Category: President Report

Over the passed couple of months the committee have been engaged in discussions and meeting with Parks regarding the future of the FOGG’s sponsored disabled person “Red-gum Walk” in the upper Victoria Valley area of the Grampians National Park.
This whole area of the Victoria Valley was altered completely by the January 2006 “Mt Lubra” wild fire and the recovery will be a long time period. Nearly all the predominant large flora features have been destroyed or removed.
After a lot of deliberation, your committee has decided that part of the original walk be reopened. There is no other place in the GNP where less-abled people, especially those confined to wheelchairs or walking frames can have an opportunity to spend quiet quality time in a bush surround, appreciating the wonders of our native Flora and Fauna.
At present we are meeting with Parks Vic re the removal of the burnt … Read the rest

Stan Parfett

The loss of the Red Gum Table from the Red Gum Walk. (See separate report)
In my opinion this sad event was a well planned operation by people who knew of its location. With the regrowth after the fire and no directional signage left to indicate the Walk area it was hard to find. They really had to have known the area.

The Autumn Fuel Burns 2008 inspection 21st June 2008.
There have been a lot of different views on the need for, and the results of, these fuel reduction burns again this season. Many of us have differing opinions about the use of these DSE and Parks Victoria activities from NO Burns to TOTAL Hot burns that sterilise the soil (and open the way for wind born weed seeds to colonize these burn areas). With a lot of varying opinion on the degree of burns in between.… Read the rest

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

Since taking on this task, I have worked on establishing better communications with Parks Vic, DSE Fire Management Team and DSE Flora & Fauna Section.

After several meetings with various members of these groups it has become obvious that quite a few people have been keeping their finds of rare or interesting plants a secret from others and especially PV – Environment Team, DSE – Flora & Fauna and DSE – Fire Management & Planning.

When finding an unknown plant or animal, record its location. Get it officially identified, ensure that all staff of the relevant sections of PV & DSE are advised of its presence before involving other groups.

Do not rely on the inter department communication systems, because occasionally vital details are omitted. I must quote that in an email invitation recently received some vital information was not included – the Date, Time and Location, while all other … Read the rest

Proo Pyke September 2007

Members have been involved in a wide variety of activities this year. Starting with the annual Ptilotus count, I think all of us were surprised to find any, given the extraordinarily dry conditions.

This was followed by the enormously successful Beyond Smoke Festival thanks to the very hard work of two of our members, Margo and David.

There have been several very enjoyable threatened species activities despite some inclement weather and rather varied success in finding the sought – for species. So, thanks to Sylvia for organising these.

The “Thin Green Line” film night was successful and raised around $150 to support rangers injured in their line of work across the world.

We have had several information sessions; weed spotting, the fire operations plan 07/08 and research into the fire response of grass trees in the Mount Zero area. We were also invited to make a … Read the rest

The April/May rains have been wonderful for the Grampians. It is a delight to walk through the bush particularly the burnt areas and see a host of young plants springing to life. The wildflower display should be wonderful this year.

From the newsletter you will see that we have had a very busy first six months. The Beyond The Smoke Festival was a huge success and great fun for anyone who attended any of the events. Congratulations to Margo, David and Sylvia in particular for seeing this large and very time consuming project through from beginning to end. Anyone who hasn’t yet bought the book should do so, they will be delighted with it.

While it was disappointing to see how burnt the Red Gum walk was, it was wonderful to see that Bill and Hennie’s table had survived unscathed. Those of us present felt inspired to pursue funding to … Read the rest