Category: Articles

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

I would like to take the opportunity to thank those who attended the day of the Ptilotus erubescens count on the 12th January doing the hard yard in the actual counting of the flower-heads. Several new points were achieved on the day: 2nd highest number counted = 5696 Flower-heads; first observation of two clumps of semi developed heads; (they are the red ones on the web site). See below for the complete statistics for the day. The ‘Exclude Rabbits only’ count of 847 was below expectations compared with other areas. On reinspection of this area, it would appear by the number of Grey Kangaroo scats (pellets) they grazed the area before the day, so reducing the number of heads.

After forwarding the results of the day, I received this letter from Dr Frank Udovicic, Plant Sciences, National Hebarium of Victoria.

“Dear Stan,
Thanks very much for sending us your latest … Read the rest

Meet with Park(e)s

Meeting with Graham Parkes to discuss ideas for FOGG for the year and learn about what is on his agenda . Activity will take place regardless of whether or not it is a Total Fire Ban .… Read the rest

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Ptilotus erebescens count

Saturday 12th January 2008. Annual count of Ptilotus erebescens at Cooinda Burrong. 9.30 am start. Contact Stan 5383 6349 or
Meet at Cooinda Burrong Scout Camp. Take the Zumsteins-Horsham Rd to the boundary of the National Park. Turn east onto gravel road. The gate immediately before crossing the Mackenzie River will appear closed but will be unlocked for FOGG members to access the camp. Please lift the boom, drive through and lower the boom after you. Bring a picnic lunch and we’ll have a general meeting. Activity will take place regardless of whether or not it is a Total Fire Ban .… Read the rest

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WIMMERA MALLEE PIPELINE

Work on the pipeline continues. Currently they are concluding the placement of pipe sections under the Halls Gap bridge. Other teams are working near Mt Dryden and further north. There has been extensive planting of local species between the bridge and Camp Acacia, and seedlings will be available for other locations in autumn. (One of the conditions for removal of mature trees is replanting tenfold). Who pays for what is still a matter of contention. Many costs could not be accurately assessed beforehand, so the dollar cost is continually creeping up. The latest problem is who pays for the connections for fire fighting pumps when there are so few dams. Yet all agree on the vital importance of the pipeline in alleviating the squandering of our precious water.… Read the rest

SNIPPETS FROM HERE AND THERE

FOGGS HISTORY
Together with the Halls Gap Historical Society we received a grant to help us store our archival material. So we have some good boxes etc. But the idea of getting a work for the dole person to organise it all is proving difficult. Also we have been given all the original submissions re the creation of the GNP, which make fascinating reading. Any volunteers?

GRAMPFIRE Wimmera Catchment Management Authority are using volunteers to assist in monitoring the water that runs from areas burnt in the 2006 fires. Many of these volunteers are FOGG members. The sites being monitored are: Barney’s Creek, Upper Fyans Creek, Mt William Creek, Stony Creek and Pleasant Creek. Results so far show that the pH of the water has been generally decreasing since the fires, except for after wet weather when it rises temporarily. Salinity is generally low, but is higher in dry months … Read the rest

Friends of Grampians Gariwerd