Articles – Page 60 – Friends of Grampians Gariwerd

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

May all FOGG’s members join with me in congratulating Graham on his recent promotion as well as his upgrades in qualifications especially Grade 3 Fire Incident Controller. A big responsibility under the present climate.

Not so good is my concern re Fire Management and my concern that undue pressure is being placed on the District’s Fire Management Teams by the upper Political Management personnel who want to hood-wink the public into believing that they are doing something to reduce the fire dangers, – “the Public Must See Smoke” to prove that something is being done.
Local Managers State-wide are being pushed to light protective, fuel reduction and regeneration burns even when there is a very high likelihood that there could be ember escapes over the control lines.
When these escapes happen (three so far this season) it is the local DSE managers and crew that take the flack and blame, … Read the rest

IN MEMORIAM John Harris

On a sadder note, we were distressed to hear of the death of John Harris, who preceded Graham here, and then went on to be Ranger in Charge of the Wimmera region, with responsibility for about 600 reserves of all shapes and sizes. John had a passion for restoring the biodiversity of these reserves, through re-vegetation, fencing, weed and pest management. He was innovative in his approach, always willing to trial new ideas. FOGG members offer sincere sympathy to his widow Kaye and his family, friends and colleagues.… Read the rest

FAREWELL (sort of) to Graham Parkes.

Congratulations to Graham Parkes! He has been Ranger in Charge of this park for over 15 years, but has now been promoted to Chief Ranger of the whole Grampians Region. So while we lose him in one way, in another he will retain a presence and an influence. His position has been advertised, and we await with interest to see who will be appointed. They’re pretty big shoes to fill.
There’s more detail on what the new role is in his “From the Parkes Desk” article elsewhere.… Read the rest

5:30pm – Picnic at Moora Moora

Late afternoon picnic at Moora Moora.

Note that this is the weekend after Labour day long weekend.

Contact Margo 5356 4524… Read the rest

Mixed photos of 2009 activities

… Read the rest

World Wetland Day

Activities likely to be arranged by the CMAs. … Read the rest

10am – Annual Ptilotus erubescens (Hairy-tails) Count

Meet at the car park in front of the “Cooinda Burrong” Camp. The gate will look closed but will be unlocked. Please close it behind you.

If the day is classified as extreme, the count will be moved to another day.

Please contact Stan on (03) 5383 6349 to advise your intention to attend, so that you can be advised of any change of date.

Don’t forget he would appreciate some help a couple of days beforehand.… Read the rest

Clean up Australia Day

Should we do something?… Read the rest

CALENDAR JANUARY to APRIL 2010

Did you know that 2010 has been nominated as the International Year of Biodiversity – established by the United Nations to increase worldwide awareness of biodiversity and its importance, and to engage more people in its conservation?

h2. Saturday 9 th January 2010.

10 am Annual Ptilotus erubescens (Hairy-tails) Count.
Meet at the car park in front of the “Cooinda Burrong” Camp. The gate will look closed but will be unlocked. Please close it behind you.
If the day is classified as extreme, The count will be moved to another day. Please contact Stan on (03) 5383 6349 to advise your intention to attend, so that you can be advised of any change of date. Don’t forget he would appreciate some help a couple of days beforehand.

h2. Tuesday 2nd February

World Wetland Day
Activities likely to be arranged by the CMAs.

h2. Sunday 6th March

Clean up Australia day. … Read the rest

HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL PARK – Poetry

Kathy has made the excellent suggestion that we publish some of the poems the Historical Association of Halls Gap holds. This issue we have two: first a poem taken from a book entitled Caravan of Dreams by Lindsay Russell, 1923, printed at the ‘Express Office’ Terang. Then the words of a recent song, as heard on the CD produced after the 2006 fires.

h2. Bellfield Peak

bq. Over Bellfield Peak the sunset glows,
An ocean of color that ebbs and flows
Daffodil, lilac, turquoise and rose,
In a glory too sweet to last; ==
==
And out from the changing sea of the sky
The sailing-ships of the clouds go by;
O, never in land-locked harbour will lie
This fleet, nor an anchor cast! ==
==
Stately and slowly they drift from sight,
In the flaring torch of the last red light,
Ere dusk comes swiftly, and gray twilight,
And … Read the rest