Category: Newsletters

The Impact Of Fire On The Ecology – Both Short Term And Long Term

Prof John White of Deakin University. ( He was Mike Stevens supervisor in 2007,8 as Mike started his honours thesis on small mammals after the 2006 fire. He currently has quite a few different honours students following up the research.)

Climate change will most likely cause more frequent and more intense wildfires, bringing significant alterations to fire regimes and the potential for more loss of flora and fauns species. Also predicted is an increased chance of drought, punctuated by extreme rainfall events.

There are big knowledge gaps. Most research is on prescribed burning and small fires. The critical gap is large fires, which are going to come more often.  Who survives a fire, and why? Where do the recolonising animals come from? What is the role of the climate conditions post fire on the recovery?

What they are doing: Monitoring 36 sites set up post the 2006 fire, but … Read the rest

From the Editor, June 2013

Welcome to another full newsletter. I hope you find it interesting and useful.

Please remember that it’s time to renew your membership or to join us. Members should have received a renewal form. New members please use the form on this site.

 Our AGM is in September and will creep up on us quickly. All office positions will be open for election, Proo our current president has held the position for three years and will not be standing again. Could people please give some thought to taking on this role and let us know if you are interested. You don’t need to live locally.

 … Read the rest

From our president June 2013

 I have become extremely concerned about the increasing threat to National Parks around Australia. From opening Parks up to cattle grazing in drought affected areas of Queensland to shooting of game and recommendations for logging in NSW, to the attempt at cattle grazing in alpine areas and now prospecting in Parks in Victoria. At a federal level there was an attempt to scuttle the management plans for the new Marine Parks and a statement that they will be changed with a change of government.

 I think many of us who have been involved in the movement to promote National Parks declared in areas of great natural significance, believed this was the best way to ensure that these areas would be managed to maximise the survival of their biodiversity and natural beauty for future generations to enjoy. I no longer believe that we can feel so reassured and we are required … Read the rest

April 24 meeting with Dave Roberts for an update on what was happening in the Park

Flood recovery work after 2 ½ years is nearly complete. Last to be finished will be the Zumsteins area hopefully in time for a spring opening. The footbridge damaged at McKenzie falls during the floods will be air lifted out in the next week or two and it is hoped the walk from Zumsteins to McKenzies Falls will be open in 2 months time. Venus Baths and Splitters Falls will be open to the public in the next couple of weeks.

 

Recent fires in Victoria Valley. These fires took 5 weeks to get under control. There were some areas of intense fire and some areas where prior planned burns 8 months prior had moderated the fire. The area has been gated off and as areas are assessed and deemed safe some roads will be opened soon. There is only funding to rehabilitate the dozer lines, money for all other … Read the rest

ART ACTIVITIES IN THE GRAMPIANS

 

Did you know there is a group working towards building a Wildlife Art gallery in Halls Gap. More information is on their website: http://www.wama.net.au/

We have also received flyers for workshops to be held in Halls Gap.

 

Grampians Brushes 7-12 September

 

“a unique opportunity for artists to develop their passion of expression in one of Australia’s most beautiful natural environments”. For more information: www.grampiansbrushes.com.au

 

or ring 0428 825 971

 

 … Read the rest

WIM 150

 

I have been informed by the project officer of the WIM 150 project (ie a sand mine near Mt Zero, outside of the Park) that the Environment Effects Statement should be available for public viewing in September. Earlier this year they had thought it would be ready for viewing in May. I will inform people by email when it is available.

Wendy

 

 … Read the rest

REFURBISHMENT OF SWIMMING AREA AT LAKE BELLFIELD

 

 

Halls Gap Tourism have approached GWMWater seeking permission to reinstate the swimming area near the toilets at Lake Bellfield, opposite Silverband Falls Rd. Before the long drought it was very popular. But then the water receded and, as it did so, trees (mainly wirilda) colonised the bank. Then as the dam refilled, the trees all died. GWM asked the HG group to check what we thought, and your committee had no objections.

 … Read the rest

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF ZUMSTEINS – 22 SEPTEMBER 2013

The 100 Year celebration of Zumsteins will be held on Sunday 22 September 2013 at Zumsteins Picnic Ground in the Grampians National Park. The day will be also a celebration for the restoration works that has happened since the 2011 flood and storm event.

A small group have come together from the local community, the Horsham Historical Society, Wartook Tourism Association and Parks Victoria to plan for this special day. They would like to invite anybody who has enjoyed or has a strong association to the area, to come and celebrate this much-loved place created over one hundred years ago by Walter Zumstein. The celebrations begin at 10.30am with a number of speakers and displays bringing to life the many memories of the area, and of Walter Zumstein and his family. There will also be many activities such as a community bike ride from Rosebrook, a community picnic and children’s … Read the rest

FLOOD RECOVERY UPDATES

Fish Falls Walking Track Reopens for the June Long Weekend

In a significant milestone for the Grampians Flood Recovery Program, Parks Victoria advises that the MacKenzie River Walk between Zumsteins Picnic Area and Fish Falls has re-opened.

 This walk sustained extensive damage during the January 2011 floods that impacted the Grampians region. Works have been completed along the entire length of the track to reduce ongoing maintenance and improve the experience for visitors.  

 While the restoration of Zumsteins Picnic Area continues, visitors are advised to park in the car park at the western end of the picnic area and following the directional signs. These signs will guide visitors across the MacKenzie River, past the three Pise Cottages and along a new section of walking track before linking with the original MacKenzie River Walk.

 The section of walking track between Fish Falls and MacKenzie Falls will be open in late … Read the rest

May 4 Red Gum Walk working bee

 

On 4th May four of us met at the car park and made our way along the track, clearing the track of debris, and pruning overhanging vegetation. The first part of the track was in good condition but towards the end of the track the path was less defined. We cleared the track as best we could in preparation for some more gravel to be laid. The weather was very pleasant and we explored around the end of the track for a possible loop extension to the track, now that the large red gum is no longer the reward at the end of the track, having been burnt in the 2006 fires.

WB.

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 … Read the rest

Friends of Grampians Gariwerd