Meeting held at NP 15/1/10 with Graham Parkes and Prue Daley,and subsequent discussions on 6/2/10 at Cooinda Burrong.
1. Query: How can we find out what research projects are being conducted. FOGG would be interested in procuring any information available in order to arrange for speakers on research matters. Being aware of projects in the pipe-line also helps our group to know what is going on. Answer: Research projects are co-ordinated in Melbourne. There is no formal list of projects, however researchers do need local permits so we will enquire from Mike or Tom as to what students/research may be coming up in the Park. Have advice that 2 Deakin Uni. Honours students have started work already.
2. Deer – what research is presently being undertaken in the Park? PhD student Kathy Roberts has nearly completed her thesis – to be submitted March 2010. After research has been written up decisions can be made as to whether the animals are a problem eg establish patterns of destruction etc.
3. Mike S’s. research – Small mammal recovery post Fire 2006, has been completed and should now be available. FOGG would like a copy, so will chase up with Pauline Rudolph DSE. Would like to arrange a talk by Mike – will discuss with Pauline for mid to late this year 2010. (see p7 for a summary of Mike’s research.
4. Other current research in Park – FOGG argued that data re small mammals such as potoroos, bandicoots is needed before burning should take place There is a possibility that remote cameras can be installed in southern corner of Park near Dunkeld to determine if there has been an increase in numbers. Need to think very carefully about fire planning and type of burns to ensure low impact – strip burns? Re- colonisation of small mammals around Mt Lubra has been poor.
5. Microscope purchased by FOGG is still in use at Parks office.
6. FOGG office space – Room has been allocated with computer , internet access, deep-drawer filing cabinet, map-drawer filing cabinet, book-shelf. Some of us had concern over the size of the room, but as members will not be there for long periods of time, issues such as size and heating/cooling can be easily attended to.
7. N/S walk – conceptual plan – Mt Zero/Roses Gap/Briggs Bluff/Wartook basin/Rosea/Mt. William plateau/Mt Cristobel/Serra range/Signal peak/Mt Abrupt – approx. 12-14days – 3-4 ‘over-nights’. Four ‘wild walks’ are on the drawing board for Victoria with this walk being one of them. Victoria Tourism very supportive. Aspects of management include waste, knowing where people are, spread hikers out over a longer period of visitation for easier control and less environmental impact, provision of high-quality/level construction for walkways, approx. 10 bush camps to be provided which would require regular checks. Funding of the walk is not yet assured and it may have to be done one section at a time.
8. Conservation Volunteers Australia are setting up a bigger base in Hamilton and have offered the service of 11 people over six month period to help with track work etc in the Park. FOGG was asked to think about contributing to the accommodation costs. FOGG to await Graham’s written summation of requirements for volunteer groups such as CVA, but felt fundraising was beyond our capabilities. However if any members can help in any way, please contact Prue Daley on 5361 4005.
9. Courses offered – applicants for First-aid & Chemical handling were successful. However as the training is to be conducted in Melbourne, most of us have opted to seek local courses later in the year.
10. It was agreed to send a letter of thanks/recognition for work done by Sylvia during her time at GNP.
11. Programme ideas for the year were discussed.
12. Should we apply to Heritage Care Victoria to seek out a volunteer to collate FOGG’s material such as photos, posters, journals etc. into order and house in storage provided in our new office space in PV admin. Area? Margo to investigate.
13. Local Reference Group. Stan had received a phone call about forming a local reference group that includes members from community groups and from organisations that work with conservation groups locally and may host volunteers themselves from time to time. We agreed to follow it up. (see further article)