan to Preserve the super-experienced walker, who able to publish a map of the Beauty Spots mountains, showing all its tracks will wear anything, as long as it is ANY Sunday morning, if you get up walks and its many features of comfortable. early enough and go to Central interest. Often his or her costume is Station you will see people of all ages, slovenly in the extreme, and such The hope of the federation is that carrying packs, some wearing shorts, types are as much an eye-sore in the soon it will able to persuade the who have renounced their Sunday bush as the rubbish left by careless authorities to set aside about 150 morning "he in" to go walking in the picnickers. square miles of mountain territory bush. to make a grand National Park, on Perhaps some of them are off on Call it "hiking" if you will; the the same basis as those in Canada. what bush walkers refer to as "tiger name does not detract from the walks". In such cases they may be Since it was formed in 1932, the growing popularity of the idea which excused. Federation of Bush Walking Clubs has been fostered so well, during the has done splendid work, it has seen Miss English is one of several girls last seven years, by that shy and a marked advance in the popularity who accompanies the men in her retiring organisation, the New South of bush walking. club on "tiger walks". On a recent Wales Federation of Bush Walking trip, 15 of them had to climb up a What was once the intermittent Clubs. pastime of a few people has sixty feet waterfall. YOU, as "a citizen who shares in gradually developed into a regular THE problem of costume and the joys and sorrows of this week-end occupation, which calls for equipment has been scientifically Commonwealth", are probably not dozens special trains, from Friday tackled by Mr. Paddy Pallin, well- even aware that this Federation of to Sunday night cater for its patrons known to all bush walkers. Bush Walking Clubs has added Through years of experimenting nearly 1,800 acres of beautiful park Barefoot Walkers he has been able to reduce the camp lands to your personal property in ON the question of wearing apparel load for one person, for one week, recent years. there has been some debate among from 801b to 401b. The new park is called Garawarra, regular walkers; it is by no means a The Sydney Morning Herald, and it joins National Park at closed subject. Women's Supplement, Monday, Governor Game's Look Out. January 23, 1939. Max Lawrence looks at the association's 2000 Christmas party held on Caloola Farm

Beverley Hammond. Left to right: Steven Hill, Barbara Edgar, Rob Forster. Letters on Gudgenby Homestead The Kosciusko Huts Association has forwarded to the NPA copies of letters written to Brendan Smyth, Minister for Urban Services, on Gudgenby Homestead, and the Ministers reply. These letters are reproduced below, as is a letter received from NPA member, Robyn Barker.

Dear Minister Gudgenby site is in a very poor state confirm that you will invite KHA to The purpose of this letter is to and needs urgent conservation any future discussions you, or your inform you of Kosciusko Huts attention. In the broader context of Department, have with community Association's interest in the future the overall management of the site, groups on this matter. A copy of this management of Gudgenby KHA could provide resources and letter has been sent to the National Homestead in Namadgi National expertise towards ensuring that this Parks Association (ACT). Park. building is appropriately conserved. Yours sincerely Kosciusko Huts Association (KHA) Would you please let KHA know has been working in partnership what stage your deliberations on the Maurice Sexton with Namadgi National Park future of Gudgenby homestead and For and on behalf of KHA management for over ten years to its precincts have reached, and 21 November 2000 conserve European cultural heritage in the park. Significant projects over that time include the conservation Dear Mr Sexton of Brayshaw's and Westerman's, two homesteads that were built early Thank you for your letter of 21 November 2000 concerning future last century. In addition, over this management of Gudgenby Homestead. period, KHA has been undertaking As you have indicated in your letter the Government is committed to routine maintenance of other huts retaining Gudgenby Homestead. We regard the building as an important throughout the park. link with previous grazing activities in Namadgi and believe that an Gudgenby Homestead and its appropriate level of public access to the site will enhance many people's precincts have been of close interest understanding of land management and conservation issues. to KHA members for many years. lb arrest deterioration in the fabric of the building some recent work has Many of our members are also been undertaken such as rabbit control, external painting, upgrade of members of the National Parks electrical systems, bathroom renovations and a new water supply. These Association (NPA). Through them, works also provide the necessary infrastructure to permit public access to the site. KHA has closely followed the recent debate on the future of Gudgenby As you point out in your letter, Currango Homestead is one of many homestead. We particularly note examples in Australian national parks where public use of a cultural asset from that debate that NPA received is encouraged. This adaptive re use helps ensure the protection of our cultural heritage whilst at the same time adds value to visitors' understanding of a letter from you stating that you their natural and cultural environment. wanted the building maintained and used. KHA supports this view, and I recently released the Nature Based Tourism Strategy for the ACT. That it is in this context that we wish to Strategy raises the need for adaptive re use of Gudgenby Homestead and be involved in discussions on the within that framework I intend to quickly review the existing management arrangements to ensure long term protection of the site. That review will future of the homestead and its consider a number of options including low key public accommodation. precincts. There are many examples, both in Another important point you make in your letter concerns the 1920 Ready Australia and overseas, where Cut Cottage on the eastern side of the river. For want of an appropriate buildings within National Parks adaptive re use this building has become run down and needs urgent restoration. I welcome your offer to assist in this regard and have instructed have been retained and used in a my department to speak to you concerning planning and long term manner sensitive to their location maintenance of assets in the Gudgenby precinct. and environment. An example in Kosciuszko National Park is The responsible officer in my department is Rod Baxter in Environment Currango Homestead that is used ACT. He will contact you in due course but you may also wish to contact him for low-key accommodation. Our directly on 6207 2204. members have experience of others Thank you again for raising Gudgenby precinct with me and I look forward in a range of locations. to working with Kosciusko Huts Association to achieve some important I might also mention that KHA community benefits. has proven expertise in conserving Yours sincerely and maintaining heritage structures within both Namadgi National Park Brendan Smyth MLA and Kosciuszko National Park. We Deputy Chief Minister mention this because we are aware 27 December 2000 that the 1920 cottage on the Editor NPA Bulletin In the September 2000 NPA Bulletin (Volume 37 Number 3) the NPA outlined possible options for the future of Gudgenby House as discussed at the July 2000 general meeting. I think NPA members should be very concerned about options 2, 3 and 4, which support Environment ACT's proposal for "developing low key guesthouse accommodation and food and refreshment facilities at Gudgenby Homestead", and would like to make the following observations. Unlike the more disturbed and expansive Currango area in The Gudgenby area from Boboyan Road Lookout with Yankee Hat, Scabby Kosciuszko National Park, the Range and Mount Kelly (left), Mount Burbidge (centre) and Mount Gudgenby area in Namadgi Namadgi and Rendezvous Creek Range (right). Gudgenby House lies in National Park contains some of the the shrouded valley below. Photo Robyn Barker most significant, well-preserved and fragile Aboriginal sites in the and increased access to some of the precedent in the sensitive heart of Southern Highlands. These are aforementioned very sensitive sites. Namadgi National Park? After all, some of the last signs of at least To date these sites have been history has shown us that small 21 000 years of Aboriginal protected by their remoteness, but developments later get expanded occupation in the Canberra region how long will this last once more and into bigger ones and so on once the before European settlement. They more people are pumped into the gate has been opened. include: valley by the lure of commercial Last year the NPA celebrated 40 • initiation site/ceremonial stone facilities (eg, accommodation, car years of conservation and its arrangements on Mount parks and cappuccinos at Gudgenby greatest achievement - a national Namadgi and other summits (the House)? park for the ACT. Where to from most extensive and well If the Namadgi Visitor Centre was here, major compromises or a strong preserved site is only a day walk deliberately located on the periphery resolve to diligently protect that from Gudgenby House); of the park near Tharwa for reasons which we love? • rock paintings at Yankee Hat, of ecological and cultural sensitivity, Rendezvous Creek and Nursery Robyn Barker then why should a commercial Swamp; References: development be allowed in the heart • grinding grooves along Middle Alder, Reg, "Looking for evidence of Aboriginal of the park at Gudgenby House? Creek and Gudgenby River; occupation in Gudgenby Valley", NPA Gudgenby Valley is so close to Bulletin, Volume 32 Number 1, National • rock shelters at Yankee Hat, Canberra that it really isn't Parks Association (ACT) Incorporated, Rendezvous Creek and necessary to create overnight Canberra, 1995. Gudgenby Valley; accommodation in the park. Environment ACT, Nature Based Tburism • campsites and stone Is the NPA aHowing itself to be Strategy for the Australian Capital Territory, arrangements, possibly grave excessively influenced by the Canberra, December 2000, pp. 18-19. sites at Gudgenby Valley; and pervasive marketing arm of Flood, Josephine, The Moth Hunters - • other unknown Aboriginal sites Environment ACT? Does the NPA Aboriginal Prehistory of the Australian Alps, yet to be recorded. Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies, care any more about preserving Canberra, 1980. Because these sites are in the quiet development-free reserves for - The Riches of Ancient Australia - An proximity of Gudgenby House, they nature and cultural heritage? What indispensable guide for exploring Prehistoric could be at risk of being accidentally would such developments do to the Australia, University of Queensland Press, or intentionally disturbed or historical integrity of the Gudgenby Brisbane, 1990. destroyed by increasing numbers of House site itself? Why can't it be - Moth Hunters of the Australian Capital visitors attracted to the area by a managed in a subtle and Territory - Aboriginal Traditional Life in the commercial development such as sympathetic manner like Mount Canberra Region, Josephine Flood, Canberra, that proposed by Environment ACT. Franklin Chalet? 1996. Once such a commercial I believe that the Gudgenby House Garnett, Rodney & Hyndes, Danielle (eds), development is allowed to go ahead, issue represents a real crisis of The Heritage of the Australian Capital Territory, National Trust of Australia (ACT), apart from setting a dangerous direction for the NPA. We are at the precedent, it will inevitably create Royal Australian Institute of Architects (ACT crossroads. Can we afford to support Chapter), Australian Heritage Commission, pressures for further development a dangerous pro-development Canberra, 1992. Wilderness 2000 protection plan

The Colong Foundation, in stringent for the Wilderness 2000 Protection Plan - South East NSW association with other environment Southern Wilderness groups, including NSW National Assessments when Parks Association has produced the compared to past Wilderness 2000 Protection Plan practice, which has which seeks to reserve 1.5 million drastically reduced hectares under wilderness laws. the area The following article has been recommended by the extracted from The Colong Bulletin, NPWS for protection. November 2000. The original article, About half of the written by the foundation's Director, wilderness quality Keith Muir, begins with an account land may be omitted of the efforts of the Carr Government from the protection in NSW to preserve significant plans as these wilderness areas in NSW. It gives a guidelines exclude broad overview of wilderness across bushland if these the entire state. This extract will areas were subjected concentrate on the area closest tous- to even minor south-east NSW. disturbance. Through wilderness management, The wilderness the least disturbed natural areas in hotspots in the South national parks will be fully protected include: from development and damaging • Northern use. Only declared wilderness Kosciuszko, the ensures the interests of native Deua Deua River and plants and animals remain Tuross Tuross River paramount- It also helps to headwaters, where safeguard against the short-sighted about 13 000 actions of future governments - who hectares of NPWS may push for park development as identified state has happened to many protected forest wilderness park areas across the globe. NSW may not be protected from national parks are among the best on the South Coast and in the logging. These forests are part of managed and protected in the world Kosciuszko Region, including 64 000 long-standing reserve proposals and this Plan will help secure these hectares of former state forests. The that date back to the 1940s and reserves for the next millennium. wilderness boundaries of the Plan are an essential part of the Public opinion surveys during the are in most cases consistent with Wilderness 2000 Protection Plan. last two decades have consistently those developed by the Federal Further logging of these areas shown strong public support for Government's environment would cause substantial soil forest and wilderness protection. For department. erosion and sediment pollution of example, the 1996 Newspoll The environment groups do not the streams, placing at risk the commissioned by the Australian accept the draft NPWS wilderness long term integrity of national Heritage Commission found that assessment guidelines that have parks downstream. The 99 per cent of people believe that raised the wilderness identification Government wilderness policy of wilderness should be conserved. standards, ignoring the evidence protecting all NPWS identified accepted in previous assessments wilderness must continue, Southern wilderness that areas disturbed by past use can especially in these key areas; On the South Coast and in the be rehabilitated. The usual factors • Tabletop wilderness that may be Kosciuszko Region proposals for that limit wilderness are reduced to half and Bungonia 16 new wilderness areas and disturbance and development. and North Ettrema areas also additions will be placed on These factors may degrade substantially reduced due to exhibition for three months (see map wilderness but it must be small areas of mining or minor of south east NSW). These areas are remembered that all protected disturbance such as earlier grazing, despite these areas mostly public lands and suitable for wilderness areas contain the odd being essentially undamaged. immediate reservation. The clearing, and even the most intact environment groups' Wilderness bushland is not necessarily pristine. 2000 Protection Plan could protect The NPWS has made its up to 380 000 hectares of wilderness wilderness exclusion criteria more Len Haskew """"" continued from page 10

Gammon Ranges victory for Region Manager, Dave Darlington, Greenhouse gas to go back conservation said the sealing of the Alpine Way underground would provide a positive economic C0 is a major greenhouse gas and In 1975 a small fish the Snail Darter 2 protected under the US Endangered boost for the Snowy Mountains there is a growing view that the through increased year-round geological disposal of C0 could be Species Act, prevented the 2 completion of a $116 million dam on visitation and the flow-on one of the most environmentally the Tennessee River in the USA. employment in the region. acceptable ways to halt the rapid The sealing of this road completes rise of C0 emissions without Twenty-five years later in South 2 Australia the welfare of another fish, an improvement program begun by adversely impacting on economic NPWS in early 1990s, said Mr development. At this stage it the Purple-spotted purple-spotted Gudgeon, Darlington. appears possible to store C0 endemic to a series of gorges in the 2 Gammon Ranges has helped ensure The road was a construction track underground for thousands of years. the protection from mining of the for the Snowy Mountains The proposal is focused on the Gammon Ranges National Park. HydroElectric Scheme and it has Gladstone-Rockhampton region in The fact that only a very small required extensive reconstruction. Central Queensland. It involves The improvement program carried injecting C0 in a semi-liquid form percentage of the State conserved in 2 National parks is actually safe from out over the last 20 years has in places like coal seams, depleted mining makes this an important and included reconstruction of a number oil and gas fields, large voids and all too rare victory for conservation. of sections of road, improvements to cavities or into unusable or saline Xanthopus, October 2000. drainage, rehabilitation of quarries, aquifers. replacement of bridges and finally, Overseas experience and Alpine Way now fully sealed! sealing what was a gravel road. knowledge of Australian geology Visitors to the Snowy Mountains Its a great improvement for the suggest that this option may hold will have smoother access following environment as the gravel road the greatest potential for Australia. the completion of sealing of the resulted in erosion and Groundwork, September 2000. Alpine Way through Kosciuszko sedimentation problems. This has Compiled by Len Haskew National Park. now been rectified with National Parks and Wildlife reconstruction and sealing. Service (NPWS) Snowy Mountains Resort Round-up, October 2000.

Thredbo Diggings car camp, February 2001 — continued from page 6 a mountain grasshopper. At the was declared to be well and truly birds and departed early. Adrienne top of the track, a few hundred over the yard-arm and we relaxed wandered off for a morning's yards slog up the bitumen utterly around our campfire which, exploration with camera, Margaret afforded views into Victoria, also with occasional prodding, went off birding, and Jayne relaxed cloudy but with sunshine patches sustained us through another for a while and then walked on various mountains. A swim chatty evening. The day had been Bullock's Track before more back at the Diggings rewarded somewhat cloudy but had relaxation (she said she had letters some of this group. remained fine, and thus kept to write, but...). Our only seriously The others set out from Dead comfortably cool. Asked about the active person was Phil who drove off Horse Gap and walked to the highlight of the day, one member to Thredbo to walk to the top of the Chimneys and Teddy's Hut (two responded "ah well, it was Crackenback chairlift, along the walls only standing) and back. definitely ... oh no, there's another Ramshead Range to Dead Horse These two did everyone's share of b... stick insect crawling up my Gap and return to the village along tussock hopping, scrub bashing, sleeping bag!" the river track. rock scrambling, navigating the Sunday dawned ethereal, with Aah! the delights of car camping; unknown, etc, but happily reported mist moving up the Crackenback a beautiful spot to settle for a few fantastic 360o views at lunchtime slopes all along the valley, while the nights, good company to relax with from the pinnacles of the ridge tops glowed through, bathed and flexibility of activities to cater Chimneys. Their day's efforts were in sunshine, above. The scene was for all levels. topped off back at camp with a set for a sunny and probably really swim also, by which time the sun hot day. Reg and Fiona rose with the Adrienne Nicholson General meetings

Our General Meetings are held at Thursday 17th May 2001 and yet more devastating Forestry House, CSIRO Forestry The Story of Green Guard - A new predictions for the future. We have and Forest Products,Wilf Crane environmentally friendly way to been through a series of 'admitting Cresent, off Banks Street control Locusts. the problem* and 'best-bet solution' Yarralumla and the meeting Dr. Richard Milner. Research stages and yet seem to be falling commences at 8.00 pm. Scientist, CSIRO Entomology. further and further behind in Locusts breed and begin to swarm devising successful controls. Thursday 15th March 2001 in some unique and biologically It would appear that we are still Legal Eagles for the environment. diverse parts of Australia's arid not recognising and acting upon one Melissa Honner, the solicitor from zone. How can they be controlled or more key aspects to this problem. the ACT Environmental Defender's before they descend on more This talk will challenge a number Office will speak on the EDO's role important, economically that is, of scientific, social, and political in environmental protection and agricultural regions. concepts associated with current advocacy in the ACT. salinity control strategies in the Thursday 21st June 2001 The EDO provides independent Murray-Darling Basin. Rethinking Salinity Control in the legal aid on environmental issues to Murray-Darling Basin the ACT and surrounding NSW Dr.Baden Williams. Thursday 19th July 2001 community. It also has played a The Decade of Landcare has been Over the Plains and far away. strong role in legal education and a tremendous success in raising Gary and Dianne Thompson. legal reform of environmental public awareness of land, water and A talk on the experiences of a 4 day legislation in the ACT. biological degradation but logical camel safari in the Lake Eyre area solutions and their implementation of South Australia in the spring of Thursday 19th April 2001 for salinity control have been less 2000. The trip involved a step back Managing the Southern Region. than impressive. in time and a mini experience of Dr. Tony Fleming, Director of Every review of dryland and what exploration would have been NSW National Parks and Wildlife irrigation salinity since the early like through the desert areas in Service Southern Region. 1980s has produced higher and years past, the heat, lack of water The Southern Region of the higher estimates of damaged areas and other discomforts. Service manages 1800sqkm of Parks extending from just south of Wollongong to the Victorian boarder Calendar and from Cowra in the West to the March April May June coast. Also as an outcome of the Committee meeting Thu 1 Thu 5 Thu 3 Thu 7 Southern Forests Decision more than 300,000ha will soon be added Environment Sub-committee' Thu8 Wed 11 Thu 10 Thu 14 to the reserve system. General meetings Thu 15 Thu 19 Thu 17 Thu 21 Dr. Fleming will talk about the Bulletin Working Group2 Tue 10 recent reorganisation of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service ACT Alive3 Sun 18 and the effect of these changes for 4 Gudgenby Regeneration Sat 10 Sat 7 Sat 12 Sat 9 an expanded Southern Region. Further details 1 - David Large 6291 4830 2 - Syd Comfort 6286 2578 3 - Outings program 4 - Yankee Hat carpark 10 am - Eleanor Stodart 6281 5004 or Syd Comfort 6286 2578

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