President's report Christmas party Researching a cure for lichen on rocks NPA BULLETIN Volume 35 number 4 December 1998

CONTENTS

From the President 3 Mount Euranbene and Woila Clearing 10 CI ice Hurlstone Philip Gatenby

NPA Christmas Party 3 Loss of the Woila Wilderness 11 Grahame Muller Researching a cure for lichen on rocks 4 A management plan for Canberra Nature Park ... 12 Graeme Wicks Syd Comfort Bush regeneration progress at Gudgenby 5 Issues update 13 Eleanor Stodart Timothy Walsh Coongie Lakes and Glucpot Station 6 Book reviews 14 Phyl Goddard Syd Comfort and Len Haskew Can rockclimhing and sightseeing coexist? 7 Titanium Man and Plastic Man go busliwalking... 15 Grahnme Midler Matthew Higgins Landcare in the Wimmera 8 Kakadu Super Circle, 7-28 June 1998 16 Eleanor Stodart Judith Webster The McKeahnie Trig 9 Parkwatch 18 Alan Hay Len Haskew Canberra Ornithologists Group 9 Calendar 19 Pkvl Goddard General meetings 19

National Parks Association (ACT) Incorporated The NPA (ACT) office is located in Maclaurin Crcs. Chifley, Inaugurated 1960 next to the preschool and is staffed by Dianne Hastie. Office Aims and objectives of the Association hours are: 9am to 1pm Mondays. Tuesdays and Thursdays • Promotion nf national parks and of measures for the Telephone/Fax: (02) 6282 5813 protection of fauna and flora, scenery, natural features and Email: [email protected] cultural heritage in the Australian Capita! Territory and Address: PO Box 1940, Woden ACT 2606 elsewhere, and the reservation of specific areas. • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation Membership areas New members are welcome and should enquire through the • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment of, NPA office. such natural phenomena and cultural heritage by organised Subscription rates (1 July to 30 June) field outings, meetings or any other means. Household members $30 Single members $25 • Cooperation with organisations and persons having similar Corporate members $20 Bulletin only $20 interests and objectives. Concession $15 • Promotion of, and education for, conservation, and the For new subscriptions joining between: planning of land use to achieve conservation. 1 January and 31 March - half specified rate 1 April and 30 June - annual subscription Office-bearers, committee and convenors

Pre sidenl Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592th 1; NPA Bulletin 6246 5516iw» Contributions of articles, line drawings and photographs including colour prints arc welcome and should be lodged with Immediate the office or Syd Comfort (02) 6286 2578. past president Eleanor Stodart 6281 5004(h) Secretary Max Lawrence 6288 1370(h) Deadline for December issue: 1 November 1998. Treasurer Mike Smith 6286 2984(h) Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect Association opinion or objectives.

Committee members This bulletin was produced by the NPA Bulletin Working Group Yvonne Bancs 6231 5699(h) with assistance from Green Words. Funds provided by the ACT Len Haskew 6281 4268'hi; fax 6281 4257(h) Government under the ACT Environment Grants Program

David Pfanner 6247 7572(h) assisted in the production of this issue. Timothy Walsh 6285 1112(h) Printed by Copy-Qik Printers. Canberra. ACT on recycled paper. Convenors ISSN 0727-8837 Environment Sub committee Neville Esau 6286 4176(h) Cover Ted Fleming and Phil Gatenby Outings Subcommittee Max Lawrence 6288 1370(h) looking towards Mother Woila from tlw trarh Bulletin Working Group Syd Comfort 6286 2578(h) referred to m 'Mount Euranbene and Woila Clearing'' Photoo Max lawrence From the President

At the association's annual general president and took over as convenor most important of all, they both are meeting" in August, Stephen of the Namadgi sub-committee from good letter writers! Johnston and Robin Miller, two very Steven Forst in early 1996. On behalf of all members I thank active committee members and sub­ Since the announcement by Chief Stephen and Robin for their committee conveners stood down Minister Mrs Kate Carnell in May invaluable contribution on issues of from their positions and did not seek 1997 that the ACT Government fundamental importance to the re-election. would negotiate a settlement of a association. Stephen, an NPA member since claim by the Ngunnawal people for Neville Esau has taken over as before his day job brought him back recognition of native title over Environment Sub-committee to Canberra in 1994, had recently certain ACT land including convener and will be calling regular been president of the Victorian NPA, Namadgi National Park, Robin has meetings. Namadgi issues will also He joined our committee in played a significant role in be handled by this sub-committee September 1994 and took over from developing the principles that we and regular contact with Namadgi Tim Walsh as convener of the along with the Conservation National Park staff maintained. Council adopted for a positive Environment Sub-committee. The claim for recognition of native approach to this issue. He then led This sub-committee has carried a title over Namadgi, and joint development by the sub-committee significant load in responding to management issues stemming from of the parameters used by Dermot plans of management for ACT parks this will be handled by the Smyth to write the paper on joint and reserves and to other committee and passed on as management options for Namadgi management and conservation required to the Environment Sub­ National Park "Nourishing issues such as bush-fire fuel committee. management and mountain bike Namadgi". As part of the keeping- Our office is now connected to competitions in Canberra Nature in-touch process, Robin also hosted email, so if you would like to receive Park. There was also involvement meetings with the Director of notices or information from the office in cross-border issues such as plans Environment ACT and with Parks and Conservation staff. by this method please send an email of managem ent for Tin deny Tinderry Nature to [email protected]. Reserve and the Brogo Wilderness Both Stephen and Robin, who and with accommodation By the time this Bulletin reaches were also members of each other's developments in Kosciuszko you it will be the first week of sub-committees, managed their National Park. December. The NPA Christmas meetings with good humour and Party is being held at Caloola Farm During this time Stephen was our treated the business on hand and I hope to see you all there. For representative on the Australian conscientiously even when they and those members unable to join us on National Parks Council and other members had already had a 13 December, best wishes, and may president of the council from 1994 long day and the agenda looked you and your families have a joyful, to 1996. He has also been a walks over-full. Both provided warm and reflective and safe Christmas. leader, a role he plans to continue. friendly meeting venues in their Robin Miller joined the committee own homes and managed to finish during Eleanor Stodart's term as meetings before 11 pm. Perhaps Clive Hurlstone NPA ChiistSllKpart61 ^^.\ y ^Sunday 13 December^ from 11 am w at Caloola Farm further details in Robin Mills ^Outings Program Stephen Johnston Researching a cure for lichen on rocks

Removing lichen from a rock surface (Ms) Simone Louwhoff (a PhD albeit obviously greatly simplified and keeping it clean might in the end student) pointed out that dry scenario, broadly consistent with the be a simple process, like spraying it brushing, or any other vigorous facts which may help to explain the with fungicide. But when the lichen disturbance of the "green invasion", lichen distribution and lead to more is growing over Aboriginal art a lot is certain to result in dispersal and soundly based management of careful research - and negotiation more general colonisation of the strategies." - has to be undertaken first. Damage entire site." ("Sky view" factors refer to the area cannot be undone. As well as taking samples of rock, and direction of sky visible at a point This is why more than a dozen lichens and other biological material, on the surface of the shelter.) scientists, art experts, an Aboriginal the consultant team have used a It is provisionally concluded that consultant, and others have been sophisticated data logger and there are three main zones in the involved in a research project, now sensors to measure light access, shelter - surfaces that: in its second year, to find the reasons temperature, moisture, air flows and • receive full sunlight at high levels for a lichen invasion at the Nursery other factors in different parts of the for a relatively short duration late Swamp 2, Aboriginal rock art site in shelter, at different times of the day in the afternoon the Namadgi National Park, and to and night, and at different times of • receive only scattered light but recommend action. the year. Computers are being used have a direct line of view to the sky The project was commissioned by to convert the data into readouts (and will experience increased the National Parks Association after that will give a picture of what is radiative cooling compared with receiving an ACT Heritage Grant to happening. those that have no sky view) study the factors promoting lichen Twelve periods of monitoring, each • receive only scattered light and growth and to develop a control lasting between eight or nine days, have no direct view of the open sky. program. were successfully obtained from the The positions of the sensors were As reported in the NPA Bulletin of on-site logger. This was considerably changed in late April to locations on June 1997, the NPA's grant more than the consultants were the rock face more representative of application was prompted when contracted to undertake. They felt it these three, as yet hypothetical, invading lichen spread over rock art was important to obtain as much biological environments. The new and adjacent sheltered rock surfaces data as they could because of the series of readings was not complete following damage to mature trees potential complexity of the site and for inclusion in the Interim Report and the destruction of nearby the ongoing development of the No. 2. understorey in bushfires in 1983. sensors. But it's not all high tech. The report The study is being undertaken by "In addition to more pragmatic reveals that scientists also make Navin-Officer Heritage Consultants, considerations, the sheer beauty and visual observations, are curious, and of Deakin, with consultants and atmosphere attending the site and demonstrate that they are human. assistants from a range of its location is a personal incentive "An example of something that institutions and organisations, for us to continue to return to this could be either completely irrelevant including the National Gallery of most important part of the or quite significant is the role of Australia , the Australian National Aboriginal heritage of the ACT as insects - in particular the strange University School of Chemistry, the often as possible," the report notes. habits of flies," the report says. University of Canberra, the National Although most of the data, at the "There is a discrete area, towards the Library, the Art Gallery of New time of the report, had yet to be northern end of the centre of the rear South Wales, the Australian War examined there were some clear "wall" where flies prefer to Memorial, and the Western trends which, when combined with congregate en masse to the almost Australian Museum. other observations may well explain complete exclusion of anywhere else The dangers of jumping to the main patterns of biological (including the researchers). conclusions and imposing a simple growth observed. "The area is visually distinct in the solution may have already been The report states: "The right light, being slightly more illustrated at the site, according to convergence of studying the yellowish and darker - the difference the consultants' latest report, the distribution of heavy patches of in colour perhaps being due to the Interim Report No 2 of May 1998. lichen; as well as logged data - in greater aggregation of fly spots. The An area was dry brushed in 1986 particular light measurements; and white "kangaroo" falls partly within and the treatment was extended the the process of obtaining detailed this area. following year. However, the report measurements of "sky view" factors "The extra nutrients brought into notes: "(Professor) Jack Elix (of the for the thermodynamic model of the the system by the insects might (or ANU Department of Chemistry) and site, has resulted in a plausible, continued next page Bush regeneration progress at Gudgenby

All compartments of the Boboyan Pine Plantation that have been both felled and burnt have now been sown (see map) and Steve Welch reports that seedlings are beginning to come up. Unfortunately they are not all eucalypts and wattles; plenty of briar roses and blackberries are germmating too, making sure there will be plenty of work for us to continue with. Some seedlings are being eaten back, whether by kangaroos or by rabbits, we do not know.

Although we have done better Art a. ^e,H- with the planting and seeding than expected, work on the exclosures to protect areas from grazing is well and on two days by the Australian Seed sown has been a mixture of behind, in part because the ground Trust for Conservation Volunteers. three species of eucalypt and three was too wet for fencing for much of As most GBRG work parties have of acacia, with the acacia prepared the winter. Only one of the smaller involved more than 20 people, they beforehand by being briefly protective exclosures has been built have contributed substantially to immersed in boiling water. The by the Gudgenby Bush the excellent progress made with eucalypt species were snow gum, Regeneration Group (GBRG) seeding. Eucalyptus pauciflora, broad-leaved volunteers, and the larger There has been some broadcasting peppermint, E. dives, and experimental exclosures are on of seed over extensive areas and candlebark, E. rubida. hold. scratching the surface and seeding Two work parties planned for By the beginning of November, six into holes, but most used was a November, one in the GBRG work parties had been completed by method of scratching the surface in program, and one for NPA, were to GBRG (in which NPA is well small areas, spreading a little seed look at germination, carry out represented by participating and smoothig over with a bag, weeding and perhaps build another members) and one by office staff of repeated at intervals over many small exclosure. Environment ACT. Seedlings were parallel transects. Time will tell planted at one GBRG wok party, which technique works best. Eleanor Stodart

Researching a cure for lichen on rocks continued might not) be important factors in who represent indigenous interests call it a day. At this stage we hope the efflorescence of plants and algae. in the ACT need to be conducted we have caught, to a first But why only in the one region - before any testing within or near the approximation, most of the pheromones?, conformity?, a desire site complex can be commenced. important - and measurable — for company?, food source?, mating?" "Although we have completed all, determinants of the biological Two candidate biocides have been and somewhat more, of the field problem the site Custodians are selected for testing in case the lichen work we originally committed faced with managing." needs to be killed at some point in ourselves to, there remains much Two of the principal members of the future. They are copper which could be done in the way of the consulting group, Mr Bruce Ford oxychloride ("Bordeaux mixture") observation and measurement, and and Dr Kelvin Officer, have agreed and a simple aqueous solution of zinc with each new observation another to address the March general sulphate. interesting avenue of research meeting of the association and A number of suitable test locations becomes apparent," the report outline the conclusions reached from have been identified, but on-site concludes. the investigation. consultation with representatives of "In a complex open environment each of the three Aboriginal groups the final question is really when to Graeme Wicks Coongie Lakes and Gluepot Station

Remote Coongie Lakes is a A short marked trail near unique wetland environment in Tibooburra in Sturt National Park, the vast arid area of South the Granites Nature Walk at Dead Australia's Lake Eyre Basin. Listed Horse Gully, is notable both for its on the National Estate and a spectacular heaps of huge boulders proclaimed Ramsar Wetland of from which the outer layer peels off International Significance, the lakes like an onion and also for its cinnamon quail-thrush which wc are part of the 13800 sq km Innamincka Innamincka Regional Reserve. first sighted there. Sturt feels, and Included in the reserve is the north­ is, vast, remote and rather daunting west branch of Cooper Creek and with its sandhills, gibber plains and part of the Strzelecki Desert and flat-topped mesas or jump-ups, the the Sturt Stony Desert. The six hard silcrete top of which crumbles lakes, surrounded by desert, are as the less-resistant rock beneath erodes and the silcrete becomes the sometimes fed by rain falling as far birdsong. The usual Mossgiel road stony debris known as gibber. The as 1000 km away in central out was impassable but the Trida Dog Fence is another feature of Queensland and become dry from road to our next stop, Kinchega Sturt, over 5000 km long, the time to time. National Park, was open. longest fence in the world, and With its many endemic species, The accommodation in the forming the northern border of the the area has been identified by the shearers' quarters at Kinchega was park into Queensland. CSIRO as meeting three of the four excellent, and the kitchen/dining criteria for World Heritage listing area was still being improved. This Although grey grasswren and grasswren (one criterion is sufficient). One park covers 44 000 hectares and other rare birds were on the hit list, would expect these values to be includes two large overflow lakes we were nevertheless awed by a flock enough to warrant permanent bordering the western banks of the of over a thousand corellas streaming preservation of this complex Darling River. The lakes were lovely along with the bus, all of us en route ecosystem, but that is by no means and we saw rare freckled duck there to the big dams at Mount King the case. The reserve is in fact listed but the Darling River itself was a Station. After their drink, and while for multiple use, for example, cattle sorry sight. The historic woolshed we ate lunch, they settled on the grazing, and Santos has permission deserved a much longer inspection ground nearby like a white carpet for to explore for oil and gas in the than we found time for. what, we could only suppose, was a Coongie Lakes Control Zone. The In contrast to these huge tracts of siesta since they weren't feeding. threat of water extraction from water were the beautiful sandstone Sturt is not a place for a summer Cooper Creek for cotton growing is gorges of Mootwingee National Park, holiday because temperatures can be extant and would of course our next stop, and again we were in extreme, and the recommendation is seriously affect the biodiversity of luck because the road in is also a fair- that plenty of food and water be the whole basin. weather one. Apostlebirds at the carried in, but unexpectedly there When a birdwatching tour to campsite were very demanding, and was a tap at our camp at Olive Coongie Lakes was proffered, not Major Mitchell cockatoos and Downs. only was the destination attractive ringnecks came to the dripping tap The thunderstorm during our last but the itinerary even more so, near our tents. We searched for rare night at Sturt brought little rain so visiting a number of national parks Hall's babbler and grey falcon in we were surprised when the road to and reserves en route. Firstly, Homestead Gorge for a whole Burke's "Dig" Tree and Innamincka Willandra National Park; the last morning because the latter had turned into river as far as the eye attempt to go there saw our group recently been seen there, to no avail. could see. The outfit was turned sleeping on the floor of a Hillston pub The anticipated swim in Mootwingee around with difficulty and we - an experience by no means unique Gorge didn't eventuate - the drought travelled to Innamincka v Moomba ia for travellers on the fair-weather- and dead euros had wrought their Moomba. I had assumed only road between Hillston and havoc on the pool. The several dead Innamincka was a small town but Willandra. We made it this time, euros in the gorge had possibly been didn't expect it to be quite so small, although there was water on each too weakened by the drought to get consisting only of a hotel, a trading side of the road for some of the way. out again. The cold showers at camp post and a Parks Service building - The shearers' quarters made were not popular either so we looked 16 inhabitants, I think someone said. reasonable accommodation, with forward to the comforts of a night on The mail we posted on a Tuesday toilets and hot showers. Over 300 the town at Tibooburra in the pub would not be cleared until Saturday! bird species have been recorded in with its famous lewd Clifton Pugh A ranger gave us the bad news: roads the park and the delightful walk murals - still named the Family along Willandra Creek was full of Hotel! continued next page Can rockclimbing and sightseeing coexist? The ACT Parks and Conservation make some enquires as to what was toward the end of this year) Service is developing a new bush being planned for this area. I spoke Viginia• th Logane possibl e temporary use of camping ground at the old to Virginia Logan, the current Orroral Tracking Station site for Honeysuckle Creek Tracking manager of Namadgi National Park. camping (although it is exposed) Station site. As this is very close to She was happy to take the time to • making the informal camp site at Booroomba Rocks, there is likely to discuss the situation in some detail. Booroomba Rocks "fuel stoves" be an increase in visitor numbers to She made the following important only, and possibly phasing it out, that place. I am concerned about the points: especially to groups impact this is likely to have on the • Namadgi is experiencing a • having the new camping ground at rockclimbing activities at the rocks. considerable increase in visitors, Honeysuckle cater for some of the A few years ago I became aware of including campers, and good increased numbers, especially instances of rock throwing and park management dictates groups, and, hopefully divert rolling which seemed to be occurring spreading these campers over a attention away from Booroomba at a time of increasing sightseer number of sites. Rocks. numbers. I wrote to the ACT Parks • the Honeysuckle Creek Tracking The ACT Parks and Conservation and Conservation Service in 1995 Station site is already disturbed. Service appears to recognise that setting out my observations on this • The current 'informal' camp site at there are potential problems and is and other problems (litter, etc). After Booroomba Rocks has some attempting to address them. some discussion we agreed it was a problems (fire, access, etc). However I am still concerned for the serious but difficult problem and • there is recognition of the safety of climbers. To determine if concluded that it might be best to problems relating to climbers and there is a problem and to encourage wait and see what "future planning sight-seers, and the "historic" informed discussion I would ask options" might bring. Signs were significance of the rockchmbing anyone who observes any problems ruled out as they could put ideas into activities at Booroomba Rocks. relating to climbing, or related people's heads. Recently a climber Virginia Logan also indicated that matters, to contact me and I will colleague experienced a nasty current management thinking attempt to raise any important incident where rocks appeared to be includes the following: issues with the Parks and thrown at him. Conservation Service. • the maintenance of the existing I decided to again contact ACT camping area at Orroral River Parks and Conservation Service and (revegetated and re-opened Grahame Muller

Coongie Lakes and Gluepot Station continued from previous page from there to both Coongie and the (better glossed over!) at Rowdy and of being the first group to visit Birds "Dig" Tree were closed. DeTs at Lyndhurst, with resolute Australia's new acquisition, Gluepot The 24hour wait until the road to searches in the gibber along the way Station, which was purchased Coongie Lakes became passable was for rare birds including the following the discovery of six happily spent on a successful hunt gibberbirdchestnut-breaste d whiteface which globally-threatened species on an for the rare gibberbird in the occurs nowhere else in the world. area of mallee untouched by fire for morning, a sunset cruise on the There were 11 wedge-tailed eagles many years - a habitat requirement Cooper in the afternoon, dinner at near a dead kangaroo on the track. for some of these species including the hotel and camp at Burke's Grave There had been fears that this malleefowl. In due course, the 40km campground. The next day we were species could decline with the x 12km of Gluepot may become part able to get almost to Coongie, advent of the rabbit calicivirus but of the huge Bookmark Biosphere staying at Kudriemitchie and we saw 96 in 21 days, many of them Reserve on the NSW-SA border making bus trips without the trailer feeding on road kills. Wedgies may north of the Murray River. over the sand dunes to the lake. The do nicely on the ever-increasing Development of camp sites is proceeding. waders, which are protected by the number of tourists speeding along Ramsar Treaty, were not migrating outback roads! Contmuing along the This was a round trip of about 5000 at the time but it was good to be Strzelecki Track, the smudge on the km, with diverse landscapes, and there among the river red gums and flat desert horizon gradually particularly worthwhile for coolabahs fringing the lake and to expanded to become .the Flinders travellers interested in outback flora walk along the north-west branch of Ranges where we were rewarded and fauna. the Cooper where it entered the with views of the yellow-footed rock- Phyl Goddard lake, or search for rare birds in the wallaby in Warren Gorge, and Editorial Note. Ramsar is the sandhills all around. barred from entry into Buckaringa Convention on Wetlands of International Then the Strzelecki Track, one Gorge, now owned by John Importance. Birds Australia was night camping at beautiful Monte Walmsley. previously known as the Royal Collina bore and another night The final treat was the privilege Australasian Union of Ornithologists. Landcare in the Wimmera

People who read The Canberra workers showed our Times have probably seen my article support for George's on the Earthwatch platypus study efforts by spreading hay in the Wimmera last June. However, over the areas still bare, NPA members might be interested to help retain moisture in in hearing more about Landcare in the soil and speed the the area. further spread of the In the upper Wimmera, grazing grasses. It was practices of the past 150 years have interesting to see how resulted in severe gully erosion in modern farmers have many sidestreams, with consequent completely lost touch with siltation, increasing salinity of the how much a human An erosion gully typical of many in the upper water, and dryland salinity where labour force can achieve. Wimmera. Photo Eleanor Stodart removal of the trees has allowed Hay was actually spread more easily dam) pipe. It was in a paddock salt-bearing ground water to the by hand than by machine, but hands downstream from these dams that surface. Only about one third of the are what modern farmers generally George has his most challenging farmers are involved in Landcare cannot afford. area of gully erosion. The paddock but the owner of the property we In another location George has a has several areas with parallel stayed on for the platypus project salt pan. Preparation for work on gullies which appear to date back was one of the keenest, for good that has entailed tracing the salt to vineyards early this century, and reason—it was his own ancestors line underground to a neighbouring which drain into a deep unstable who over-cleared the land. hill. George plans to establish a gully. plantation on the George's problems and his hill to reduce the methods of tackling them highlight rising salt water at many of the difficulties Australia its source. faces in trying to repair rural lands. The property had George produces fine merino wool numerous erosion which he can sell, so it is worth his gullies, some of while to increase productivity. which had been Many farmers are not in that tackled, but there situation, even though some of their were still some problems date from practices used beauties to provide when farmers were taking in good headaches for years profits. Many problems cross to come. Where there property boundaries. Some Earthwatch volunteers spread hay to protect areas made bare by rising salinity. Photo Eleanor Stodart are well-grassed properties are held in trust or slopes, banks can leased in ways that do not provide George showed us two places divert water from a gully to less any incentive for long-term where dryland salinity was serious. vulnerable areas. The topsoil around investment. Fences established to Along the banks of the creek near the gully is then moved back, the suit a farmer's needs in moving his the homestead there had been large banks graded, the topsoil replaced stock often do not easily adapt to a bare areas. These were now much and the whole area sown. One fencing plan to protect creeks. smaller owing to fencing off and paddock which George had recently Even for someone like George, planting of trees and salt-tolerant tackled had been planted with a ready and willing to put in effort grasses. To keep stock off the bare mixture containing phalaris which repairing gullies, it will take many land on each side of the creek meant is deep rooted for a grass and retains years to work through all the four roughly parallel fences, an some green even in very dry problem areas. In the process, he is expense defrayed in part by savings weather. He had also installed two creating an artificial landscape, a on flood gate repairs where the old dams in this paddock to spread run­ landscape much better than the fences had crossed the creek. Within off from downpours over a longer erosion gullies and saltpans, but the newly fenced areas, trees planted time. Each dam had a metre in not one that will directly conserve around the salt-affected ground, are height between the outlet intake Australia's natural biodiversity. It now 3m or more high. I don't know and the overflow so the volume of is to be hoped that with increased what size they will need to be before water held in that metre (which productivity on the improved areas, they affect the salinity. Over much being at the top of the dam covered such farmers will be able to leave of the salt-affected ground salt- a wide area) is released slowly some parts in a more natural state tolerant grasses now form a through a pipe of 24cm (for the protective cover. We Earthwatch higher dam) or 30cm (for the lower continued next page (the kitchen and a garage were then The McKeahnie Trig still intact) and up over the old Cotter Gap track to the Cotter hut, then a solid slab construction. From I was interested to read Matthew there we followed the river Higgins's article in the June edition downstream to Kangaroo Creek, of the Bulletin concerning the then up the ridge to Mount history of the trig station on Mount McKeahnie. McKeahnie and the finding of the vanes that had formerly been My notes confirm Matthew's attached to the trig post. Matthew comments about the difficulty of mentions that the earliest access to the trig. I commented that signatures of bushwalkers on the this was one of the most inaccessible vanes were those of the 1st Canberra I had ever seen and was built on top Rover Crew dated 6 April 1953. I of two huge round boulders balanced was one of the group that made that on top of each other. However after entry and still have my notes on the much trouble two of the party, Peter walk together with a number of McNicol and David Knowles, did photographs. Peter McNicol and David Knowles on manage to get up and leave the McKeahnie Trig. 6 April 1953. message, on 6 April 1953. They are There were five of us in the party, Photo Alan Ray photographed hanging rather John Cameron, Colin Barnard, precariously to the trig post which jumped off near the top to help it get Peter McNicol, David Knowles and was then still in place. myself. We travelled to Orroral in up. It is interesting that, like the John's Amodel Ford via the old Fitz's builders of the McKeahnie trig, we Regrettably I have not returned Hill road which was then much found the Orroral road very rough. since to Mount McKeahnie but was steeper and of course much rougher Parking the car near the current thrilled to read that the message than the current road. Three of us camping area we walked up the then left is still legible. stood on the car's running board and valley, past the Orroral Homestead Alan Ray Landcare in the Canberra Ornithologists Group Beginning 34 years ago when an numbers of ACT avifauna. Another Wimmera continued ACT Branch of the Royal data base is kept for the Garden Australasian Ornithologists Union Bird Survey which has been ongoing so that native flora and fauna will (now Birds Australia) was formed, since 1981. Amajorpubfishing effort still exist in bands throughout our the Canberra Ornithologists Group was Birds of the ACT - An Atlas farmland. Connecting links (COG) is now a group of some 400 published in 1992, and COG is now between reserve areas will be bird watchers. Its objects are: "to the official ACT and regional essential for the long-term health encourage interest in, and develop organiser for a new Birds Australia of our wildlife, as well as for knowledge of, the birds of the Atlas of Australian Birds. COG is protecting unreserved Canberra region; to promote and co­ also involved in its own Woodland habitats of conservation ordinate the study of birds; and to Survey which is monitoring significance. promote the conservation of native woodland avifauna in the ACT and Victoria has a Land for Wfldlife birds and their habitat". Meetings has participated in many surveys. program administered by the are held monthly in Forestry House, COG is now the sole operator of Department of Natural Resources Yarralumla, usually with two the Natural History Centre and Environment in partnership speakers plus slides, which attract (previously in co-operation with with the Bird Observers Club of audiences of about 100. COG Field Naturalists and Australia. Through this program, conducts outings in the local area Herpetologists) and its Hotline for landholders are supported and and further afield, including bird unusual bird reports is changed provided with advice on how best watching holidays. to incorporate wildlife habitat into twice weekly. Publications include the monthly the management of their Canberra Ornithologists Group, Inc properties. In March '97 over 4000 Gang-gang, in which outings are PO Box 301, Civic Square, ACT 2608 properties were participating in the advertised, along with reports on Tel: Shopfront 6247 4996 (open Land for Wildlife registration previous field trips; and Canberra Wed-Sat mornings if volunteers scheme, with some examples of Bird Notes which contains both available) scientific and anecdotal material as habitats of conservation Tel: Hotline 6247 5530 significance particularly targeted. well as the Annual Bird Report. Web site: http:// Both it, and the Landcare program, Data for this latter report has been need to grow considerably. provided by members and recorded since 1975 and forms a valuable v^rww.canberrabirds.dynarnitecnm an Eleanor Stodart historical record of species and Phyl Goddard Mount Euranbene and Woila Clearing

One of the events on the NPA this rate we wouldn't reach Woila downhill, so our courage returned Outings Program last summer was Clearing until late at night, we were and we pressed on. No doubt, if we a two day-pack walk in Deua surprised to come across a cleared had turned back to the fire trail and National Park. Starting from Pikes track about 500 metres from the top kept going, we would have found the Saddle, our route was to go into of Euranbene Mountain. The track track at some point. Woila Clearing via Euranbene was wide enough for horses to use, The fog thinned as we got lower Mountain, and to return the next and it seemed a chainsaw had been and the undergrowth got drier, but day via Big Badja Hill. The walk was used to build it - blazes cut in trees, the track continued. Soon after to prove notable for the size of the fallen logs cut through and small lunch the mist cleared sufficiently hills to be climbed, and for the trees, including the occasional tree for views of the Woila and other evidence we found of man-made fern cut down. spectacular cliffs and rocky bits. disturbances to the beautiful Woila Along the way we also saw old wilderness. horse droppings, confirming earlier Woila Clearing is only 200 metres theories on the use of the track. At above sea level, a long way down 2pm, we reached Woila Creek compared to the surrounding hills. where the ridge we'd followed from These include the Great Dividing Mount Euranbene ended. Range to the west C1362 metres at Both Woila Creek, and the side Big Badja), the Woila to the east and creek joining it at this point, were Mount Euranbene to the north. The flowing. We soon found and followed clearing is on Woila Creek, which the track again for a kilometre flows generally south to its junction downstream to the clearing where with the Tuross River. signs of horse party camps were Driving to Pikes Saddle, a lonely evident, but not recent, and there spot where the Braidwood to Cooma was also a roughly made wooden road crosses the Dividing Range, we table. On a ridge at the southern were worried about the amount of It was hard to gauge how long it end of the clearing, overlooking the water we would have to carry in. had been since the track was creek, a start had been made on After the long dry summer, we were cleared, but damage to plants and building a house, but work had long certain Woila Creek would be dry. their subsequent healing, suggested ceased. It seemed that these efforts The last day of February, were probably of about the however, was anything but same vintage as the track in. summery. Low cloud covered The house consisted only of the hills, and Pikes Saddle wooden uprights, the start of would have been tricky to a stone fireplace, a couple of find in the fog, if it hadn't doors, a few planks and sawn been signposted. up trees in the vicinity. We loaded up with water, There was also evidence of and by 9.30am had left the much more recent car and walked off down the depredations by man. A section of the Minuma Range couple of trees had been fire trail now closed to felled by chainsaw in the vehicles, to an unnamed middle of the clearing - so creek. Surprisingly and recently that they still encouragingly, the creek had Phil Gatenby, left, and Ted Fleming. carried their leaves, albeit Photo MOJ: Lawrence plenty of water in it. Clearly, dry and brown. No walker the drought around Canberra was that it had been at least a few years. would be carrying a chainsaw, so the more severe than around Woila. A Being naturally suspicious explanation had to be that the couple of kilometres beyond the characters, our first thoughts were culprit had arrived by helicopter, creek we left the fire trail on a that we had stumbled on some and accordingly there was a good southerly bearing and climbed up to access route used by agriculturalists chance he or she was on official the indistinct and wooded top of of the criminal variety, and that, if business. We could see some Euranbene Mountain. Our route off we followed it, we might disappear evidence of fire high on the range to the mountain was to the south east. forever without trace. But the track the east, so the two events were It was damp in the fog, and soon the was such easy going, went along the probably connected. We would be way became scrubby and littered ridge in the direction we wanted to looking into this. with fallen timber. go, and it did seem that it hadn't had Overnight was warm. Next Stumbling along, thinking that at any traffic for ages. Besides it was morning I saw an eel about one 10 December Thursday shopping night - Snowgum Sundays, and Len would need an expression of interest no later than NPA outings program At this oncc-only opportunity Snowgum is offering discounts of 20% 18 January 1999 in order to organise a trip in April or May outside and more on outdoors products to NPA members at its Mort Street the school holiday period. shop in the city. Open for NPA til 9.00pm. See the flyer in your January - March 1999 23 January Saturday evening adventure - Somewhere in Namadgi December Bulletin for more details. Santa lives! Leader: Martin Chalk 1A/B 13 December (Sunday) - Christmas Party Map: (recommended) Phone: 6268 4864(w), 6292 3502(h) Outings guide Contact: Max Lawrence Phone: 6288 1370 (h), 6272 2124 (w) Try something different! Feel the evening settle on the bush, eat in the This year's Christmas party will be at Caloola Farm. Basically we're gloaming, walk by starlight, and sleep in your own bed! This will be a Day walks carry lunch, drinks and protective clothing. looking for things to get under way from about 11.00am on, so bring late afternoon/evening walk in easy terrain. The aim will be to Pack walks rwo or more days, carry all food and camping require­ a picnic lunch. We'll be having an auction, so also bring those surplus experience the bush and navigation at night. Call the leader by the ments. CONTACT LEADER BY WEDNESDAY. odds and ends along. We'll be shown over the facilities at Caloola, and preceding Wednesday for details. Car camps facilities often limited or non-existent. Vehicles taken Matthew Higgins has undertaken to tell us something of the local to site can be used for camping. BOOK EARLY 23-26 January four day canoe trip - Murrumbidgee River history. For those of you who haven't been to Caloola, head south WITH LEADER. Leader: Chris Bellamy Phone: 6249 7167(h) from Tharwa past the Namadgi Visitors Centre, and turn left Other activities include nature rambles, environmental and field guide Nice lazy four day trip on the Australia Day long weekend through immediately after you cross the bridge over the Gudgenby River at studies and ski tours. red gum forests somewhere west of Wagga, camping on lovely beaches Naas (if you get to Fitz's Hill you've gone too far!). Caloola is then en route. Suitable for fit beginners. Lots of swimming. Canoe hire an about seven or eight kilometres on at the end of the dirt road, through Points to note option. Costs to be advised. Phone leader by previous Wednesday. a couple of gates. Members wishing to sleep over at Caloola on the Please help keep our outings program alive by volunteering to lead outings, Saturday night should book with Max. 23 to 30 January packwalk — Brogo Wilderness Newlcadcts are welcome. The outings covenor is happy to suggest locations Leader: Stephen Johnston 3B/C/D/E/F suitable for a walk if you do not have something in mind yourself. Feel 20 December Sunday daywalk - Cathedral Rocks Maps: Puen Buen, Yankees Gap 1:25 000 Phone: 6258 3833 free to send in suggestions for outings to the association's office as soon as Leader: Col McAlister 2A/C This is a full week packwalk in the rugged and wonderful Brogo you think of them, with a suggested date. Map: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 Phone: 6288 4171 Wilderness of Wadbilliga National Park in south east NSW. For All persons joining an outing of the National Parks Association of the Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.30am. A climb from the Orroral experienced and fit walkers. Mostly off tracks, steep climbs and river ACT do so as volunteers in all respccrs,and as such accept sole responsibility campground of some 400 metres to hill 1316. Then down about 100 for any injury howsoever incurred and the National Parks Association of wading for the ultimate wilderness experience. Numbers limited. metres to the massive formation of Cathedral Rocks for lunch. Return the ACT, its office beaters and appointed leaders are absolved from any Phone leader early for details. Transport and travel costs to be arranged. via Orroral Homestead and track to campground. 70 kms, $14 per car. liability in respect of injury or damage suffered whilst engaged in any 30-31 January weekend packwalk - Kiandra to Broken Dam Hut such outing. 17 January 1999 Sunday Outing - Corin Dam Construction Camp Leader: Steven Forst 3A/B The committee suggests a donation ofTWENTY cents per kilometre Leader: Matthew Higgins * 1A/C Map: Mt Selwyn Ski Tour map DIVIDED BYTHE NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS in the car, including Map: Corin Dam 1:25 000 Phone: 6247 7285 Phone: 6279 1326(w),6251 6817(h) the driver, (to the nearest dollar) be offered to the driver by each passenger After viewing a 1960s film on construction of Corin Dam, we will Ring leader by preceding Wednesday. Packwalk from Kiandra accepting transport. Drive and walk distances quorcd in the program are drive to the camp site, and will walk through it guided by 1960s photos approximate distances for return journeys. Cemetery via Four Mile Hut and ruins of the Elaine Mine to Broken (no buildings survive today). After lunch, we'll drive on to the dam Dam Hut. Return via Eucumbene River. 3D0ktns, $60 per car. and stroll downstream. A liesurely day. Book with leader, numbers Walks gradings limited owing to small size of film venue. 120 kms, 524 per car. 31 January Sunday daywalk — Micalong Creek Distance grading (per day) Leader: Mike Smith 2A 18 January 1999 closing date for expressions of interest- 1 - up to 10 km Maps: Couragago 1:25 000, H&H guides Phone: 6286 2964 Hawkesbury River Cruise 2- 10 km to 15 km Meet at forest picnic area carpark on Uriarra Road just off the Cotter 3 - 15 km to 20 km Contact: Len Haskew Phone: 6281 4268 Road at 8.00am. Walk the Hume and Hovell Track from Bossawa 4 - above 20 km If a sufficient number of members are interested Len will try and campsite to Micalong campsite along Micalong Creek. Return by same Terrain grading organise a Hawkesbury River ferry trip. A coach would take us from route. On formed foot track and forest road. 200kms, $40 per car. A - Road, firetrail, track Windsor to Brooklyn, where we would catch the ferry back to Windsor. B - Open forest This is a great opportunity for a one way trip up this magnificent 7 February Sunday daywalk - Dubbo Falls C - Light scrub waterway, with a fascinating history and much of ecological interest/ Leader: Max Lawrence 2C/D/E/F D - Parches of thick scrub, tegrowth concern. The cost should be in the vicinity of $60 per person, and this Maps: Brindabella 1:25 000 Phone: 6288 1370(h) E - Rock scrambling includes coach and ferry rides, morning and afternoon tea and a light Dubbo Falls are on Dubbo Creek in the far north of Kosciuszko F - Exploratory restaurant lunch. At present the ferry only operates on occasional National Park. We will approach the top of the falls on foot from Boundary Road (lour wheel drive only), und will then explore down 27-28 February weekend packwalk - Murramarang National Park 15 March Canberra Day (Monday) - ACT Ah\c lo [lie junction with the Gooh.irragaiulra River if circumstances allow. Leader: Phil Gatenby 2A/B/H/F Lawns opposite Old Parliament House Numbers timhed by [lie availability ol vehicles, and ihe walk may Maps: Kialoa, Durras 1:25 000 Contact; Yvonne Bartos have [t> be rescheduled il road and weal her conditions unsuitable. Phone: 6254 3094 Phone: 6231 5699 Phone leader early to book. 275kms. $55 per 4wd. Enjoy the beaches and forests ol Murramarang National Park. The We ate asking members to help the NPA by calling in in our uni and 13 February Saturday history ouiing - A day with Hamilton plan is to walk from Pretty Beach to Durras, camping overnight spending up to a couple of hours answering questions about the Hume & Co somewhere along the way. We also climb Durras Mountain on the Association and its aims, and about the display. You will also have tin. Leaders: I'am Ray and Max Lawrence 1A first day. Opportunities for swimming, depending on the weather. opportunity to see the other interesting stalls at this popular exhibition l Map: Gregorys or similar Contact leader by Wednesday 24 February. 450kms, $J0 per Lar. Please phone if you can help. Phone: 6281 3931 (Pam), 6288 1370 (Max) 28 February Sunday daywalk - Mt Gingera 20 March Saturday daywalk - Brindabella Range Ramble In the morning we will visit Cooma Cottage at Yass, the home of Leader: Col McAlister 2A Leader: Steven Forst 2/A Hamilton Hume until his death in 1 873 at the age of 76. Then, after Map: Corin Dam 1:25 000 Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Phone: 279 I326(w), 251 6817(h) a nice lunch in Yass we will visit his grave in Yass Cemetery, and Pam Phone: 6288 4171 Meet at picnic area carpark on Uriarta road just olf the ("otter road will also show us other notable historical features of the cemetery. Meet at the airpark on Uriarra Road just oil the Cotter Road at 8.00am. (near Duffy) at 8.30am. A fire trail walk through the tall 'shady' forest Pam. as well .is being a longstanding NPA member, is a past president A walk from Mt Ginini carpark to M( Gingera via Pryurs Hut and between the Cotter River and rhe Brindabella Road. Nestled in a south of the Heraldry and Genealogy Society of Canberra, and editor of a return, a total ol 14km. The climb from the hut to the summit is east facing valley this moist remperjtc/alpine eucalyptus forest provides book on monumental inscriptions in Yass Cemetery and St Clements about 200m, but the views arc well worth the effort. We will also look for pleasant walking even in summer. Some views of Canberra. HO Churchyard. Meet at Sjience shops (off Kingsford Smith Drive) at at a couple of the original survey marks. 120kms, $24 per car. kms, $16 per car. 9.00am. 1 50kms, $30 per cai, plus $4 per person entrance to Cooma Cottage. 6-7 March weekend carcamp - Mittagong 21 March Sunday daywalk - Naas River Leader: Len Haskew 2A/B Leader: Frank Clements 3A/B 13-14 February weekend packwalk - Goodradigbee River, Wee Map: Mittagong 1:25 000 Map: Yaouk 1:25 000 Jasper Phone: 6281 4268 Phone: 6231 7005 Leader: Fiona MacDonald Brand 1A Contact leader by Tuesday for travel details. Walk Boxvalc Track on A repeat of the {cold and wet) 16 August walk. Meet at Kambah Village Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Saturday. On Sunday wc can choose from a wide range of walks within shops at 8.00am. Walk from Boboyan Pines carpark to an unusually Phone: 6247 9538 the area depending on the weather. There are also plenty of coffee coloured rock outcrop, climbing about 70 m, then proceeding to Contact leader by Wednesday for details. A relaxing and easy weekend shops close at hand. 350kms, $70 per car. Hospital Creek falls and Hospital Hut, before resuming the Old on the Goodradigbee River near Micalong Creek. Great campsite with Boboyan Road and going on to Naas River. Return to cars via [In­ 7 March Sunday daywalk - Tolwong Mine, Bungonia swimming and fishing. 160 kms, $32 per car. road. lOOkms, $20 per car. Leader: Mike Smith 2A/C/E 19-20 February weekend carcamp - Wombeyan caves Map: Caoura 1:25 000 22-28 March 1999 seven day packwalk - Limestone Creek to Leader: Len Haskew 1A Phone: 6286 2984 Dead Horse Gap Map: Richlands 1:25 000 Meet at Southwell Park netball centre on Northbourne Avenue at Leaders: Mick Kelly and Max Lawrence 3A/B Phone: 6281 4268 8.00am and drive to Bungonia. Descend to the Shoalhaven River by Maps: Jacobs River, Kosciuszko 1:100 000 Contact leader by Tuesday for travel details. Camp with bowerbirds the old flying fox trail. Wade across river to old mine workings. Return Phone: 02 4472 3959 (Mick), 6288 1370 (Max) and wallabies. Pleasant strolls along nature trails to views or waterfalls. by different route to entrance of Butigonia SRA. 500m descent/ascent. A more strenuous version of this walk was foreshadowed in the previous Explore a cave or two. 300kms. $60 per car. Small cat shulflc required. 250kms, $50 per car. program and there has been strong interest. If you haven't booked already you will need to go on the waiting list for cancellations. 24 February daywalk - Wednesday walk 13 March Saturday daywalk - Southern Namadgi Huts Leader: David Large Leader: Col McAlister 2A/B 24 March daywalk - Wednesday walk Phone: 6291 4830 Maps: Yaouk, Shannons Flat 1:25 000 Leader: Yvonne Bartos The February edition of nur series ol monthly in id-week walks. Phone Phone: 6288 4171 Phone: 6231 5699 leader for details, which will be determined nearer the date. Meet at Kambah Village shops at 8.00.im. Visit Bray shows Hut, The March edition of our series of monthly mid-week walks. Phone Waterhole Hut and Westermans Homestead. Also some old sheepyards leader for details, which will be detei mined nearer the date. and the ruins ofTin Dish School. A pleasant walk through open bushland and along tracks in the Grassy Creek area. 1 50kms, $30 per car. Two kilometres to the north along the fire trail brought us back to Pikes Saddle. After the walk, Ted found out from the Narooma Office of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, more about the track we'd followed on the first day of the walk. According to NPWS, the track is part of an old bridle trail linking the coast as far south as Bega and the tablelands north of Euranbene Mountain and beyond. It would seem that the ghosts of these old pioneers have been wielding chainsaws in more recent times. The clearing where we Partly built hut near Woila Clearing. Photo Max Lawrence camped is on a sliver of freehold land in the middle of the national park. The part-completed hut is also on metre long in the creek. We left for tough going. After another one this freehold land, and is therefore Woila Clearing at 8am for the long and a half kilometres steadily outside the jurisdiction of the climb out. Two kilometres on, the upwards through rocks and timber NPWS. We were informed that the going became very steep as we (mainly E. delegatensis) we reached eucalypts cut down in the clearing, climbed on to a rocky knoll. Soon the ridge top, formed by an easterly were felled to allow access for a after this we entered low cloud running spur off the Great Divide. TnioywalT, used for aerial bombing which ensured the rest of the way Occasional breaks in the fog gave of a wildfire in the nearby hills. to the top was damp and misty. After views of the trig point on Big Badja a further two kilometres, there was Hill. We reached the Badja fire trail Maps: Badja 1: 25 000, another much longer, very steep at 3pm and the summit of Big Badja Snowball 1: 25 000 climb up to another knoll, followed fifteen minutes later for by a descent in altitude of about 70 uninterrupted views of low cloud. Party: Philip Gatenby, metres. There is a book on the summit with Max Lawrence and Ted Fleming We then started to climb again infrequent entries from both through low wet ferns, which made walkers and four wheel drivers. Philip Gatenby

Loss of the Woila Wilderness

During a recent "Woila Circuit" walk office of NSW National Parks and number of people have been keen to a newly bulldozed track (clearly less Wfidlife Service, Preston Cope, who get details, during the course of my than 12 months old) was discovered said that the track was put through enquiries, so they can visit the area. extending to within one kilometre last summer at a time when: Wilderness is a fragile thing. It of Mother Woila. • there were lots of fires in NSW has different meanings to different people. The Woila area is quite At least two new helicopter pads • there were no aircraft available famous for its wilderness have been cut in the area, one as (the pads were put in later) close as half a kilometre from characteristics, in the more rigorous • the weather was bad Mother Woila, where a number of sense. A number of publications large old trees on the top of the ridge • there were few staff available have carried articles praising its have been cut down. There were • circumstances dictated quick wilderness values (see: "Discovering clear signs of bush-fires in the area action to save fife and property. Mother Woila", Jeff Mosley, in "Wild", Oct, 1997, and "Deua/Woila", but there was something a little He also pointed out that the track in "Wild Places", Prineas and Gold, strange about them in that they has been "closed", drainage systems 1997). appeared to cover a small area and had been installed and the track will were clearly low intensity burns. be allowed to revegetate. It would be worth knowing if it is The area is also very remote from In spite of the assurances that all the policy of the service, as managers the nearest farming or urban is now well, this track will allow of the wilderness, to doze tracks into development. increased access to the area on foot all wilderness areas to fight fires no I spoke to the current Assistant and by vehicle. This means matter what the circumstances. District Manager at the Narooma increased damage and fires. A Grahame Muller A management plan for Canberra Nature Park

In the September Bulletin I Bicentennial National Trail, not be and preserve the natural described the development of a permitted at the Pinnacle environment. It appreciates that management plan for Canberra • horse riding at Mount Painter Environment ACT feels a need to Nature Park (CNP) from its origins (outside the Bicentennial Trail) be respond to pressures to meet the in 1988, through the preparation of permitted only on the lower slopes secondary objectives of providing for draft plans and expressions of after full discussion about the public use of the park for recreation, community reactions to these, to the location of trails and after education and research and this, on public hearing on the final draft plan establishment of a code of conduct occasions, may lead to making conducted by the Legislative and the erection of signs conservation a lesser priority. So that Assembly Standing Committee on • the Government should continue the conservation imperative does not Urban Services on 3 July 1998. This planning equestrian trails outside suffer as a result, the committee article summarises the Standing the park reserves recommends that the position of Committee's report. • dogs not be permitted to Conservator of Flora and Fauna be The committee membership is: accompany horses. separated from that of the Executive Director of Environment ACT and Mr Harold Hird MLA (Chair) Mountain bikes that it be made clear that the duty Mr Dave Rugendyke MLA (Deputy A suitable site outside CNP be of the Conservator is to protect and Chair) determined for a competition conserve the natural environment. Mr Simon Corbell MLA. mountain bike track. In addition to conducting the Clarification of authority public hearing, the committee The Government clarify received a great deal of certain areas of correspondence and on 31 July 1998 authority of the inspected parts of the northern National Capital portion of CNP. Authority and The committee endorsed the final Environment ACT. These draft management plan subject to a relate to the power of number of specific recommendations Environment ACT to which are quite significant as they prohibit access to public include references to many of the of land and the power of an the areas of contention raised during ACT agency to undertake the hearing. General ly, they Svork' in a "Designated Area" reinforce the positions taken by the Spring morning on Urambi Hills. without express NPA and other conservation groups Photo Martin Chalk permission of the supporting the primacy of the National Capital Authority. conservation objective of the park. Park management The major recommendations are as Improved signage be provided to Garden city design follows : make all park users aware of the The management plan explicitly activities that are, or are not, draws attention to the "garden city" Implementation Plans permitted. The manager of CNP design of Canberra and hence, from Implementation plans for CNP be should have authority to close trails this planning perspective, that there publicly available at minimal cost. when weather conditions are such is a need to preserve and protect This matter was raised by the NPA that usage would impact on the Canberra Nature Park. at the public hearing. conservation of the reserve. It is also recommended that Environmental audit Horse riding Government consider increasing An independent environmental audit The Government, without delay, resources, including staff, available of the management of CNP take seek expert advice on the whole to the Parks and Conservation place on a three yearly basis. issue of horse riding in CNP Service for the management of CNP. The Standing Committee has including the effects of horses on ACTEW should act to tidy up identified a number of important conservation areas. This advice, present unsightly storages of gravel matters of principle concerning the with issues raised in public debate, in the park. CNP management plan. It would be should be considered by in the long term interests of the Government before reiterating or Conservator of Flora and national capital and the residents of amending present policies. Specific Fauna the ACT for these matters to be given recommendations include: The committee accepts that careful consideration by the • horse riding not be permitted in conservation is the paramount Government before it finalises the Aranda bushland objective for the CNP and that it is management plan. •horse riding, outside the the role of the Conservator to protect Syd Comfort Issues update Inquiry into the South-east forests Wilson's Perisher Range The NSW Government has Promontory announced its decision on the Eden The Victorian Government is still Village Master forests. The Premier, Bob Carr, proposing inappropriate claims to have saved the old growth Plan commercial development in the forests of Tantawangalo and most of hundredth year of this national The Commission of Inquiry set up Coolangubra, while assuring the park's reservation. In a renewed by the NSW Government to look into future of the local timber industry. campaign to oppose this the the NSW National Parks and The National Parks and Wildlife Victorian National Parks Wildlife Service's (NSW NP&WS) Service will be given 14 new jobs and Association (VNPA) and other proposal to allow further the South-East Forests National conservation groups have prepared development at Perisher (see report Park expanded to 134 000 hectares. an Alternative Plan of Management in September 1998 Bulletin) has A recovery saw mill will be built at for the park. This reiterates the now submitted its report. Its Eden with long-term timber principle that nature conservation recommendations are dreadful. The supplies guaranteed. must not be compromised by commissioners have rejected the The National Parks Association of human activities in national parks. conservation movement's NSW (NPA NSW) and the South The alternative plan will form the arguments that nature conservation East Forest Alliance have expressed basis of a walk from Tidal River to be the primary purpose of the grave doubts about the decision. The the steps of the Victorian Kosciuszko National Park (KNP). NPA NSW says the decision: Parliament House beginning on 15 Instead they have recommended • leaves significant areas of giant November 1998. that further massive commercial old growth to the woodchippers, development be allowed. This is including parts of the disputed initially to take the form of a further Victorian alpine Coolangubra Wilderness and key 1320 beds above the snowline. link areas on the escarpment of grazing Ironically, this is 30 per cent more the Great Dividing Range development than the NSW The Victorian Government has • leaves 20 per cent of old growth NP&WS itself proposed! renewed leases for grazing in the forests in the region, already The inquiry's recommendations Alpine National Park for a further decimated by woodchipping, open are based on the supposed need to seven years. This is despite an offer to further clearfelling create an economically viable year- by the VNPA to buy out the • leaves out any commitment to a round resort with a capacity to environmentally damaging and defined low impact logging zone, expand in the future. In other words, taxpayer subsidised leases. This as proposed by conservationists, to to create European alpine villages occurs after yet another two recent protect critical habitat for the in KNP. scientific reports outlining the endangered koala population and The Commissioners regard the deleterious effects of grazing in the other wildlife park as an economic resource to be high country. Once again the • leaves out any commitment to exploited for commercial gain rather attraction of the man from Snowy bring an end to clearfelling in the than a unique area for nature River myth to the tourism industry south-east forests or to cease the conservation. seems to have been put ahead of export of woodchips which is The implementation of this nature conservation. driving the forest destruction and inquiry's recommendations would • leaves more than half the Timothy Walsh pose the greatest threat to the KNP identified Brogo Wilderness since European occupation. The Extension within Wadbilliga conservation movement must National Park (see Stephen prepare for a vigorous campaign to Johnston's article in September ensure this does not occur. Members 1998 Bulletin) outside the are urged to write to the Premier, announced Brogo Wilderness Wadbilliga and Bob Carr, the Minister for Urban continues to deny wilderness Affairs and Planning, Craig status to any part of the identified Knowles, and the Minister for the Coolangubra Wilderness. Environment, Pam Allen, Parliament House, Sydney, urging them to reject the recommendations of this report. Book reviews

Wildflowers of the Snow Country. A scientific and common plant so many of us know, weeds such as Field Guide to The Australian Alps. By names and information about the sweet briar and radiata pine have Ian Fraser and Margaret McJannett. alpine parks of south-eastern the ability to occupy many work Watcrcolours by Helen Fitzgerald. Australia. I think that this could party weekends! Vertago Press, Canberra, 1998. Retail have been supplemented by maps The guide has been produced for price, approximately $24. of the area. It is of interest that anyone concerned about the unique This is the fifth book written by Ian Alps Invaders has been published environment of the high country. It Fraser and Margerct McJannett and about the same time as is an easy-to-use identikit that illustrated by Helen Fitzgerald about Wild/lowers of the Snow Country requires no special botanical the natural environment of the ACT, and that as well as each expertise from the user. The booklet but the first to extend over the borders addressing very different sets of is small enough to fit in any to also cover the snow country of NSW plants, different modes of backpack and light enough to be and Victoria. Softback, but printed on illustration have been adopted: carried on longer trips. good quality paper and strongly bound, colour photos for the Invaders The weeds described in the booklet it is made to the convenient, large and paintings for the Wildflowers. are divided into five categories: pocket-book format of A5. Perhaps this reflects the more grasses, rushes, herbs, shrubs and The coverage of subject matter has utilitarian role of the former and trees. Each of these categories is been well chosen, resulting in a book the aesthetic appeal of the latter. colour-coded in the text so that it is of quite manageable size which is still I have not yet had the relatively quick to make an comprehensive in covering all the opportunity of applying the acid identification. Excellent colour common native shrubs, climbers and test to this book of taking it into photographs are provided for each herbs of the snow country whose the snow country and using it as species and the text provides many identification relies on flowers. Trees, a field guide. Will it help me to pointers to precise identification, grasses and exotic species and non- bring order into all those pea depending upon the category of the flowering species such as ferns are not flowers - daviesias, oxylobiums specimen. Each and every included. In all, nearly 170 species are and pulteneas? - and the daisies? description emphasises particular described. The book is primarily That remains to be seen, but the distinguishing characteristics, eg. directed at the layperson and does not sensible balance between the distinguishing features of that call for the reader to have any botanical layperson's requirements and bushwalker's friend noorgoora bun- knowledge. scientific demands and the are listed as triangular and lobed Each species described occupies its pleasure to be derived from rough leaves and burrs to 2 own page, the text being built around studying Helen's paintings will centimetres long with hooked a delightful, large painting of the plant prompt me to put the book to the prickles. All the weeds are listed in and its flowers. The accompanying text test when wildflowers grace the the first place by the "common" is carefully laid out under a scheme of snow country this summer. name (this probably is the best way headings - name, colour and so on - for the general reader) but all Syd Comfort which is clear, uncluttered and descriptions include the scientific systematic and should facilitate use in name plus information about the the field. At the same time, each page Alps Invaders: Weeds of the weed's "family", its country of origin, is artistically satisfying. Australian High Country. Edited its flowers, a more general To identify the plants the keys used by Geoff Sainty, John Hosking description, the manner in which are, first, colour and then the shape of and Surrey Jacobs. The seeds are dispersed and notes which Australian Alps Liaison the flowers. Thus, within the colour give some history about its Committee, 1988. 62pp. RRP$7. range, "mostly white or cream", sub­ introduction and the threats it poses. divisions such as "spidery flowers", This attractively produced, For those who would like to know "tube flowers" and "only two obvious spiral bound field guide describes more an authoritative reference is petals" are used. For each plant, 51 species of weeds which are provided for each weed. information is provided under the threatening the native As well as the clear individual headings of name, pronunciation, vegetation of our alpine parks in descriptions Alps Invaders also gives meaning, family, key characters, the ACT, NSW and Victoria. a brief account of the problems similar snow country species, habitat Although The Australian Alps caused by weeds and the challenges and distribution, and other comments. National Parks are relatively they provide for land managers. In addition to the plant profiles, weed free compared with other There is also a general indication of ] introductory information is provided environments that have been where these invaders are most likely i about the snow country, relevant exploited since European to be found. botanical concepts and an explanation occupation, there are many areas of how to use the book to full effect. within the parks where native There is a comprehensive index of species are under threat. Ajid, as continued on page 17 Titanium Man and Plastic Man go bushwalking In July 1995 Stephen Johnston and The only way to brake I derided to do a walk together. I had was to grab hold of not been to "Mount Lincoln", and scrub branches and Stephen was the best guide that I slow our descent as knew of for that destination. On the best we could. This other hand, Stephen had not seen meant thrusting bare the brumby trap yards in the hands through the Jumbuck Flats area, and he wanted branches' snowy me to show him these sites. mantle to make a We drove out of an early Saturday momentary grab onto morning Canberra and soon saw the wood underneath. fresh snow on the hills. When we I don't think Tve ever arrived at the Smokers Track had colder hands than carpark, eveiything was covered in that day! a beautiful, cold white .coating. Eventually we slid Stephen had been having off the bottom of the discomfort with a titanium-rooted slab and, laughing, false tooth, so he had taken it out. staggered around with And as Stephen and his broad grin hands under armpits are rarely parted for long, the gap in an attempt to warm in the upper jaw was readily up the frostbitten apparent. Abetter pirate was never digits. seen; he would have given Long We made our way John Silver a run for his Spanish somewhere. Looking back to the through the bush and got out onto a dollars (Long John Johnston, Brindabellas, Gingera was cloud- level slab which, out of the wind, was perhaps?) shrouded and looking wild. warm and sunny. After a bit of We set off on the compass bearing By now it was about 10 am. The drying out here, we continued on. that brings you to the first trapyard. sun was out, but the wind was Crossing one of the upper branches Its rails were topped by the white blowing. And a cold wind it was - of Blue Gum Creek we walked up to stuff, and there was not a breath of especially when you are wet from the second brumby trapyard. wind. After pausing at the yard a melted snow. Though it was really Located in a stand of alpine ash, it while, we made off over the more only morning tea time, I scoffed my is a winged yard that is largely open area of the Flats, making our lunch sandwiches in an attempt to intact. The visit was fortuitous, for way down to the crossing of Blue warm up. I noticed that Stephen was we found that a tree had fallen Gum Creek and seeing on the way chewing away too. against the yard. Clearly a work nice specimens of royal grevillea. The Goretex jacket of course had party was needed to fix the damage. After a tricky crossing of the full been on for a while, and the over- (Not long after, a few fellow creek we began the ascent of pants were now very necessary to Kosciuszko Huts Association Lincoln. This ascent provided keep out the wind and retain some members travelled in with me and further insights into Namadgi's warmth in the legs. My over-pants repaired the damaged rails.) botanical prizes, for it is here on have a rather plastic feel to them, By the time Stephen and I got these rocky slopes that the rare and I always feel a bit like the back to the car, most of the snow Eucalyptus triplex grows. Michelin man when I have them on. had disappeared. Its transitory As the climb proceeded, so did our But, plastic or not, they were very spirit had gone again, gone away trousers dampen. By now we were welcome that day until the next cold front rolled over in full sun and the melting snow on Having absorbed the summit for a the mountains and called it back to the bushes we passed through soon time, we decided to head off the dance with Jack Frost. had us pretty wet. Over-pants at mountain. We were on a big slab, that stage would have been sensible, and we soon found that the only way And as Titanium Man and Plastic but when you're hell bent on getting off it in the direction that we wanted Man drove home, they carried with to a summit, common sense is often to go was down a steep, snow- them memories of a great day in the left panting somewhere down the covered face. There was nothing for Namadgi mountains. Neither mountainside. it but to put that over-gear to good would have missed it for quids. We reached the top, and glorious use and slide down the slope. As we it was. All views had snow in them slid off we quickly gathered speed. Matthew Higgins Kakadu Super Circle, 7-28 June 1998

Cold wet fronts, boggy mud, hungry As regards food, we took our own Our route began by following leeches - is this Kakadu? Certainly breakfasts and lunches but paid to Koolpin Creek upstream. After not! I left that behind this June to have the tucker for the evening several days we struck across the try a new experience - bushwalking meals provided and cooked for us! plateau to the Twin Falls Creek in the Top End. Golden sunshine, The cooking was done by our guide, system and then the upper reaches awe-inspiring of Jim Jim Creek. We crossed brown prehistoric rock art grasslands, with scattered trees and and magical dried swamps where clumps of bright swimming sedges flourished. Sundew flowers opportunities were were scattered like pale stars on the the scene. Of course, sandy soil, their red tips glistening there can be no with sticky insect-luring moisture. bushwalking In the wet season the plateau must rewards without be a vast sponge that drains into the some effort and creeks. These converge and swell discomfort. We had until they finally thunder over the to slog along in escarpment in spectacular falls. Now temperatures of many of the watercourses were 34oC - sometimes completely dry. In others, a gentle with high humidity, flow murmured peacefully over endure the spiky spinifex grass and Marj. Each day Marj distributed the shallow rock ledges into pools with learn how best to cope with frequent communal supplies for us to carry. floating borders of yellow fringed attacks by angry green ants whose At the start of the trip this meant lilies. Areas of lush swamp still nests, in bushes and trees, we an extra four kilos to our pack remained, supporting stands of disturbed in passing! weight! beautiful paperbark trees while tall But let's go back to the origins of sword grass and pandanus this trip. Mike Smith had already palms crowded thickly along done several bushwalking trips with the waterways. a commercial operator up north and Remnant monsoonal was keen to do another. Eleven of rainforest, with its dark leaf us from Canberra and another canopy, grew close to cliffs person from Melbourne booked for and in narrow creek gullies, the 21-day Kakadu Super Circle. providing welcome shade On such a walk as this, from the heat. The remoteness is still the major risk, dominant rainforest tree so you need to be fit and confident was Allosyncarpia - a of your gear. Minor pack weaknesses magnificent species with and major boot troubles occurred widely outreaching within our group. I watched with branches. interest the use of dental floss for As we followed Jim Jim stitching boots soles, followed by Creek downstream, it soon reinforcement with super glue and developed into moulded rock finally, somewhat desperately, first platforms of beautiful colour aid kit tapes! All these painstaking - deep russet and amber efforts failed to save one pair of boots with a sheen like well worn from total collapse before the end of leather. We often camped on the trip! rock and it was warm under For dry season Kakadu trips the our sleeping mats. Tiny weather is warm and rain unlikely frogs could be a bit so a "mossie-dome" will suffice or disconcerting when they you can sleep out under the stars. landed on one's person as a Mosquitoes are not the problem on cold wet blob! the plateau that they can be down On arrival at a campsite, in the wetlands. Not having to carry We sit beneath a boulder [foreground) we would all engage in what a full tent nor much warm clothing dwarfed by majestic cliffs set in Man' described as "nesting", that is helped to offset the weight of rainforest vegetation. choosing a spot for our mossie-dome carrying twelve days', and then nine Photo Judith Webster or sleeping mat; doing our laundry days', supply of food. and sorting our gear. Once One of the during the second part was on the highlights of contrasts of landscape. We stuck the trip for me more closely to the creeks and the was the terrain became more challenging as wonderful we entered gorges, secret and Aboriginal rock magical, with towering cliffs, shady art sites we trees and deep pools of clear green visited, water. Sometimes we plunged into particularly those deep pools beneath high rock during the first walls. Throughout the trip we part of the delighted in the wonderful walk. The swimming. At other times long, paintings, on sunny river reaches, sparkling the ceilings sapphire blue and pale and walls of aquamarine, invited us to linger. rock shelters, Cascades provided a fun water Aboriginal rock art. Photo Judith Webster can date back slide, and another water frolic we 30 000 years enjoyed was forming a comfortably settled, we would relax and further. At first glance you see synchronised swimming team. Our reading, writing or swimming. a mass of superimposed paintings attempts to execute flower-like After our evening meal we usually and only the most recent are formations ended up in half- had a quiz and then it would be identifiable, Marj showed us how drowned gurgling mirth! time to retire. to visually trace the underlying Now our 21 days of walking were For restfulness, I preferred the outlines and they suddenly pop into drawing towards their close and nights when the moon was waning focus. I found this awe-inspiring; as visions of hot showers, juicy steaks and rose late. Then I could lie in though the soul behind the artwork and chilled wine persistently my sleeping bag and admire the is saying "you are attuned now, I strayed into our minds. We reached vast starry sky. At dawn we were will reveal myself and there it is - Gunlom Falls where a small bus awakened by the cheery serenading another kangaroo, turtle or flying picked us up and we were driven to of brown and singing honeyeaters. fox! Cooinda where our fantasies for the Iridescent rainbow bee-eaters On the twelfth day we descended "creature comforts" were soon flitted across the surface of the from the escarpment near Jim Jim fulfilled at shower block and bistro! water and flocks of majestic red- Falls and crossed the flood plain to But what are the lasting tailed black cockatoos flew reach the tourist area near Twin memories to treasure from a overhead. Along the more heavily Falls. At the roadhead at Twin walkabout in Kakadu? A sunlit wooded creeks, northern Falls we were re-supplied with food pool; brilliant orange flowering kookaburras cracked a call that and clean clothing. Our camp that eucalypt; glimpse of bouncing rock was a poor imitation of their night was only a few hundred wallaby or grand outspreading southern brethren! metres from the vehicles so we were rainforest tree? Yes, all these but In rocky terrain, the call of the able to enjoy a delicious fresh food more importantly the Aboriginal sandstone shrike thrush could be feast and cask wine! inheritance of ancient rock art... heard or a large raptor be seen If the focus of the first part of the Kakadu still dreaming? circling over some lonely ridge. This walk was on the art, the emphasis Judith Webster was stone country - very dry, rugged and harsh. Only patchy spinifex grew on the hillsides and in the Book reviews continued from page 14 gullies between the jumbled rocky Most of us carry one sort of guide can take action to eradicate the outcrops. We usually avoided book with us from time to time - weeds or change management walking in the worst of this stone usually, I suppose, to gain real practices that may cause weed country but could not always do so. pleasure from the accurate problems. With this end in mind a On days of high humidity, sweat identification of a native bird, flower, Weed Reporting Form is included in poured off us. It dripped off my tree, animal, reptile or some other the booklet. eyebrows and ran down my nose - interesting creature. Identifying a Alps Invaders is therefore an our hair and clothing became weed is not at all likely to engender invitation for us all to play a part in saturated. It was then we longed for similar pleasurable feelings. So why park management in a very a pool and a siesta and indeed we should we carry Alps Invaders with practical way. What better reason often took long, drowsy rests. The us? Managers of the Alpine National could there be for buying a copy next Park believe that controlling weeds walk was designed to take time you visit the Namadgi Visitor in the park if of major importance. advantage of swimming Centre? opportunities and allow for side If locations and densities of weeds are reported to park managers they excursions to look at rock art. Len Haskew PARKWATCH

The Australian Alps have listing of eleven species of albatross In early May the Senate voted to moved at the Bonn Convention meeting in initiate an inquiry into Port Well, not the actual mountains, but Europe last year, supported and Hinchinbrook. This means that the management of the Australian encouraged by HSI and other NGOs, under oath and with parliamentary Alps national parks cooperative Australia has taken the lead role in privilege, experts and government program certainly has!! post meeting albatross activities. officials can be called to testify to the April saw a major change in the Negotiations so far have been details of the ecological effects of the administration of the Australian undertaken through the "Valdivia development, as well as the Alps national parks program as Group", a coalition of temperate procedure and details of the Neville Byrne handed over the reins southern hemisphere nations planning process. Hearings are of Program Coordinator to Brett formed to discuss matters on expected to begin mid June. McNamara, formerly a ranger from international environmental and Meanwhile, the Oyster Point site Namadgi National Park (ACT) who related science issues. remains an empty mess. The was enticed out of the Brindabellas Members of the Valdivia Group developer, and the governments to take up the challenge. include Australia, Argentina, Brazil, protecting his project, have come Every two to four years the Chile, New Zealand, South Africa under fire from some of the world's responsibility for coordinating this and Uruguay. The group was formed leading scientists and, sadly, all that program rotates to a new as an Australian initiative, and first was foretold about the dangers of an conservation agency. It is traditional met in Chile in 1995. The Valdivia acid sludge leak came to fruition in that each of the land management Group (Co-ordinating Committee) March when one of the walls of the agencies involved in the Australian last met in Wellington, New Zealand holding ponds leaked - proving once Alps takes a turn (in rotation) to on 24-25 June this year. The and for all that the site is an sponsor the coordination of the following is an extract from the " ecological minefield. Australian Alps program. With this Statement" at that meeting: While governments have rotation, the job of Program "The Valdivia Group expressed remained deaf to all of this, Coordinator also rotates to the new unanimous support for an Australian investors haven't. The project Agency - the ACT Parks and project on southern hemisphere continues to languish while Conservation Service. The latest albatross conservation, and developer Keith Williams valiantly change completes the circle as the acknowledged the adverse claims to be backing a winner: coordination of the program returns conservation status of many albatross having only sold blocks to himself, to the Australian Capital Territory species. The Group agreed that his real estate agent and his where it started with the first southern hemisphere countries and building contractor. Program coordinator Andre Mayne. distant waterfishing nations have a The fight for Hinchinbrook has Brett McNamara brings to the key role in promoting tlie conservation been a long one but after ten years position a strong history of of albatrosses. It further noted that a the end is in sight. We look forward involvement in the Australian Alps Regional Agreement under the to reclaiming this wonderful program, most recently as Convenor auspices of the Convention on the wilderness and ensuring it remains of the Community Relations Conservation of Migratory Species for those who come after us. Working Group, continuing the (CMS) has the potential to contribute Wilderness, Issue No 151, June, tradition of Program Coordinators significantly to the restoration and 1998. being drawn from people who have maintenance of albatross had a strong interest and populations. The Valdivia Group Pine Brush: national estate involvement in the Australian Alps. favours the establishment of an ad scandal From the Alps, No 18. August, 1988. hoc group to examine options for Some of the world's largest colonies regional co-operation to address the of Earth's most threatened plants, Bonn Convention - range of serious threats to southern and debatably the last vestige of the progress towards global hemisphere albatross populations. once-vast, clear felled Lower The Group accepted Chiles offer to Clarence riparian rainforest, have Albatross conservation host the first meeting of the working been discovered on 492.5 ha of The Australian Government is still group." botanically critical National Estate. taking the lead in global albatross Humane Society International, This land has been misrepresented conservation through its pursuit of Technical Bulletin No 2, August, publicly as "ordinary', and thrown albatross conservation 1998. away for a dollar an acre to be "Agreements" under the Bonn illegally damaged by cattle, logging Convention (Convention on the Hinchinbrook: The End in Sight and bushrock theft, which continue Conservation of Migratory Species Things are looking up for the apace. of Wild Fauna and Flora) (CMS). dugongs and mahogany gliders of Since successfully proposing the Hinchinbrook. continued next page Calendar NPA on the Activity Dec Jan Feb Mar internet Committee Meeting Thurs 3 Thurs 4 Thurs 4 The NPAis now on the Internet and Gudgenby Regeneration1 Sat 5 our email address is: Snow Gum Gear Night2 Thurs 10 [email protected]. If you are member of an NPA committee and 3 Bulletin Working Group Tues 10 you would rather receive the Christmas Party4 Sun 13 necessary paperwork by email, send ACT Alive4 Mon 15 Dianne your address. If you have an article for the Bulletin you can email General Meeting Thurs 18 Thurs 18 it also.

1 - Eleanor Stodart 6281 5004 2 - Outings Program and leaflet 3 - Syd Comfort 6286 2578 4 - Outings Program Glasses lost on General meetings Held in Forestry House, Yarralumla, commencing at 8.00pm. Sentry Box Thursday 17 February. South Archaeological Consultants, have America A small group of been monitoring the rock art shelter Mountain association members, led by Pat and known as Nursery Swamp II, to Lost - pair of tri-focal glasses (yes Eric Pickering, spent six weeks determine the environmental factors they were expensive). Tortoise-shell during March and April in South leading to the growth of a virulent brown, with some blue specks. They America, primarily to walk in green lichen that threatens to blend in perfectly with the bush. Patagonia but also to visit other obscure and eventually obliterate the Last seen in photograph of me, parts of the continent. Syd Comfort's Aboriginal paintings on the surface. hanging neatly from the neck of my presentation will describe the trip Their work was funded by a grant jumper. So I know I lost them and include slides of the walks and from ACT Heritage obtained by NPA somewhere approx. in the 500m of the sites visited. We will hear something of their work between the last two saddles south and how they have discovered a Thursday 17 March. The trouble of Sentry Box Rock. Map ref. Yaouk major natural limiting factor on the with being green. Bruce Ford, 713343 and 713336. Head of Conservation, National growth of the Lichen which may lead, Ph. Di Thompson 6289 5117(w), or Gallery of Australia, and Dr Kelvin in the future, to very low impact 6288 6084(h). Officer, Navin Officer conservation intervention.

PARKWATCH continued This surprising land deal It is painstakingly compiled justification of grazing continuing in (concluded under the previous State documentation of a scandal so the Victorian Alpine region is based Government) has shamed many extensive as to impede its own on social and political grounds and who have been involved (including resolution. on the effects on the income of politicians and government National Parks Journal, Vol. 42 No. individual graziers. Continued agencies). Conservation groups 4, August, 1998 grazing is an undoubted cost to have also not adequately pursued National Park values, and, indeed, formal assertions that the Grazing Damage Revealed compromises national park significant conservation values he Parks Victoria has released a management." The report outside a sham "conservation damning report that shows just how emphasises the damage occurring to agreement area". much damage is occurring in our alpine bogs and snow patch In 1996, in the Senate, Bob Brown Alpine National Park due to cattle vegetation, both of which are listed extracted, "We cannot intervene" grazing. Based on both past research as threatened under the Flora and from Minister Hill, Federal Minister and recent measurements, it Fauna Guarantee, and also singles for the Environment. The Greens concludes "Grazing of free-ranging out the Mt Fainter region as being are now challenging NSW Minister livestock is incompatible with the severely damaged. for the Environment Allan's alleged protection of flora, fauna and natural In spite of the evidence, the errors of fact to State Parliament. processes that are fundamental licences are on the verge of being Hundreds of damning FOI files objectives of a National Park Any renewed. We have not been have now been published privately claims made with respect to the consulted in the process. on the WWW to expose this perfidy benefits of grazing to alpine People Caring for Nature, vol 17 internationally. Go to http:/ ecosystems are not supported by No 6, July, 1998. www.nor.com.au I'users Igaiaguys. scientific evidence. ... The Len Haskew i JaiioiialiPariis i-Xasoisiarlon (ACT,)

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Seamans Hut. Kosciuszko National Park. May 1998. Photo Keg Adler NPA Bulletin POSTAGE If undelivered please return to: SURFACE National Parks Association of the ACT PAID PO Box 1940 Woden ACT 2606 AUSTRALIA Print Post Approved MAIL PP 248831/00041