New ANPC executive officer Launch of woodland and grassland report NPA BULLETIN Volume 28 number 2 June 1991

CONTENTS

New ANPC executive officer 4 National Parks or 'national' parks 5 Parkwatch 6 Snakes in the ACT region 7 Woodland and grassland report 9 Cover Huts and rivers 18 Photo: Chris Bellamy Cradle Mountain 20 Ski touring near Dunn's Hill, south of Kiandra, in Playing possum 22 Kosciusko National Park.

National Parks Association (ACT) Subscription rates (1 July - 30 June) Incorporated Household members $20 Single members $15 Corporate members $10 Bulletin only $10 Inaugurated 1960 Concession: half above rates For new subscriptions joining between: Aims and objects of the Association • T'loniutiun uC national parks and of measures for the 1 January and 31 March - half specified rate protriliun <>| fauna and (lota, scnierv and natural features 1 April and 30 June - annual subscription m the Aust ral inn I 'apital TOTI tory and elsewhere, and the Membership enquiries welcome reservation of specific areas. Please phone Laraine Frawley at the NPA office. • [nteivst m the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation arras. The NPA (ACT) office is located in Kingsley Street. • Stimulation (if interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment Acton. Office hours are: of, such nadir-ill phenomena by organised field outings, 10am to 2pm Mondays meeting or any other means. 9am to 2pm Tuesdays and Thursdays • Co-operation with organisations nnd persons having similar interests and objectives. Telephone: (06) 257 1063 • Promotion of, and education for, nature conservation, and Address: GPO Box -157 Canberra 2601. the planning of land-use to achieve conservation. Contribute to your Bulletin Office-bearers and Committee Contributions of articles (news, description or fiction), President l.es Pyke 281 29S2(hj black-and-white photographs and line drawings are Vice-President keenly sought for the Bulletin. Please label photo­ Beverlev i larnmond 288 6577(h); 258 1877(w) graphs with the name of the subject, the name of the Immediate Past President Syd Comfort 286 2578(h) photographer and the date. Leave contributions at the Secretary Adrirmnc Nicholson 2S1 6381(h); office or phone the editor, Roger Green, on 2S<) 6<):;s(\vi (06) 247 0059. The editorial fax is (06) 2-19 7373. Treasurer Mike Smith 286 29S-K1V); 2-18 362-Kwi Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect Sub-committe convenors Associatioii opinion or objectives. Co -Convener Environment Tim Walsh 285 1112(h); 27-1 l-165(w) Deadline for September issue: 1 August, 1990. ('(>•( 'unrcner Environment Len (Vo^l'ield 211 2S97

President's foreword Spending your capital Many people in these financially stringent times know the implica­ tions of spending one's capital on consumption—dip into capital now and reduce your future income. Such an implication is personal and close therefore usually under­ stood. But on a vastly broader scale around us there is a capital wasting scenario not so obvious to the average person but of immense significance. I once heard an expert say that Australia had lost one-third of its topsoil since European settlement. We can focus on this as it becomes obvious to our very eyes. Gullies of soil erosion, dust storms over our cities, heavy sedimentation in rivers, and salination of soils tell their visible story. But subtler are the implications for biological diversity. Recent material from the World Wide Fund for Nature illustrates the point. The wealth of life on earth and the genes it contains are the end result of some 4 billion years of evolution. It is however only in rel­ atively recent times what we have been gaining knowledge of our gene banks, yet comtemporane- ously an exploding world popula­ tion is eroding those banks at an increasing rate. The Fund mate­ rial suggests that thousands of biologists over several centuries have described fewer than 5 per cent of the world's species. Yet Pioneer members Fiona Brand and Robert Story with President Les Pyke according to some sources 15 to 20 per cent of all species on earth at the Namadgi Visitor Centre in front of the display board and album may disappear by the year 2000. which feature communty involvement in the establishment and mainte­ 'So what!', many might say. nance of Namadgi National Park. Fiona and Robert were part of the team that put together the NPA proposal for the dedication of a national park The material is riddled with in the ACT. The album features pages on the NPA proposal and projects examples of how vital it is to that have been undertaken by the Association. Photo: Reg Alder. retain our banks of species and genes. It is more than a matter of are spread throughout the world erable economic gain. Some of our moral persuasion and preaching to main crops such as barley, millet, the panting pursuers of the short- away from their wild sources. Thus sorghum, rice and wheat have wild term fast buck, it is also very the critical importance of banks of much an economic matter of genetic material. relatives which can grow well in acquiring more dollars in the In California wild brambles pro­ salty conditions. This may open up longer term. Wild species are the vide a reservoir for wasps which possibilities for growing newly sources for new domesticates and control a major grape pest. A wild bred crops in salty soils such as those areas affected by salinity for improvements to domesticates, tomato collected in Peru was bred from past farming practices. and wild enemies of pests help with commercial stock resulting in Already a garden beet and toma­ control them in their attacks on improvements in the sugar content domesticated crops. Domesticates toes have been developed which of commercial tomatoes—to consid­ continued on page 4 President's foreword From the new ANPC continued from page 3 will grow in 70 to 75 per cent sea executive officer w aler. The Australian National Parks (.'loser to home in the health Council has recently appointed me area the World Wide Fund mate­ to the position of executive officer. rial describes the history of the I am delighted to take up this job modern aspirin compound. It and hope to get to know (if only started in the 19th century when over the telephone!) as many pain kiHer compounds were pro­ Councillors and members of duced from white willow and mea­ National Parks Associations as dowsweet. In another direction the possible. This is a new part-time rosy peri winkle, a plant from position working out of the NPA Madagascar, yielded vincristine 'ACT) office which the Association and vinblastine which with other in Canberra has kindly allowed us treatments increased the long- to use. term complete re mission chances The ANPC, as some readers may of children stricken with leukemia he aware, is the umbrella body for from 20 Lo 8U per cent. Several all State and Territory NPA's. It species of snail and the American functions as a coordinating body, bison are among the very few ani­ facilitating communication and mals which do not contract cancer. activities between member organi­ Therefore an understanding of sations and the Council. My job their defence mechanisms would will be to maintain and, indeed, seem to be very important, and increase that contact and to pro­ thanks to those who managed to vide assistance where possible to just save the bison from State and Territory NPA's when ext inction. Anne Forsythe dealing with issues of national executive officer ANPC Some, under pressure Lo exploit interest. natural resources to the full in the 1 look forward to talking to rep­ short-term, might ask how do we resentatives of NPA's and becom­ Association and the Council can know what will be discovered in ing informed about matters of get together to be more effective in the future from the bank of genes. concern to each Association, partic­ achieving our common goals. In short what is the trade-off. ularly ones which go beyond State My address is: Australian Well, we had better take the boundaries. I hope soon to be in National Parks Council, GPO gamble. The World Wide Fund touch with Councillors and NPA Box 2227, ACT 2(301. Telephone: mat*'rial states that as a rough members throughout Australia. (06) 257 1063. rule of thumb disease resistance Please ring me or write if you have has to be reintroduced in commer­ any ideas about how your Anne Forsythe cial crops every 5 Lo 15 years, because within this time-scale the posts and pathogens evolve ways around a plant's defences and can reinvade. Rut will the necessary wild stocks always be available? Heritage Week According to one conservative esti­ mate by the year 2050 up to 60 The ACT Heritage Week was held the well known rural broadcaster. 000 plant species will have become from 20 to 28 April, involving over The field day was a bus tour to extinct or threatened. 40 ACT community and govern­ project sites in the ACT and Yass ment groups. region. Seminar discussions were National parks are gene banks The week was full of activities on varying perspectives of The and thus have a crucial role. A bio­ designed to make people of all National perspective for ecologi­ chemist tnId me Lhat to ensure ages and interests aware of our cally sustainable development. essential gene movements we need local heritage. Other highlights included corridors between the areas of guided tours of local heritage sites, preservation. So we are entering The theme for Heritage Week an era of sophisticated manage­ 1991 was Save the bush, high­ urban walks through Canberra's ment if the human species is to lighted by a seminar and field day parks, an.d hush walks through the survive at present comfort levels. on Why save the bush on farms. vast native surrounds of the ACT. The seminar was opened by The Hon. , MP, and Nei Les Pyke Ros Kelly Neil Inall MEETINGS

National Parks or 'national' parks

Throughout the world the term we already have a number of areas Other countries have national national park is used to denote which have been designated under parks within federal systems. areas with a wide range of protec­ international conventions. The Considering the way our federal tion and management regimes. Ramsar convention on wetlands, systems operate in the area of When we use the label national which seeks to protect habitat for land management, however, Dr park in Australia what do we migratory birds, and the Biosphere Bridgewater saw the role of the mean? Do our national parks con­ reserve designation for core areas Australian National Parks and form to national or international of vital natural habitat within Wildlife Service, not primarily as guidelines? At the April general reserved areas, have both been a land manager, but as involving meeting Dr Peter Bridgewater, the applied within • Australia. • facilitation director of the Australian National Unfortunately comprehensive sys­ Parks and Wildlife Service, tack­ tems of reserves even under these • funding assistance led these questions and other limited categories have not yet • identification of key areas and ambiguities and shortcomings in been achieved. Not all State gov­ key networks of parks our current systems of national ernments are equally interested in • assistance to the States in the parks. applying international" conventions management of parks Although our current parks may in their ' land management practices. • maintaining the integrity and have been established for a quality of parks. number of reasons, there is now To emphasise the inconsistencies an increasing emphasis on the con­ in our approach to reservation of Although NPA ACT activities servation of flora and fauna as the natural areas, Dr Bridgewater and lobbying are normally con­ highest priority in the dedication mentioned that there are some 45 fined to parks and problems in our and management of national different designations in current local area, it is essential that we parks. Parks are seen as reser­ use across Australia. There has are able to relate these activities voirs of genetic diversity and not been a strategic approach, to a national and international maintenance of diversity in either at state or federal level, to context. Dr Bridgewater has pro­ national parks is now increasingly the identification and dedication of vided us with both current knowl­ important. Should Australia have national parks. Dr Bridgewater edge and a forward vision for a national system of reservoirs to outlined a set of guidelines to national parks in Australia. Both meet these objectives? Where achieve a single system of inte­ these aspects will enable NPA to should these reserves be sited? grated reserves in Australia, contribute more effectively to How large should they be? by including the very important area national park and National Park whom and how should they be of marine reserves. This class of activities across Australia. managed? reserve has been largely neglected Dr Bridgewater pointed out that in our current park systems. Neville Esau 1991 Fenner Conference The theme of the 1991 Fenner Australian Committee of The habits and species, in particular Environment Conference is World Conservation Union, with through the national, integrated 'Protection of marine and estua- the assistance of the Australian and representaive system and rine protected areas—a.challenge National Parks and Wildlife estuarine protected areas. for Australians'. It is the first Service. To boost the momentum in the national conference to bring The aims of the conference are: establishment and management together specialists and concerned • To provide a national forum for of marine and estuarine natural individuals and groups from government, non-government, heritage and its conservation around Australia and the commercial and community needs. Australasian region whose inter­ interests to undertake a strate­ For further information contact: est is the protection and manage­ gic review of marine and estua­ Ms Tracey Walters, ment of marine and estuarine rine protection and management Conference coordinator environments. in Australia. Australian National Parks The conference, which will be • To formulate strategies for the and Wildlife Service run in Canberra from 9 to 11 conservation and protection of Phone: (06) 250 0353 October, is the initiative of the Australian marine and estuarine Facsimile: (06) 250 0399. PARKWATCH

World Heritage Area Planning Government threat to Nattai Assessment Team The NSW Minister for the GPO Box 44A Hobart 7001 Iluka koalas Environment Mr Tim Moore The NSW Minister for Lands, Mr advises that the Director of Parks ph; (002) 302 639 or (002) 306 552. Gary West, has announced a con­ and Wildlife has almost completed struction project on the north his formal assessment of the coast to make way for playing Nattai Wilderness nomination and $80 'bite' for dogs in fields and a retirement village. that he expects to he in a position parks The NPA of NSW believes that the to discuss his recommendations Wimmera magistrate Tim project will involve clearing one of with his cabinet colleagues the last remaining habitats for shortly. The Director has also been Mcdonald fined a Warrnambool man in Stawell Court $150 on koalas. The forested land is a long­ asked to review options for protect­ standing proposal by the NSW ing the area, including the feasibil­ each charge of having brought a dog into a national park and for NPWS for addition to the World ity of establishing a National Heritage Iluka Nature Reserve Park. having allowed the dog to remain in the park. The man had three and is supported by the NPA The existence of coal deposits dogs near Jimmy's Creek camping because it will enhance the future within the area of the proposed ground in the Grampians National of the largest single stand of litto­ park—albeit probably sub- Park in September last year. He ral rainforest in NSW. marginal particularly in the said he saw the sign that did not present depressed coal market— National Parks Journal, permit dogs in the park but he did March-April 1991 has been cited as the reason for not take any notice. delaying a decision. Department of Conservation and Jet ski ban The Colong Bulletin, Environment operations area March 1991 Jet skis may he banned from NSW supervisor at Stawell, Steve waters unless the water behaviour Munday, has warned that people of the skiers improves and noise Sanctions to save who take dogs into national parks emissions are reduced. The Fraser Island would now receive an infringe­ Maritime Services Board said that ment notice which meant an $80 it will be policing the behaviour of The Fraser Island Defender's on-the-spot fine for each charge. Organisation (T'TDOj is coordinat­ jetskiers along the entire NSW ing a national campaign of eco­ Wimmera Mail Times, coastline and will be asking manu­ nomic sanctions to persuade 1811191 facturers to improve emissions companies to withdraw fr o m from their skis. Most complaints Fraser Island. FIDO will be work­ Wyrrabalong from the public have concerned ing in cooperation with a number dangerous riding practices by irre­ of other conservation groups to proposal sponsible skiers who insist on deveIop ways of" promoting and Wyrrabalong was the only park 'buzzing' swimmers and other implementing an effective consu­ promised by the Greiner water users. There have also been mer boycott. Companies that will Government at the last election a number of serious injuries to come in for attention include and after some 35 years since it swimmers recently as a result of Bora I, Pivot and Hvne and Son. was first proposed, Wyrrabalong this behaviour. Noise levels from National Park will soon become a these craft are considerably higher The Colong Bulletin. reality. than for other motorised recrea­ March 1991 There are two sections to this tional craft due to the exhaust proposed Park. The southern sec­ being discharged into the air Your chance to tion covers the coastline in the rather than the water. Forresters Beach—Bateau Bay comment These craft are an increasing area, north of Gosford, and will The Tasmanian Department of problem in Jervis Bay, the tran­ Parks. Wildlife and Heritage has soon be gazetted. It will include quility of which is often shattered produced a draft management two islands in the Tuggerah Lake. by inconsiderate jet skiers who plan for the World Heritage Area The North Entrance section seem to persist in riding in the in western Tasmania. has been delayed but the National more recreational areas, placing The area embraces 20 per cent of Parks and Wildlife Central Coast swimmers and divers at risk. On the State's land mass, including Branch now has asssurances that 11 March a school of eight dophins some of .Australia's most spectacu­ the extended area of littoral rain­ at Long Beach were harassed by lar wilderness and is used for a forest, including all the areas of an two jet skiers, who repeatedly cir­ wide range of recreational pur- endangered species Magenta Lily cled the group, drove between suits including sightseeing, fish­ Pilly (Syzygium paniculatum), will pairs of dolphins and appeared to ing, horseriding and bushwalking. be included in the national park. be attempting to run over individ­ A summary or full version of the National Parks Journal, ual animals. March-April 1991 draft management plan are availa­ Jervis Bay Beacon, ble by writing to: April 1991 Snakes in our region At our general meeting on 21 chance they will not be far away eastern Australia where they are March, Rob Jenkins of the although no parental care is given. more colourful than the dark Australian National Parks and The young are the same colour as brown specimen shown. They Wildlife Service gave to a large the adults, although they may be become olive green with a russet audience a most interesting lec­ a little lighter on the snout. stripe along the back. They grow ture on the many facts he had to 120-150 centimetres but are researched on snakes which most Small-eyed snake commonly around 60 centimetres. of us are too timid to find out for The species looks superficially like They lay eggs and although veno­ ourselves. the young of the red-bellied black mous are not considered It would have been more perti­ snake and occurs uncommonly in dangerous. nent, because of the long, hot days the ACT with only two records of of this summer if the lecture could sightings. It belongs to a com­ Common brown snake have been given earlier, as pro­ pletely different genus and grows One of the most common to be grammed, to alert members of the to a maximum length of 60 centi­ found around the ACT and imme­ likelihood and dangers of meeting metres, although an average adult diate environs but is most common snakes on our bushwalks. would be about 40 centimetres. It in the country. It is responsible for However, the information given is venomous but not considered most of the calls to the local wild­ will serve many more summers as dangerous and there has been life authorities. It is extremely to what types may be encountered only one reported death in aggressive and highly toxic, and in our immediate and surrounding Australia. It is more common has to be regarded as dangerous. areas, within a radius of about 25 along the coast right up to Cape The specimen shown about 60 cen­ kilometres. York. It lives in forested country, timetres long showed that it was is nocturnal and gives birth to live The lecture progressed with ref­ young by the remaining hint of young. erence to the projected slides and bands. Brown snakes lay eggs in the following paragraphs summar­ December which hatch in February. There is no parental ise the remarks made to each Death adder care and the adult female is not slide. Fortunately this species is locally likely to be in the area when the rare and does not occur in the eggs hatch. Fortunately most eggs Red-bellied black snake high country. There are two con­ perish. The young are as veno­ This is one of the most ubiquitous firmed records for the Canberra mous as the adult, but because of species and perhaps the best region. It is far more common the small size of the fangs are not known of all Australian snakes. In along the east coast and northern capable of injecting as much the local region and Australian Australia. There are two colour venom as the adult. There are Alps all snakes are venomous phases, grey and brick red. It large variations in colour in brown except for the small diminutive gives birth to live young and is an snakes. blind snake. All reptiles are cold­ animal to be wary of if walking in blooded and their body tempera­ the Budawangs, Morton National ture approximates that of the sur­ Park and the South Coast during The flap footed lizard rounding environment. Because of the summer months as it is noc­ This lizard closely resembles a Canberra's cold nights the local turnal. It hides embedded young brown snake and although reptiles are obligatory diurnal ani­ amongst leaf litter or soft loamy harmless is often killed by mis­ mals, most active during the day. earth with its wriggling tail ele­ take. It is relatively common in Except for the few hot nights vated about 5 centimetres from its the local region. It may be recog­ during summer, night tempera­ head to attract the unwary bird or nised by its external ear, a feature tures are by and large below the animal seeking an easy meal. snakes do not have. Snakes have a threshold temperature for activity. short post anal tail whereas flap The red-bellied black is most Yellow-faced whip snake footed lizards have a much longer commonly encountered around More common to the north of the tail which will break off if held watercourses and along the urban region. There are only two records tightly. Two vestigial hind legs can margin areas where they abut on of it in our area and these were be seen and another distinct fea­ to semi-rural land. They give birth found at Burrinjuck Dam. It is one ture is that it has a fleshy tongue, to live young which are fully of the more common representa­ as we have, distinct from the formed and about 20 centimetres tives of a group of diurnal snakes forked tongue of a snake. long. That event which occurs in Australia that go loosely by the during January and February collective name of whip snake. Tiger snake gives the local park authorities a They are long and attenuated with Unfortunately common through good deal of work as anxious large eyes which are indicative of the many areas we are likely to householders want to know where an animal that hunts through the frequent, it is aggressive and the parent snakes are. It is a good day. They are common in north­ continued on page 8 Snakes in our Liberal Party seeks region continued from page 7 proposals highly toxic and is unlikely to get out of your way. Unless immediate The ACT Liberal Party has called could be found from other parts medical attention is given, chances for proposals on specific environ­ of the ACT Government arc that death will occur. It is mental policies for the ACT. They program. diurnal except on warm summer believe it is now appropriate for • Be practical and identify those nights. It frequents swampy areas them to review not only the effec­ issues which directly affect the tiveness of their environmental and fields and feeds principally on ACT and over which the ACT achievements, but map out a strat­ frogs. It used to be extremely Government has influence. abundant around Lake George and egy for the future. other wetlands but with clearing Those considering proposals Proposals should be submitted and the decline in frogs it is less should consider the following by 1 June to: frequently met. In springtime they points: Roger J. Dace are 1 ikelv to come out of their • If an environmental enhance­ turpur on days of over 20 degrees. Convenor, Environmental ment can he shown to provide a Interest Branch If one \- met it is best to step aside direct economic benefit, then the ACT Division of the Liberal to let it go on its way rather than process of change can be to obstruct its path. accelerated. Party PO Box 66 • Try to allocate priorities to pro­ Deakin ACT 2600. The lecture concluded with posals and if possible suggest slides of a number of snakes which where financial compensators occur outside our region but may be met on our travels. The discus­ sion on them provided a suitable conclusion to a very informative evening. Further information on snakes Letter to the editor in our region may be obtained from A Field Guide to Reptiles of the Australian High Country by R I was pleased to see in the March guished Australians as Dick 4 -Jenkins and R Bartell or A Field issue of your bulletin the report on Smith, Vincent Servcnty, Valerie Guide to the Snakes and Lizards of a talk given recently to your mem­ Taylor and Robyn Williams, and New South Wales by Gerry Swan. bers by Dr Richard Baker of the we believe that as our membership National Museum cf Australia. continues to grow so does the pres­ ¥ Copies may be obtained from the The writer, Timothy Walsh, sure on the Government to make a Association. referred to the contrast between definite commitment to a starting date for the construction of the Reg Alder the enthusiasm of Dr Baker for his work on the human and environ­ Museum. mental history of the Murray- The Environment and its Darling Basin and the 'grey cloud' Influence on Different Groups of What a privilege to know of political apathy towards the con­ People' is one of the three major themes of the National Museum the profound stillness struction of the National Museum. Your members may like to and we are sure that your mem­ and peace of Ihe land, assist us in dispersing this grey bers will have a particular interest lo see cloud by joining the Friends of the in this area. National Museum, a group of Further information on the star spangled skies, Australians determined to see the Friends may be obtained by writ­ and to listen to Museum built. ing to GPO Box 2977, Canberra ACT 2601, or telephoning (06) 256 the pulse of the universe Formed in early 1989 under the presidency of actor Jack 1116. Jill Tremain Thompson, the Friends have suc­ Judy Holding

ceeded in getting the Museum Vice President, Quotations here and elsewhere in back on the political agenda and a Friends of the National the Bulletin are from the visitor commitment from the Minister, Museum centre at Mount Cook National Ros Kelly, to an opening date in Park. Passed on by Graham 2001. Scully. We have several thousand sup­ porters including such distin- REMNANTS

Chief Minister launches remnant woodland and grassland report

The Chief Minister of the ACT, Mr development as this great city Trevor Kaine, launched the grows. In short, we like to think of Association's report, The the document as an aide memoire Conservation of Remnant for our elected political representa­ Woodland and Native Grassland tives and their policy advisers and in the ACT, on the slopes of Mount planners. Ainslie on 20 April before a large 'It is also an educative document relaxed gathering which included for the general public who are Mr Norm Jensen, MLA. Tea and entitled to be aware of the need to damper were served. The launch conserve our remnant woodlands was the opening event of Heritage and native grasslands. For exam­ Week 1991. ple over half the bird species found in suburban Canberra are depen­ The President of the Association, dent on the native bushland for Les Pyke, said it was particularly breeding habitat. satisfying to have a head of gov­ ernment who could find time from 'In our immediate vicinity immediate pressures to participate today—in the Mt Ainslie-Mt Majura region—the yellow box in an event of gentler long-term and red gum woodland is probably significance, albeit not less the best example of its kind in the important. ACT. Many bird species are known He continued: 'Our report is not to utilise the area. If we add Black put forward in any confrontational Mountain to our immediate vicin­ or abrasive sense. Rather it is a Trevor Kaine MLA launches ity, the total area supports over 80 document which brings together Heritage Week. breeding species including some existing scattered information and uncommon in the ACT. The points the way for the future—in the protection of vegetation com­ Ainslie—Majura ridge is part of the terms of policy, the further investi­ munities and associated fauna, habitat used by transient grey gation and research needed, and particularly in the low altitude kangaroos and swamp wallabies. I the formal steps needed to ensure areas of the ACT most affected by could go on about other fauna and other areas. 'So we put forward this report to Tea and damper in a natural setting. Photos: Barbara Comfort. assist knowledge and the articula­ tion of issues and informed deci­ sion making. You have already helped in this, Chief Minister. As this Association has publicly said, through its Bulletin, your Government and its advisers are to be congratulated on its 40 page paper The Environmental Budget 1990-91 which laid out so help­ fully before us the policy landscape for the immediate future'. In launching Dr Kevin Frawley's report on remnant wood­ land in the ACT, the Chief Minister, Mr Trevor Kaine, said that he had read the report with interest and considered it an impressive and important work which would be of great assistance in a number of ways" including community education, stimulating

continued on page 10 Chief Minister THE CONSERVATION OF REMNANT launches report ! continued front page 9 Summary further research, and informing planners and administrators. 1. A high degree of protection of developments are to occur. I The timing and place of the vegetation communities (especially Significant habitat values are launch—(luring Heritage Week on those of higher altitudes) has been identified for most areas, even the eastern slopes of Mt Ainslie— achieved in the ACT due to the those which have been considera­ was. he said, appropriate because large proportion of the Territory bly disturbed by past land uses. the Ainslie-Majura area repre­ protected in National Parks and sented the largest area of remnant Nature Reserves The conservation 4. Native grassland in the ACT woodland in the ACT which, goal now should be to protect the has been severely reduced in although subject to earlier devel­ remaining unreserved communi­ extent and grassland associations opment, had regenerated success­ ties and as many of their constitu­ affected by activities such as graz­ fully. The Chief Minister said that ent associations as possible, in ing, mowing, pasture improvement the planning legislation now situations where their long term and changed fire regimes. Native beli.re the Assembly had provi­ survival can be guaranteed. grassland has important habitat sions which, through it* heritage Related to this is the protection of and landscape values which arc provisions, would assist in the associated faunal communities. only now gaining recognition. preservation of" places of There is an urgent need to re- significance. 2. Low altitude vegetation com­ survey the location, extent and The Chief Minister said that his munities are particularly in need integrity of native grassland, including where it occurs as personal interest in the bush of formal protection. These com­ derived from his early years spent munities are: understorey to woodland and open m the country and had been (ij Fringing Woodland forest. recently reinforced by a visit to the Geehi (Casuarina cunninghami- area where he was tremen­ ana community) 5. For each important remaining dously impressed by the beauty of (ii) Open Forest {Eucalyptus area of native grassland, detailed the alpine vegetation much of macrorhyncha - E. rossii and clear management prescrip­ which was in its original state. lie community) tions are needed for their mainte­ drew attention to the importance (iii) Woodland {Eucalyptus melli­ nance and protection. For areas of the open space areas in the odora - E. blakelyi within rural leases, for which ACT, and expressed the hope that community) formal reservation is not feasible I leritage Week w ould stimulate (iv) Tussock Grassland (Stipa or appropriate, the possibility of public awareness of the need to spp. community). site management in co-operation protect remnant vegetation areas. As urban expansion and asso­ with the rural lessee and if neces­ Excerpts from the report are on ciated development proceed in the sary, using lease provisions should the following pages. ACT, the secure reservation of be explored. remaining low altitude communi­ Kevin J Frawley The Conservation ties becomes more urgent. 6. The remnant vegetation of the of Remnant Woodland and Native ACT owes its existence mainly to (!rasscs in the ACT. Report pre­ 3. Nine main remnant woodland topography, planning policy and a pared for the National I'arks areas are identified in the ACT, as range of'chance factors' (for exam­ Association of the ACT Uno, well as lands adjacent to Namadgi ple, siting radio transmitters in March lfWl. Price $.r>. National Park south of Tharwa, grassland areas). A range of and the open savannah woodland threats is identified. These include of the rural areas. To date, the woodland clearing for urban, com­ Climb Ihe. mountains open forest and woodland com uni­ mercial and transport develop­ ties have not been the subject of ments, and dieback in rural lands. and get (heir good tiditigs. detailed and systematic study so In contrast, given suitable condi­ Nature's peace trill flow into their conservation needs cannot be tions, there is good potential for regeneration of native tree cover fully specified. Identification and trees. in the ACT, demonstrated by the documentation of the associations many sites where this is occurring. The winds will blow within each of these areas would I heir fresh ness into you, provide the rational basis for making recommendations for res­ 7. Recommendations for reserva­ and Ihe stortns their energy, ervation. In particular, it is a pre­ tion or other protection of remnant while cares will drop off requisite for ecologically based areas are made. In general, the like autumn leaves. reserve boundary delineation and preference is for declaration as a assigning conservation priorities Nature Reserve in the Public Land John Muir in areas where urban and other category of the proposed Land WOODLAND AND NATIVE GRASSLAND IN THE ACT

Administration Act 1991, rather than reliance on inclusion in the National Capital Open Space System or as Designated Land under the National Capita: Plan.

8. Revegetation policies for the rural lands of the ACT will soon become a matter of urgency. Broadly, there are two main choices in the pattern of revegetation of these lands. A mixture of the two is also possible and perhaps likely. Natural regeneration, where it is feasi­ ble, will not repro­ duce the current pastoral land­ scape, instead, a copse pattern woodland will develop. This will have improved ecological values compared with the current pattern. The alternative to this will be more intensive management to edge of both flora and fauna would reproduce the open savannah pat­ be improved by the ACT Parks and tern—either by planting, or thin­ Conservation Service giving ning of natural regeneration. This greater priority to publication of would give priority to landscape the research work of its staff in an Harmony with land is like and scenic values rather than eco­ inexpensive, publicly accessible harmony with a friend; logical ones. format. you cannot cherish his right 10. As a future publishing pro­ hand 9. The report identifies gaps in ject, it is suggested that the NPA and chop off his left current knowledge of the remnant (ACT) consider publishing a field woodlands and grasslands. As well guide (or field guides) to the low Aldo Leopold as the incomplete documentation altitude native grasses, herbs of tree associations, knowledge of found in grassland, and common fauna is limited—particularly so understorey species, to comple­ for some of the areas. ment its Field Guide to the Native Dissemination of available knowl- Trees of the ACT. Recommendations TREE COMMUNITIES Mulligan's Flat fij Mulligan's Flat is tin- most densely wooded site in the Gungahlin hills and contains, and is adjacent to, native grassland. It should be declared a Nature Reserve w i thin the Puhiic Land category ol' the proposed Land Administration Act 1991. The boundaries of the Reserve should he drawn to include the native grassland of the southern middle section and the forested ridge in the south-west. For the latter, fi>(it-.|npe areas should be included to e\pand the narrow linear shape and to allow for regeneration (i i) The area north of the (lunda run Road to ()ak 11 ill (|c~i.T\es further investigation for inclusion in a Nature Re-erve with Mulligan's Flat. This area is showing good natural regenera­ tion, has an extensive area of Thciuciia grassland, and is part of the upper catchment of Ginninderra (.'reek. Overall the two areas have the potential to combine open forest, woodland, ami native grassland in one reservation.

Greenwood Hill, Fairbnirn, Kowon, Molonglo Gorge i'i) The large remnant of dry scler- o p hy 11 fo r e.s t in t h e v i c i n i ty o f Greenwood Hill warrants Nature Reserve status. However, the area is currently in the Majura Field Firing Range which the Department of Defence has cur­ rently no plans to relocate. This restrictive use has protected the area to date. Nature Reserve status .should be sought for the area if the Department of Defence Open forest on Black Mounti'y.. Photo: Kevin Frawley. decides to relinquish the area in the future. in the meantime, a thorough ecological survey of the area should be made. The wildlife should be upgraded by declaration plantation to the east. It is recom­ movement corridor to Mt Majura as a Nature Reserve under the pro­ mended that this arrangement needs to be maintained. This may posed Land Administration Act continue and that management be assisted by tree planting, 1991. should focus on the conservation of (ii.) Maintenance of the savannah (ivj The open forest/woodland rem­ the open forest and woodland and woodland tree cover in the nant east of the Sutton Road is maintenance of the wildlife corri­ Fairbnirn area should be encour­ currently managed by AGT Forests dor. Control of wilding pines may aged as for other rural lands. for conservation and as a buffer for be necessary. iiii) The status of Molonglo Gorge fire protection of the large pine continued on page /-/ ) 7 July-Sunday Walk (2/A) 28 July-Sunday Walk (2/A/C) Camel Back Ridge Ref: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 Mt. Tidbinbilla Ref: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 Outings program Leader: Len Haskew ph2514268 Leader: Len Crossfield Meet at corner Cotter Road and Eucumbene Drive at Meet at comer Cotter Road and Eucumbene Drive at July to October 1991 8.30am. A 13km return walk in Tidbinbilla Nature Re­ . 8.30am. A climb of 700m to the best view near Canberra serve along a fire trail through forest, with optional rock (snow permitting). 70km drive ($14 per car). scramble to top of the Camel's Hump for a spectacular view of Canberra. 70km drive ($14 per car) 3 August Saturday Ski Tour (31B) Dead Horse Gap to 10 July-Wednesday Walk (2/A) Teddys Hut Ref: Thredbo 1:50 000 Casuarina SandslBulga Creek Ref: ACT 1:100000 Leader: Phil Bubb 248 6769h 2665128w Leader: Olive Buckman ph248 8774 Contact leader by Thursday - destination depends on Meet at corner Cotter Road and Eucumbene Drive at snow. A trip in open undulating country with one lOam. A 16km walk on tracks through undulating coun­ chance to show downhill skills. Intermediate skiers or try above the Murrumbidgee River. Ideal for beginners/ better, not suitable for beginners. 450km drive ($90 per families. 40km drive ($8 per car). car).

14 July-Sunday Walk (3/A/Cill) 10 August-Saturday Ski Tour (2/A) Nursery Creek Ref: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 Mt Selwyn to Four Mile Hut Ref: Mt Selwyn Leader: Jack Smart Ski Touring Map Meet at Kambah Village Shops at 8am. From Orroral Leader: Steve Forst 274 8426w 2516817h Valley to Orroral Mountain, then descending NW to Contact leader by Thursday. An easy/medium ski tour, head ofNursery Creek, and along creek. 100 km drive depending on weather and conditions, to the historic ($20 per car). Four Mile Hut. 350km drive ($70 per car). Outings guide Day walks carry lunch, drinks and protective clothing. 20 July-Sunday Walk (2/A/CIE) 10-11 August-Weekend Car Camp (21A/B) Pack walks two or more days, carry all food and camping Lower Molongolo Thirlmere Lakes National Park requirements. CONTACT LEADER BY Interpretive Walk Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Ref: Nattai, Hilltop 1:25000 WEDNESDAY. Leader: Tony Winsbury ph248 6420w 258 1733h Leader: Len Haskew ph281 4268 Car camps facilities often limited or non-existent. Meet on the South side of Coppins Crossing at 9am. A Contact leader by Wednesday. Camp by tranquil Thirl­ Vehicles taken to site can be used for pleasant interpretive walk along the lower Molongolo to mere Lakes (water and toilets, no showers). On Satur­ camping. BOOK EARLY WITH LEADER. look at its natural value and the effects of urban settle­ day afternoon take an easy 15km walk through pristine Other activities include nature rambles, environmental and. ment and grazing. The route is through a little-visited bushland to Little River, or visit Railway Museum, or ca­ field guide studies and ski tours. gorge and ends not far from its confluence with the Mur­ noe lake (BYO). On Sunday walk Starlight's track by rumbidgee. Short car shuttle. 20km drive ($4 per car). the Nattai River to view Russel's Needle (16km), and Walks gradings drive home. 300km drive ($60 per car). Distance grading (per day) 20-21 JUly-Weekend Pack Walk (2/A/B) 1- up to 10 km Budawangs Ramble Ref: Budawangs sketch map 13 August-Tuesday Walk (l/A) 2 - 10 km to 15 km (CMW) Brandy Flat and beyond Ref: ACT 1:100 000 3 - 15 km to 20 km Leader: Steve Forst 274 8426w 251 6817h Leader: Olive Buckman 248 8774 4 - above 20 km. Contact leader by Thursday. A medium overnight trip Meet at Kambah Village Shops at 9am. A pleasant Terrain grading in the Round Mountain area. 300km drive ($60 per car). 10km walk on fire trails from Glendale Crossing, with A - Road, firetrail, track lunch at Brandy Flat Hut, where there is water and a B - Open forest 27 JUly-Saturday Ski Tour (2/A) fireplace for tea, and on to cars near Old Boboyan Road. C - Light scrub Kings Cross to Cabramurra Ref: Mt Selwyn Climb of 430m. Short car shuffle. 90km drive ($18 per D - Patches of thick scrub, regrowth Ski Touring Map car). E - Rock scrambling Leader: Steve Forst 274 8426w 251 6817h F - Exploratory. Contact leader by Thursday. easy ski tour of 12­ The walks program contains additional information. If An necessary, contact the leader. 14km for near-beginners over level terrain with good views (weather permitting). 350km drive ($70 per car). ( 17-18 August-Overnight Ski Tour (2/A) 14-,"J September-Weekend Pack Walk (2/NB/D) 12 October-Saturday Walk (3/A) Mt Selwyn to Broken Dam Hut Ref: Mt Selwyn Shanahan's Mountain, Hume and Hovell Trail! Ski Touring Map Naas River, Reedy Creek Ref: Colinton 1:25000 Blowering Dam Ref: Hume and Leader: Steve Forst 274 8426w 2516817h Leader: Jack Smart ph2488171 Hovell sketch map Contact leader by Wednesday. A medium overnight ski Contact leader early for details. Over Shanahan's Leader: Barbara de Bruine 258 3531h 259 2642w tour to Broken Dam Hut and Tabletop Mountain. Trip Mountain, down Shanahan's Falls Creek to gorges and Contact leader by Wednesday for transport arrange­ depends on weather and snow. 350km drive ($70 per junction with Naas Creek. Camp site near Horse Gully ments. An easy day walk of 19km along the Hume and car). Hut or perhaps further North. Return trip up Reedy Hovell track. Creek over the Mountain. 160km drive ($32 per car). 25 August-Sunday Walk (2/AIB) 23 October-Wednesday Walk (l/A) Casuarina Sands to 22 September-Sunday Walk (3/A/D/E) Square Rock Ref: Corin Dam 1:25000 Kambah Pool Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Mt Gudgenby Ref: Yaouk 1:25000 Leader: Olive Buckman ph248 8774 Leader: Dugald Munro ph231 8776 Leader: Len Crossfield Meet at Kambah Village Shops at 9am. A pleasant 8km Meet at Kambah Pool walking car park (at top of hill) at Meet at Kambah Village Shops at 8am sharp. 10km re­ varied walk on tracks to a fascinating rock formation 8.30am. A walk of 16km along the Murrumbidgee River turn on tracks and a hard 5km return up 700m of scrub­ with good views and exciting inner rock formation. Rock walking trail. A short car shuffle. 40km drive ($8). by, trackless ridge with dense regrowth in parts. The re­ scrambling optional. A climb of 270m. Ideal for begin­ ward is a superb view on a delightful mountain top. A ners and families. 80km drive ($16 per car). 1 September-Sunday Walk (2/A/D) long day. 140km drive ($28 per car). Yankee Hat Mountain Ref: Yaouk 1:25000 Leader: Frank Clements ph2317005 28-29 September- Weekend Pack Walk (3/AlBIF) Meet at Kambah Village Shops at 8.30am. 14km walk Meryla State Forest follows the 'Charles Hill Route to Yankee Hat, return Leader: Len Haskew ph 281 4268 via Bogong Creek. 450m climb. Some scrub and some Contact leader by Wednesday. A pleasant walk mostly regrowth. 100km drive ($20 per car). on trails through forest to colonial farming site. A side trip without packs to backwaters of Lake Yurrunga. 7-8 September-Weekend Work Party (2/A) 350km drive ($70 per car). Budawangs Track Maintenance Ref: Corang 1:25 000 29 September-Sunday Mountain Bike Trip (4/A) Leader: Di Thompson 288 6084h 284 5043w Namadgi South West Corner Ref: ACT 1:100 000, Phone leader before end ofAugust, numbers must be Yaouk 1:25 000 firm one week before trip for arrangements with NPWS Leader: Di Thompson 288 6084h 284 5043w (packs may be transported in). Track maintenance and Contact leader by Wednesday. Round trip up Back or improvement in Canowie BrooklBurrumbeet Brook area. Grassy Creek, Sheep Station Creek, Naas Valley, and a 300km drive (cost met by Association). few kilometres of road to end trip. Supply own bike. Points to note Numbers limited only by facilities to transport bikes to New faces to lead, new places to go. Please help keep our 11 September-Wednesday Walk (lIA1C) start. 180m drive ($36 per car). outings program alive by volunteering to lead a walk Booroomba Rocks Ref: ACT 1:100 000 occasionally. Leader: Olive Buckman 248 8774 4,5,6,7 October-Pack Walk (2/3/AiCIF) All persons joining an outing of the National Parks Meet at Kambah Village Shops at 9am. A pleasant 9km The Dargals Ref: Khancoban 1:50 000 Association of the ACT do so as volunteers in all respects walk on fire trails and tracks to view of Canberra, then Leader: Di Thompson 288 6084h 284 5043w and as such accept sole responsibility for any injury to high point for 360degree views. Climb 300m. 65km Contact leader by Tuesday. Wander through Broadway howsoever incurred and the National Parks Association of drive ($13 per car). and Pretty Plains, and upper Tooma River. Visit moun­ the ACT, its office bearers and appointed leaders are tain huts, ruins, and old gold diggings. Destination de­ absolved from any liability in respect of any injury or 14 September-Saturday Ski Tour (2/A) pends on snow: alternative from Round Mountain. damage suffered whilst engaged in any such outing. Perisher Valley Ref: Perisher Ski Touring Map 350km drive ($70 per car). The committee suggests a donation of TWENTY cents Leader: Steve Forst 274 8426w 2516817h per kilometre DIVIDED BY THE NUMBER OF Contact leader by Wednesday. An easy to medium ski OCCUPANTS in the car, including the driver, (to the tour in the Perisher area. Mount Duncan, the Porcu­ nearest dollar) be offered to the driver by each passenger pine, and Betts Camp. Depends on snow and weather. accepting transport. Drive and walk distances quoted in the program are approximate distances for return 400km drive ($80 per car). journeys.

Recommendations continued from page 12

Mt Ainslie, Mt Majura the Public Parks Act 1928. Its buffer zone. A combination of: (i) Ainslie-Majura has experienced a status should be upgraded by re- Nature Reserve and Special range of disturbances and develop­ gazettal as a Nature Reserve Purpose Reserve (under the pro­ ments many of* which will remain under the proposed Land posed Land Administration Act as permanent features (e.g. water Administration Act 1991. 1991); and (ii) rural lease (if this supply reservoirs, transmission (ii) Aranda Hill complements the continues in the south-eastern sec­ lines). However, the area retains habitat values of Black Mountain tion with lease provisions aimed at outstanding regional ecological carrying in part a woodland cover maintaining tree cover, appears value and National Capital land­ which in Black Mountain Reserve appropriate for the area. scape significance. The Ainslie- is only found in a narrow south­ Majura ridge (excluding the north­ west section. It is recommended Rob Roy Range, ern part of the Designated Area) that it become part of Black Tuggeranong Hill should be declared a Nature Mountain Nature Reserve. The full extent of the area includ­ Reserve under the proposed Land Part of Aranda bushland is under ing Tuggeranong Hill should Lie Administration Act 1991. long term rural lease until 2005 declared Nature Reserve under It is beyond the scope of this (with full tenant rights). However, the proposed Land Administration report to p r e c i s e 1 v d e fi n e the all rural leases contain a provision Act 1991. Attention needs to Lie Reserve boundary, but the follow­ for withdrawal should the land be given to maintaining and enhanc­ ing considerations are relevant: required for Territory or public ing the tree cover in the northern fa) The Reserve should include purposes. The two main options section which is part of the annual all the native vegetation communi­ therefore are reserve incorporation honcyeatcr migration route. In ties in the area, encompassing after 2005 or early withdrawal. the south, the Reserve should be therefore the steep forested slopes For grassfire fuel reduction pur­ made contiguous with the pro­ of both hills and the intervening poses some grazing may need to posed Gigerline Nature Reserve of saddle. In particular it should continue. This could be on a more the Murrumbidgee River Corridor. include as much as possible of the flexible agistment basis. Some of the open woodland area regenerating savannah woodland (iii) Recommendations for the area to the west (between the Range at the footslopes of Mt Ainslie. north of Belconnen Way are more and the Tharwa Road) has poten­ fb) An intensively m a n aged difficult because of the fragmenta­ tial for future inclusion and would buffer zone is needed on the west­ tion, level of disturbance, and cur­ serve as a buffer between the ern edge for fire protection and rent and proposed developments in Range and urban development other purposes eg reducing exotic the area, in particular, the John plant invasions. Dcdman Parkway. However, Lambrigg, Castle Hill: fci If constructed, Monash Drive Gossan Hill is separate from these The area east of the Tidbinbilla should be located as low as possi­ developments and Nature Reserve Road forms part of the Lanyon ble so that it does not force recrea­ status is recommended. Subject to Landscape Conservation Reserve tional pressure upslope and docs future land use decisions which deel ared u n dor th e Nat a re not encourage pressure for urban will determine boundaries, a com­ Conservation Act 19S0. This reser­ infill below the road, bination of Nature Reserve and vation is for cultural/historic pur­ ulj The preparation of a manage­ Special Purpose Reserve may best poses with a prima ry go a 1 of ment plan fa requirement of the suit the Bruce Ridge and O'Connor conserving the historic rural land­ proposed Land Administration Act Ridge section. scape. It will come under the 199 lj should be given high prior­ jurisdiction of the proposed ity. This would deal with matters Callum Brae, Mugga Lane, Heritage Act 1991, currently a Bill of particular importance given the Mt Mugga Mugga, Red Hill before th e ACT Legi si a ti ve history of land use in the area, Development of some of this area Assembly. However, in consider­ such as revegetation, servicing of appears inevitable in the longer ing future management of the developments, use of grazing as a term and large scale reservation is area, heritage values cannot he management tool, control of horse- unlikely. The area has important divorced from ecological aspects, riding, construction of public conservation values, though the particularly with regard to tree access tracks. condition of vegetation communi­ decline. ties and habitat values are highly The habitat value of Castle Hill Black Mountain, variable throughout. A detailed (west of Tidbinbilla Road") war­ O'Connor Ridge, Bruce Ridge, survey of this area with the aim of rants attention being given to the Gossan Hill, Aranda Hill defining the most important parts maintenance and regeneration of i ii Black Mountain Reserve bor­ worthy of conservation and reser­ the savannah woodland. This dered to the: west by Caswell Drive vation is needed. If urban develop­ could be achieved through reduc­ and to the north by Belconnen ment proceeds these areas should tion in stock numbers or cessation Way is currently declared under be separated from housing by a of grazing for an appropriate period of time while leaving the downstream of Coppins Crossing outlined in Hogg's (1990b) area in rural lease. should be pursued. Vegetation Strategy for the ACT. The following groupings of areas Bull en Range Mt Tennent, Billy Range, are noted: Reservation is pending as one of Clear Range (i) Gungahlin the Murrumbidgee River Corridor Reservation of Mt Tennent as an It is recommended that the exist­ Nature Reserves, either under the extension to Namadgi National ing Gungahlin Hill Nature Park Nature Conservation Act 1980 or Park is pending. The northern and its proposed south-eastern the proposed Land Administration extension of the Billy Range and extension be declared a Nature Act 1991. Clear Range areas would require Reserve under the proposed Land further ecological investigation Administration Act 1991. Border Murrumbidgee and Molonglo before any recommendations could hill areas incorporated in NCOSS River Corridors be made: should be further investigated for The pending declarations of reservation purposes. Nature Reserves and Public Parks Other remnant woodland areas for the Murrumbidgee River It is not feasible in this report to (ii) Ginn's Gap Corridor as announced by the ACT detail recommendations for all of Area should remain in rural use government in June 1990 should the scattered remnants of tree but with attention to maintenance proceed as soon as possible. cover in the ACT. A general con­ of tree cover. Similar reservation of the text in which decisions about par­ Molonglo Corridor, especially ticular areas may be made is continued on page 16

Threats to remnant woodland and native grasslands

MF GH A-M BM CB RR LC BR MRC MT OR GR CLEARING (a) commercial, industrial dev. • 7 ft (b) urban development » • ? ft • (c) transport routes incl. VFT ? • • 7 • (d) services/public facilities ? . » » » 7 O ? 7 • DIEBACK ? ? ? O O ? ft O •

GRAZING O O O O o O ft > O

WILDFIRE o > • • o O » O 1 FERAL ANIMALS/EXOTIC PLANTS » • • o o o O ft O O • RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES > » o o ft MOWING REGIMES (grassland)

Threat: Locations: MF - Mulligan's Flat MRC - Murrumbidgee o-»- High GH - Greenwood Hill, Kowen, Molonglo River Low Molonglo Gorge Corridors Spaces left blank = no threat A-M - Mt Ainslie - Mt Majura MT- Mt Tennent, Billy currently perceived BM - Black Mountain, O'Connor Range, Clear Range Ridge, Bruce Ridge, Gossan Hill, OR -Other remnant Aranda Hill woodland areas - Note: May apply to CB - Callum Brae, Mugga Lane, GR - Grassland part of area only Mt Mugga Mugga, Red Hill RR - Rob Roy Range, Tuggeranong Hill LC - Lambrigg, Castle Hill BR - Bullen Range Recommendations continued from page 15 (iii)Wcst Belconnen (Lund's End, Pine Ridge, The Pinnacle) 'h The savannah woodland of Land's End is threatened as part of the proposed West Belconn'-n Land Development. The feasib;! ity of retaining some of this wood land as open space in the planning of the area by the Te r r i t o r v Planning Authority should be explored. (ii) Pine Ridge is an identified Site of Ecological Intere-t in the ACT. Continued regeneration of the siU: would benefit from the exclusion or reduction in grazing. It is worthy of consideration lor d..v!a:

at ion a-- a Special Purpose Rc s( rve under the Land Administration Act 1991.

(iii) The isolated Red String;, bark stand at The Pinnacle is at present reasonably well protected under NCOSS but reservation of the site and adjacent area, prob­ ably in the form of a Nature served in the ACT with little operation with the rural lessee Reserve is suggestetl. formal protection except as and if necessary using lease provi­ groundcover or in association with sions, should he explored, (iv.i Uriarra to liulgar Creek: tree communities in reserves. (vi) Measures to increase recogni­ See page SO of the report lor dis­ (ii) There is an urgent need for a tion of native grassland and its cussion of maintenance of savan­ comprehensive survey of low alti­ values in the community, and nah woodland on rural lands. tude native grassland to assess its amongst landholders and govern­ remaining extent, location and ment agencies would be valuable. (v) Urban Canberra (Mt integrity. Currently, for example, the Wanniassa, Mt Tavlor, Oakey (iii) In considering the ecological Agriculture and Landcare Section Hill, Stirling Park Ridge) resources of the ACT the habitat of the Department of Native vegetation cover is more values of native grassland need Environment, Land and Planning fragmented and disturbed than in inclusion. has no brief to manage native grasslands in any particular way. some other Inner Hill areas. (iv) In drawing reserve boundar­ There is scope also to bring atten­ Reservation as Nature Reserve ies, lower slopes with native grass­ tion to native grasslands in agri­ and/or Special Purpose Reserve land and savannah woodland cultural extension work and under the proposed Land should be included. An example is activities such as the Landcare Administration Act 1991 is recom­ the proposed reservation of program. One measure to assist mended. Special attention should Mulligan's Flat - Oak Hill area. in this would be a local field guide. be given to the Stirling Park Ridge (v) Following a re-inventory of site both for its savannah wood­ native grasslands, detailed and land and population of the endan­ clear management prescriptions gered Button Wrinkle wort are needed for each important Wildtiess is necessity tRutidosis Icptorrhynchoides). grassland site. There is already a model for this. A conservation Mountain parks and plan prepared for the native grass­ Native Grasslands reservations land at Yarramundi contained It is not possible to detail here management prescriptions which are useful not only as each of the major native grassland could be applied elsewhere. For fountains of timber and sites and make specific recommen­ areas remaining under rural lease, dations for the protection of each. for which formal reservation is not irrigating rivers, However, the following general feasible or appropriate, the possi­ but as fountains of life observations can be made: bility of site management, in co- (i) Native grassland is poorly con­ John Muir I New members Trekking iin Sikkim Gedda Aklif, Turner Most NPA people enjoy hearing train' like the trains once used in Des Baker, Dickson about other people's walks or the Queensland sugar cane fields- Oscar Bosnian and Deborah treks, so the February meeting's at harvesting time. The trek was Dawkings, Dickson talk by Rod Dalgleish to towards the base camp at the Jan Carlisle, Kaleen Darjeeling and Sikkim was very foot of Mt Kanchenjunga and the Robert and Catherine Chapman, well received. The scenery in the party stayed in 'guest' houses Hughes Himalayan Range is most spectac­ with their cook preparing the Lynn and Sam Dalgarno, ular with snow-covered peaks meals. The track was well O'Connor looming high over forested, steep defined, being the 'roadway* for Grant Fitzner, Canberra lower mountain ridges, inter­ the local people and in constant Tony Fortey, Farrer sected by steep-sided gushing use. The constant climbing, Kevin and Rita Gill, Mawson rivers cascading over great boul­ descending and river crossings Lis Haakonssen, Charnwood • ders. Rod's visit in May coincided kept the party occupied each day Christine Harkins, Giralang with the blooming of the rhodo­ and all were entranced by the Dr Jan henderson, Lyons dendron forests so he walked for scenery. Trekking is a beautiful Rupert and Wilma Hewitt, hours through pink and red blos­ way to see a country and many Kaleen soms on these tall shrubs which thanks to Rod for sharing his D-Ann Holliday, Kaleen are as tall as trees. experiences. Pearce and Porter family, The party travelled to O'Connor Darjeeling by car but the road fol­ Fiona MacDonald Judith Power, Hawker lowed beside the narrow gauged Brand Catriona and Rebecca Roberts, railway line which carried a 'toy Fyshwick Helen Semler, Cook Sahar Sharp, Lyneham Beryl Southward, Weston Anne Spencer, Bungendore Sullivan household, Hackett Javad Tabatabaei, Gilmore Ceri Teather, Downer Ron and Sonya Terry, Latham Susan Thomson, Chifley Elizabeth Thurbon, Manuka

The din of the dusty world the locked-in-ness of man's cities are what man habitually abhors. Haze, mist and the haunting spirits of the mountains are what human nature seeks and yet can rarely find. Kuo Hsi 11th Century— Chinese

Kowmung River in the southern Blue Mountains. Photo: Babette Scougall. Huts and rivers

I was picked up from home by Timothy at 5.45am for a long drive—made longer by misunder­ standing our leader's (Dianne Thompson; detailed written instructions! At the top of a hill, under a power pylon, her notes said something like, 'it doesn't matter which branch of the rood you take here as long as you get back under the power line fairly soon'. We chose the right hand branch, as this road looked less horrendous than the left branch, a n d procceded to wi n d our way gradually downhill to the Gungarlin river. There was no-one around: no cars at this so-called rendezvous spot—just dry pad­ docks and a small footbridge. It was the end of the road and the power line was nowhere in sight. I must admit that if we had looked at the map in conjunction with Di's instructions, we would have realised there was room for misinterpretation!

Retracing our tracks to the top of the bill (and passing two other NPA vehicles making the same mistake we had) we then took the left branch—a very steep, rutted t rack req u i ri ng so rue ve ry ca u- tious driving. Five gates to open and shut prevented us from hur­ rying to make up for lost time but we were punctual for the rendez­ vous at 9.30am. There were 20 people on the walk—a large number for an over­ Consett hut. Photos: Len Haskew. night walk. Half of these had driven down the evening before and camped at a delightful spot beside the quietly flowing of the Williamson children. The huts in the mountains are Gungarlin river. Leaving Daveys hut we contin­ old wooden structures built many Once we were all assembled, we ued on our way with easy walking years ago by stockmen when crossed the river by a dilapidated over tussocky grass and along an summer grazing was allowed in wooden bridge—large sections overgrown firetrail. Cresting a high country. For the most part were missing and the remainder saddle we looked down into a the huts are fairly primitive. looked as though it was deterio­ small valley and across to gentle They are maintained as shelter rating fast. It was then only a hills. Behind these rose more accommodation by the Kosciusko short walk to Daveys hut. Built rugged peaks, dark under cloud huts Association. Kidmans hut is around the turn of the century by shadow and some still bearing a very small with a dirt floor—it Tommy Bolton this hut is fairly mantle of snow. On the opposite substantial and in good condition. could sleep three or four people, hillside, tucked amongst the trees, It was used by Tommy and his was the rustic little Kidmans hut. rather cosily, in an emergency. wife before the arrival of children We arrived there at 3pm and set The hut is named after Ken and and later by the Williamson and up a close community of tents (the Alec Kidman, who with Bill Hedger families. The nearby- herd instinct) just in front of the Napthali, built the hut in the grave on the side of the hill is one hut. early 1930s. Burrungubugge, '...a tough little river cascading through steep country'.

On Sunday we set off at 8am to opened in the spring of 1990. ruins of Con Boltons hut and work visit some other huts and ruins of Inside the Burrungubugge but a shed. During world war two the huts. We followed . the small, potbelly stove with metal work shed sheltered a number of Burrungubugge—a tough little flue replaces the traditional open Italians ostracised from the com­ river cascading through steep fireplace and rickety chimney seen munity because of the war. They country—to the site of Constances in most mountain huts. I guess an eked out a living on the diggings. hut. The vegetation on one side of enclosed stove reduces the risk of a All they left behind was a quantity the river still bore the scars of a hut fire. Another innovative fea­ of olive oil tins. severe fire in 1983, the stark ture of this hut (which demon­ We arrived back at the cars skeletons of dead trees standing strated it was not a stockman's about 3.30pm after a most enjoya­ out above the smaller, revegetated rude shelter) was a double-glazed ble walk in attractive countryside; scrub. picture window overlooking the the visits to historical old huts and Constances hut was burnt down valley! sites had given an additional inter­ a few years ago and a new hut— We enjoyed a long morning tea esting focal point. the Burrungubugge shelter hut— break beside this charming hut. It A splash in the river and a brew has been built to replace it. It is was lovely weather so we had no of billy tea revived us all for our sited a little way above the river, need to shelter. journey home. on a green slope just below the After leaving the hut, we briefly tree line. Old timber has been followed an old firetrail to a saddle Judith Webster and used for the walls and with a cor­ but our route then took us back Dianne Thompson rugated iron roof in a subdued into the scrub. We dropped down a shade of green, this shelter hut ridge to Diggers Creek where blends in well with the scenery. ditches and mounds of stones testi­

The National Parks and Wildlife fied vto gold diggers activity in Service and KHA cooperated in bygone days. Set back from building this and it was officially Diggers Creek, we discovered the TRIPS

First night at Cradle Mountain

Syd and I, together with one of our sons, Michael, and girlfriend Karen, set off after lunch on a Monday in mid-March and were driven to Cradle Mountain where we arrived about 6.30 pm to spend the night at one of the huts at Waldheim. Next morning with frost on the ground and ice on the puddles, we set off on the start of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair Overland track. I must admit I had some misgivings as I had never carried more than a day pack before and had certainly never camped over­ night, let alone a possible 7 or 8 nights. But with one son lending me his good Go ret ex jacket another his superdown sleeping bag. a girlfriend a haversack, I felt I could not let them down. Despite the cold start the day was magnificent and we set off Mount Oakleigh. Photos: Barbara Comfort along the Horse Track to Kitchen Hut where we stopped for lunch around the rim of Cradle Cirque, a Wednesday morning there was low stop, then on to the Pelion Creek look down Fury Gorge and on to cloud and occasional drizzle but we where we camped in the bush. Waterfall Valley where we spent were fed, packed up and on the This was our longest day's walk— our first night. Although there was track by 9 am. 16 kilometres. We woke to bril­ room in the hut at this stage we We did not see too much of the liant sunshine and were rather opted to put up our tents and by distant scenery all day but we did late getting away because we did nightfall the hut was full and see a bit of weak sunshine at Lake not have too far to walk this day. there were five or six tents nearby. Windermere which was our lunch Michael left us during the morning to climb Mt Pelion West and caught up with us again after lunch. We had lunch at Frog Flats but had to move from our first log as we were nearly taken off by leeches. A hundred metres further along the track not one was to be seen. Our target this day was Pelion Plains where we were lucky enough to spend two nights, as Michael had work to do from here for the National Parks and Wildlife Service. We had not been in the hut 15 minutes when a rather breathless man knocked on the door to ask for a radio telephone as a member of his party of 14 had had a bad fall near the top of Mt Ossa and needed medical attention. Michael packed a few essentials in a pack, took the stretcher from the wall and returned with the man to the scene of the accident. Michael then returned to Pelion Plains. Brayshaw's Hut This sketch by James Merverley of Brayshaws Hut (circa 1935) is a composite one drawn from detail of how the hut appears today (March 1991 NPA Bulletin) and descrip­ tion provided by Roma Brayshaw who lived there during the 1930s. Over the weekend of 6-7.April, Kosciusko Huts Association mem­ bers and Venturer Scouts with joint KHA-NPA members Robert and Sybil Story, Fiona Brand, Babette Scougall and Reg Alder carried out extensive stabilisation work of replacing fallen boards, covering openings with reinforced plastic sheeting, stopping up roof holes and the sorting of the fallen chimney stone work. Doors were also fitted to both structures. Beside being a competent artist, James Merverley is also a stonemason and will work on the rebuilding of the chimney of Westermans. We can be sure that the finished chimney will reflect the work of a true artist and Hut sketch photo by Reg Alder. artisan.

Cradle Mountain continued from, page 20 The outcome was the injured the track to climb down to and a search of the hut for about woman spent the night with three Fergusson and Cathedral Falls, half a pound of jelly snakes which of her party on Mt Ossa and was then further on to Hartnett Falls had mysteriously disappeared from airlifted out by helicopter the next where we had lunch. Back on the Karen's pack during the night (we day to Royal Hobart Hospital. track again and on to Camp Fire had to conclude that it was mice). Friday was to be a lay day so we Creek where we camped for the A quick trip along Lake St Clair to only went for a short walk in the night, during which a couple of Cynthia Bay, hot showers and a morning to Old Pelion Hut. Not far light showers fell. change of clothing, then delicious from here we looked across to Mt On Monday morning we climbed fresh hamburgers by the lake Ossa and saw the helicopter but Ducane Gap, stopped briefly at before picking up our car which we were too far away to pick out Windy Ridge Hut, which was very Syd and Michael had driven there details of the rescue. We then dirty, then on to Pine Valley turn- 10 days earlier, and we were soon walked to the old copper mine off where we had lunch. Michael on our way back to Hobart. before returning for a late lunch and Karen left us here as Michael I felt a great sense of achieve­ and a lazy afternoon. had more field work to do in Pine ment at having completed the The cloud soon lifted next morn­ Valley, while Syd and I walked on Overland track and as Michael ing and we set off again along the to Narcissus Hut and awaited said to me, Tfou have broken all track, Michael checking his insect their arrival. We decided to spend records by walking the Overland traps along the way. We passed this, our last night, in the hut track with dry feet'. We were Kia Ora Hut, which is new and which was a wise.decision as we extremely lucky with the weather. very comfortable, then on to had very heavy rain during the Ducane Hut which is quite night. Barbara Comfort neglected, and pitched our tents Tuesday morning Syd radioed not far away under some magnifi­ for the boat which would pick us cent leatherwood trees which were up at 12.30 pm, so the morning in full bloom. Sunday was again a was spent in various ways: short lovely day and we left our packs on walks, diaries brought up-to-date, Playing possum Tyke came to stay in the summer of 1900-91. His presence began the saga of'playing possum'. Sometime around Christmas we were awakened on several occa­ sions by what sounded like a prowler in the vicinity of our side path. We prowled too, keeping lights off, all five in our family creeping around with torches. Eventually I decided that the noises were becoming too regular to be a prowler. Tins conclusion was supported by the presence of dung pellets and the ever increasing rapidity of noises on the roof just as we were going to sleep and again early in the morning before we wanted to w ake up. In bet v. et-n we made occasional sightings of a possum in the yard, often in the Swains pencil pines growing close to the house providing access to the roof. We discovered early on that he We began to show signs of lack of was a ravenous little eater but he sleep. I sought advice and assistance lacked the ability to hold the food Finally I organised a neighbour­ from the Parks and Conservation in his mouth after the first bite hood roof sit-in. Family and neigh­ Service who sent us information because of his damaged legs. He bourhood kids were placed on how to care for possums, build was like a person with hands tied strategically about the house and them a house, or alternatively, trying to eat an apple which was garage roofs and even in the ceil­ how to get rid of them. It was not hanging from a string. His impedi­ ing. After an hour and a half of difficult for us to become commit­ ment also prevented him from restlessness amongst the troops ted to this little fellow. In fact we reaching from branch to branch Gary had the feeling that he was became dedicated to protecting and stopped him jumping into being watched. He turned and sit­ him when we discovered he was trees that (lid not have branches ting only about 6 feet from him minus one front leg and that the angled at about 45 degrees. was our little furry friend, arms remaining paw was severely dam­ sort of folded, head tilted on one aged. According to one of the wild­ To cut a long story down, we set side as if to say 'What in the devil life o fTi c e r s I spoke with, these about each morning and evening are you all doing up here?' injuries would have occurred in trying to find where Tyke spent suburbia—most likely by a trap his daylight hours. We knew it We were certainly dispirited set in our own suburb. This officer was in our roof, but despiteg many after that, but after further spot­ thought Tyke's chances of survival sessions on and in the roof (in the ting manoeuvres discovered his were slight because of the follow­ heat and cold) we never seemed to entry to be via one of our exhaust ing factors: get closer to the truth. vents. This was subsequently We had crawled around the blocked following the late night * parent possums despatch their entire guttering, dragging hands building of an appropriate possum adolescents (such as Tyke; to under eaves full of cobwebs and house. fend for themselves at a rela­ leaf rubbish; removed and It took us three more moves to tively early age replaced huge quantities of roof get the possum house sited in a • most of these adolescents die tiles; just about dismembered the safe and secure spot for Tyke, as, because they fail to fend for sola r hot water sy ste m, solar following a cat fight and a few themselves,, primarily because heater panels, inlets and outlets; other insights, we realised just they cannot establish a territory pulled and shaken every flue and how difficult and dangerous life chimney on the roof; and spent could be for Tyke without the shel­ • Tyke would be threatened by lengths of time in the ceiling. We ter of our ceiling. Finally we set domestic animals but even more sat out night after night getting his house 10 foot above the ground threatened by adult male pos­ bitten by mosquitoes and scram­ on planks laid between the two sums staking a territory bled out still half asleep each pencil pines. We have food and • he lacked the ability to ade­ morning to dive on the roof after water dishes on a level just below quately feed himself. we heard his morning scrambles. the house, accessible to us by ladder. The cats do not seem to like the pencil pines and it is surprising how he can blend Winter Time Talks into them and sit quietly. by local naturalist and conservationist Ian Fraser Our neighbourhood has taken him to heart but several of us Illustrated seminars for entertainment and education to help enliyeri':;/ have been accidentally bitten winter Saturday afternoons when hand feeding him. Tyke is COST: $6 ($4concession), includes afternoon tea and a donation still a wild animal but we can to the Environment Centre. surreptitiously touch him when TIME: 2pm—4pm. feeding. He seems to welcome BOOKING: Phone 249 1560 (8am—7pm, 7 days). Limited seats. our presence and noise because of the likelihood of food, and in TOPICS . fact makes noises and will even sit in his food dish if we are late 1. All in the Name. SATURDAY 15 JUNE. in delivering the goodies for the The folklore, art and science of naming plants and animals. evening. 2. Fire in the landscape. SATURDAY 22 JUNE. We have spent nights worry­ How Australian flora and fauna have come to live with and even ing about his adolescent excur­ depend on fire. Implications for us. sions across the roof and into 3. The Marvellous Mallee. SATURDAY 29 JUNE. the front yard and even onto the The little-known strange and fascinating 'Bonsai forest' that lawn. We have barricaded the covers much of Southern Australia. back yard for his protection and

•;yet he puts himself at risk. 4. Beating the Bush. SATURDAY 6 JULY. ^Fortunately he has extended his Europeans in the Australian landscape; how we saw it, and how ' territory to the yard behind us we moulded it to suit our needs and prejudices. ^nH^ the people there also feed J'^cr protect him: He walks with * aA*waddling gait and bends to rub his chest and place his scent around the place. Some summer evenings he has marched to the top of the laundry steps to share in our kids evening 'pig out' TREK THE TROPICS (food from their jobs in the fast food business). This he does by Light packs standing upright and walking on his hind legs. Getting down Magnificent scenery is a sadder affair. He gets anx­ Beautiful swimming pools ious and frustrated as he leans down but does not have the Ancient Aboriginal art paws to put in place on the lower steps. Finally he used his Good food tail as a grip and hangs over the edge until the tail grip fails and he falls with a clunk on his The perfect holiday head. More recently Tyke appears to have developed the knowhow to use his damaged paw to press objects such as food close to his body. Our lives and those of our neighbours are richer for his presence. We feel privileged to have him and hope that he will live to grow to adulthood and lead a normal life. Looking back 'playing possum' is now part of For details of our complete bushwalking program in Kakadu, our lifestyle and we love it. the Kimberiey and central Australia, write to: Willis's Walkabouts Dianxte Thompson 12 Carrington Street Ph: (089) 85 2134 . Millner NT 0810 Fax: (089)85 2355 Calendar JUNE Monday 3 Marketing. Education and Puhlicitv (MEP) subcommittee meeting, 8.00pm. 24 McCormack Street, Curtin Len Haskew 281 4268(h). Thu rsday 6 Committee meeting 7.30pm. 35 Millen Street, Hughes. Les Pyke 281 2982(h). Th u rsd.n y 1 3 Namadgi subcommittee, 7.30pm, 5 Masters Place, Kambah. Dugald Monro 231 8776(h). Thu rsday 27 Environment subcommittee, contact Tim Walsh 285 1112(h) 274 1465(w).

JULY Monday 1 Marketing. Education and Publicity 'MEP) subcommittee meeting, 8.00pm. 24 McCormack Street, Curtin Len Haskew 281 4268th). Wednesday 3 Outings subcommittee, 8.00pm. 27 Geerilong Gardens, Rcid. Phil Bubb 2G6 512R(w) 248 6769(h). Thursdav 4 Committee meeting 7.30pm, 35 Millen Slreet. Hughes. Les Pyke 281 2982(h). Thursday 11 Namadgi subcommittee, 7.30pm, 87 Shackleton Circuit, Mawson. Svd Comfort 286 2578'h). Tim rsdiiy 25 Environment subcommittee, contact Tim Walsh 285 1112(h) 274 1465(w).

AUGUST Tliu rsday 1 Committee meeting 7.30pm, 35 Millen Street, Hughes. Les Pyke 281 2'J82(h). Munday 5 Marketing. Education and Publicity ('MEP) subcommittee meeting, R.GOpm. 24 McCormack Street, Curtin Len Haskew 281 42G8'h». Tliu r-d;tv S Namadgi subcommittee. 7.30pm, 5 Masters Place, Kambah. Dugald Monro 231 8776(h). Thn rsd.iy 15 Annual General Meeting, 8.00pm. GrilTin Centre.

NPA Bulletin National Parks Association of the ACT POSTAGE GPO Box 457 Canberra 2601 SURFACE PAID Registered Publicalion No. NBH0357 MAIL AUSTRALIA

General meetings 20 June Mr Peter Buckmaster, a primary producer and member of the ACT Parks and Conservation Consul­ tative Committee, is involved with Greening Australia, has family links to the rural pioneering of the region and has many years of leadership in the local rural industry, will speak on 'Nature conservation in the ACT—a primary producer's historical perspective'. 18 July- Two speakers from the Act Government's Wildlife Research Unit will give an illustrated talk on the fisheries and wildlife of Lake Burley Griffin and the Jerrabomberra Wetlands. 15 August Annual General Meeting A members' evening with showings of slides and printed photographs. 19 September A spokesman from the Australian Federal Police Rescue Squad will speak on the squad's operations and services and points for bushwalkers from its experiences with searches and rescues in the bush.