Newsletter of WILDCARE Incorporated Community Partnership Section, Resource Management and Conservation Division, DPIWE GPO Box 44A Hobart 7001 Ph 03 6233 2185 Fax 03 6223 8308 E-mail: [email protected] WILDTIMES Open Space2001 = thegreater theweighting(Wgt). sticky dotsthehigherpriority sticky dotsonthem. The more byplacing were mostimportant, v groups. At theendofdaythey topics were discussedinsmall and placethemonthewall. These write down topicsfor discussion months. Memberswere asked to WILDCARE direction andprioritiesfor toassistin settingthe techniques, fo A seriesofdiscussiongroups were Saturday 24thMarch 2001 Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre Outcomes WILDCARE ¥ ¥P ¥ ¥ ¥ 9 Wgt: membership Communication with Outcomes Discussion Topics& oted for theonestheythought rmed usingtheopenspace WILDTIMES. regarding theprogramsarticles for are toprovide moreinformation from otheractivities/events/work CARes groupsandvolunteers proposed/future events/work. of programresults and want to bekept informed training, who have undertaken specific WILDTIMES. through anupdatein eitherbydirect mailor they attend, va regarding the program leader, from themanager/supervisor/ provide feedbacktovolunteers, Ensure thatsystemsareinplaceto CHB). Heritage Branches(NCB, Nature Conservation orCultural Divisions —namelyeitherthe and/or staff attendingfromother with thepossibilityofRangers Member groupshave gettogether whenpossible. notice, v specific andearlyenoughtogive Call outstomembersarebedate olunteers atleast6to8weeks articipants ofexisting programs, rious events orworking beesthat f or thenext12 ¥ 7 Wtg: WILDCARE members Additional Rewards for ¥Div ¥A 8 Wtg: Raising Profile 2001 CradleMtn. atthe Wild &OpenSpace Jo Field‚ Adopt-a-Track Facilitator “Struttingherstuff” ¥A ¥V ¥P ¥ associated guidelines needtobe numberofhours of and policy contribution. A “x” or;for record ofregular activity, combinedwith a membership, for the4thandsubsequentyear of e for rewards foreffort/volunteering, WILDCARE for theirparticipationatevents. to volunteers thankingvolunteers manager/supervisor/program leader Gene image. “Greenie” other reserved lands. places inNationalParks andon in allhutsandotherappropriate papers on World Environment Day. out anadinthe Tasmanian daily forexample; take opportunities, Make moreuseofexisting wo tobe appropriate namebadges, xample; afree Annual Parks Pass rovide olunteers tobeprovided with cknowledge currentsuccesses. cknowledgments (letter)from rn whenworking. orce W WILDCARE WILDCARE ild & members toreceive information from the ¥ ¥ ¥ 7 Wtg: ¥A Road KillReduction • • • • • Adopt-a-Track • IN THIS ISSUE IN THIS Enterprise (Visitor) Centre, for example; CradleMountain ormanufacturers etc., wholesalers, discounts fromretailers, to accessagreaternumberof WILDCARE members tobeworthwhile. Recognition ofWILDCARE limited (initial)distribution. animal scaringwhistlesfora of super-sonic vehicle mounted funding topurchaseabulk supply a submissionforWILDCARE WILDCARE negotiated bytheBOM. footwear manufacturers. To be Outdoor wear/equipmentshops, include being available andthesecould withlesserrewards be instituted, consistency regarding thisissueandtoensure members withinformation toprovide Management (BOM), developed bytheBoardof Minke whale rescue 2001 National Congress Botanical Gardens at WILDCARE Island Views Agfest at WILDCARE AGM WILDCARE Issue No10June 2001 scale orrangeofrewards could WILDCARE members tobeable members toprepare merchandise. 2

¥ BOM to form a sub-committee to progress these matters further. ¥Train volunteers as marketers and utilise their contacts.

Improving links between WILDCARE and nature conservation projects Wtg: 3 ¥ Need to improve/appropriately resource the administration of the volunteer program(s) supporting the nature conservation projects and Left to right at rear: Marylin Spinks, Ann Stocks and Lexie Paul, left to right at front: Jim Spinks and Lyle Robock. A group in discussion at the Wild & Open Space Cradle Mtn. programs, by; Ð ensuring all call-ups are properly Distribution to Councils, trucking feeding close to roadways). managed, with acknowledgment companies, hire car firms was seen as a priority, along with information Developing Partnerships with that explains their use and benefits, businesses and encourage them to purchase Wtg: 4 their own supplies for the future. ¥ Board of Management (BOM) to ¥ WILDCARE members to prepare develop guidelines for “suitable” an article for the WILDTIMES sponsorship. highlighting actions to assist in ¥ BOM to identify specific potential minimising road kills and sponsors and what WILDCARE has encourage direct action by members to offer. and Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS), Nature Conservation ¥ Identify “partnerships” and Branch (NCB) and Cultural relationship development. Heritage Branch (CHB) to remove ¥Investigate ways of acknowledging road kills to prevent secondary kills. small donations from individuals ¥ WILDCARE members to seek and local government (particularly information regarding the project based). desirability/effectiveness of roadside ¥Develop a WILDCARE prospectus. de-vegetation as an aid to reduce ¥ Pursue tax deductibility for road kills (to discourage them from donations. Lyle Rubock ‘fencing’ at the WILDCARE Wild & Open Spaces of expressions of interest and WILDCARE appropriate exchange of information, Board of Management Membership Ð appropriate training for Chairperson Andrew Smith volunteers, Vice Chairperson Richard Hammond Ðregular provision of information to volunteers, eg. Trained whale Treasurer Graham Ristow rescuers, Secretary Kathryn Gatenby Ðregular maintenance and Nature Conservation Branch Alistair Scott upgrading of volunteer database. Cultural Heritage Branch Angela McGowen CARes President Richard Porch (Mt Direction Semaphore Hut Wardens Program, Station Historic Site) Waterfall Valley CARes President Jim Spinks (Cradle Valley) Wtg: 1 CARes President Peter Franklin (Mt Field) ¥A briefing/workshop to be held at Cradle at the start of each new CARes President David Reynolds (Maria Island) season (November), to draw up the CARes President Susie Donkers (Narawntapu) roster and pass on any other relevant CARes President Rodney Milner (Kate Reed Reserve) information. CARes President Rosemary Verbeeten (Little Swan Point ¥A program coordinator (Cradle staff Reserve) member) should be appointed to CARes President Peter Sieman (Cheltenam Green) liaise with the volunteers on the roster to ensure that the program CARes President David Wools-Cobb (Karst National Park) runs smoothly, instead of the CARes President Susan Henry (Tasmanian Trail Assn) volunteers having to ring the office to check. WILDTIMES June 2001 WILDTIMES 3 June 2001 WILDCARE Annual General Meeting

Results of election Vice Chairperson: Richard Hammond Treasurer:Graham Ristow Congratulations to Richard and Graham and thankyou for your continuing commitment.

Last AGM minutes presented Accounts presented. Note:The WILDCARE account is in fact far healthier than the records show. Since auditing we have received membership payments from the Department for this financial year. The bank balance now stands at around $40000. Transfer of membership fees is now being made monthly by DPIWE.

DPIWE Secretary opens business, and acknowledged WILDCARE as an ideal example of WILDCARE Conference 2001 partnership. “WILDCARE,” he said, “is a primary The following is an extract from an wife and family enjoyed their time partner in natural heritage article run in the DPIWE news at Cradle Valley. conservation, cultural heritage reporting on the opening of the Kim Evans opened the annual conservation and reserve WILDCARE Annual Conference by WILDCARE Conference held at management.” The Secretary of DPIWE Kim Cradle Mountain on Saturday, 23 “WILDCARE objectives and actions Evans. The Board of Management March. In his opening address, he are tied to those of DPIWE. It is also thanks Kim for his attendance and highlighted the need for the specifically identified in the targets set contribution to the WILDCARE Department to work with the out in the DPIWE Corporate Plan, and Conference. We hope that Kim, his community as a way of doing is therefore an important and 4 productive contributor to our Wineglass Bay and Cooks Beach for weeks and remove 20,000 gorse objectives,” said Kim. 10 days at a time and were involved bushes each year. “In this the International year of the in walker education and assistance, ¥ Lyell Highway Fauna survey. Volunteer it is important to highlight, shorebird monitoring, marine debris ¥ Seed propagation for Bruny recognise and support the type of monitoring and clean-up, campsite Island — including a training effective partnership and volunteer management and toilet course in seed collection support that WILDCARE provides. In maintenance. propagation and pricking out the longer term, WILDCARE ¥ Hut Wardens Cradle Mt (3rd (provided by RTBG). provides both the Department and the year) — volunteers lived at ¥ Babysitting Deal and Maatsuyker community with the opportunity and Waterfall Valley Hut and provided Islands (volunteers staff the islands the means to make a difference in how walker education and assistance and and carry out basic management for the environment is managed and cared maintained the hut and nearby a number of months each time, for.” campsites and toilets. providing a year-round presence on “With one in 300 Tasmanians ¥ New CAREs groups (now groups the islands). currently members of WILDCARE,it at Mt Direction Historic site, Cradle ¥ Semaphore Challenge 2000 — demonstrates that these are issues dear Valley, Kate Reid Nature Reserve, sponsored a boat and running race to the hearts and minds of our Cheltenham Green, Karst (Mole on the Tamar promoting the community. Members are to be Creek), Mt Field, Narawntapu NP, Semaphore Station network. Tasman Peninsula). congratulated for their commitment ¥ Administrative assistance — and effort — an effort for which the ¥ New Adopt-a-Track groups and Hobart office in nature conservation, Department is thankful.” Caretakers (now 10 caretakers Park entry group, Community “As a Department, we will be making signed up) — formed as a result of Partnerships and Interpretation every effort to return the favour, with a working bees conducted throughout Section, in the Prospect Office in strong commitment and support for the State. Community Partnerships as well as the organisation and you as ¥ Orange Bellied Parrot Surveys — at Freycinet National Park and individuals.” contributed funding and volunteers Tasman Peninsula. Some of WILDCARE’s key for 10-day shifts at Birches Inlet to ¥ WILDCARE was awarded the achievements and activities during the monitor OBP release and breeding. National Banksia Environmental last year include: ¥ Whale rescue volunteer training Foundation Award 2000 ¥ WILDCARE Wild Edge Music statewide — 4 courses with 180 (Community group category) for its Festival in Strahan — a highly people attending statewide. efforts in nature conservation and successful weekend event with the ¥ Support volunteers for the Tamar reserve management in particular. support of Strahan businesses and Island Visitor Centre. This was against finalists such as the Tasmanian music industry. ¥ Schouten Island gorse removal Greening Australia and the ¥ Camp Wardens Freycinet (1st program (3rd year) — volunteers Australian Trust for Conservation year) — volunteers camped at live on Schouten Island for two Volunteers.

Coles Bay residents rescue Minke whale Local Community members, WILDCARE volunteers, Parks & Wildlife and Nature Conservation Branch staff teamed up to assist a young male Minke whale stranded on Richardsons Beach on Sunday 3rd June 2001. The rescue took all day, the volunteers doing a vital job of moving the distressed mammal off the rocks into life supporting water, using a whale pontoon. Thanks to Coles Bay residents, Wildcare volunteer assisting at the Minke whale stranding at Coles Bay. Swansea, Bicheno and Lake Leake it more energy. hopefully reunited with it’s mother or volunteers and holiday campers who Just after 5pm. The whale was other pods of Minke Whales to played an important role in keeping migrate north for the winter. the 3.5 metre Minke cool, moist and released off the pontoon adjacent to calm whilst a Hobart Vet came to the “Fisheries”. It was last seen The Parks & Wildlife staff (at assess the whale’s condition. The swimming normally into more open Freycinet) extend a sincere thanks to whale was weak and had numerous waters. A land and sea search the next all who helped with the rescue. Cookie Cutter Shark bites over its day reported no sight of the whale. Stephanie van der Schans body. The Vet injected a cocktail of Adult Minke whales grow to approx 8 Field and Information Officer drugs into the whale to assist in giving to 9 metres long. The young male Freycinet National Park WILDTIMES June 2001 WILDTIMES 5 June 2001 WILDCARE update — is this value Many for money or what? “Hands On” In putting the Agfest display more receiving project-specific together we collated some up-to- skills training on the job. make date statistics for WILDCARE. It ¥ 10 Community Action in Reserves light work makes astounding reading. groups have now been formed Since incorporation in 1998… (Cradle Mt, Narawntapu, Mt Field, Hands-On is a magazine put out ¥ Membership has grown to 2073 (1 Maria Island, Karst Mole Creek, on a quarterly basis by Tasman Peninsula, Mt Direction in 220 Tasmanians) Community Partnerships. Historic Site, Cheltenam Green, ¥ 100,000 hours of voluntary work Kate Reed, Little Swan Point) Lee Harper is the coordinator of the has been carried out. For statistics specifically about the magazine and DESPARATELY ¥ $50,000 has been granted to joint Adopt-a-Track program (featured in NEEDS HELP in labelling Department/WILDCARE projects the Agfest display), being developed envelopes and inserting the ¥ That all equals $1.5 million of in partnership with the Parks and magazine for mailout to members additional effort and funding to Wildlife Service and supported by the each quarter. If you live in the support natural and cultural heritage Community Partnerships Section of Launceston or Hobart area and can conservation and reserve Resource Management and management. Top effort! Conservation Division of DPIWE, assist Lee with this task please ¥ 300 volunteers have attended formal check out the Agfest article elsewhere contact her on 03 6336 5434. training courses with a whole lot in this WILDTIMES.

Community Action in Reserves up. If you are thinking about a site in the World Heritage Area, contact (CARes) groups growing the World Heritage Area Community Partnerships Facilitator The Community Action in Reserves ¥Little Swan Point Reserve Chris Leitch 6233 2867 or (CARes) branch of WILDCARE Inc The CARes groups work closely with [email protected] to has been steadily creating specific the local Rangers on issues and talk over the options and process. reserve support groups. projects related to their reserve, There are now 10 groups operating: providing both opinion and action. ¥Cradle Valley Most groups meet regularly, although ¥ Narawntapu National Park you don’t need to be a meeting-type ¥ Mt Field National Park person to participate in the group. ¥ Maria Island National Park If you would like to add your support ¥ Karst Mole Creek National Park to any of the above groups, contact the ¥Tasman Peninsula National Park WILDCARE Office (6233 2836 or ¥Mt Direction Historic Site [email protected]) and we will adjust your membership details. It ¥ Cheltenam Green doesn’t cost anything extra to be ¥Kate Reed Reserve registered with a group. If you are registered with a reserve (on Time to form a the membership form) that doesn’t CARes group at have a Reserve group yet there are a few things you can do. Lake St Clair? 1)The registrants for a particular reserve is the minimum call-up Rangers at Lake St Clair are interested in calling a meeting in when there is WILDCARE action in July to discuss the formation of that reserve, so you should hear a CARes group at Lake St Clair. about working bees as they come Members registered for Lake St up. Clair will be notified of meeting 2)As numbers rise for a particular dates and place by direct mail. reserve we will look at bringing a If you aren’t registered yet, but group together for that reserve. would like to be, contact the 3)If you are motivated to lead the WILDCARE Office to have your formation of a CARes group for a membership details updated, or reserve you are passionate about, email [email protected]. that doesn’t have a group yet, gov.au with your details. contact the WILDCARE Office to discuss ways to speed the process 6 WILDCARE at Agfest ¥ 11 Track Caretakers have adopted tracks in National Parks and WILDCARE mounted a display at achieved in volunteer participation Reserves this year’s AGFEST, featuring the and project funding, since ¥Over 115 volunteers have Adopt-a-Track program. incorporation in 1998. participated in these working bees Jo Field (Adopt-a-Track Facilitator Some of the statistics regarding the ¥Total hours worked by volunteers is with DPIWE), with the able assistance Adopt-a-Track Program listed on the around 1,654 of Dick Dwyer (Senior Ranger at Wall included: ¥This equates to over $24,800 of Mole Creek), did a fantastic job of setting up some examples of track work, track signs, plants and wall display. Chris Leitch (World Heritage Area Facilitator with DPIWE) and Andrew Smith (Manager Community Partnerships DPIWE and Chairperson of WILDCARE) assisted with the rest of the display. Chris, Jo, Andrew, Richard Hammond (Vice chairperson), Bill Forsyth (Wildcarer), Rodney Milne (President Kate Reed), Keith Chung (Wildcarer), Wendy Roberts, (Wildcarer) and Lyle Rubock (Wildcarer) all helped out over the 3 days. Thankyou to all of you. You all looked rather nice in the WILDCARE Volunteer high visibility vests provided by the Adopt-a-Track program. ¥ 18 trial working bees have been held value added to existing trackwork Andrew Smith around the State between September undertaken since September Chairperson 2000 and April 2001 throughout the State. Congratulations to all who have participated (and continue to) in the working bees! Thank you also to the WILDCARE volunteers who assisted on the Agfest stand this year — especially to Richard Hammond (Vice-Chairman, WILDCARE Board of Management) for filling in on the early-morning- start on behalf of a grateful Adopt-a- Track Facilitator (and yes! I had a great sleep-in!) Jo Field Adopt-a-Track Facilitator

Agfest 2001 saw WILDCARE’s stand feature the Adopt-a-Track Program. Attention WILDCARE members The display consisted of a 9m display Do you wish to continue any additional inserts — into track showing various techniques used receiving wildtimes envelopes. in track hardening as well as endemic newsletter? They started with only 800 plants located beside the track and in newletters a quarter — they are now the “rock scree”. (A note here that a Now we have your attention, over “stuffing” over 2000 envelopes a certain DPIWE Minister commented the last couples of years, Bob & quarter, from their home in Howrah. on the scattering of limestone rock Phyllis Wyatt (diligent Can anyone assist Bob & Phyllis amongst the basalt scree! Very WILDCARE members) have been with this enourmous and important observant!) responsible for ensuring members task? In the “Wall of Achievement” display, received their WILDTIMES If so, please contact Andrew there were photos of volunteers newsletter 4 times a year. This Smith, Manager Community participating in various Adopt-a-Track involves placing mailing labels and Partnerships Section on 03 6233 trial working bees as well as inserting the newsletter — and 2836. information on what WILDCARE had WILDTIMES June 2001 WILDTIMES 7 June 2001 Adopt a Track Program — what’s been happening? April and May have been very busy ¥Painted Cliffs access track, Maria Fred Lakin (also a Hobart Walking months for the Adopt-a-Track Island Club member) has adopted the Program with a total of 10 working ¥ Square Tarn & Woolleys Tarn Needles track (Southwest National bees held around the State (both first- walking tracks (Snowy Ranges) Park). Fred has a very long history of time and follow-up). WILDCARE involving members of the conservation activities (!), including members were invited to participate Melaleuca Walkers walking group being a member of the Scenery in the following working bees: (an affiliated WILDCARE member) Preservation Board — precursor to ¥Mt Graham track in Freycinet ¥Waterfall Bay to Fortescue Bay Parks & Wildlife Service. National Park, organised with track in Tasman National Park held members from Launceston Walking a Trackwork Weekend Workshop Club enabling WILDCARE members Snug Falls ¥ Steppes walking track, Steppes and Hobart Walking Club members State Reserve (near Miena, Central to work along side professional Highlands) trackworkers, learning new skills track ¥ Deep Creek, Mt William National ¥Snug Falls walking track held its Park — working with Friends of inaugural working bee working Deep Creek (Landcare) group ¥ Gnomon to Mt Dial section of the ¥Kermandie track — the original Penguin Cradle Trail organised with day access track into Hartz Mountain members of Northwest Walking National Park Club. WILDCARE members plus an ex-trackworker attended a Adopt-a-Track and repay a lifetime working bee on the Snug Falls track during May 2001. of pleasure At the working bee, volunteers My name is Derry Atkinson. I am I finally made the commitment to discussed actions required on the the caretaker of Tall Trees Track at become an individual track caretaker. track as well as pruning a section Mount Field National Park and I Being a track caretaker not only of the track. During the course of would like to share with you some of enables me to do physical work the day, WILDCARE members my reasons for adopting a track. outdoors, something with which I am counted over 40 people walking Ever since I was in Scouts, I have familiar having also had a farm some this very popular track! enjoyed bushwalking and camping. years ago, there is also the opportunity Later on I had the opportunity to go to acquire new skills through working WILDCARE members and their bushwalking with friends in East with the staff, especially the rangers. family interested in attending Gippsland whenever we all had time There is a sense of achievement in future working bees are requested off from work. Now that I have retired helping to maintain a public facility, to RSVP Paul Dimmick, Ranger, and moved to Tasmania, I have which brings enjoyment and Dover Field Centre on 03 6298 continued this activity, In both enrichment to the lives of the many Victoria and Tasmania, National Parks visitors to the area. Most of all, there 1577 or email Paul.Dimmick@ and Reserves have made it possible to is a chance to repay some of the dpiwe.tas.gov.au by 13 June 2001. enjoy some wonderful wild places. As infinite pleasures derived over the The Track Caretaker for this track I have grown older, I have come to years from these wonderful places. is still open and yet to be filled! appreciate also the infrastructure that Derry Atkinson goes into a national park: safe tracks, Track Caretaker environmental information, shelters and public buildings, and more recently interpretive centres. These not only enable me to pursue my hobby, they also add to my understanding of the bush around me. I only became aware of the Adopt a Track scheme after my wife and I had renewed our annual Parks Pass and had decided to join WILDCARE also. We received information in the mail about the program and an invitation to attend a meeting at Mount Field. After attending the meeting, I decided I wanted to participate in some way or other, however it took a working bee on the Lady Barron Falls track before 8 Volunteer for a day Organisation ...... The State government is supporting Address ...... an innovative program to provide ...... support for community groups around Tasmania — the Volunteer ...... for a Day Program. This program Contact person ...... will allow State Service employees Role in organisation ...... across the State to volunteer their Ph ...... Fax ...... services to your organisation for a email ...... day, during working hours. Description of activity in which you would like State Service employees to The State government is keen for as many of its employees as possible to participate fo a day ...... be involved. This will not only provide ...... assistance to volunteer organisations ...... but will also help State Servants gain a ...... greater understanding of the No. of volunteers required ...... aspirations and activities of volunteers. Members of parliament Specific dates or times required ...... are participating as well! ...... How do you go about inviting State Address of activity ...... servants to assist with your projects? ...... You can set up your requirements on ...... the web page supported by the Department of Premier and Cabinet ...... http://www.volunteerday.tas.gov.au or Region (please circle) North North West South copy and complete the form below What specific skills are required? ...... and return it to Tess Tilbury, (Women ...... Tasmania) GPO Box 1854 Hobart Any special requirements (eg police check) ...... 7001. If the project you are putting up is a WILDCARE project it will be ...... covered by public liability and Do you have public liability insurance to cover volunteers volunteer accident insurances. To (please circle) Yes No activate this we must call up relevant Do you have personal injury insurance to cover volunteers WILDCARE volunteers to invite them (please circle) Yes No to participate too, so let the WILDCARE Office know the details Are you able to reimburse volunteers if they incur out-of-pocket expenses too phone 6233 2836 or email (please circle) Yes No [email protected]

Train the Trainer training course first, but the kindness and understanding of fellow students and the guidance of Ian our instructor got On the nineteenth March 2001, I session on a subject of their choice. me through. Personally I found the participated in a Train the Trainer The training workshop presented by diverse subjects most informative, course put on by the Community Ian Dow-Sainter on behalf of Bay Partnerships Section of the Training is a nationally recognised from making pasta to mounting plant Resource Management & qualification. All participants had very specimens to coastal care. It was a Conservation Division of the high input into the discussions and I lighthearted, fun and information DPIWE. There were six of us at the am sure that we all benefited from the packed day. workshop: two Parks Rangers a diverse skills of participants. Core Summing up I would recommend botanist from the Botanical subjects, such as the Seven Principles this course to volunteers. The insight Gardens and three Wildcare of Learning, the use of various into the mechanics of adult learning volunteers. communication skills and how to with emphasis on how to present The course was held at the training motivate people were some of the information in retentive parcels is an room Royal Tasmanian Botanical useful skills learnt. important communication skill in Gardens over three days. The first two Monday one week later was the day days were spent in the classroom when all of us who had attended the day to day interaction in the looking at the techniques of how workshop would put our new skills workplace. adults learn. This was followed on a into practice. I had chosen to present a Derry Atkinson week later by having each participant session on Safety for Track Wildcarer (Volunteer Track Caretaker conduct a 45 to 60 minutes training Volunteers. I was a little bit nervous at Mt Field) WILDTIMES June 2001 WILDTIMES 9 June 2001 Camp Wardens on the Freycinet Peninsula Report

On the first day of January 2001, strong arms and legs! WILDCARE Camp Wardens ‘hit’ Or an ability to give TLC to weary the Freycinet Peninsula walkers. for 80 days worth of valuable presence The Camp Wardens acted as the at the main campsites and adjoining eyes and ears of Freycinet National tracks. Park, completing several surveys on On shifts of around 10 days, our behalf. WILDCARERS were based at ¥ Marine Debris surveys involving the South Wineglass Bay (covering ‘resident’ campers in identifying Hazards Beach) and Cooks Beach and recording that which (covering Bryans Beach). accumulates from our society onto our beaches. After an intensive induction, the walk out to ‘their new home’ began. 128 beer cans on Bryans Beach in one go! Harry and friends lay a new waterline to Packs bulging at the seams full of ¥Reporting unique Marine Hazards Beach Campsite. provisions and the odd luxury for the Occurrences from several beaches shift. juvenile “Hoodies” and one Pied to forward to the Dept.’s Oyster Catcher were raised In some cases, this included eskies, Nature Conservation Branch. successfully on Hazards Beach this bags and extra bags… Some people ¥ Completing TASPAW’s records to Summer, despite all the foot traffic. almost got carried away! help build a picture of the cross The education role in identifying, Our WILDCARERS were effective section of fauna across this part of creating awareness and altering ‘sponges’ soaking up information the state. walker behaviour was a crucial from one group and passing it on to ¥Keeping an ‘eye out’ for Cultural aspect of this project. other walkers to boost their Heritage artifacts and places of Wardens met walkers on the track experience. Keeping an accurate interest to report to the Dept.’s ‘walker grapevine’ alive and well. and greeted campers and ‘yachties’ Cultural Heritage Section. as they came into camp. Day visitors and overnight walker ¥ WILDCARERS benefited by ¥ Explanations were provided why comments alike, were extremely learning to identify and increase camp zones were where they were enthusiastic about our their knowledge of beach ecology and the vulnerable coastal WILDCARERS energy, depth of and threatened shorebirds, their vegetation was offered some knowledge, approachability and for habitats and behaviours whilst protection. the opportunity to make ‘real contact collecting data. ¥The incidences of open fires were time’! Summer Interpretation Ranger, reduced. Each WILDCARER brought to the Emma Bear shuffled a day of her ¥ Rubbish was significantly reduced, role their own unique attributes, programme to give an extra insight and a sense of ‘we can all care for whether it be a passion for into the special qualities of Hooded the Park’ established. flora/fauna/history, skills in mapping, Plovers. ¥ Dune surfing was discouraged. exceptional people/listening skills, We are pleased to recount that two ¥Walking opportunities, distances, Harry Andrews — there she flows! track conditions and terrain, water necessity and availability provided. For some walkers the message that ‘you need to carry water’ was not getting through. Wardens were finding themselves filling walker water bottles from their own supply. First Aid ¥From minor and preventative measures to significant situations were all handled professionally. Volunteers with certificates were informed of their choice to assist in these situations if they felt comfortable. Thanks are extended from the individuals/families and PWS for the great care and treatment provided. Well done. 10

case of emergency. Our sincere thanks are extended to Brett Noble — Cultural Heritage Branch for the loan of one of the radios and its spare battery. Freycinet Base was able to receive regular reports of the water supply situation on the Peninsula and arrangements could be made for incoming supplies and fire weather forecasts provided. The 2001 Freycinet Camp Wardens were a great success. Many thanks to Kate, Melinda, Mark, Allison, Harry, Bernadette, Emily and Chris. You were terrific.

Melinda Warren and Kate Pauley giving some advice to campers regarding foreshore We hope to see you all again next year protection. along with other interested WILDCARERS. Park Maintenance undertaken to provide reference ¥Armed with bucket and broom, our data to monitor the rate of spread of For further information and if you would like to register your interest fearless WILDCARERS walked the these sites and to determine for 2002, please contact Stephanie, tracks and the beaches to give the pit appropriate areas to rest. toilets a clean, lime and ‘spruce up’. Freycinet National Park, c/- Private Each WILDCARER was issued a Bag Bicheno 7215, Ph. 6257 0107, The vision as they approached along PWS radio for daily contact and in Fax. 6257 0152. the track causing numerous ‘wild’ comments from park visitors. ¥Track slashing and trimming with hand tools ‘cleaned up’ sections of Island views… the Mt. Graham Track, Cooks Beach to Bryans Beach Track and David and Trauti Reynolds have from South Africa and settled on Hazards Beach to Cooks Beach sent a number of articles about Maria Island in 1923. They farmed Track. their island adventures, so we have sheep and cattle on 5,570 acres. From A sensitive removal of overhanging, grouped all the island activities 1949Ð1955 the farm also served as a ‘scratchy’ and obstructing together this issue. temporary quarantine station for the vegetation. Commonwealth Department of ¥With powers of persuasion our Maria Memories — Health. After the death of his wife in wardens enlisted park visitors to Robey’s Farm 1964, John Robey’s health assist in the digging and installation deteriorated and a year later he was of a water pipeline at Hazards Restoring Houses on Maria Island: evacuated from the island and the Beach Campsite — Lagunta Creek. volunteers at work part 2: Robey’s farm was abandoned. He recovered, Works are close to completion and farm. returned to South Africa and died with some extra fittings and a little John Robey and his wife Hilda came there in 1980 aged 92.* rain to increase the water level at our intake site, water will run from Robey’s Farmhouse, Maria Island. the tap installed at the campground. This will mean that the riparian vegetation will be less susceptible to trampling and the incidence of ‘washing up in the creek’ reduced. ¥The opportunity arose at Wineglass Bay with the lack of water flow, to delve into the murk of the Creek to retrieve Wine Bottles, Cans and plastic from generations of campers. ¥ Camp areas were clearly delineated at Wineglass Bay with severely eroded sites and accesses blocked off and signed with ‘Campsite Resting’ signs. ¥Mapping of Hazards Beach and Cooks Beach campsites was WILDTIMES June 2001 WILDTIMES 11 June 2001 As the truck loaded with happy workers and equipment approached the site, we found a brand new roof glistening in the morning sun, having a stabilising effect on the structure. The cottage needed careful handling: our task was to find and save as many artefacts as possible. We slowly worked our way from room to room, cleaning up years’ worth of cob webs, dust and animal droppings. In the wood stove we found a rat’s nest and disturbed a huge tiger snake residing under the floorboards. That taught us to tread carefully! Whilst some of us were thus occupied, others slashed the thick bracken growing around the house and a large, Gorse removal — Schouten Island. dense clump of Arum lillies hugging the wall. We came to Robey’s cottage which was installed last November Hinterland behind the foreshore 4 times altogether and grew to love the 2000. looking at creeks and open grasslands place. The outer walls were given a The volunteers spent the weekend for gorse or any other weeds. Several new coat of paint, steps built to allow removing macrocarpa pines near the garbage bags were collected of marine easier access to the verandah where toilet/shower block and BBQ area; rubbish and plastic drums from the rotten floorboards were replaced. A laying jute and resurfacing the access foreshore between Morey’s Bay and small tank was attached to the track to the Painted Cliffs. Sandstone Bluff on the western shore of Schouten Island. downpipe and finally the doors were WILDCARE members interested in secured to keep animals out. participating in future working bees Several new sites containing gorse were During each of these visits we made should contact Allan Coates, located and mapped for future reference camp on the nearby foreshore, under a Ranger, Maria Island National Park and some work commenced on these soft canopy of casuarinas. These days on 03 6257 1420 by 20 June 2001. sites at the end of the week and the of shared work and play, trouble with weather improving, fishing rods were land Rovers and further Schouten Island Revisited produced from packs and fish caught below the campsite at Morey’s bay. On confrontations with “big tiger” On Monday 19th March, 12 adults bonded our little group together. Saturday we went exploring Bear Hill and 2 children left Coles bay on and the waterfalls and while Mike left Now Robey’s farm is set up as a small board the ‘Kahala’ and the parks for a circuit of Bear Hill, Mt Deadlus museum, open to visitors who make it boat ‘Geographe’. The weeks and Mt Story, Tom and mark explored to the far south of the island. activities on the island would the hills above Sarah Ann Bay. On To our delight the rangers had another include cutting and removing gorse, Sunday we packed up our gear and project ready for us! So wait for the mapping any new gorse sites and prepared to leave the island after a very continuation… other weeds, and also mapping the successful week of ‘gnashing’ the gorse David and Trauti Reynolds Aboriginal middens on the western and looking to return to the island for CARes Maria Island (David is side of the island. ongoing monitoring and President/Co-ordinator for CARes After a bumpy crossing, passenger’s cutting/dabbing of the gorse and Maria Island) food and other materials were eventually getting down to Sarah Ann (* The reference to the history of John transferred to the ‘Geographe’ and Bay. Many thanks to the dedicated Robey is from the Tasmanian Historical unloaded at Morey’s beach. With camp group of volunteers and Pete Lingard, Research Association Vol.42 No 2 June 1995, “The Robey’s of South Maria set up at the houses, instructions on the — Pete, Greg, Tom, Mark, Alan, Sam, Island.”) safe handling of the sprays and cutting David, Christine, Suzie, Lily, Tom and tools was undertaken by Pete. Over overseas visitors Ari, Olli. Painted Cliffs Track several days under cloudy and at times rehabilitation — Maria rainy weather gorse was ‘gnashed’ Schouten Island Gorse from several sites between Moree’s Gnashing Blues Island Bay and Sandspit Point on the northern The weekend of 12Ð13 May 2001 side of Schouten Island. Several parties (Sam’s Tune) saw 11 volunteers answer a call up checked the foreshore towards Passage It’s that time of the year again for a trackwork working bee on Point removing gorse behind the We are heading for Schouten Island Maria Island, as well as the (official) foreshore. During the week, between Gunna gnash some gorse formation of the Maria Island breaks in the weather, the “Geographe’ A relic of times past, from sheep, coal, CARes group. David Reynolds, transported us down to Sandstone Bluff horse President of the CARes group has with our loppers. We also checked out also nominated to undertake the previous sites cut the year before (with I feel the twitching in my wrists “adoption” of the Oast House Ruin a 99% success rate with cut and dab of The loppers and the squirting bottles to Painted Cliffs walking track, a large area of gorse) and the tightly in my fists. 12

Chorus x 2 ¥ General meeting — update on interior consisting mostly of Come on Mr Ranger programs and projects limestone. The islands fall under a Conservation Area and are under We cannot be lax ¥Evening barbeque provided in the day shelter proposal for a Marine Reserve. The We must go and cut it down, and stop ¥Live band in the mess hall till late light station was commissioned in it in its tracks (BYO refreshments and dancing 1843 and de-commissioned in 1992. It Whether it rained or snowed or the shoes). has several buildings classified, wind blew with force including the lighthouse. The team went out with the tools in Sunday 14th October Then we were left on our own. hand and snipped that prickly gorse ¥ BYO breakfast Our role on the island was to do ¥Volunteer projects (revegetaton, maintenance on the various buildings, Chorus artefact conservation, weed removal ventilate the lighthouse every 2Ð3 Alan worked away in the buff, really and a few other things yet to be days (about 3 kms. From the looked the stuff, determined) caretakers house) and a public ¥ BYO lunch With a cry of despair he declared, relations role with visitors, mostly ¥Free time before the afternoon ferry yachts/fisherman, visiting the “There’s a gorse in my hair”, off the island museum which was the original head They worked up the creek, We have booked the penitentiary lighthouse keepers house. The They worked up the hills, “units” (6 to a Unit) and the camp caretaker’s house and other buildings If you can hear the clicking through ground is available. First in first are situated 77 meters above East the night, served! Book the accommodation Cove up a concrete road from the jetty. An ideal route for the Little Penguins They are out there working still. with the WILDCARE Office when you RSVP. on their way into the many nesting NOTE — this is a whole weekend sites in the tussock grass and sea Chorus event, for members of WILDCARE. spurge Euphorbia paralius which is a The gloves with fingers fluro, snip and Non-members will need to be booked major weed at both East and Garden squeeze and spray in with a member. Please take your Coves. This crew will do their darn’est to wildcare membership card and present There are three white sandy beaches keep the gorse at bay it at the Commissariat Store on arrival. on the island: East Cove, Garden Cove Chorus Both members and non-members and Winter Cove with a rocky beach at must participate in the working bees Each march they come, to check if the Squally Cove where the remains of on Sunday. This is our way of paying gorse is gone ‘Karitane’, wrecked in the 1920’s, are for what should be a good weekend. scattered on the foreshore. Eucalyptus And that day is getting closer RSVP Andrew Smith by 21st nitida covers about 47% of the island But until then we will sing this song. September Phone 6233 2836 or with Allocasuarina verticallata 24% David and Trauti Reynolds email [email protected] and the remainder tussock grasslands of Poa poiformis and minor species. An invitation to spend 2 Deal Island — Bass Strait During our stay we had rain the first days on Maria Island Deal Island, where is that ? This week over the Christmas period then It was suggested by the Treasurer was our first query as we looked at nothing for the next four weeks with (Graham Ristow) and discussed at the article from a “WILDCARE” Trauti giving a daily rainfall report to the Annual Conference, that we flyer, asking for volunteers to be the weather Bureau. We had 30 yachts needed more opportunities to get caretakers over the visiting at east Cove on the eastern together and socialise (as well as do DecemberÐJanuary period. After side of the island, about 1 hour’s walk a bit of work of course). making enquires we found out that to our house. One group of four So here is your chance to spend some the December period was taken but stayed on the island for six days time on Maria Island, mix with fellow we could go on the 21st December because of inclement weather Wildcarers, enjoy the hospitality of for five weeks. After scuttling our forecasts, waiting to cross to the Rangers, experience some live summer walking trips, both of us Killecrankie on Flinders Island. From evening musical entertainment and put required to have first aid the lighthouse, on clear days, we in a few hours of work on a variety of certificates and two interviews could see across to Wilson’s projects to help the Rangers and later we made preparations to Promontory and in the other direction members of the new Maria Island leave, taking with us five weeks down to Flinders Island along with CARes group. worth of food. Flying from many small islands in our area of Bridport to Lady Barron; from Bass Strait. With our days on the Saturday 13th October there a four hour boat trip to the beaches swimming, exploring the ¥Arrive on the Saturday morning top of Flinders Island then heading island’s tracks, by ways and climbing ferry (be sure to book with the left for the Kent Group, about hills, five weeks went by very quickly operator Phone 6257 1589) 80kms due west. and soon it was time to pack up and ¥A morning of tours “behind the Deal Island is the largest in the Kent return to Hobart, a privilege to spend scenes”, slide shows etc with the Group of 1,575 hectares, consisting of time on another of Tassie’s hidden Ranger staff rugged granite cliffs rising up to 300 jewels. ¥ BYO lunch metres above sea level, with the David and Trauti Reynolds WILDTIMES June 2001 WILDTIMES 13 June 2001 Rehabilitation work at Lake St Clair their roots which had become exposed due to erosion. In 1937 Lake St Clair was dammed ¥Laying of jute matting — this Rehabilitation at this site will be by the Hydro Electric Commission matting traps seeds and organic regularly monitored. To assist the (HEC) and the lake level was raised matter, and reduces the effects of rehabilitation process, please do not by about 3m. Higher water levels frost heave (frost heave is the walk on the rehabilitation area. caused considerable erosion and movement of soil and rock caused degradation to the lake shore. by the formation of ice crystals) Help needed! Under the 1999 Tasmanian Wilderness ¥ Spreading of fertiliser — to Further rehabilitation works are World Heritage Area Management encourage the growth of moss to planned for the Frankland Beaches on Plan,a Water Management Strategy provide an organic layer to protect the southern side of Lake St Clair. has been implemented to minimise bare areas If you are interested in assisting in these ongoing impacts on the lake ¥Laying of tea tree slash — the tea future rehabilitation programs at Lake shore. The HEC has agreed to modify tree is a source of organic matter St Clair, contact the Lake St Clair staff. their operating rules to maintain the and local seed. The slash also lake at lower levels. This will allow provides protection from frost heave natural revegetation to occur and and wind, and from browsing by reduce erosion. animals. The slash was threaded Rehabilitation works on the Lake St into the jute matting so that it will Clair shoreline have recently been stay in place in strong winds, or if carried out by PWS staff and the area becomes inundated by high WILDCARE volunteers. Works have water levels. targetted Narcissus Bay which is one ¥ Placing of coir logs — these rolls of of the most severely eroded areas. coconut matting were positioned Works undertaken have included: around eucalypt trees to protect

Nine days in the bush: rehabilitation. The main objective of the project was rehabilitation of the Gell River to provide drainage and assist the natural rehabilitation process. At each airstrips airstrip, drains were constructed across the width of the strips and In the early 1970’s, Charles bombardier track had become through the peat mounds. This slowed Johnson bulldozed his way from overgrown but we were able to follow water flow down the airstrips and got Butlers Gorge to the Denison River it to the Denison River, beneath the the water off the airstrips. Equipped beneath the Prince of Wales Range. Prince of Wales Range. The airstrips only with hand tools, it took up to a In a flurry of gold mining showed little signs of any revegetation day to dig through the peat mounds exploration fever, Johnson having taken place. which were over 1.5 metres high and 6 constructed two airstrips en route In March 2001 I returned to the metres wide. Drains were also dug and left a trail of equipment and airstrips, this time by helicopter. through the bedrock across the rubbish including a bulldozer, a Michael Comfort (Rehabilitation airstrips, and windrowed peat was wooden caravan, and drums of fuel. Officer) and I organised a National replaced onto the airstrips. Tea tree Johnson abandoned the area in Heritage Trust funded rehabilitation slash was laid over the sites to provide 1974 and the airstrips were project using Parks and Wildlife staff, a source for seed and organic matter, apparently never used. Green Corps trainees, and volunteers. and to slow the movement of water. In 1978 public awareness of the Personnel (seven at one airstrip and 500 kg of fertiliser was hand airstrips was raised. Helen Gee, who six at the other), food, hand tools, broadcast over the two airstrips. had been previously aware of a equipment, water supplies and The project provided a unique prospecting license held in the area, fertiliser were all flown in by experience for the Green Corps reported in the Tasmanian Wilderness helicopter for this nine day project. trainees, working and living in a Society Journal No.8: No rehabilitation works had been remote location. Weather conditions “We let Charles Victor Johnson carried out on the airstrips, which ranged from scorching sun to rain and unlawfully bulldoze and squalor his continued to actively erode. When the heavy hailstorms. However the way 23 kilometres across Crown Land airstrips were constructed, the peat trainees were heard to ask the pilot on into the South-West from Butlers soil and vegetation had been the helicopter flight out if they could Gorge to the Gell River from where he windrowed into mounds on either fly straight back in for another nine hacked a track right to the Denison side. With gradients up to 15 degrees days. River, under the Prince of Wales the airstrips became major Annette Dean Range”. watercourses during rain. This, Ranger I first visited the area in 1987 to access combined with the compaction of the Parks and Wildlife Service the Prince of Wales Range. The airstrips, had prevented natural Lake St Clair 14

is about interdependence, where the WILDCARE at the Botanic Gardens strengths of each party builds a robust National Congress 2001 relationship capable of extending outcomes beyond what could be achieved by either party in isolation. The following is a copy of the paper telling people what we do and why we Partnership is not about getting a presented of at the National Botanic are important from our perspective, cheap volunteer workforce to do what Gardens Congress 2001 by Andrew trying to convince the public that what the organisation thinks ought to be Smith Manager of Community we were doing was right.We have the done, although committed volunteers Partnerships, Resource answer, we just need your support. A are an outcome of good social Management and Conservation, lot of people believed us, but a lot investment. Partnerships are about Department of Primary Industries didn’t and the support was recognising community participation Water and Environment. Andrew is inconsistent. We then moved to as part of our business, of the way we also Chairperson of WILDCARE stakeholder consultation in the hope work because then the community Inc. The paper was entitled that the community would decide for will see us as part of their business and “Building social capital to protect themselves to support what we had their way of life. Building strong your natural capital” decided to do. This usually included a partnerships with the community few options for discussion, but We spend a lot of time making sure creates great institutional strength. It basically to disagree required a the financial books balance, and trying is no accident that the strongest and process of complaint and defence, to increase the economic capital of our best respected botanic gardens for where the organisation still had the organisation, through things like example have the largest and most ultimate say. This form of relationship government allocations, entry fees, committed Friends groups. The with the community generated a sponsorship and grants. Without this community knows what is being done network of independent lobby groups effort obviously we would not be able is good and right because they helped as the only effective way for special to operate. create it and they continue to interests to engage with the We also spend a great deal of effort participate in it. We know that what consultation process. Consultation caring for and managing our natural we are doing is good and proper and lobbying is still seen by many assets, protecting them and improving because we listened to what others organisations as the best form of them where we can. This investment had to say about what was needed, community interaction and many in our natural capital is essential responded to our partners, and reaped community organisations and otherwise we have no purpose for the benefits of co-operation in the networks see this as a primary method existence. It is after all our core joint implementation of our shared for “having a say” and influencing business. decisions. government direction. However, it To what extent do we recognise the does little to build social capital in So what do we need to importance of the social context in support of the organisation. In fact it which we work? How much do we could be seen as more successful in have to be able to develop invest into our social capital? building social capital within a partnership? Various models for sustainability community against the organisation. A shared goal. If there is an overlap recognise the important contribution Then came the concept of partnership, of interest there is a possibility of that economy, ecology and society working together to identify goals, developing a partnership. play. A three legged stool that cannot needs and possible solutions, working A level of trust. Often this will stand up with one of the legs missing. together to implement solutions in develop and grow as a consequence of How do we go about ensuring that the pursuit of shared objectives, for working in partnership, but a basic social leg is there when it comes to mutual benefit with mutual support. level of trust has to exist at the sustaining our organisations? Partnerships generate a high level of beginning. There are a number of levels for trust and co-operation, utilising the A mutual benefit. This is likely to be investment representing various skills and motivation of each partner quite different for each party, but there efforts to involve the community, with as appropriate. Partnership is not must be a benefit for everyone differing quality of outcome. In the about dependence or independence, it involved. past, and for some of our grander organisations still, it was seen as Willingness to work together. Not sufficient to provide information to everyone wants to work co- the public as and when the operatively. Sometimes the trust is not organisation felt it appropriate. This high enough. Sometimes the goal created a them and us, and generated isn’t really a shared one. Sometimes a very little community ownership. group or organisation, such as a There was also a great deal of distrust special interest lobby group, will not generated as decisions were seen to be see partnership as a desirable made behind closed doors. The relationship, as their independence community was also dependent on underpins their philosophy and those organisations making the right method of operation. We cannot decisions on their behalf. It then develop partnerships with others who moved to trying to generate support do not want to work with us. for what we do, but still essentially If all of these things exist a strong WILDTIMES June 2001 WILDTIMES 15 June 2001 productive and beneficial partnership is possible. And the more we work together, the better we understand each other, the better friends we become and the more friends we have. Those that share a little, through involvement as partners, will be able to share much more over time. There are a number of programs that have been built on this philosophy of partnership. Landcare was one of the first, and with 4500 groups around Australia is one of the largest community networks in Australia. It was interesting though, that at the International Landcare Conference last year, the principle of partnership and interdependence had to be restated, as it was being lost as landcare groups began talking about being independent organisations in the face of decreased financial support from the Commonwealth government. The Landcare network was built on the principle of interdependency between government and community. No one sector can go it alone. Today I want to use another particularly successful partnership as demonstration of the benefits of Members are involved in assessing awards. The Parks and Wildlife Service providing an opportunity for needs, developing workplans with offers a discount on Annual Park government and community to work staff, and work alongside staff to Passes. Some volunteers also receive co-operatively. implement the plans. personal gear such as high visibility vests. Individual volunteers and Wildcare was established in 1997 by Mentoring and partnership on the groups are acknowledged in articles the then Parks and Wildlife Service as ground by staff, in other words there in the Newsletter WILDTIMES. a volunteer program and was then is a direct relationship between incorporated as a community group in individual staff and individual Invitation to participate without 1998. It was deliberately designed as a volunteers. obligation — volunteers register their interdependent partner organisation. All projects are real projects, interests on the membership form and are direct-mailed when their type of (See elsewhere in WILDTIMES for delivering real results funded with rundown of membership numbers etc). real money. work comes up. They then choose Training is provided for both staff whether or not to be involved. While Why has WILDCARE been and volunteers, usually at the same there is an opportunity to participate such a successful time. This includes relationship there is no compulsion to do so. partnership? What training, such as team building and Minimal beaurocracy — for Facilitation skills but also skills example the project funding investments have been training such as Whale First Aid and applications made to the Board of made by the partners? rescue, trackwork techniques, Management are just two pages long A joint Board of Management — environmental education techniques, The Board is made up of elected plant conservation techniques, plant Presidents of Community Action in propagation, chainsaw and brushcutter Reserves groups, a Treasurer and Vice operation and so on. • Shared goals Chairperson elected at the AGM, a Links with other organisations — Chairperson nominated by the these are horizontal partnerships with Department (under the Constitution like-minded community organisations • Mutual trust this is tied to the position of Manager such as the Friends of the RTBG, of Community Partnerships) and a Landcare groups, Coastcare groups, • Mutual benefit Secretary nominated by the the Australian Trust for Conservation Department. The Board has a total of Volunteers, and so on. • Willingness to 16 members at the moment. Recognition and rewards for its The Annual Conference,involving members. Members are recognised in work together members and staff, sets the directions a variety of ways from the sausage and priorities for the coming year. sizzle through to Volunteer of the Year 16

Conservation and works in demonstrates a supportive and partnership with the Royal Tasmanian committed community, and one that is Joint decisions Botanical Gardens. Once again this willing to work alongside the has primarily operated as a volunteer Department to achieve nature Ð Board of Management callup register, but under a proposed conservation, cultural heritage and adopt a species network local groups Ð Annual Conference Reserve management goals. Many of will work directly with nature these goals have been developed conservation branch to identify, through the partnership. At the recent Ð Works planning monitor and protect orchid species in Wildcare conference the Secretary of the wild. Members have also been Organisational support the Department Kim Evans working alongside the Friends of the recognised WILDCARE as the ideal Mentoring on the ground RTBG on a project to propagate and plant Euc. Viminalis for forty sptted partner organisation, and the primary pardalote habitat. partner for the Department in its Training for volunteers responsibilities of nature and staff Heritage Care, (cultural heritage) has conservation, cultural heritage 551members registered, with two Links to other historic site support groups. conservation and reserve management. The members are an organizations And Wildcare Office that has 350 absolute joy to work with and have members registered. A team of already made a huge difference Recognition and reward volunteers runs the office including maintaining the member database without tapping even a fraction of Minimal Bureaucracy with other members being involved in their potential. Its nice to know that assisting with newsletter production, what we believe in is the same things mailouts and event organisation. as a whole lot of people “out there” do (See elsewhere in WILDTIMES for and that there is a great passion and and involve six questions. projects undertaken over the last year). willingness to work together to make a While many of the projects are funded The DPIWE, our parent department difference. as part of PWS, Nature Conservation recognises the importance of Andrew Smith or Cultural Heritage operations, partnership with community and Manager Community Partnerships WILDCARE inc also provides funds specifically identifies WILDCARE as Resource Management and to support projects that cannot be one of the important partners for us to Conservation Division funded through normal channels. work with within its Corporate Plan. Department of Primary Industries A great deal of thought is put into The social capital it has developed Water and Environment making the organisation an exciting, interesting and productive experience for members and staff. Earth Alive! Biodiversity Month and How does it all work? Wildcare has 4 Branches. National Threatened Species Day — The Community Action in Reserves how can you get involved? Branch has 1210 members registered, and includes the Friends of groups and Earth Alive! Biodiversity Month and shop Biodiversity Month/National Adopt a Track groups mentioned National Threatened Species Day Threatened Species Day Registration earlier. This branch has the most 2001 are on again in September. Kit. The Kit includes a product order collaborative approach to working Registration kits are available now. form, which enables groups taking with community with the CARes and This year, Biodiversity Month is being part to access a broad range of free adopt a track groups developing organised with National Threatened forward works programs based on education and promotional materials. Species Day, held every year on 7 discussions between the rangers and To receive a copy of the Kit or for September to mark the date in 1936 volunteers. more information contact the that the last know Tasmanian Tiger Nature Care which has 2031 Community Biodiversity Network. died. It aims to raise awareness about members registered. To date this has Ph: 02 9262 4743, Email: Australia’s threatened species and been on a volunteer call-up basis but encourage all Australians to get [email protected]. For more there are now Whale rescue first involved in their conservation. information about National response groups being formed in Threatened Species Day, contact the stranding hotspots. Earth Alive! Biodiversity Month this year will be encouraging the Threatened Species Network on 1800 The Botanical Guardians sub branch 251 573. has 910 members registered community to get their ‘Hands on for specifically for plant conservation Habitat’ and create a garden haven for Groups can also register events and activities. The Botanical Guardians wildlife. order products on-line through the sub branch is also the Tasmanian The Community Biodiversity Biodiversity Month web site at: community regional network for the Network and the Threatened Species www.cbn.org.au/projects/earthalive20 Australian Network for Plant Network have developed a one-stop- 01/home.html WILDTIMES June 2001 WILDTIMES 17 June 2001 Lillico Beach Conservation Area, next breeding season and for as long as it takes to stamp out poaching. It is Short-tailed shearwater poaching vital we protect such a wonderful eco-tourism attraction intact. During April Short-tailed It is pleasing that protection can be The Portuguese Ambassador to Shearwater poachers were detected given to the Shearwaters at Lillico Australia, Mr Zozimo da Silva visited at several locations around the state Beach CA so that the 51000 or so the Lillico Beach Conservation Area such as the Lillico Beach overseas and interstate tourists each recently and was impressed that we Conservation Area and Robbins year can see them shearing through have such a unique attraction so close Island. the air and down to and almost to Devonport. He had seen Penguins Constable Steve Orme of Tasmania touching the surface of the sea as they in another country where some birds Police is to be commended for the return to the colony each evening to were kept in boxes so visitors could prompt assistance he and another feed their chicks. This additional see them. officer provided at Lillico Beach monitoring for poachers will continue Barry C. Hebbard Conservation Area when the volunteers detected poachers there. Thanks also to the assistance of Parks and Wildlife Service rangers on two Wildcare is everywhere! occasions. Sporting their The Friends of the Lillico Penguins (some members are also members of WILDCARE caps sent Wildcare and registered for Lillico by a friend all the way Beach CA) extended their coverage there this year for a further month to from Tasmania are assist in catching Shearwater Kyle (14) and Ryan (11) poachers. Members detected poaching on two occasions and promptly called Beasley from Coventry in Parks and Wildlife Service rangers in England. and the police.

A CALL TO ARMS

As some of you may be aware, the future, will carry out the review. Department of Primary Industries Water The Community Partnerships Section and its and Environment recently underwent a staff provide significant support to significant reorganisation as a result of WILDCARE, with this co-operation and funding initiatives announced in the 2001 partnership being a key to our success to date. Tasmanian Budget. I urge all WILDCARE groups to participate Of particular relevance to WILDCARE in the review by either making written members was a suggestion that the submissions or personal representations to Community Partnerships Section should be the consultant. If we don’t have a say in this disbanded, with the majority of staff being re- extremely important review, then we can allocated to other Divisions. hardly complain if the outcome doesn’t suit As a result of initial reaction to this proposal, our expectations. the Secretary has agreed to the alternative of People who wish to make submissions are a review of the Community Partnerships encouraged to advise either the Chairman or Section to determine the most effective me so that we have a consolidated list of structure for its continued operation. participants to present to the consultant. An external and independent consultant, who Richard Hammond is expected to be announced in the near Vice-Chairman 18 Foxes in Tasmania? — A grave threat to our wildlife

The European red fox (Vulpes The Tasmanian vulpes) was introduced to mainland pademelon and Australia as early as 1830. Since Tasmanian bettong, both that time the fox has inflicted of which thrive in enormous impacts on the native Tasmania, are now wildlife of Australia, being extinct on the mainland implicated in the extinction of many because of the fox. The native animals. Indeed, Australia’s mainland eastern barred apalling record of mammal bandicoot has been extinctions in the last 200 years — reduced to a mere 200 the worst in the world — is in no surviving individuals small part due to the fox. because of the fox. The Despite a number of sightings of young of unique species escaped foxes in Tasmania over the such as the Tasmanian past 30 years, including the recent, devil, spotted tail quoll that are left of rabies. Should rabies ever be well-publicised case of a fox which unattended in dens are highly introduced into Australia, foxes would slipped off a container ship in Burnie vulnerable to fox predation. likely be the main agent of its spread. in May 1998, there is no evidence that More widespread species like ducks, The Fox has Ravaged the Australian the fox has become established in shorebirds, ground nesting birds, blue Mainland’s Wildlife Tasmania. However, the history of tongue lizards, mountain dragons, The European Red Fox is recognised reported escapes in Tasmania, and the skinks and frogs are all highly at risk. nationally as the single most recent sightings in the Longford area, Even animals such as the little devastating introduced pest and threat raise serious concerns that the penguin and platypus are at risk. to Australia’s native land animals. It mechanisms in place to prevent the Additionally, foxes are carriers of has been listed as a National Threat on establishment of the fox in this State disease and spread environmental the Commonwealth Endangered are inadequate. weeds. Species Protection Act 1992. The Potential Threat to Tasmania’s A national research and management Wildlife effort is underway to investigate and The fox represents the single most trial biological and other forms of devastating threat to Tasmania’s native eradication. To date, there is no mammals and birds. This island State evidence that control measures have is recognised as a national and met with success in limiting the international fauna haven due to the distribution or abundance of the fox. lack of foxes, but should the species Introduced to mainland Australia in become established here all of the 1870’s, it is now widespread Tasmania’s native land animals would across every State except the tropical be at risk. far north and Tasmania. Threatened and high conservation Australia’s wildlife has not evolved in significance species at risk would the presence of foxes, and therefore include: lacks adequate adaptations to cope ¥ eastern barred bandicoot with the predatory prowess of the fox. ¥Tasmanian bettong In Victoria, for example, the fox has established itself in all terrestrial ¥ long nosed potoroo The potential threat to environments from inner urban areas ¥ eastern quoll Tasmania’s Agricultural to alpine heaths, rainforests to coastal ¥ southern brown bandicoot Industry heaths and mallee. It is known to have ¥ long tailed mouse Domestic poultry, sheep and lambs are caused the extinction of six mammals ¥velvet furred rat targeted by foxes. Foxes can also carry and is currently causing the near extinction of the: ¥New Holland mouse diseases which impact upon both ¥ hooded plover native wildlife and domestic stock. ¥ eastern barred bandicoot ¥ little tern They are known carriers of distemper, ¥ long footed potoroo ¥fairy tern parvovirus, canine hepatitus, heart ¥broad toothed rat ¥ground parrot worm, hydatids and sarcoptic mange. ¥New Holland mouse ¥ground thrush Indeed, it is believed that the ¥ mountain pygmy possum ¥ painted button quail individual fox which escaped from a ¥brushtailed rock wallaby ¥great crested grebe container ship in Burnie in May 1998 ¥broad-shelled tortoise ¥green and gold bell frog had a 12% chance of carrying heart ¥ malleefowl ¥ tussock skink worm. ¥ hooded plover ¥glossy grass skink. In Europe, the fox is the main carrier ¥ little tern. WILDTIMES June 2001 WILDTIMES 19 June 2001 Minimal Impact Bushwalking Phytophthora procedures The root rot fungus Phytophthora Minimal impact techniques are you can collect off the track! cinnamomi is present in Tasmania. used to reduce the effects that This microscopic fungus is people have on the environment. Stay on track transmitted in mud and soil and can Minimal impact bushwalking For your own safety and the kill native plants. To help stop the (MIB) allows walkers to enjoy their environment’s sake, please stick to the spread of Phytophthora make sure natural surroundings without formed track. If the track is braided or you start the walk with clean gear causing too much environmental degradation. It’s all about walking wide stay in the middle of the track. If including boots, tent pegs, gaiters and softly!

The use of fuel stoves Campfires cause unsightly scars on the landscape. Burning and collecting wood can destroy homes for small plants and animals. Escaped campfires can lead to disastrous bushfires. For these reasons the entire Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and some other areas in Tasmania have been declared Fuel Stove Only Areas, this means there is no track, fan out and do not tent floor. campfires are not follow in each other’s footsteps. Never Make sure you use washdown stations permitted and fines create a track with tape or cairns. This when they are provided on track. At apply. When using a fuel stove take is illegal and fines apply. When the end of your walk wash down all care to place your stove and any hot walking on beaches, please be aware equipment. pots on hard surfaces. Some that you are sharing the beach with vegetation does not easily recover shore-nesting birds. Walk below the Toilets in the bush from the heat of stoves and pots. high-tide mark. If a toilet exists please use it! This will Pack it in — pack it out! Campsite etiquette help reduce the risk of giardi, which can cause an intestinal illness. If there Pitch your tent on an established site Take all of your rubbish out with you! is no toilet then walk 100m away from rather than creating a new one. If Why? Littering spoils the experience water and the track, dig a 15-cm hole raised tent platforms or huts exist for others. Most rubbish won’t and bury your waste and the toilet decompose and causes pollution. please use them. Once camp is paper as well. Animals may try to eat your rubbish; established minimise your movements. Collect your water once this can seriously harm them. Rubbish Party size includes food scraps, twisty ties, for the evening rather than making sanitary pads and tampons, condoms, repeat trips. A large water carrier like The Parks and Wildlife Service and any other bushwalkers’ garbage an old wine bladder is great for this. recommends varying party size restrictions for different walks. If you plan on walking in a group larger than 6 contact the Parks and Wildlife Service for further information. The above information is available as a PDF File (268 Kb) for download and printing. 20 Thankyou! WILDCARE wishes to thank the following sponsors for their support of the WILDCARE Fund Gold Sponsors ($10,000 plus) Category 2 sponsors ($5000–$9999) Environment Australia Category 3 sponsors ($1000–$4999) ¥ Malcolm Murchison ¥ Dept. Premier and Cabinet ¥ Brighton Council ¥ Resource Management & Conservation And the following WILDCARE member-discount sponsors Parks and Wildlife Service Ð $20 discount on Annual Park Pass Snowgum equipment Ð 10% discount Par Avion Wilderness Flights Ð 10% discount Eaglehawk Neck Backpackers Ð $2 discount per night Moonpads Ð 5% discount The Possum Shed, Westerway Ð 10% discount on all gifts (To claim your discount, simply present your WILDCARE member card.) We are looking for other sponsors, both for the WILDCARE Fund and as discounters. Know someone who you think might be interested? Why not have a chat to them and suggest they contact Andrew Smith at Community Partnerships Section for more details (Ph 6233 2836 — GPO Box 44a Hobart 7001).

Tasmanian Trail Guidebook Ð Tasmanian Trail This essential guide will give walkers, bicyclists and Fascinating snippets of information on the natural and horse riders all the information needed to travel all or cultural features you will discover along the trail are part of the unique Tasmanian Trail. liberally spread throughout the book. Detailed trail notes cover each stage of the journey, If you are contemplating a full traverse of the state or providing concise directions and information on access, just a day trip, this book is a must. campsites and facilities. Distances are given for trips Recommended Retail Price: $22.00. Order through the in either direction, while each stage is supplemented WILDCARE Office, GPO Box 44A Hobart 7001. Please with detailed maps. make cheques payable to The Tasmanian Trail Association. Planning, safety and environmental issues are all thoroughly covered. ISBN 9 318923 009651 Graphic Plus 1575

WILDTIMES June 2001