NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION (ACT) INCORPORATED
Draft Tidbinbilla Management Plan Winter wanderings in Namadgi
Mapping and weeding to save grasshopper NPA BULLETIN Voiume34number4 December 1997
CONTENTS
From the President 3 Walking in the west coast wilderness - Part 2 12
Clive Hurlstone Pete Tedder
Biography: Clive Hurlstone 3 The Boboyan Pines project 14 Syd Comfort Draft Tidbinbilla Management Plan 4 Cathy Tighe Victoria's National Parks - The Next Century 15 Timothy Walsh New strategies and plan chart a positive course 5
Stephen Johnston Prophecy is fulfilled 16 Martin Chalk Book launch: Reptiles and frogs of the ACT 5 Patagonia, Trekkers Dreamland 17 Winter wanderings in Namadgi 6 Basia Meder Max Lawrence Book review: Australian Alps Walking Track 18 New members 7 Babette Scougall
Mapping and weeding to save a grasshopper S From roots to soaring petrels - Graeme Wicks weeding on Lord Howe Island 19 The Enduring Life of Franklin Chalet 10 Eleanor Stodart Brett McNamara
Work Party News 11 Len Haskew
National Parks Association (ACT) Incorporated Inaugurated 1960
Aims and objectives of the Association The NPA (ACT) office is located in Maclaurin Cres, Chifley, • Promotion of national parks and of measures for the next to the preschool and is staffed by Dianne Hastie. Office protection of fauna and flora, scenery, natural features and hours are: 10am to 2pm Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays cultural heritage in the Australian Capital Territory and elsewhere, and the reservation of specific areas. Telephone/Fax: (02) 6282 5813 • Interest in the provision of appropriate outdoor recreation Address: PO Box 1940, Woden ACT 2606 areas. Membership • Stimulation of interest in, and appreciation and enjoyment New members are welcome and should enquire through the of, such natural phenomena and cultural heritage by NPA office. organised field outings, meetings or any other means. • Cooperation with organisations and persons having similar Subscription rates (1 July to 30 June) interests and objectives. Household members $30 Single members $25 • Promotion of, and education for, conservation, and the Corporate members $20 Bulletin only $20 planning of landuse to achieve conservation. Concession $15 For new subscriptions joining between: Office-bearers and committee 1 January and 31 March—half specified rate President 1 April and 30 June—annual subscription Clive Hurlstone 6288 7592(h); 6246 5516(w) NPA Bulletin Immediate past president Contributions of articles, line drawings and photographs Eleanor Stodart 6281 5004(h) including colour prints are welcome and should be lodged with the office or Syd Comfort (02) 6286 2578. Secretary Deadline for March issue: 1 February 1998. Max Lawrence 6288 1370(h) Articles by contributors may not necessarily reflect Treasurer Association opinion or objectives. Mike Smith 6286 2984(h) Yvonne Bartos 6231 5699(h) This bulletin was produced by the NPA Bulletin Working Group Len Haskew 6281 4268(h); fax 6281 4257 with assistance from Green Words. Funds provided by the ACT Stephen Johnston 6254 3738(h); 6264 2035(w) Government under the ACT Environment Grants Program Robin Miller 6281 6314(h); 6201 2191(w) assisted in the production of this issue.
Cover photo Printed by Copy-Qik Printers, Canberra, ACT on recycled paper. Hazel Rath near Tom Brayshaw's hut site. (See article, "Winter wanderings in Namadgi', p6.) Photo by Max Lawrence. ISSN 0727-8837 From the President The National Parks Association, a Community Organisation
The National Parks Association have an interest. At the moment our people who would support the aims (NPA) is part of the broad membership numbers are stable, and objectives of the NPA, let them community; it is not an exclusive despite the gain or loss of 60 to 100 know what an active and group of people. Our membership members each year. If the worthwhile organisation it is, and ranges from school students to membership of the NPA were to give them a membership application retirees, with a diversity of shrink significantly, we may appear form. If you have a point of view or lifestyles, employment and personal to be a community group of dechning would like to be involved with the interests. What brings us together importance and a narrowing base. detail of the conservation and park is our commitment to the aims and The second question is more issues facing the NPA or have ideas objectives of the NPA, which difficult but we are able to answer for the activities program get in principally believes in the need for it with confidence. I think all touch with some of those co and enjoyment of national parks members have the opportunity to ordinators, whose names appear on and conservation of the natural and participate in the sub committees, the lower half of the preceding page. cultural heritage. which are the policy development If you are thinking of not renewing your membership please reconsider The questions 'How many forums of the NPA, to put points of or write to let us know why. members do you have?' and 'How view in more informal ways such as representative are you?' at times discussions while taking part in the Finally and with less gravity, I have been asked, most significantly NPA's activities program, or to hope to see you all at Nil Desp when NPA has responded to express their views through the erandum on Sunday 14th for our government inquiries, appeared NPA Bulletin. Christmas party. If you really before a committee of the leg The message which we must heed cannot make it then I look forward islature, or made representations to from those two questions is that the to seeing you next year. Ahappy and a Minister or Member of the House number of members and par relaxing holiday and best wishes to of Assembly on environment ticipation by members are all for 1998. planning or other areas in which we important matters. If you know Clive Hurlstone
Biography
CLIVE HURLSTONE aged 53 came Clive joined the NPAin 1986 after the next 12 months with some to Canberra in the early 1950s and reading the Bulletin in the CSIRO trepidation expecting that it will be was educated here. Clive is married library and meeting members at as busy for the NPA as the past year. to Judith and they have two sons. work. He has lived in Weston Creek for 25 His first NPA walk was to Cotter years, and worked for CSIRO in Rocks led by Steven Forst. He plant science for 30 years. started to attend general meetings He has been interested in the regularly and was elected to the environment and natural history committee in 1991 when Beverley since school days. In the 70s to early Hammond became President. He 80s he was involved with a group of acted as President to fill the gap left scientists, who believed in the need at the AGM in August 1994, until for social responsibility in science, Eleanor Stodart took over in and who took part in many cam February 1995, when he stepped paigns and inquiries, both into the Vice President's position, nationally and locally (eg. Ranger which he held until August 1997. Uranium Inquiry and the Molonglo Clive works full time and said that Parkway). His interest in environ he was only able to take on the mental protection was stimulated by President's position because of the wood chipping at Eden, the strength of the committee and sub campaign to save Lake Pedder and committee system, and the know the growing destruction of the ledge, commitment and support of coastal environment. the members. He looks forward to Draft Tidbinbilla Management Plan This is a summary of the joint response by the NPA ACT and the Conservation Council of the South-East Region and Canberra (CCSERAC) to the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve draft management plan.
The NPA ACT and CCSERAC are within TNR, the special purpose The view is that there is no need for generally supportive of the draft reserve and the national park, with more vehicular or walking tracks in management plan which gives a different purposes and requiring the national park zone. Existing fire commitment for the protection and different management objectives. access for fire control is adequate and conservation of the natural and These factors have resulted in a the strategy of using existing fire cultural values of the Tidbinbilla range of plans and strategies dealing breaks and backburning rather than Nature Reserve. However, there with specific issues. The NPA and construction of new tracks is were several concerns raised in the CCSERAC are concerned that the supported. Likewise, the NPA joint response, regarding the draft management plan, although believes the walking tracks for the emphasis on tourist development viewed as the principal policy public are adequate and there is no and the relationship between the document, may be compromised by need for more to be constructed. The draft plan and other plans and other plans and strategies which possibility of the development of strategies. may not have been made available facilities such as transmitters is Of particular concern, is the to the public for comment and which opposed. However, if this were to go apparent elevation of the Nature may have different objectives. ahead, only existing sites should be Based Tourism Strategy, to equal The NPA believes TNR should be used. importance with the draft manage guided by one management plan The draft management plan states ment plan. The Nature Based rather than any other plan which that the TNR is appropriate for Tourism Strategy views TNR as a may allow for increased tourism commercial activity providing it is site for increased tourist develop development and not provide for carried out with sensitivity to the ment. This is inconsistent with the maintenance of conservation environmental attributes of the area principles of the draft management principles. NPA believes that the and minimal or avoidance of neg plan which aims for conservation of draft management plan should be ative impact, but provides no the area. Neither document provides the primary document, and that the supporting arguments and only very specific detail of the scale of, or reference to the Nature Based broad parameters for consideration. proposes any limits to, any likely Tourism Strategy be deleted from the The NPA and CCSERAC consider tourist development. The NPA and preface. the most contentious issue to be the CCSERAC do not oppose commercial The two different land areas of possibility of new structures being activity in principle, but believe TNR have special characteristics, built, particularly overnight these issues need to be addressed, and management issues regarding accommodation. This is opposed particularly as the Nature Based each zone need to be addressed because of potential adverse impact Tourism Strategy has not been made separately. The NPA has reiterated on the values and character of TNR, widely available for public consult a recommendation in the March and is completely unnecessary due ation. 1995 submission that most of the to the close proximity of Canberra to The NPA ACT and CCSERAC ridge lines and adjacent slopes in the reserve. It is suggested in the believe TNR should continue to TNR become part of Namadgi plan that any plans for development attract interstate and overseas National Park which would rec would be made available for public visitors and there may be scope for ognise the values of the area more consultation, but it does not provide limited development. However, the appropriately, but if this is not specific details of when and where notion that the needs of visitors and acceptable, then the preference this will occur. The draft manage the tourist industry should be would be to designate the area ment plan does not provide details emphasised rather than mamtaining Tidbinbilla Nature Park and the of limits to development, make the conservation values of the area special purpose reserve Tidbinbilla provision for guidelines, or provide is rejected. The first priority should Nature Reserve, both under the examples of the type of development be protection of conservation values management of TNR staff. NPA which would not be permitted. and this needs to be addressed. believes this arrangement would Of particular concern is the One of the major difficulties with better reflect the nature of the two proposal for a new visitor infor planning for TNR is the multiplicity areas. mation centre at the entrance to of legislation and policies developed The NPA and CCSERAC TNR. It would seem from statements by the Commonwealth and ACT commended the approach in the in the draft public works implement governments. Compounding this draft management plan that ation plan, that this has been pushed problem is the existence of two conservation requirements would be ahead without the chance for distinct and different land areas given priority over recreational use. Continued on page 5 Tidbinbilla Management New strategies and plan chart a Plan Continued from page 4 positive course comment from the public, and Two new draft strategies - the ACT Conservation Strategy. The without any valid reason for a new Nature Conservation Strategy and strategy's sound approach needs to development. The NPA and the Campground Strategy for ACT be reflected in all aspects of the CCSERAC believe the existing Parks and Forests - and the new Territory's environmental manage visitor information centre is Bushfire Fuel Management Plan ment, not least in the last major adequate'and there is no need for a provide plenty of reason for plan awaiting development - the new development, and particularly optimism about the future of the revised management plan for not one situated near the entrance ACT's remarkable nature conser Namadgi National Park. which would spoil the presently vation estate. The NPA has been critical of the clear view of the valley. While the NPA has expressed lack of specificity and prescription The NPA and CCSERAC believe some concerns about aspects of the of draft management plans that the draft management plan needs Bushfire Fuel Management Plan, have been released over the last two to make provision to maintain overall, these documents demon years. Nevertheless, the plans existing facilities and upgrade them strate a real depth of understanding recognise the primacy of nature to accommodate increased use by and sensitivity for the complexities conservation needs. the public only where this will not of conservation management which The draft Campground Strategy compromise the undeveloped reflects very positively on Environ demonstrates that there is ample character of the area. ment ACT. room for development of visitor On the issue of introduction of Their release coincides broadly facilities without compromising the entrance fees, it was recommended with the conclusion of the man integrity and the special attractions that the revenue be used by the agement restructuring and reforms of the ACTs parks and reserves. Its Parks and Conservation Service for of the Territory's nature con approach is exemplified by the park management and species servation management agencies. recommendations that camping be conservation activities and that the The NPA has been very concerned prohibited at the Booroomba Rocks budget allocation should not be about the serious impact on staff picnic area when an existing reduced accordingly. morale of this protracted period of hardened site near the former uncertainty. With the establishment Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Another area of concern relates to of Environment ACT it is vital that Station is developed and that group the lack of detail regarding there be now a period of stability so camping be accommodated at the measurable parameters and imp the staff can perform their former Orroral Tracking Station lementation of management important work, confident about rather than through an expansion operations in the draft management their own and their organisation's of the campground on the Orroral plan, and other plans, such as the future. River. Murrumbidge River Corridor and Canberra Nature Park manage It is to be hoped that we will see Stephen Johnston ment plans, which will result in a the implementation over time of the Convenor lack of management accountability. recommendations of the Nature Environment Sub Committee It is recommended that all management action be measurable so that the service and the public can assess whether objectives have Reptiles and Frogs of the Australian been achieved. Capital Territory Cathy Tighe by Ross Bennett
Book Launch The National Parks Association of the ACT last month mailed FOR SALE invitations to members and others to attend the launch of Ross Bennett's book, Reptiles and Frogs of the Australian Capital Territory. One pair Hi-Tec Utah The ACT Chief Minister, Kate Carnell, MLA, will launch the book walking boots, size 10. at Forestry House, Yarralumla, on December 9. Worn only twice Priced at $12 for members and $14.95 for non-members, the book will be on sale at the NPA's Christmas party and at general meetings, $60.00 and can be ordered from the association's office, with postage extra. It Matthew Higgins 6247 7285 is also available from bookshops. Winter wanderings in Namadgi
On the morning of 30 July 1997 ten hardy NPA walkers under the leadership of Graham Scully set out in brilliant winter conditions from Caloola Farm to spend three days visiting sites of historical interest further up the Naas Valley. Faced with six crossings of the Naas, our destination for the first day was Max and Bert Oldfield's hut. This hut is located in a beautiful little valley banging on the Booth Range high above the Naas - about 200 metres above in fact, as we found labouring our packs ever upwards in the glorious winter sun. The hut itself is a small and rudimentary iron clad construction Graham Scully and Laurie Westcott in Max and Bert's Hut. with a flat roof, dirt floor and stone Photo by Max Lawrence. fireplace. It is in quite good shape, largely due to the cooperative efforts the hut as a heritage item. it must have been a cold hole on of Namadgi Park staff and the We did find though that the hut winter nights. Kosciuszko Huts Association. It is was too small for our group, and this As we huddled around the fire our also in remarkably original meant use of the outside fireplace. intrepid and thoughtful leader condition - the old kero frig still has There was no trouble avoiding the produced a portable cassette player its stock of reading material, smoke, however. The cold air oozing from his pack and played us an oral ranging from westerns and Worn ens down the valley behind the hut history interview of Max Oldfield by Weeklies to a Bible. These items are picked the smoke up and wafted it Matthew Higgins. It seems the hut an integral part of the hut, and if steadily and relentlessly straight was built in 1967 by the Oldfield they were to be lost through down the creek, over the waterfall cousins after they inherited the souveniring, theft, or any other form just below, and out into the void of of vandalism the effect would be a lease from their fathers, who the Naas Valley. The hut might be permanent reduction in the value of managed the run from the colder close to the water in the creek, but Bog hut site even further up on the Booth Range. The Bog hut site has been visited at least a couple of times on NPA outings, most recently by Matthew Higgins in September. As expected, the next morning we emerged from our frozen tents to a big white frost, but the sun rising over the Tinderries reached us early and soon things were thawing out. This day's expedition was to be a walk with day packs further up the Naas, into Reedy Creek, and back to the hut. After several kilometres and another crossing of the Naas we arrived at Tom Brayshaw's hut site. Although built as recently as 1962- 63, the hut now comprises a collapsed pile of iron and timber slabs, some of which were originally taken from the site of a much older hut built by selector Hines early this 'Historians'at Max and Bert's hut. Photo by Max Lawrence. century. Nearby is the grave of Mrs Mathieson, now marked by the original headstone and footstone and a more recently erected star picket. Mrs Mathieson was the wife of a stockman who found her mur dered in mysterious circumstances when he returned from one of his trips. The date of the murder is un known, but Mathieson was em ployed by James Booth, who sold the run to Garret Cotter in about 1860. The preservation of the lonely bush grave site for upwards of 130 years provides a very poignant link with our early pioneers. Our walk up Reedy Creek was along the approximate route of a road nature has almost fully reclaimed, but which must have Crossing the Naas. Photo by Max Lawrence been a busy route for the little community living on the flats up the us were able to explore new ways of drew on reports by Matthew creek. We were able to locate the site getting our feet cold and wet on the Higgins: Voices from the Hills: of the hut where Harry Cotter (born six river crossings. We all had a very Namadgi Oral History Project^ and 1860) lived with his wife Mary and pleasant three days, and we were Namadgi Sites. Both projects were their ten children. Not much certainly much more tin touch* with sponsored by the Kosciuszko Huts remains today of their occupation, the rural pioneers of our beloved Association. but we were able to find an old Namadgi. We were also very much The crew were: Graham Scully washing dish, some hearthstones, aware of how little remains of this (leader), Frank Clements, Jerry and various pieces of rusting metal. important era of our history, and Jacobsen, David Large, Eric Pick On the third day of our outing we how fragile that remainder is. Let ering, Hazel Rath, Laurie Westcott, took a leisurely stroll back down the us be very careful to look after it. Barry Ridgeway and Tim Walsh. hill to the Naas, and then some of In preparing for the trip Graham Max Lawrence
New Members, July to November Building up Victoria's snow country Laurie and Robin Westcott Weetangera Large-scale proposals to turn parts of Australia's scarce, ancient Stuart Whitten, Carolyn Young, and weathered alpine peaks into bustling European-American Kirrilie Horswille type resorts regularly emerge, with development plans for Mt and Paul Rowberry Cook Stirling and Mt Hotham being the most recent in "victoria. Paul, Matt, Leah Satrutynski The Government has approved the doubling of the lifted ski and Sue OTxmghlin Kambah field capacity at Mt Hotham in the Mt Loch-Swindlers Spur area. Brian Fuller Pearce The top lift stations are only metres from the Alpine National John Hopkins Fraser Park Boundary and impact on the Park's remote and wilderness values. They are clearly visible from strategic points inside the Ann McDevitt Wanniassa park, including from Mount Feathertop. Helen and Jim Stevens Pearce In addition to this now completed expansion of sM terrain, the Maureen Howard Lyneham Mt Hotham Skiing company's wider integrated plan includes Kathy Tracy Belconnen substantial residential sub-division and village redevelopment Sharon Pretty Holt at the Mt Hotham resort, construction of hundreds more Helen Hansen Garran condominiums, nine hole golf course and polo field at nearby Dinner Plain resort, and controversially, a high altitude (1300 Steve Galliford Tbrrens metre) international jet-capable airport at neighbouring Horse Barry McHugh Civic Square Hair Plain. Brian Slee Curtin Brian Fuller Pearce ParkWatch, June 1997. Checkerboard pattern Mapping and weeding to Two button varieties - Chrysoce- phalum semipapposum and save a grasshopper Chrysocephalum apiculatum (which has flowers very like those of a typical daisy and which seems to be the grasshoppers' favourite food) - The difficulty with the Keyacris The Green Corps strategy of and kangaroo grass were mapped, scurra wingless grasshopper is that mapping and weeding was based on along with the occurrence of weeds its food seems to be largely a report prepared in 1995 by the restricted to two types of button CSIRO, for the ACT Parks and The most invasive weed was found daisies, and these buttons do not do Conservation Service which had a to be the St John's wort (in the long- well in improved pastures or in major role in the project. stemmed, narrow-leaved strain), followed by phalaris, and various competition with exotic weeds. According to the report, a survey minor weeds. As a result the grasshopper now of 700 hectares of woodland and The weeds were removed by hand exists in the ACT only in small, grassland in the northern ACT or by systemic weedicide, often a isolated 'islands' of relatively confirmed K. scurra on seven sites weed at a time, so that neighbouring undisturbed grassland and grassy with a total area of 25 hectares. The native grasses were not damaged. woodland. survey discovered three new This was done over eight days in If these habitats go, so does Key's populations, but two previously a checkerboard pattern of cleared Matchstick, as K scurra is known known populations were found to be and uncleared 10m squares. This in the vernacular. extinct. Another population was has ensured that impact will be in The species gets its name from its reported in the Namadgi National progressive stages, and means that appearance - it looks more like a Park. the effectiveness of the strategy can piece of match than a stereotypical The Green Corps project was a be assessed before weeding is grasshopper - together with the continuation of experimental control resumed next year. name of the scientist, Dr K H L Key, and monitoring programs for St A survey of the grasshoppers by who first wrote about it. John's wort at the site. Biological the Green Corps team was carried In a 1994 paper by D A Driscoll, it control has significantly stunted the out in early spring, and the results was described as a 'threatened' growth of individual wort plants. of the weeding activities will be species. The Green Corps started work on monitored progressively by the The strategy for the just- June 10. The mapping on a scale CSIRO. completed Green Corps project to 1:500 took 10 days. The site, which was known to contain endangered protect a K. scurra community at the More species found Kambah Pool reserve, had two and locally rare plants, was divided prongs. These were, to map and into 100m by 100m sectors and then The Green Corps group working on document the five-hectare site for its 5m transects, and everything the project had 10 young members natural and artificial components, significant was documented. and the team supervisor, Judd and to remove the weeds. The purpose of the initial mapping was to provide a register of its state at the start of the project and so allow subsequent changes to be accurately noted. The Green Corps team submitted their report on the project, together with maps showing vegetation and weeding activity, to Murrumbidgee River Corridor rangers on November 13.
Weeding and mapping The area is fenced, so there was no problem from grazing stock, and although it is part of a popular recreational area, walkers mainly Attempting to flush out specimens of Key's Matchstick are (I to r) the ACT keep to a defined track and are Parks and Conservation Service ranger liaising with the Green Corps unlikely to trample either the team on the project, Darren Roso, the Team Supervisor, Judd Boeker, and grasshoppers or the button daisies. team member Laurence Cooke. Photo by Graeme Wicks. Boeker of the Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers (ATCV), which achninisters the Green Corps program nationally. The Kambah Pool area is a Tich site with other little gems' besides K. scurra, Judd says. While carrying out their work, his team found another species of wingless grass hopper. Judd says many people have probably seen the grasshopper without realising that it was a living insect. 'When they jump out of the way, you can easily mistake them for a The Green Corps team killing weeds between transect lines, by poisoning piece of straw or grass kicked up by them or removing them by hand. Photo by Judd Boeker. your boot/ he says. This is an experience some NPA Programs in the ACT River Corridor. It is planned to members might have had - the exclude stock and remove exotic The grasshopper habitat work was Kambah Pool - Casuarina Sands weeds from revegetation sites. walking track passes through the part of round two of the three site. rounds of Green Corps projects so Conservation training far allocated for the ACT. They Since working on the project, Judd Announced in the 1996 Federal comprise one for the Namadgi/ has found small, as yet un Budget, the Green Corps program Tidbinbilla National Park and two documented colonies of the grass gives Australians between 17-20, for the Murrumbidgee River hopper in other locations. There are with an interest in the environment, Corridor. All are carried out with lots of colour variations, especially an opportunity for accredited the advice and approval of the ACT between different communities, training whilst taking part in Parks and Conservation Service. ranging from a grey, winter-grass environmental projects. colour to orange and light green. Round one, commenced in March, Green Corps projects are designed was focused on Namadgi and After completing the major work to give young people a full-time Tidbinbilla. The major activity was on the grasshopper project, Judd's training position for between six and maintenance of walking tracks, team moved to erosion control work 12 months. Team members receive with high priority given to the for Canberra Nature Parks (North- accredited training in bush re walking track in Namadgi National side) at Mulligan's Flat Nature generation techniques, habitat Park, and management of erosion Reserve. protection and restoration, and in the parks. Improvement of the environmental rehabilitation. Unanswered questions platypus habitat and reduction of fire threats in the Tidbinbilla Projects focus on areas where K. scurra has been studied and Nature Reserve, and the removal environmental and heritage res documented over the years but of invasive flora from both parks toration and conservation is a high many basic questions about it and were other round one activities. priority. how to manage its habitat are yet The Federal Government provided The aim of the round two project to be answered. $41.6 mil linn over three years for the was to assist with the protection of These are questions like, the Green Corps program. In that time, the habitat of the wingless effects of fire and grazing on the it is expected that 3500 young grasshopper within the Murrum grasshopper populations, the type Australians will have taken part in bidgee River Corridor as well as and density of food plants it the program. requires, where it lays its eggs, with erosion control on Mount The. Government contracted the where it spends the night, and Painter. Wingless grasshopper ATCV to administer and manage the factors influencing mortality at its surveys, weed control, vegetation Green Corps program nationally for various stages of growth. mappings and erosion control the first 18 months. The Government comprise the major activity. The Among things known about the will seek expressions of interest for round two project commenced in grasshopper are, that it breeds in the remaining period of the program. May. September-November, males reach ATCV is responsible for selecting adulthood in May and the females The round three project involves participants, establishing and mature in the spring. Hatching is the revegetation and maintenance supervising projects and providing from spring to February. of indigenous riparian plants and field support. grasses along the Murrumbidgee Graeme Wicks The Enduring Life of Franklin Chalet
Surrounded by storm-blasted snow- gums which have withstood the ravages of time, a picturesque mountain setting is the backdrop for a quaint ski chalet, found high on the Brindabella Range. Built by the founding members of the Canberra Alpine Club in the summer of 1937-38, the Mount Franklin ski chalet represents an important and tangible link in the development of Australian skiing. Standing proudly as the oldest surviving club-built ski lodge in the Australian Alps national parks, the chalet and site are unique in a regional context. Mount Franklin chalet in July 1995. Photo by Brett McNamara. Today, Franklin provides an insight into an aspect of our alpine cooperation with the Canberra and for general public viewing, and heritage and typifies an out Alpine Club and the ACT Parks and complements the endeavours to standing example of cooperation Conservation Service, the plan advance the significant heritage between a community-based club identified the need to publicly values of the chalet during 'open and the ACT Government. The display and interpret examples of days'. Canberra Alpine Club and the ACT the unique history of the chalet and Periodically the chalet is also open Parks and Conservation Service are environs. One avenue of achieving for inspection during 'snow- committed to the long-term this objective is through regular weekends'. With heavy snow management of the site and the 'chalet open days' held as part of our conditions closing the Mount Frank significant values it represents, in ranger-guided walk program. lin Road atthe adjacent carpark, the terms of the resourcefulness and Recently, the Canberra Alpine chalet is a welcome sight, allowing ingenuity of the pioneering spirit of Club and the ACT Parks and visitors not only the opportunity to club members. Conservation Service completed a seek shelter, but to gain an insight Next year marks the 60th joint project of collating a rep into and appreciation of a way of life anniversary of the official opening resentative collection of photographs and standard of skiing accomm of the chalet. The joint managers of over 50 years of skiing in the odation unfamiliar to many people are keen to highlight and promote Brindabellas. The photos, known as today. this significant occasion and the The Franklin Collection , provide an An exciting project planned for the rich heritage values the site unprecedented window of oppor site is the implementation of an represents. tunity to view a bygone era of ambitious interpretative strategy Under the Mount Franklin Chalet Australian skiing. The collection is for the area. In essence, the project Conservation Plan, developed in available for research upon request is designed to encapsulate the history and human experiences of Mount Franklin through an inte Living room, grated series of outdoor and indoor Mount Franklin interpretative display panels and chalet. signs. An integral component of the Photo by project will be The Franklin T. Gibson. Collection which will form the basis of a self-guided walk with strat egically located interpretative signs. When completed, visitors will have the opportunity to glean a little of the history and social experiences of Fraruclin.
Continued on page 11 Franklin Chalet Franklin. Canberra Alpine Club Franklin. As 1998 approaches and Continued from page 10 members have kindly donated a the 60th anniversary of the chalet, number of old skis and other pieces plans are well underway to elevate Completed recently was the of ski equipment and memorabilia. the occasion with a major open day second phase of improving security These items are certainly welcomed to mark such a significant event. It at the chalet. The work undertaken by visitors, in terms of increasing is envisaged that as a highlight of modified some of the existing their understanding and apprec next year's ACT Heritage Festival, shutters by facing the whole shutter with 'Lexan' to increase the iation of the complexities involved Franklin chalet will take prom effectiveness of the security barrier in T>rumby skiing*, from the very inence in promoting the unique which as a result, admits more simple 'strap your feet in and go' to cultural heritage values of the natural light to the otherwise the advent of 'ankle release' and Australian mainland's oldest club- gloomy interior; other shutters will 'safety bindings'. built ski lodge. be modified so they can be temp The ACT Parks and Conservation If you would like to discuss any of orarily removed as the need arises. Service would certainly appreciate the above projects in detail or would any further contributions of Frank like more information regarding the An initiative of the ACT Parks and lin memorabilia, whatever they may plans for the 60th anniversary, Conservation Service, and one the be, from either current or former please contact me on ph. 6247 8153. service is keen to foster and support, club members or people who once is the display of Franklin ski Brett McNamara skied at Franklin. memorabilia items. This project is Ranger, Namadgi National Park As you can see a number of designed to publicly display and ACT Parks and Conservation exciting projects are planned or are promote ski equipment from a Service. bygone era which were once used at currently underway at Mount
Work Party News Many readers will recall a work wildings is quite satisfying as you party weekend in the Boboyan Pines immediately see the results of your area 'tagging' rabbit warrens to work. An added bonus for many of make them more readily visible us was discovering a very scenic part when park staff were conducting of the river right on our doorstep. their eradication programs. The October saw us back in the Bob people who participated will, no oyan Pines area attacking the doubt, be pleased to know that a rampaging briars. This task doesn't bulldozer has at last been made have the immediate appeal of available and that the warrens we removing pines, but it is never tagged have now been destroyed. theless important and our activities Shortly there will be a monitoring are much appreciated by the park procedure put in place which will managers. give an indication of how effective Forthcoming work parties are the rabbit eradication program has planned for 13 December to tidy up been. Throughout the ripping and the area around Nil Desperandum rehabilitation process the park for our Christmas Party and early workers have been very careful not next year we will be involved to disturb any sites that may have building a walking track in had cultural significance. Namadgi - see the Outings Program At the end of August we had a very for details. successful work party in the For those of you who have not been Murrumbidgee River Corridor. The involved in work parties previously, object was to remove pine wildings come along and give one a try. in the area between Kambah Pool Participants all seem to enjoy their and Jews Corner. There was a great day out in the open and there is the rollup of volunteers and literally added satisfaction that something hundreds of wildings were removed worthwhile has been achieved. No The August work party took on the —they ranged in size from those that special skills are required, except a pine wildings. Here the 'boss', Len could be pulled out by hand to three readiness to knock off promptly Haskew, tackles a rather large one. trees that required the attention of when the frequent smokos are Photo by Olive Buckman. the ranger's chain saw. Cutting out called. Len Haskew Walking in the west coast wilderness - Part 2 In February 1997, Kathy Saw, Judith Webster, Annette and Mike Smith, Di Thompson, David Large, and Pete and Annie Tedder did a 16-day walk on the remote west coast of Tasmania, starting from the rarely used Moores Valley airstrip. An edited and greatly abridged version of track notes of the first eight days appeared in the last issue of the NPA Bulletin. The walk continues.
Day 9, February 15: Wreck Bay to Day 10, February 16: Bond Bay to It is a happy party that finally Bond Bay (13km, 8hrs) Melaleuca by the Southern Explorer arrives at Melaleuca in the late 5.30am - Kathy wakes us. It is dark Around 12.30pm an indistinct white afternoon. The boat trip had been a and we pack by torchlight. At blob is seen, just where the boat perfect ending to the first part of the 7.30am promptly, Kathy leads us up ought to be, and a few minutes later, expedition and the weather for the the ridge line to emerge onto the there is no doubt. Don, the Southern crossing could not have been better. button grass within 200m of our Auroras amiable skipper, comes We collect the fresh food and our day camp. It is brilliant sunshine. ashore to ferry us on board. A packs with clean clothes from the welcome surprise waits on board: airfield shed, settle in and have the Two routes suggest themselves fresh bread and a delicious salad luxury of discussing what we will and may be termed the 'high' route, lunch. As the boat weighs anchor, eat that night. Everyone is in high using the De Witts as a natural there is not much conversation. spirits and we drink a toast to the pathway, or the low' route through safe and trouble-free completion of the pass which is the watershed We call at Schooner Bay to collect the last 10 days. between the Towterer and White Gerry MacNally and two other Horse Creeks. Our immediate bushwalkers from the Launceston Annette unselfishly volunteers to attention is to avoid the swampy Club who have been exploring the cook mince and vegies, assisted by ground of Towterer Creek. This area between Spain Bay and David and Mike. imperative sees us veering to the Noyhener Beach over the last six Days 11 and 12, February 17-18: higher and drier ground. days. We swap yarns about the area Rest days at Melaleuca which Annie, Judith, Kathy and I We make good progress in the Melaleuca owes its existence to the lasted visited in 1995. light rain which is now falling, and tin ore found underneath the soil. after lunch we move at first through As the boat moves along the The ore body has been worked since thickish scrub along White Horse Channel, I take the opportunity to prior to World War Two, when Creek, and walk across the low hills inspect Balmoral Hill, the Narrows Charles King took up the lease. His to the bay. We cross the mouth of and Mount Rugby through my son, Deny King, continued working the creek and enjoy the walk around binoculars. The west face of Mount the mine after the war and the mine Larsen's Rocks to the shelter, Rugby, which we intend to climb in is still being operated by the Wilsons arriving at 3.30pm. a few days' time, is uniformly steep who move the ore out in their yacht Presumably, the two-sided shelter but the outstanding feature of this Rallinga. Deny King's house is now has been built on the site of the hut route is the huge rock slabs which preserved by his daughters and is now marked on the map. A tank can be slippery. well worth a visit as is the bird supplies fresh water, although there is no shortage of small creeks along the beach. We could find no trace of the track in surrounding thick bauera, cutting grass and tea tree scrub. Wood is scarce but most disappointing is the litter of beer cans, broken glass and rubbish, including a bath tub, strewn around the site and along the beach. A quick search up and down the beach does not offer an alternative site so reluctantly we set up our camp. Later, we half fill a heavy duty plastic bag with beer cans and Refreshed after two days' rest at Melaleuca, the group set out on Day 13 for The broken glass and this will be taken Narrows. Pictured are (I to r): Tim Walsh, Mike Smith, David Large, Kathy Saw, out tomorrow. Annette Smith, Judith Webster, Annie Tedder and Pete Tedder. Photo by Di Thompson. observatory built to count the On Balmoral Hill, incidence of orange-bellied parrots, Day 15, the group had a 360-degree now an endangered species. view of hills and When King built the airstrip in the water. The Bathurst '60s, the area became more Channel is in the accessible to walkers, and the background. unique natural attractions of the Pictured are (I to r): region led to the South West Mike Smith, Tim National Park being placed on the Walsh, Judith World Heritage List. From here, the Webster, Pete Tedder, Annette Smith, bushwalker can walk either to Kathy Saw, Annie Cockle Creek along the South Coast Tedder, and Di Track, or north along the Old Port Thompson. Photo by Davey Track and across the David Large. Narrows to Scotts Peak Dam on Lake Pedder. A campsite and two huts are provided for walkers. under power and a male voice calls, with frequent rain squalls. The Is Kathy Saw there?' track is predictably muddy and we Nearby, a ranger's hut has radio push on to the airstrip with only two communication to Hobart. The voice identifies himself as Paul Rand, an old mate of Kathy's brief stops, arriving at 11.50am. The Day 13, February 19: Melaleuca - from her orienteering days. cloud ceiling is well below the The Narrows, (13km, 6hrs) As the crossing proceeds, Paul and surrounding hills, so our private At the Narrows we find the boats Margaret Rand join us in their thoughts are concerned with and launch them from the wooden dinghy, having anchored Sea Eagle whether or not we will get out by slipways. With Tim and Mike in Clytie Cove nearby. As to their plane today. We are greeted by the rowing, we are all over in 45 minutes knowledge of Kathy's presence, they sight of a party of 12 walkers. They and arrive at the campsite near had visited Melaleuca yesterday and tell us that they have come from Farrel Point after six hours easy, if had read our entry in the log. Cockle Creek, arriving yesterday, rather muddy, walking. The mist burns off and blue sky and have been waiting since 10.00am. They will have priority — Day 14, February 20: Unsuccessful greets us. Tents are erected in a hurry and we leave at 10.30am for so, assuming the worst, we claim the attempt on Mount Rugby Balmoral Hill. new hut, change into dry clothes and The 7.30am start was postponed due We walk easily along the ridge top check our rations. to occasional rain. We set off at to avoid the thicker scrub and grass In the hut the mood is one of quiet 9.00am for the boat, and Annie and along the shore. At the top, our prize resignation mixed with an alertness Kathy row Tim and I 500m to the is a 360-degree unobstructed view for the sound of any incoming far shore of Da Bay. of the countryside and particularly aircraft. We hear it, all rush out and And then the rain starts, fairly of the Bathurst Channel, glittering are disappointed on seeing the green heavily and does not let up; the wind under the bright sky. This view will livery of TASAIR landing another picks up sending a small chop down stay in my memory for a long time. party of walkers. Ten minutes later, the bay and I begin to worry about After a latish lunch back at camp, the hum of approaching aircraft is the girls' ability to get back when we only Mike, Annette and I leave for heard and to our relief, the red livery are all on the Rugby side of the bay. Mount Beattie (7km) in mid of Par Avion is seen. Tonight, after As Mike skilfully lands the last afternoon. It is an easy walk with a 15 days, it will be hot showers and boatload in the now increasing wind good view across Bathurst Harbour lots of beer after all. and rain we all simultaneously to the Western Arthurs and straight As we gain height, my mood is one reach the same unhappy decision— down Melaleuca Inlet as far as Cox of quiet pleasure at the end of our abort. Bight. In the afternoon, it is fifth successive Tasmanian disappointing to see the sky cloud Day 15, February 21: Side trips to adventure. Beneath us, the bright over but a pleasant surprise comes Balmoral Hill and Mount Beattie red, green and blue waterproofs of in the form of the Rands bearing All up before sunrise. We work those starting out along the South beer and champagne for pre-dinner solidly and are away on time. Coast Track are brief torches of drinks. Sunrise is hidden behind an eerie colour in the otherwise drab brown blanket of mist with visibility down of button grass. As we follow the Day 16, February 22: Return to to 50m. The boat is launched, and coast at low level, Annette and Di Melaleuca (13km) quick as a flash Mike, David Kathy are animated as the beautiful coast It rains in the night and it is a and Di disappear into the swirling line reveals itself in all its mist...Out of the mist, quietly, dismal day as we leave for moodiness. Judith sleeps. comes a large yacht, the Sea Eagle , Melaleuca - low strato-cumulus Pete Tedder collecting. A 50 square metre fenced The Boboyan Pines project plot has been established to test for the best season in which to sow seed. Ann Connolly, project officer for the on the ground and on water quality. Interpretation and volunteer Boboyan Pines rehabilitation, Before work in each compartment groups addressed the August general begins, on-site inspections identify A display on the Boboyan project has possible problem areas. The project meeting of the association. This been set up in the Namadgi Visitors officer then visits regularly to check article has been prepared from the Centre, a handout prepared for the if problems are developing and, if so, notes which she used for that public and a sign erected on the corrective action is put in hand. address. logging site. The employment of a Water quality monitoring began in Green Corps group and the est Background November 1996 with data being ablishment of a Boboyan volunteer The Boboyan pines were planted in collected at six sites about every two group are being pursued. Volunteer 1966 on 380 hectares of degraded weeks. Turbidity and pH are the tasks could include the sowing of grazing land. The area was included essential measures but temp seed, planting of seedlings, in the Gudgenby Nature Reserve in erature, conductivity, dissolved construction of fences and the 1979 and then in Namadgi National oxygen and low phosphate are also control of weeds. A wide appeal for Park in 1984. In 1983 wildfire measured. damaged about half of the volunteers is being considered with the NPA expected to take a leading plantation. The 1986 Namadgi Second season of field role. Management Plan called for the operations removal of the pines and rehab In November 1997, ACT Parks and Research ilitation of the area with native Conservation and ACT Forests will species. 1996 saw the commence confirm the compartments to be CSIRO landscape ecologists from ment of this work. felled, with work expected to begin the Division of Wildlife and Ecology in late December '97 or early (ACT) are preparing recommend First season of field operations January '98. Further roadwork will ations for the rehabilitation of the ACT Forests began upgrading roads be done on the Old Boboyan Road area. A workshop held in July drew in the plantation in December 1996. as far as Franks Hut and to attention to factors such as the need Sections of the road leading to the compartments beyond this. Rehab to be realistic about what can be Hospital Creek compartments had ilitation work planned covers both done and how long it will take, the to be widened, overhanging site preparation and revegetation. effects climate could have on the branches removed, and drains The service is looking to burning the plant communities which develop formed. Amajor task was the laying slash in four of the compartments and the need to recognise naturally of a pipe and new crossing over already felled. This would provide a grassy areas which should not be Bogong Creek. In the subsequent seed bed and assist in the control of sown or planted with trees. dry weather, logging truck traffic pine wildings. CSIRO and ACT Throughout the address, Ann created bull-dust in the Hospital forests have provided advice on drew attention to the high level of Creek area and upgrading of the burning in each compartment. co-operation between the Parks road during operations was Service and ACT Forests which is necessary. The crossing along the Revegetation is expected to evident in the project and stressed Old Boboyan Road became wide and commence with the selective sowing the importance of this for a deep requiring a concrete crossing of seed in a way which will permit successful outcome. to be laid in the following spring. evaluation of the techniques adopted and the testing of the The plantation comprises 17 Update impact of herbivores. Sites will be compartments and in the first selected after the burning of the Since delivering her address, Ann season five of these covering 119 slash. The ANU Research School of has advised that tenders for further hectares were felled and a start Biological Sciences will assist with seed collecting are being called and made on a sixth. In addition, the setting up of shelters to protect preparations for the autumn burns Namadgi workers have felled seedlings against cold photo are proceeding. In order to have scattered trees which are not inhibition. access to a range of consultation and marketable, in a further com advice on the project, a Boboyan partment. Most of the felling has Seed collection and sowing Pines Plantation Working Group is been done by ACT Forests with some trials being done by a chainsaw gang being established. Invitations to join The quantity of seed collected to contracted by the ACT Parks and this group were extended in October date is 255 kilograms, somewhat Conservation Service. and to date three replies, all less than half the estimated acceptances, have been received. From the outset there has been a requirement of 600 kilograms. The recognition of the importance of indications are that the coming Syd Comfort monitoring the impact of operations season will not be a good one for seed Victoria's National Parks - The Next Century
Stephen Johnston, Ray Polglaze and conservation groups are being used and irreversibility of comm Timothy Walsh attended the to encourage the preservation of ercialisation of nature conservation Victorian National Parks Ass natural vegetation to the benefit of areas. He pointed out that Tourism ociation's conference on 24-25 the local people. Victoria had a strategy to push for October. A field trip took place on 26 Dr Karen Edyvane, a South commercial development in national October. Australian scientist, delivered a parks but that Parks Victoria The aim of the conference was to brilliant talk entitled 'A rep appeared to have no vision, no look at issues crucial to the future resentative system - the forgotten passion for nature conservation and management of Victoria's rem areas' which pointed out graphically no commitment to public consult arkable conservation reserve how marine protection in Australia ation. He emphasised the need for system*. Given the current Victorian has been dominated by the Great constant, clear statements on the Government's grim determination Barrier Reef and has neglected the purpose of national parks and what to commercialise Victoria's parks equally, if not more, important was allowed to take place in them. system, the conference could not waters of the temperate zone. The profit motive must never drive the management of national parks; have been more timely or the topics Barry Traill of the Victorian Trust they must be properly resourced by discussed more urgent. for Nature painted a bleak picture government. The conference was opened, of the rate at which birds in Victoria halfway through, by the Victorian are becoming extinct because of the Once more the message is that the Minister for Conservation and Land massive reduction in native network of national parks ass Management, the Hon Marie Tehan grasslands and woodlands. New ociations must strive mightily to MP. Besides announcing the reserves are desperately needed as preserve and extend what has purchase of several small threat are innovative means to persuade already been achieved. This can only ened grassland areas and the private landholders to conserve the be done by a large, active, vocal and possibility of a marine national park native vegetation still existing. vigilant membership. in 1998, the Minister had little good Dr Ken Marriott, a private Two field trips were arranged to news for Victorians. Along with her recreational consultant, pointed out 'forgotten' areas of vital conservation two senior parks bureaucrats, who that national parks could not be all importance; remnant Box and also spoke at the conference, she things to all people. The increasing Ironbark woodlands near Heathcote seemed to have little understanding leisure time available to people and native grasslands of the Merri of the role of national parks in means that other venues for walking Creek catchment. nature conservation. As with the dog, picnics, cycling and so on I attended the day-long excursion conservative governments through must be provided if national parks to learn about the threats to the out Australia at the moment, are to continue their nature remnant Box-Ironbark forests and management buzzwords are conservation role. woodlands. These are considered the replacing real commitment to Others to participate in the panel most threatened and least reserved expand and protect conservation discussions at the conference woodland habitats in Victoria. They reserves. included Don Saunders, Robyn are chock-a-block full of rare and Very different language was used Kruk, Jaimie Kirkpatrick, Jeremy endangered plant and animal by most of the other speakers! Bing Reynolds, David Foster and by species and are high in biodiversity. Lucas, the internationally known videotape, Ros Garnett, the 91-year- They are threatened by all the usual and admired former director of old founding secretary of the culprits: grazing, feral animals and national parks in New Zealand and Victorian National Parks Ass plants, mining, fire trails, res now vice president of International ociation. On Saturday afternoon idential subdivision, eucalyptus oil Union for the Conservation of four workshops were held on park extraction and timber harvesting Nature (IUCN) gave a lucid speech stewardship and protection, people including devastating firewood on national park activities world and parks, parks and biodiversity collection. The scientific evidence for wide. He drew attention to the and Aboriginal aspirations. the preservation of these critical habitats is well proven. Conserv perilous position of many national The proceedings of the conference ationists in Victoria are now parks in the USA where commercial were summed up by Doug Hum aim, lobbying the Victorian and activities have been allowed to director of the Australian Bush Commonwealth governments to expand due to the political influence Heritage Fund. Hope and dis fulfil their long-standing pledges to of their promoters, and to the appointment were his theme. Doug create adequate reserves for these detriment of nature conservation. expressed disappointment that vital areas. He then described several inter Australian governments were not esting developments in the Pacific heeding the warnings of overseas where trust funds set up by experience in regard to the pitfalls Timothy Walsh Prophecy is fulfilled
On 15th June a small group of NPA Johnston in 1915. Those with walkers set off along Grassy Creek cameras were keen to record these to try their hand at time travel. No relics, as their wonderful forest Dr Who and his Tardis, no General setting was clearly a threat to then- Theory of Relativity only keen survival. Little did I know how near imaginations, a biting breeze and the end was. structures such as Brayshaw's Hut, Some three weeks later I returned Westerman's Homestead and the to these marks to photograph them remains of old fences were at hand in the snow. Chauncy's was in place, to aid their task. proud and erect, advertising the location of what was once a boundary on Thomas Westerman's property. Satisfied with my work, I set off for Johnston's border survey mark. I found the location without difficulty but not the tree. Puzzled, I looked further afield, ever conscious of not ruining a potentially good photo by leaving foot prints all over the snow. After a short time I found the cairn which Freddie Johnson's border had cued Max and me, in our search marker E42. for the mark three weeks earlier. I Photo by Col McAlister. looked in the direction of the tree - nothing. With considerable dis Johnston's handiwork now lying appointment and some sadness I face down in the snow. realised that Max's words had come So, those who obtained photos of true. The old tree had succumbed, Johnston's border survey mark on not to bushfire but to wind. Two very that cool day in June, care for them. windy periods had occurred since we They may be useful and valuable. visited the site and I suspect one of Martin Chalk Martin Chalk and the early these was the cause of Freddie property marker near border marker E2. Photo by Col McAlister.
Everyone seemed to gain from the experience — stories shared, ideas about century-old rural lifestyles tested and historical sites revisited. Interestingly, at Westerman's Homestead, Ian Bell, a guest of mine for the walk, found a piece of newsprint dated 17 August 1917 plastered to the wall. Dining the course of the walk Max Lawrence frequently remarked on the fragility of these historical sites. A bushfire or vandalism could spell the end to days such as these. The importance of Max's words rang true when we visited Harold Chauncy's 1910 property survey mark on the Boboyan Divide and the nearby Freddie Johnston's now prostrate survey tree on the Boboyan Divide. border survey mark left by Freddie Photo by Olive Buckman. 14-15 February weekend car camp 3A up the rocks to magnificent views across the Orroral Valley. Return via the forest and Minnamurra Falls in the afternoon. On Saturday evening Kosciuszko Ref: Mount Kosciusko 1:50 000 Orroral homestead and track to campground. 70 kms, $14 per car. wc will camp, probably at nearby Jamberoo. On Sunday wc will take Leader: Len Haskew Phone: 6281 4268 some of the walks at beautiful Barren Grounds Nature Reserve, lunch at 7-8 March weekend packwalk 2A/D/E Wc will leave Canberra Friday evening and set up camp at Sawpil Creek. Robertson, view some of the many waterfalls in the area (optional), and Corang Circuit Ref: Corang 1:25 000 On Saturday wc walk the Main Range circuit from Charlottes Pass, taking motor home. Come for one or both days. 500kms, $100 per car (plus Leader: Mike Smith Phone: 6286 2984 in Mt Kosciuszko summit, Lake Albina, Carruthers Peak, Blue Lake and $7.50 park entrance fee, plus camp fee). the Snowy. On Sunday we will do a shorter walk in the morning, perhaps Contact leader by Friday 27 Feb for details. A walk from the Wog Wog to Porcupine Rocks, returning to Canberra after lunch. Join us for one or entrance to the Budawangs via Corang Peak to camp near Canowie Brook. 25 March daywalk both days. Phone leader for derails, and book early so a reservation can be Next day follow Corang River (some scrub bashing) to Corang Lagoon Wednesday walk made at the campground. 400 kms, $80 per car (plus camping fee and for lunch and another swim, and then return to Wog Wog along the Leader: Col McAlister Phone: 6288 4171 KNP enrry). track. 250 kms, $50 per car. The March edition of our series of monthly mid-week walks. Phone leader for details, which will be determined nearer the date. 21-22 February weekend packwalk 1A 8 March Sunday family walk IB Goodradigbee River, Wee Jasper Ref: ACT 1:100 000 Gudgenby River Ref: Rendezvous Creek 1:25 000 28 - 29 March Leader: Fiona MacDonald Brand Phone: 6247 9538 Leader: Eleanor Stodart Phone: 6281 5004 Namadgi Work Party
Contact leader by Wednesday for details. A relaxing and easy weekend on Bring a dip net and magnifying glass to look for creepy crawlies in the Leader: Len Haskew Phone; 6281 4268 the Goodradigbee River near Micalong Creek. Great campsite with river, and a'picnic lunch. Please phone leader by preceding Wednesday. This work party will involve constructing a small length of track at the swimming and fishing. 160 kms, $32 per car. 100 kms. $20 per car. Boboyan Road end of the Brandy Flat firetrail. Come for one or both days. Work parties are an opportunity for members to get together under 25 February daywalk 14 - 16 March long weekend packwalk 2/C/D/E fairly relaxed conditions and to do a little bir for Namadgi. Please phone Wednesday walk Mt Talaterang Reference: CMW Budawangs for details. Leaden Col McAlister Phone; 6288 4171 Leader: Steven Forst Phone: 251 6817 (h), 279 1326 (w)
The February edition of our series of monthly mid-week walks. Phone Contact leader by Wednesday 11 March. After a long drive with stops at March packwalk (dates to be negotiated) 2A/B/C/D leader for details, which will be determined nearer the date. Fitzroy Falls and Cambewarra Mountain, an easy two and a half hour Orroral to Kiandra Ref: Tantangara 1:100 000 walk to camp at the top of Ngaityung Falls - a spectacular spot with views Leader: Graham Scully Phone; 6230 3352 28 February daywalk 1A into Pigeon House Gorge. Next day walk to Mt Talaterang without packs, A seven day walk for those who savour the pauses as well as the going, Mt Domain Ref: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 returning to campsite. Return to Canberra Monday. 400 kms, $80 per through the Cotter, Bimberi, Oldfields Hut, Old Currango, Currango Leader: Len Haskew Phone: 6281 4268 (for a hot shower and bed), Tantangara Dam, Hains Hut on the Meet at picnic area carpark on Uriarra road just off the Cotter road (near Murrumbidgee, Wild Horse Plain to Kiandra. Good trout fishing. 16 March Canberra Day Duffy) at 8.30am. A short walk with a climb of680m. The walk starts at Expressions of interest to leader, Number limited to eight. ACT Alive Lawns opposite Old Parliament House the Fishing Gap firetrail and then proceeds along a roughish track to Mt Contacts Domain and a good {but distant) view of Ginini Falls if they are flowing. Max Lawrence; The distance is less than 10km, so we can take the climb slowly. 70 kms, 6288 1370 (h), 6272 2124
Other activities include nature rambles, environmental and field guide of access problems (a number of locked gates through private property), Leader: Stephen Johnston Phone: 6254 3738 (h) studies and ski tours. it will again be necessary to form car convoys starting from just outside of A classic three day Namadgi circuit from Boboyan pines to Mt Scabby, the main entrance gates to TNR. Convoys will leave from this venue at along the ridge to Mt Kelly, side trip to Mt Burbidge, and back to the 11 am and 12noon sharp, so don't be late or you'll miss out. Convoys will Points to note cats. Phone leader early for details and bookings. 100 kms, $20 per car. also be organised for the trip out, starting at 3pm. Bring a picnic lundi, Please help keep our outings program alive by volunteering to lead outings. and any goods or gear you want to sell in our auction (and money to buy 28 January daywalk New leaders are welcome. The outings covenor is happy co suggest locations other peoples' stnfFthat takes your fancy!). There will also be guided walks Wednesday walk suitable for a walk if you do not have somerhing in mind yourself. Feel around some of the Nil Desperandum environs, which indude a eucalyptus Leaden Yvonne Bartos Phone: 6231 5699 free to send in suggestions for outings to the association's office as soon as still, a garden, and even a very old koala enclosure! you think of rhem, with a suggested dare. The January edition of our series of monthly mid-week walks. Phone leader for details, which will be determined nearer the date. All persons joining an outing of the National Patks Association of the 2! December Sunday daywalk 2A/B ACT do so as volunteers in ail respects and as such accept sole responsibility Long Point Ref:Caoura 1:25 000 1 February Sunday walk 2 AVB for any injury howsoever incurred and the National Parks Association of Leader; Col McAlister Phone 6288 4171 Fishing Gap to Cotter River Reference: Tidbinbilla 1:25 000 the ACT, its office bearers and appointed leaders are absolved from any Meet at the netball centre just past the Dickson traffic lights on Leader: Mike Smith Phone: 6286 2984 liability in respect of injury or damage suffered whilst engaged in any Norrhbourne Avenue at 8.00am. Drive to Long Point near Marulan, then such outing. Meet at Kambah Village Shops at 8.30am. Drive to Tidbinbilla, walk on walk down a track into the Shoalhaven Gorge. Excellent views of the river fire trail to Fishing Gap. From there a track drops down to the Cotter The committee suggests a donation of TWENTY cents per kilometre on rhe way down. A swim, and then lunch on a sandy beach. A long haul River, where we will have a leisurely lunch before returning. 60 kms, $12 DIVIDED BY THE NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS in the car, including back up to the cars. 250kms, $50 per car. per car. the driver, (to rhe nearest dollar) be offered to the driver by each passenger accepting transport. Drive and walk distances quoted in the program are 4 January Sunday walk 3A 7 February Saturday daywalk 2A/B/C approximate distances for return journeys. Mt Gingera via Stockyard Spur Ref: Corin Dam 1:25 000 Ginini - Gingera circuit Ref: Corin Dam 1:25 000 Leader: Martin Chalk Phone: 6268 4864 (w), 6292 3502 (h) Walks grading* Leader: Col McAlister Phone: 6288 4171 A diallenging 900 metre climb for fit walkers. Starting from Corin Dam Meet at picnic area carpark on Uriarra road just offthc Colter road (near Distance grading (per day) car park we go to Pryors Hut and then (optional) on to Mt Gingera. The Duffy) at 8.00am. Walk from Mt Ginini car park to Mt Gingera via Mt 1 - up to 10 km first 500 metres is unrelentingly steep but the rewards, particularly the Ginini and Pryors Hut (avoiding Little Ginini mountain). From Mt 2- 10km to 15 km views and changing vegetation, make it all worthwhile. Meet at Kambah Gingera we will return to cars via Snowy and Cheyenne Flats. 130 kms, 3- 15 km to 20 km Village shops at 8.00am. 120 kms, $24 per car. $26 per car. 4 - above 20 km Terrain grading 11 January Sunday daywalk 2A/B/C/E 8 February Sunday daywalk 1A A - Road, firetrail, track East Booroomba Hill Refs: Corin Dam, Williamsdale 1:25 000 Orroral Valley East Ref: Rendezvous Creek t:25 000 B - Open forest Leader: Stephen Johnston Phone: 254 3738 Leader: Beverley Hammond Phone: 6288 6577 C - Light scrub Phone leader for details and bookings. A circuit walk down the Alpine Meet at 9.00am at Kambah Village shops. Walk the newly marked track D - Patches of thick scrub, regrowth Track to Bushfold Flats, then up the ridge of the unnamed hill east of from Orroral campground to Nursery Swamp carpark and Orroral E - Rock scrambling Booroomba Rocks ro a rock slab on the summit which gives great views homestead, Short car shuffle. 70 kms, $14 per car. F - Exploratory Patagonia, Trekkers Dreamland
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Torres del Paine National Park in Lake with its impressive Patagonia is located on the easten backdrop, Dickson Glacier. slopes of the Andes Cordillera, in Following the trail, passing by Chile. The park is 400 km north of the Dogs River through a rich the regional capital, Puenta Arenas, beech forest, I reached the John and 150 km from the nearest town, Garner pass, at 1300 metres, Puerto Natales. The uniqueness of the highest point on the circuit. the park was recognised in 1978 The view of the enormous when it was given a world heritage Glacier Grey, a fractured mass status by UNESCO. of ice 17 km-long choking the I had been dreaming of trekking valley, was an awe-inspiring in Patagonia for a very long time. one. From here, a steep track The Torres del Paine circuit is the descends into light beech forest longest and one of the most popular towards where Glacier Grey treks in the park. The full circuit, disgorges into Lake Grey, about 86 km, is nonally done in sending numerous icebergs to seven days. Side trips and rest days gradually drift south across the might stretch the walk out to lake's turquoise waters. 10 days or more. Another part of this trek leads The craggy mountains of the park to the magnificent Cuenos del made a breathtaking sight when I Paine. There are interesting first viewed them from the road. I jagged turrets of a resistant crossed the bridge on the Ascencio layer of sedimentary black shale River then followed the track to the covering the granite base. The Torres del Paine, Patagonia, mountain group called Macizo After two weeks in this Paine. This is the heart of the park amazing place, with its diversity Chile. Photo by Basia Meder. with most unique features mcluding of flora and fauna, I left Torres some of the most spectacular peaks del Paine National Park with in the world, composed of granitic the feeling that it fully deserves rock 12 000 000 years ago. its world heritage status. The torres themselves are three Basia Meder distinctive pinnacles of hard Andean rock. The summit of the imposing tallest 'tower' stands some 2900 metres above sea level and overlooks the intensely glaciated and barren surroundings. Next, the path leads across bare country full of white daisies and calafate berry bushes near the Paine River and then climbs over ridges and a pass with a wonderful panorama of Lake Paine below. An exciting experience quickened my pulse in the evening. Sitting with friends around the campfire I saw a huge white puma! She observed us for a few minutes before she disappeared into the surrounding forest. It was an amazing moment. Next day, after a few hours walk, we came to the spectacular Dickson The Cuernos del Paine, Torres del Paine National Park. Photo by Basia Meder. Book review Australian Alps Walking Track
Australian Alps Walking Track: their own more detailed walking Liaison Committee used an edited Walhalla to Canberra: Map Guide, maps. Once out there, of course, version of the article I wrote on the produced by the Australian Alps walkers can deviate from the official section of the walk between Liaison Committee in October 1996. Alps Track as much as they like, but Namadgi Information Centre and Price $4.00. now they'll all know when they Booroomba Rocks for this booklet, aren't on THE track. I wish they'd taken the effort while As the Australian Alps Walking Two pages of very general advice they were shortening my article to Track has not yet been marked on is provided at the beginning of the swing it round so that it followed the either the NSW or ACT topo booklet, but little detailed text about same direction as the rest of the graphical or commercial walking the actual route is provided. Maps 1 book, (that is, from Victoria to maps and as some sections of the to 7 and 10 to 14 have no text at all, Canberra). At first reading, it was track are incorrectly marked on while maps 8 and 9 (from Mitta quite disconcerting, knowing from Victorian maps, the Australian Alps Mitta River to Cowombat Flat Track the title that the Track was Liaison Committee has produced - 80kms) share two pages, and described from Victoria to the ACT, this booklet as an interim measure. directions from the route on to discover they'd changed direction It should be of value to walkers and maps 15 and 16 (Murrumbidgee for the final day. Then on re-reading map makers alike. River to Murrays Gap to Namadgi one discovers that they'd done it Twenty-four pages in length and "Visitors Centre - 78kms) fit onto a deliberately and just added a small A4 in size, the booklet covers the full mere three-quarters of a page. clue in the heading to clarify the length of the 560km track in Therefore, John Siseman's Alpine situation. Interestingly, when 16 'sketch' maps. Consequently the Walking Track will still be essential preparing for our NPA articles we scale used is rather small, ranging reading for those intending to walk walked the track from Booroomba in size from 1:100 000 to 1:180 000. the track. For the ACT section of the back to the Information Centre - the Warnings are given on all maps - track the Liaison Committee easier down-hill way. I then had to *Not to be used for navigation', and suggest Ian Fraser and Margaret sit down at home and struggle with a list of relevant topographical maps McJannett's Over the Hills and describing the route in reverse (mostly 1:25 000) is provided at the Tharwa Way and our own NPA order. If only the Liaison Committee foot of each map. The main purpose Track Notes published in NPA of the had known. They could have used of the booklet is to allow walkers to ACT's Bulletins be read. my original notes! transfer the official route of the While it is very flattering that the One more small point, I wish the Australian Alps Walking Track onto authors had not claimed in the title that the track goes to Canberra. If NPA Bulletin 1997 they'd said Tharwa (or Namadgi) All four 1997 issues of the Bulletin into the arrangement in such a instead, at least people unfamiliar were prepared and distributed by helpful way. I would be delighted with the ACT end of the track would tiie Bulletin Working Group with to hear from any member who have to look up a map to find out Green Words continuing to be would like to become involved with that it is an out-of-town ending and responsible for the layout of each the Bulletin in any way in the that no public transport would be issue. In addition to reducing the coming year. available to them. Either the walk cost of production of the Bulletin, There would be no Bulletin goes from Melbourne to Canberra this arrangement has facilitated without the contributions of our (which it doesn't at either end) or it the development of a closer writers and photographers and to goes from Walhalla to Tharwa (or relationship between members them and to all who have assisted Namadgi Information Centre). and their journal. in preparation and distribution in Overall, it is a very well-produced The members of the Bulletin 1997, I extend my personal booklet, in four colours and on thanks. To our readers, I would Working Group whose efforts have quality paper, which will be very like to express my appreciation for made this possible have earned the helpful to those who embark on this your continuing support. appreciation of the committee and major Australian walking ad members of the Association. Roger Syd Comfort venture, and well worth the four Green and his staffat Green Words Convenor dollars it costs. and Dianne in the NPA office are Bulletin Working Group also to be congratulated on fitting Babette Scougall From roots to soaring petrels - weeding on Lord Howe Island
Lord Howe Island is a World Heritage Area with serious members, Lois and John Perry. We tackled the same weed problems. Climbing asparagus fern winds over area of climbing asparagus fern as last year, by native vegetation stifling it, in a limited but densely physically digging it out, a very demanding process as affected area around the settlement, and the ground it spreads by underground stems and can shoot from asparagus fern forms a dense ground cover over a much small remnants. Stems that disappeared under tree wider and expanding area. Guava trees have become roots were scraped and anointed with Round up. established in pockets in the southern end of the island We were very pleased to see significant improvement with the potential to spread into inaccessible in the small area where we worked, but more important mountainous terrain. Bitou bush and bridal creeper are was the work being done by the islanders themselves. present but not rampant. The Lord Howe Island Board has surveyed residents In May I once again organised a group to go to the with the aim of preparing a weed strategy, and with a Island and do some weeding. Included were NPA Federal Government World Heritage grant has begun a program of cutting off the climbing asparagus fern above ground with a follow up spray of the regrowth in about six months when it should be vigorous and most susceptible to poisoning. Such a program has been successful on the north coast of New South Wales. Work has also been done poisoning and cutting out the guava trees. It was very satisfying for my group to see this work underway and the recognition that a sustained program was needed.
Between bouts of weeding we had time to do some walks and sightseeing, enjoyable in itself but also providing opportunities to talk about what we were doing. Climbing Mount Gower is exciting for its physical structure and for the tameness of the wildlife. From a low branch a currawong of unique island race oversaw John and Lois Perry really get down to it, grubbing our lunch on the mountain top, and woodhens (not so out underground stems of asparagus fern. Photo long ago on the verge of extinction) walked right up to Eleanor Stodart. us looking for crumbs (they can be seen but are much shyer near sea level). But most exciting were the providence petrels. By making a loud noise you can call them out of the sky where, by the thousand, they perform sldlful aerobatics with the greatest of ease. When they land you can pick them up. The one I picked up decided to treat me like a tree and climbed up my arm and onto my shoulder to take off. Because they burrow in amongst trees they often have to climb the trees using beak and feet to grip before they can take off. It is worth a special trip to Mount Gower when the petrels are in residence (about April to October).
Eleanor Stodart
NPA Christmas Party 1997 Sunday, 14th December at Nil Desperandum in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Car convoys will depart for the homestead from Tidbinbilla main entrance gates at 11 am and 12 noon. Picnic lunch (BYO), guided walks and Christmas auction. A providence petrel prepares for take-off by climbing Further details are in the Outings Program. up on Eleanors shoulder. Photo Lois Perry. Calendar
Activity Dec Jan Feb March
Committee Meeting Thur 4 Thurs 5 Thurs 5
Reg's Birthday Walk Sun 7
Launch of Reptiles and Frogs of the ACT Tues 9
ACT Christmas Party Sun 14
General Meetings Thurs 19 Thurs 19
Details of Namadgi and Environment Sub Committee meetings are available from the convenors.
Further details:
Committee and Sub Committees - Secretary Bulletin Working Group - Syd Comfort: 6286 2578 Ch) Other Events - Outings Program
NPA Bulletin If undelivered please return to: POSTAGE National Parks Association of the ACT SURFACE PAID PO Box 1940 Woden ACT 2606 MAIL AUSTRALIA Print Post Approved PP 248831/00041
General meetings Held at 8pm, Room J, Griffin Centre, Bunda Street, Civic
Thursday 19 February. Discover the Canning Stock Route. This must be one of the world's best 4WD Tracks. Eleanor Stodart and Reet Vallak will present some reflections on the history of the Canning and show us some of its wildflowers.
Thursday 19 March. A pinch of time: a naturalist's musings. We all think about time: how we do so in relation to environmental matters both creates and resolves problems. An Australian natural history exploration, both light hearted and serious, specifically designed for NPA by Ian Fraser. Ian is a local naturalist, author, broadcaster and educator.
Thursday 16 April. Tasmania's West Coast wilderness. Peter Tedder has journeyed to the western coast of Tasmania five times, to date. Peter will tell us something about the area and why it attracts him so much. He will also give us some practical details about his journeys.