Forest Giant

.

You have stood there for centuries

arms gaunt reaching the sky

your roots in candence

with the heart beat of the soil

High on the hill, you missed

the faller’s axe and saw

But they destroyed the others

down the slope

and on the valley floor

Now you and I

bleed in sorrow and in silence

for what once had been

while the rapists still

stride across

and desecrate the land.

.

 

~ by Australian poet Jack Davis AO.

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.

The New South Wales Government’s fettish for building expressways to solve the State’s transportation problems – ignores the benefits of rail solutions, ignores the amenity and heritage rights of local communities and is destroying natural heritage.  The NSW Government’s Road and Traffic Authority is arrogantly bulldozing its way through the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, destroying everything in its path.  Its four lane expressway is primarily about encouraging larger and faster trucks through the Blue Mountains.

One of the oldest trees in the Blue Mountains still growing alongside the highway is a mature smooth barked apple tree (Angophora costata) situated in the hamlet of Bullaburra.   The tree is a magnificent surviving remnant of an angophora forest that once dominated the locality.  A qualified level 5 arborist with expertise in Australian native trees in the area has extimated the tree to be well over 200 years old and possibly more than 300 years old.  This means the tree predates colonial settlement in Australia, when only Aboriginal Australians (Gundungurra and Dharug peoples)  roamed the region.

The RTA has targeted the tree to be killed so that it can convert the highway into a B-Double truck expressway.   The expressway under construction through the Blue Mountains feeds traffic into a heavily congested Sydney, so the billions spent to save a few minutes in the journey is lost on reaching Sydney.  When the fuel price reaches $3 a litre, the cost of road freight will make road-carted produce and commodities uncompetitive.  The arrogant NSW Government has no respect for natural  heritage, for local communities and is backward in its 20th Century road-centric thinking.

Bullaburra’s Angophora

[Photo by editor 28th December 2006 – photo free on public domain (click to enlarge).

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Decades of complacency and naivety, or do residents of bucolic Bullaburra simply deserve rights to quiet enjoyment and their buena vista?  The RTA highway juggernaut is at the door.  It won’t just ‘bisect’ the community [‘Anger at RTA‘ BMG 1-Oct-08]; it will permanently segregate it, raze its rural amenity and degrade it into a noisy truck side stop.  Bullaburra is set to receive the same utility vision imposed on Blaxland and so many other Mountains communities.

I too attended the August township meeting at Bullaburra’s Progress Association hall, not as a Bullaburra resident, nonetheless as a Mountains resident.   At the packed meeting, Bullabarrans unanimously endorsed an alternative plan asking the RTA to accommodate local linkages across what will become another four-lane barrier dividing a local community.  Personal experience in dealing with the RTA at Leura, Medlow Bath and Katoomba affirms it doesn’t listen or care.  It has just plundered the rare 1820s convict road at Leura, hardly pausing its schedule.

The RTA’s massive budget is only limited by political will. It stands to be key recipient of the new Building Australia Fund of $22,000,000,000 then claims it can’t afford community bridges.  Be clear, the RTA’s mandate for ‘progress’ is to build more expressways.  Driven by road lobbyists, the RTA is extending greater Sydney’s swelling suburbia like Roman legions extended empire.  ‘Few understand how much transport influences land use patterns.  Transport leads land use.  Once an expressway or railway is built, it is easy to change the zoning and development laws to increase the population along the corridor.’  [Frank Sartor, SMH 29-Sep-08, p11].  RTA performance is measured by it maximising road ‘ride quality’ and minimising ‘travel times.’

The RTA juggernaut will remain unstoppable so long as local townships rely upon single-handed last ditch battles.  Our elected Blue Mountains councillors should be standing up for the people of Bullaburra and important natural heritage.

[by editor, first published in the Blue Mountains Gazette (BMG), 8 Oct 2008]

Great Western Highway at nearby Leura, 20th December 2006

Photo by Ivan Jeray.

by Editor 20101010.

Rogue leaf

Believe it or not

I hung on all winter

outfacing wind and snow

.

Now that spring

comes and the birds sing

I am letting go.

-by Northern Irish poet Derek Mahon

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.

Across Prehistoric Britain’s wild dense temperate forests, its moors and boglands – wildlife once teamed.

Agrarian Man, followed by the excesses of Industrial Man, wiped out much of this wildlife and decimated its natural habitat – reducing the landscape to paddocks within a network of pastoral hedgerows and leaving a few tokenistic islands of natural reserves to the ruling classes .

But now it seems that even the hedgerows across the British Isles are at risk from Corporate Man’s insatiable quench for land and profit.

Government leaders could rule to defend the remnants of the British Isles’ natural heritage, yet choose not to.

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Hedgerows and a hedgerow tree (oak). County Amagh, Northern Ireland.

[Photo and those below taken by the editor 20100916, free on Public Domain – click to enlarge.]

.

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What is a Hedgerow?

“A hedgerow is a line of closely spaced shrubs and tree species, planted and trained in such a way as to form a barrier or to mark the boundary of a field and used to separate a road from adjoining fields or one field from another.

A hedgerow may consist of a single species or several, typically mixed at random. In most newly planted British hedgerows, at least 60 percent of the shrubs are hawthorn, blackthorn, and (in the southwest) hazel, alone or in combination. The first two are particularly effective barriers to livestock. Other shrubs and trees used include holly, beech, oak, ash, and willow; the last three can become very tall.

Across the British Isles many hedgerows include fully grown trees (‘hedgerow trees’), typically those mentioned above. There are thought to be around 1.8 million hedgerow trees in Britain (counting only those whose canopies do not touch others) with perhaps 98% of these being in England and Wales. Hedgerow trees are both an important part of the English landscape and are valuable habitats for wildlife.  Many hedgerow trees are veteran trees and therefore of great wildlife interest.

The most common species are oak and ash, though in the past elm would also have been common. Around 20 million elm trees, most of them hedgerow trees, were felled or died through Dutch elm disease in the late 1960s. Many other species are used, notably including beech and various nut and fruit trees.  The age structure of British hedgerow trees is old because the number of new trees is not sufficient to replace the number of trees that are lost through age or disease.”

[Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedge_(barrier)]

“Hedgerows serve as important wildlife corridors, especially in the United Kingdom where they link the country’s fractured ancient woodland. They also serve as a habitat for birds and other animals. As the land within a few metres of hedges is difficult to plough, sow, or spray with herbicides, the land around hedges also typically includes high plant biodiversity. Hedges also serve to stabilise the soil and on slopes help prevent soil creep and leaching of minerals and plant nutrients. Removal thus weakens the soil and leads to erosion. “

[Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedgerow_removal]

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What is Hedgerow Removal?

“Hedgerow removal is part of the transition of arable land from low-intensity to high-intensity farming. The removal of hedgerows gives larger fields making the sowing and harvesting of crops easier, faster and cheaper, and giving a larger area to grow the crops, increasing yield and profits.

In the United Kingdom hedgerow removal has been occurring since World War I as technology made intensive farming possible, and the increasing population demanded more food from the land. The trend has slowed down somewhat since the 1980s when cheap food imports reduced the demand on British farmland, and as the European Union Common Agricultural Policy made environmental projects financially viable. Under reforms to national and EU agricultural policies the environmental impact of farming features more highly and in many places hedgerow conservation and replanting is taking place.

In England and Wales agricultural hedgerow removal is controlled by the Hedgerows Regulations 1997, administered by the local authority.” – 7.—(1) A person who intentionally or recklessly removes, or causes or permits another person to remove, a hedgerow in contravention of regulation 5(1) or (9) is guilty of an offence.’

[Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedgerow_removal]

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Hedgerow Removal is a serious threat to the biodiversity of wildlife across the British Isles

The hedgerow, “a ubiquitous staple of the British countryside, is actually a species under threat and between 1940 and 1990, the common hedgerow underwent a dramatic decline; predominantly due to human influence. More worryingly, the cornucopia of British wildlife that used to thrive in these hedgerows is suffering from the decrease in natural habitat. A combination of increased urbanisation, a rise in the intensity of farming and therefore field size, overgrazing by livestock and improper maintenance have all had a detrimental effect on our hedgerows.

Another key human factor is the collective ignorance of the 1997 Hedgerow Regulations that demand the application for a removal notice for any hedgerow exceeding thirty years of age. There are hedgerows in the UK that date back from before the Enclosure Acts period – 1720 – 1840 and it is a dreadful thought that this precious rural heritage is potentially being destroyed.”

[Source: Josh Ellison of Floral & Hardy]

“Between 1984 and 1993 185,000km of hedgerow in England and Wales was lost.

This decline was not simply important in a British context but also in a European context. This is because hedged landscapes are found in relatively few areas: parts of northern France; northern Italy; the Austrian Alps and the Republic are Ireland.”

[Source:  Naturenet website – ‘Hedgerow Protection in England and Wales’ by Alina Congreve. ^http://www.naturenet.net/articles/congreve/index.html]

.

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[The following article by Emily Dugan appeared in the British Sunday newspaper, The Independent, on Sunday 29th August 2010.

Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/are-we-losing-the-fight-to-save-our-hedgerows-2064800.html]

Are we losing the fight to save our hedgerows?

“A decade after the first legal moves to protect them, they are still under attack – and now they could fall victim to spending cuts

They are the living seams that have typified the British countryside for centuries. But now hedgerows are disappearing fast, and a report published tomorrow will say we are not doing enough to protect them.

Research from the Campaign to Protect Rural England has found that though hedgerows enjoy more protection than ever before, in England their overall length fell by 26,000 kilometres between 1998 and 2007. The study, England’s Hedgerows: Don’t Cut Them Out!, calls for current legislation to be strengthened.

As well as having a nostalgic place in the aesthetics of the countryside, hedgerows are a vital part of the ecosystem. Research by Hedgelink, a network of British hedge conservation groups, shows that without them some 130 species – from the hedgehog and the dormouse to stag beetles and the cuckoo – would be under threat.

Although “important” hedgerows are protected by law, the majority can be taken down if a landowner wishes, which has resulted in many being dug up to create larger fields that are easier to harvest. For the past 20 years, the Government has provided financial help to landowners to restore and manage hedgerows. But most have still been left unmanaged, sometimes growing into larger trees offering fewer benefits to wildlife because they are less dense at ground level.

The CPRE study focused on England, but the picture nationwide is similarly grim.

Nigel Adams, vice-chairman of the National Hedgelaying Society, said: “The hedgerow is the unsung hero of our countryside. It’s often overlooked, but visitors to England say it’s what makes it so special. The majority are not used for their original purpose [as an animal barrier], but people recognise their importance in terms of wildlife and history.”

Since 1998, the number of legally protected hedgerows has risen by 18 per cent. Currently, 42 per cent of the UK’s hedgerows are protected, but the CPRE fears that the narrow criteria required to register a stretch of hedge as “important” will mean many more are lost.

To qualify for legal protection, a hedge must be at least 20 metres long, 30 years old and meet strict criteria on heritage and numbers of animals and plants relying on it. Some hedges were easy to register, such as Judith’s Head in Cambridgeshire, which is Britain’s oldest, having stood for more than 900 years. But for non-celebrity hedges, the future is dicey. More than two-thirds of local authorities surveyed by CPRE said that the current Hedgerow Regulations needed to be simplified to make them more effective.

Emma Marrington, author of the report, said: “The length of hedgerows in the country is declining, which is worrying. They’re a part of our heritage, but they also offer huge benefits to wildlife and the environment in general. It’s over a decade since the introduction of the Hedgerows Regulations, and the time is ripe for the Government to make improvements that give local authorities the power they need to better protect the great diversity of England’s hedgerows.”

The CPRE is concerned that hedgerow protection programmes could be at risk when the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) makes spending cuts in the autumn. “The Defra spending cuts could affect the money for schemes like this,” Ms Marrington said. “I can see how hedgerows could be overlooked; they’re taken for granted as being a part of the English countryside, and people don’t realise how much they’re at risk.”

If hedgerows in Britain decline further, so too will those species that depend on them. Jim Jones of the People’s Trust for Endangered Species is running a study of the impact of disappearing hedgerows on dormice, a species whose population has declined by 40 per cent in 20 years. “Dormice have disappeared from seven counties where they existed in the 1800s, at the same time as hedgerows have declined,” he said. “Hedgerow corridors are crucial because they allow them to forage and move around.”

Species in peril: An ecosystem teeming with life

Mammals

Dormice, harvest mice, hedgehogs, six species of bat, and polecats are all at risk as hedgerows decline. They rely on the covered corridors that allow them to move around.

Plants

The copse bindweed and the Plymouth pear are among the plants that flourish in hedgerows.

Fungi and lichens

From the sandy stilt puffball to the weather earthstar fungus, many fungi do particularly well in hedgerows. Lichens such as the orange-fruited elm lichen and the beard lichen are also at risk.

Invertebrates

Stag beetles, brown-banded carder bees and large garden bumblebees are among those at risk. More than 20 of Britain’s lowland butterfly species breed in hedgerows, including the brown hairstreak and the white-letter hairstreak butterfly.

Reptiles and amphibians

Hedgerows connecting with ponds are vital for great crested newts to move through the countryside. The common toad, grass snake, slow worm and common lizard are also at risk.

Birds

Many woodland birds rely on taller hedges for breeding. The turtle dove, grey partridge, cuckoo, lesser spotted woodpecker, song thrush, red-backed shrike and yellowhammer are all in danger.”

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Further Reading:

.

[1]  Naturenet website ‘Hedgerow Protection in England and Wales’ by Alina Congreve. ^http://www.naturenet.net/articles/congreve/index.html] [2]  Hedgelink website homepage – ‘the first place to look for information on the UK’s native hedges, hedgerow conservation and hedge management.’ http://hedgelink.org.uk/

[3]  Hedgelink website – ‘Hedgerow Biodiversity Action Plan‘    http://www.hedgelink.org.uk/index.php?id=29

[4]  Hedgelink website – ‘Hedgerow management’ http://www.hedgelink.org.uk/index.php?id=30

[5]   Hedgerowmobile website – ‘Hedgerows, Hedges and Verges of Britain and Ireland,  exploring the legal and environmental aspects of British and Irish hedgerow and verge ecology, ecotones as well as management strategies.’ http://hedgerowmobile.com/

[6]   UK Legislation.gov.uk – ‘the official home of enacted revised UK legislation.‘  http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/1160/contents/made

[7]  University of Reading (England) – ‘Environmental Challenges in Farm Management [ECIFM] – changes in habitat’ http://www.ecifm.reading.ac.uk/habitat.htm

[8]  Epping Forest District Council (England) – ‘Prosecution for the Unauthorised Removal of Hedgerows’ (8th September 2010),   http://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/news/2010/prosecution_unauthorised_removal_hedgerows.asp

[9]  Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership (England) – ‘Habitat Action Plans – Hedgerows’ http://www.norfolkbiodiversity.org/actionplans/habitat/hedgerows.asp

[10]  South Straffordshire Council (England) – ‘Hedgerows (Field and Countryside)’ http://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/your_services/architectural__landscape_serv/hedgerows_field_and_countrysi.aspx

[11]  The Sunday Times (UK) – article by Richard Girling July 12, 2009:  ‘Britain’s wildlife: Work on the wild side’ – to save our wildlife we must get our priorities right. How far should we meddle with the animal kingdom?’ http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6685127.ece

[12] The Telegraph (UK)  –  article by Charlie Brooks 16^th July 2009:  ‘Bird-brains who undermine our farmers‘ – when it comes to conservation, landowners can be trusted to make the right decisions.  ‘The European Union Habitats Directive has claimed that some 90 per cent of the UK’s threatened habitats are “in poor shape and therefore not supporting the range of wildlife they should do.”   http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/personal-view/5843663/Bird-brains-who-undermine-our-farmers.html

[13]  Countryside Jobs Service (North Yorkshire, England) – Countryside Jobs Service in association with The Tree Council For National Tree Week launched its Hedge Tree Campaign on 23 November 2009. http://www.countryside-jobs.com/Focus/Previous/Nov09.htm

[14] Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedgerow_removal

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– end of article –

by Editor 20100907.

The 2006 Grose Fire that devastated the protected Grose Valley and iconic Blue Gum Forest in November of that year was initially referred to as the ‘Burra Korain Fire‘ by the fire authorities because that was the initial localised bushfire at the time. The first ignition purportedly started by a lightning strike near Burra Korain Head, which is a bluff situated about 4km east of the village of Mount Victoria inside the Blue Mountains National Park, west of Sydney. The head is situated at the northern end of the prominent Burra Korain Ridge above the western side of the Grose Valley. [Ref: Topographic Map ‘Mt Wilson 8930-1N’ grid reference GR 498815 – per RFS official Section 44 Report].

A second ignition purportedly took place north west of Mount Victoria, south of the village of Hartley Vale was referred to as the ‘Lawson’s Long Alley Fire‘. Defensive backburning operatings in Hartley Vale, along the Bells Line of Road and along the Blackheath escarpment then got out of control, winds picked up and the multiple fires conflagrated into a massive fire storm on Wednesday 22nd November 2006.

Burnt Grose Valley 9-Dec-06.

[©Photo by Editor, free on Public Domain – click to enlarge].

 

The following are extracts of successive media releases by the Blue Mountains Fire Control RFS NSW R ural Fire Service, Emergency Services Centre, Cnr Bathurst Rd & Valley Rd, KATOOMBA. RFS advice about health and instructions to residents have not been included, since these sections are generic and repeated in each media release. [Source: http://lists.rfs.org.au/mailman/listinfo/bluemountains-info]. It is instructive to compare and contrast the media releases of each day with the Day by Day Synopsis (pages 6 – 11) in the official Report on Lawson’s Long Alley Section 44. Read Report: Lawsons Long Alley Section 44 Report 20070208.pdf.

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Thursday 16-Nov-06:

Fire Name: Lawsons Long Alley

Time Message Issued: 1700

Date Message Issued: 16/11/06

Two bushfires that were believed to have been started by lightning strikes on Monday are burning in the Blue Mountains National Park. A fire burning 2 km north of Mount Victoria has burnt out about 1100 hectares of private property and parkland and is burning on both sides of the Darling Causeway. The Darling Causeway remains closed to traffic and motorists are advised to use the Great Western Highway and Bells Line of Road as alternate routes.

A second fire burning about 5 km north of Blackheath in the Grose Valley has burnt out about 500 hectares of parkland. Waterbombing aircraft are slowing the progress of the fire as it is burning in difficult and inaccessible terrain.

The fire is not threatening any properties or homes at this stage.

All walking tracks into the Grose Valley are closed but cliff top tracks remain open. Hat Hill Road, Victoria Falls Road and Pierces Pass are currently closed within the Grose Valley.

Strategy

About 160 firefighters and ten waterbombing aircraft are working to contain the fires. Backburning operations have taken place north of Mt Victoria around St Georges Parade and the Darling Causeway.

.

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Friday 17-Nov-06:

“Around 70 NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) personnel will today join the dedicated volunteer firefighters of the Blue Mountains as they continue to work on two fires burning in the Grose Valley in the upper Mountains.

Dubbed the “Lawsons Long Alley Fire”, the main fire started on Tuesday afternoon near Hartley Vale, in the Lithgow District, and quickly spread up to the Darling Causeway – blown by strong westerly winds – and has now burned out around 1,370 hectares. A second fire, known as “Burra Korain Fire” is burning to the north of Blackheath and covering an area of approximately 100 hectares.

Fire conditions today are expected to remain in the firefighters’ favour, with continued low temperatures and light, variable winds. No properties or homes are currently under threat by the fire, however large volumes of smoke are visible throughout the Mountains and some parts of the Sydney basin and there has been some impact on local roads.

Assisting the local firefighters are other committed volunteers from Lithgow and Hornsby, with NPWS supplying specialist Remote Area Firefighting Teams (RAFT) to effect containment strategies. Eleven aircraft, including two large Skycranes, will again work vigorously to hinder the fire’s progression to allow the preparation and implementation of control lines.

Whilst today’s weather conditions remain relatively benign, information from the Weather Bureau indicates warmer temperatures ahead, under a north-westerly influence. Firefighting strategies have been developed in anticipation of these conditions and increased preparation is being undertaken. The Darling Causeway remains closed to all traffic between Mt Victoria and Bell. Motorists are advised to use the Great Western Highway or Bells Line of Road as alternate routes. Mt York Road also remains closed west of the Lockyers Road Track.

From today, the NSW Rural Fire Service will be undertaking public information sessions with communities in the communities surrounding the areas affected by the fire in an effort to ensure a well-informed and well-prepared community.

The Blue Mountains is a major tourist attraction and members of the public are advised that although a fire is currently burning in the upper Grose Valley, all walks, attractions and tourist facilities remain open and operating as normal east of Blackheath.”
.

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Saturday 18-Nov-06:

 

RFS media release:

“Two bushfires that were believed to have been started by lightning strikes on Monday are burning in the Blue Mountains National Park. A fire burning 2 km north of Mount Victoria is largely contained and has burnt out about 1100 hectares of private property and parkland and is burning on both sides of the Darling Causeway. The Darling Causeway remains closed to traffic and motorists are advised to use the Great Western Highway and Bells Line of Road as alternate routes.

A second fire burning about 5 km north of Blackheath in the Grose Valley has burnt out about 600 hectares of parkland. Waterbombing aircraft are slowing the progress of the fire as it is burning in difficult and inaccessible terrain.”

So Saturday morning the main bushfire threat was from the Burra Korain Fire’. The fire management strategy at this time according to the RFS community newsletter issued by the Incident Management Team on behalf of the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service was as follows:

“A review of containment strategies has been undertaken overnight with forecasts provided from the Bureau of

Meteorology. Today fire crews will recommence direct attack of the fire where accessible, supported by

extensive water bombing. At the same time preparation of control lines will commence on the northern boundary

of Blackheath. After further information from the Bureau of Meteorology, and assessment of the fire progression,

and containment achieved as a result of the direct attack, backburning may commence along the Blackheath

control lines in the evening and through to Sunday. Residents are advised to ensure that all windows and doors

are closed and rear of the properties clear should this option be undertaken.”

At 1300hrs the RFS ’Bushfire Update read:

“A review of containment strategies has been undertaken and this afternoon extra resources the greater Sydney area will be brought in to undertake extensive backburning operations. Crews from the RFS and NSWFB will be burning behind properties between MT Victoria and Blackheath. This operation will continue through the night and into Sunday.”

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Monday 20-Nov-06:

At 1100hrs the RFS ’Community Newsletter’ read:

About 250 firefighters have progressed well with the second stage of backburning operations along The Bells

Line of Road between the Darling Causeway at Bell to Mount Tomah. Crews have completed backburning from

the Bells Line of Road during the evening and will continue working on backburning towards Pierces Pass

Picnic Area. The fire is not contained at this stage.

Crews from the RFS NSW Fire Brigades and National Parks and Wildlife Service will be mopping up and will

continue to work on containment lines throughout the day and overnight. Due to the increased amount of fire in

the valley between The Bells Line of Road, Blackheath and Mt Victoria residents are advised to take appropriate

precautions if smoke or ash affect their properties._

Around 50 RFS and National Parks and Wildlife Service remote area firefighters and 16 aircraft will continue to

work on inaccessible parts of the fire in the Grose Valley today. The Bells Line of Road remains closed due to fire operations and falling trees.

Strategy

Crews will continue to work on the northern, western and southern boundaries of the fire today. The eastern

edge of the fire is burning in inaccessible terrain and remote area firefighters will be winched in to work on fire

breaks. Aircraft will continue to water bomb the eastern edge in anticipation of worsening weather conditions on

Tuesday and Wednesday. Firefighting operations will focus on the eastern edge today and overnight.”

Ed: So now the fire is in the Grose Valley…

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Tuesday 21-Nov-06:

Blue Mountains Fire Update – 11.00am

“The fire in the Blue Mountains breached containment lines overnight on the northern end of Hat Hill Road at Anvil Rock. Firefighters worked hard overnight to hold the eastern containment line but strong westerly winds and dry conditions hindered operations and the fire was unable to be held on that edge. Containment lines in the north, west and south continue to hold and these are not expected to be tested today.

About 400 firefighters from the RFS, National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW Fire Brigades and 18 aircraft will work to slow the spread of the fire in preparation for worsening weather conditions today and tomorrow.

Blue Mountains residents to the north-east, east and south-east of the fire should prepare their properties for fire and ensure they have a plan to stay or relocate early if the fire reaches their area.

The Bells Line of Road remains closed due to fire operations and falling trees. The Blue Mountains National Park will remain closed until further notice.

Crews will continue to work on containment strategies in preparation worsening weather conditions today and tomorrow. Aircraft will work to slow the progress of the eastern edge of the fire and will work on any new fire outbreaks ahead of the fire. The eastern edge of the fire is burning in inaccessible terrain but will continue to burn in difficult country until weather conditions improve. “

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: 32 degrees with strong hot winds from the W/NW gusting up to 50 km/h and humidity at a low of 10%. Wind changing to WNW overnight up to 80 km/h A Total Fire Ban is in place until midnight Tuesday night.

Wednesday: Fine, hot north westerly winds gusting up to 50 km/h in the day. Very high to extreme fire danger expected.

Many tourist attractions in the Blue Mountains and Lithgow remain open but the Blue Mountains National Park is closed. Hat Hill Road, Ridgewell Road, Victoria Falls Road, Pierces Pass and Mt Banks Road remain closed.

Blue Mountains Fire Update 5am:

“The 6800ha fire in the Blue Mountains National Park escaped in the eastern section earlier this evening, confirming concerns the fire will be difficult to control in extreme fire conditions over coming days. The fire is not directly threatening property at this time but there are concerns that strong westerly winds could cause property issues over the next 72 hours.

The fire escaped near Anvil Rock. Crews were already concentrated in this area to work on containment lines and nine more fire tankers were responded when the escape occurred at about 11pm. Firefighters tried to hold the fire at Perrys Track but difficult terrain and fire behaviour meant this was not possible.

Aerial reconnaissance will be undertaken at first light to identify the spread of the fire and direct waterbombing aircraft to help limit the spread of the escape. While there is a chance firefighters can steady spread through waterbombing, strong westerly winds are forecast for today and continuing difficult weather conditions are predicted for the rest of the week. This could cause the fire to run. About 400 firefighters will continue to work on the fire today.

The two bushfires which have been burning in the Blue Mountains National Park for the past nine days have joined and are being treated as one fireground. The fire is in an area surrounded by the Great Western Hwy, Darling Causeway, Bells Line of Road. The Bells Line of Road will be closed between the Darling Causeway and Mount Tomah until further notice.”

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Wednesday 22-Nov-06:

“Crews from the Rural Fire Service were unable to complete back burning operations to consolidate containment along the Mount Banks Fire trail, east of the fire, due to erratic fire behaviour and some spot-overs from the fire have moved into the Banks Ridge area, running predominately in an easterly direction. As a precautionary measure, a strike team comprising of NSWFB and RFS crews has been deployed to the south west of Mount Tomah to provide patrolling and observation of the fire and possible asset protection if required. All Blue Mountains residents to the north-east, east and south-east of the fire should prepare their properties for fire and ensure they have a plan to stay and defend their property, or relocate early if the fire reaches their area.

The Bells Line of Road between the Darling Causeway and Mount Tomah remains closed due to fire operations and falling trees. All areas of Blue Mountains National Park will remain closed until further notice and the Mount Tomah Botanical Gardens will also be closed today. The Great Western Highway and the Darling Causeway are open, however smoke may reduce visibility in some areas and drivers are asked to proceed with caution.”

Strategy

“Crews will continue to work on containment strategies in preparation for worsening weather conditions and aircraft will continue to slow the progress of the eastern edge of the fire and work on any new fire outbreaks ahead of the fire front. The eastern edge of the fire is still burning in inaccessible terrain towards King Georges Brook and is expected to continue to burn in difficult country until weather conditions improve. ”

Weather Forecast

Today: Fine, hot north westerly winds gusting up to 70 km/h in the day. Very high to extreme fire danger expected.

Thursday: Warm fine weather, winds easing.

Authorized By: Mal Cronstedt – Incident Controller

Communiqué at 1100 hrs:

“The fire in the Blue Mountains National Park continues to burn in an easterly direction and has been active in the Anvil Rock area where helicopters are waterbombing and is not affecting properties at this time. There are 400 firefighters and 15 aircraft working on the fire which is not contained and conditions are expected to be difficult today.

RFS crews attempted to consolidate containment to the east overnight by conducting a back burn along the Mount Banks Fire Trail. The crews experienced some erratic fire behaviour and the fire has spotted over to the east overnight and is progressing in the Explorers Ranges and Banks Ridge areas.

A NSWFB strike team has been deployed to Mount Tomah to the north east of the fire, as a precautionary measure, to patrol fire progress and provide possible asset protection, if required.

The fire is about 5km southwest of Mt Tomah and 5km from Blackheath and is about 14500ha. Containment lines in the north, west and south continue to hold and are being patrolled.

The fire is not directly threatening properties at this time but difficult winds and hot weather are expected to challenge firefighters today.”

Weather Forecast

Today: Fine, hot north westerly winds gusting up to 70 km/h in the day. Very high to extreme fire danger expected.

Thursday: Warm fine weather, winds easing.”

Blue Mountains Fire Update 2pm:

“The fire in the Blue Mountains National Park is experiencing very strong winds causing two spot fires due to increased fire activity in the Banks Mountain area. Helicopters are waterbombing the spotfires. While it is not affecting properties at this time there are concerns as fire activity increases.

The two spotfires are north of the Woodford Dam, one is 5km north of Linden and the other 5km north of Hazelbrook. A NSWFB strike team has been deployed to Mount Tomah to the north east of the fire, as a precautionary measure, to patrol fire progress and provide possible asset protection, if required. Firefighters are also deployed to Blackheath in Hat Hill Rd.

There are 400 firefighters and 15 aircraft working on the fire which is not contained with strong winds of 50kph gusting at times to 90kph from variable directions but generally northwest. This has caused the fire to spot ahead of itself to the southeast. The spot fires are …

The fire is about 5km southwest of Mt Tomah and 5km from Blackheath and is about 14500ha. Containment lines in the north, west and south continue to hold and are being patrolled.”

Pyrocumulus cloud over the Grose Valley Wednesday afternoon 22-Nov-06. [©Photo blackheath weather.com http://www.blackheathweather.com/summer2006/fire22-11-06-003a.jpg – click to enlarge].

Spotfire update 2.24pm – Blue Mountains Fire:

“Aerial Observation units had reported two spotfires to the north of Hazelbrook and the Woodford Dam.

NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Fire Brigades crews were immediately responded to the area along with waterbombing aircraft.

One of the spotfires has now been brought under control and the second spotfire is currently being held by waterbombing operations.”

Blue Mountains Fire – 4.30pm Update Wednesday:

“The fire in the Blue Mountains National Park is experiencing very strong winds which had caused two spot fires due to increased fire activity in the Banks Mountain area. Helicopters were used to waterbomb the spotfires. They are believed to have contained one spotfire and are bringing the other under control.

The spotfire believed to be contained is about 4km north of Lake Woodford, the other is 5km north of Hazelbrook and helicopters are currently waterbombing to slow its progression. A number of NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) units were responded to the surrounding areas to ascertain the location and spread of the spotfires.

All aircraft assigned to this fire are currently in use waterbombing the fire which has been moving steadily east.

A NSWFB strike team has been deployed to Mount Tomah to the north east of the fire, as a precautionary measure, to patrol fire progress and provide possible asset protection, if required. Firefighters are also deployed to Blackheath in Hat Hill Rd.

Throughout the day 400 firefighters and 15 aircraft have been working on the fire which is not contained with strong winds of 50kph gusting at times to 90kph from variable directions but generally northwest. This has caused the fire to spot ahead of itself to the southeast.

The fire is about 5km southwest of Mt Tomah and 5km from Blackheath and is about 14500ha. Containment lines in the north, west and south continue to hold and are being patrolled.

Residents of the Blue Mountains who reside to the north, northeast and southeast of the fire are advised to prepare their properties for fire and ensure they have a plan to either stay and defend or relocate early if fire reaches their area.

The Bells Line of Road is closed between the Darling Causeway and Mount Tomah, due to fire operations and falling trees. All areas of Blue Mountains National Park will remain closed until further notice. Park closure enquiries can be made to Blackheath Heritage Centre on (02) 4787 8877.

Predicted weather: Temp: 30 degrees Winds: Primarily northwest 45kph gusting higher Humidity: 13%.”

Blue Mountains Fire 7.15pm update:

“Strong winds and high temperatures that drove the Blue Mountains fire have eased this evening allowing for about 500 NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) firefighters to prepare for backburning operations this evening.

Crews will commence backburning east along the Bells Line of Road all the way to Mount Tomah then progress from Mount Tomah to Mount Banks. Backburning operations are also planned along fire trails between Hat Hill Road and Mount Hay Road behind Leura. This operation will continue along Mount Hay Road to Mount Hay.

A west-south-west influence is expected in the evening but may not reach the northern edges of the fire through the Grose Valley. Weather over the coming days is predicted to be cooler and should see winds easing, allowing for calmer conditions for firefighters. Unpredictable fire behaviour, driven by strong erratic winds has so far made it very difficult for firefighters to contain.

Two spotfires occurred during the day about 6.5km North West of Faulconbridge. Aircraft were able to successfully extinguish one spot fire to the north of Lake Woodford. Aircraft have slowed the progress of the second spotfire and will continue to work on slowing its progress.

Residents of the Blue Mountains who reside to the north, northeast and southeast of the fire are advised to prepare their properties for fire and ensure they have a plan to either stay and defend or relocate early if fire reaches their area.

The Bells Line of Road is closed between the Darling Causeway and Mount Tomah, due to continuing fire operations and falling trees. All areas of Blue Mountains National Park will remain closed until further notice.”

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Thursday 23-Nov-06:

Bushfire Update:

“High winds and temperatures provided momentum for the fire to take runs to the east and significant spotting occurred several kilometres from the main fire front yesterday afternoon. As a result, five strike teams were deployed to the townships of Linden and Falconbridge as a precautionary measure for any significant wind changes. By mid afternoon, over 500 crews comprising of RFS, NPWS and NSWFB were deployed for possible property protection and patrolling and 15 aircraft were successful in extinguishing one spot fire and significantly hindering the progress of the other spot fire. These two fire sites continue to be monitored today by water-bombing aircraft and Remote Area Fire Team (RAFT) crews.

During the night as winds eased and temperatures dropped, crews were successful in consolidating containment through back burning along the southern side of Bells Line of Road towards Mount Tomah and also east of Blackheath, along Hat Hill Road and these works will continue through today and tonight. Reports of another small unrelated fire to the north of the main fire along Queen Victoria Pass, at Mount Victoria was received around midnight. Crews were responded to this and were able to contain this fire that had dropped over the edge from Queen Victoria Pass.

The Bells Line of Road between the Darling Causeway and Mount Tomah remains closed, due to fire operations and falling trees. All areas of Blue Mountains National Park will remain closed until further notice.

Strategy

Crews will continue to monitor the fire’s progress through Mt Banks Ridgeline and work towards full containment. It is anticipated that the fire will continue to burn in inaccessible terrain, until significant weather or rain influence its direction and intensity.

Weather Forecast

Today: Fine, warm with winds tending south, south-west, gusting up to 40 km/h in the day. High to Very high fire danger expected.

Friday: Warm fine weather, winds still easing.”

Bushfire Update 1330hrs 23-Nov-06:

“Firefighters are continuing to conduct backburning work around Mt Tomah and along fire trails from Blackheath towards Evans Lookout, as they try to contain the fire in the Blue Mountains. Backburning is progressing well with weather conditions assisting firefighters at this stage.”

Mount Tomah/Blackheath

“Crews are backburning along the Bells Line of Road all the way to Mount Tomah. They will then progress from Mount Tomah to Mount Banks. Crews are also backburning from Pulpit Rock Rd to Evans Lookout Rd Blackheath. Backburning operations are along fire trails between Hat Hill Road and Mount Hay Road behind Leura. This operation will continue along Mount Hay Road to Mount Hay.

Two spotfires occurred during yesterday afternoon 6.5km northwest of Faulconbridge. Aircraft were able to successfully extinguish one spot fire to the north of Lake Woodford. Aircraft have slowed the progress of the second spotfire which is 60ha and will continue operations today.

The fire is not contained and active fire is burning 2.5km south of Mt Tomah and 7km north of Wentworth Falls and has burnt 12500ha.”

Mitchell’s Lookout ( Queen Victoria Pass)

“Another unrelated fire was reported at midnight along Queen Victoria Pass in the vicinity of Mitchells Lookout, north of Mt Victoria. Crews were responded and have contained the fire on top of the cliff and over the cliff edge. Over 300 personnel will work on the fire today with further crews available for response. Crews are from NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).”

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions today are predicted to include temperatures of 27 degrees, winds from the west southwest of 25kph gusting to 45kph and relative humidity of 17 percent. Current weather at Mt Boyce is around 25 degrees, with westerly winds 19kph to 28kph and humidity of 18 percent. Winds over the coming 12 hours indicates a wind shift to a south westerly influence with a decline in wind speed. This predict Blue Mountains who reside to the north, northeast and southeast of the fire are advised to prepare their properties for fire and ensure they have a plan to either stay and defend or relocate early if fire reaches their area.”

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Friday 24-Nov-06:

[Bluemountains-info] Blue Mountains Fire Update- 5 am Friday

Mount Tomah/Blackheath

“Late last night both temperature and winds dropped and light misty rain fell over the area of operations, hindering progress on backburning and forcing crews to black-out any active back-burn edges. Partial burns were achieved to the north of Falconbridge and along Hat Hill road. Some backburning continued at Mount Tomah and along the southern edge of Bells Line of Road, to contain the fire south of Bells Line of road with the assistance of crews from Hawkesbury Fire District. Strike teams from NSWFB and RFS were all assisting with the back burning operation last night and this morning, until weather conditions no longer made this feasible.

The main fire still remains active, with a line scan planned this morning, subject to visibility and from this, planned containment consolidation options will be re-assessed today.

Mt Victoria

The Mitchells Lookout Fire is blacked out and will be periodically checked for possible re-ignition, should weather conditions change significantly. Residents are reminded to call Crime-Stoppers if they see any suspicious activity by calling 1800 333 000.

Weather

Weather predictions indicate winds continuing with an easterly influence tending north and easing. The easterly influence will also bring in an increase relative humidity, which will allow for the back burning to continue safely, provided no further light rain falls. Saturday is predicted to have increased temperatures and winds tending north, northwest with Sunday expecting 30 degree temperatures and easterly winds.” – Inspector Eric J Berry JP (RFS, Katoomba)

Bushfire Update Friday 24 November 2006

“Last night and early this morning, crews from NSW RFS, NSWFB and NPWS continued back-burning operations overnight, north of Falconbridge, along hat Hill road and south of Bells Line of road towards Mt Tomah, until light rains hampered progress. Some burning was achieved, but with the weather conditions generally success was limited .The fire continues to remain along the Dawes Ridge, Lawson Ridge and Carmarthen Ridge, under the influence of light north easterly wind.

A small fire reported late yesterday evening at Mitchells Lookout, Mount Victoria was extinguished yesterday and is being monitored for possible re-ignitions. The cause of this fire is under investigation and residents are reminded that a Crime Stoppers hotline is available for reports of all suspicious activity by calling 1800 333 000.

Strategy

Crews will continue to work on containment strategies along existing containment lines with back burning being considered, should weather conditions allow, in preparation worsening weather conditions which are expected on Sunday and Monday and aircraft will continue to slow the progress of the eastern edge of the fire and continue work on any new fire outbreaks ahead of the fire front.

Weather Forecast

Today: Fine, warm with easterly winds tending north-easterly in the afternoon gusting up to 22 km/h. High fire danger expected.

Saturday: Warm weather with temperatures expected to reach 30 degrees with winds tending north westerly.

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Saturday 25-Nov-06:

[Bluemountains-info] Blue Mountains Fire Update Saturday 8pm

“Back burning has recommenced from Medlow Bath to Point Pilcher this afternoon, and will continue as long as is viable into the night. The Bells Line of Road has also now been re-opened in all directions.

Ground and remote area fire crews were today deployed to Hurley Heights and Lawson Ridge for a direct attack. Dozer lines have also been established in order to provide tanker access and support for the Remote Area Fire crews. Crews have completed mopping up along Bells Line of Road and the western side of Mt Tomah.

Current Strategy

“Work is continuing on improving the existing fire trails adjacent to properties in the Berambing/Bilpin area in preparation for back burning operations if fire crosses Tomah Creek or the Grose River.

A back burn in the base of the Grose Valley may be visible to residents of Yarramundi, Grose Vale, Bowen Mountain and Grose Wold. Residents are advised not to be alarmed as this consolidation work is being carried out.

Road Closures

The Bells Line of Road is now open.

All areas of Blue Mountains National Park will remain closed until further notice.

Weather Forecast

Sunday : Fine. Warm. Light winds.

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Monday 27-Nov-06:

COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

Bushfire Situation 0600 hrs

[Issued by the Incident Management Team on behalf of the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service]

“Mild conditions continued overnight, with minimal fire activity current across the fireground. Mild easterly weather conditions predicted today are likely to minimise the threat of fires affecting property. However if conditions tend to westerly winds with lower humidity, re-ignitions could threaten contained edges.

Backburning up to 100m deep around the western side of Mt Tomah is complete with all edges inactive. The main front is generally inactive but is within 2 to 3km SW of Mount Tomah/Berambing. The Dawes Ridge spotfire has been effectively suppressed by heli-bucketting. Backburning reached Grand Canyon Road with minimal depth due to very low fuels. Mt Hay edges are inactive in very low fuels.

The Bells Line of Road between the Darling Causeway and Mount Tomah has been re-opened, however, residents and visitors are advised that Mount Banks and Pierces Pass trails / tracks are closed to the public. Visitors and residents travelling along Bells Line of Road are advised that whilst the road has been re-opened, it may be closed intermittently due to fire operations. The Great Western Highway and the Darling Causeway remain open, however, as previously advised, smoke may reduce visibility in some areas and drivers are asked

to proceed with caution.

The Blue Mountains National Park south of the Great Western Highway is open for park visitors, however with ongoing fire operations the Blue Mountains National Park north of the Great Western Highway will remain closed until further notice. This park closure affects visitation to Govetts Leap, Evans Lookout, Victoria Falls, Point Pilcher, Pulpit Rock, Perry’s Lookdown and Mount Hay. Visitors and residents should refrain from wandering around burnt areas of the park due to the potential for dangerous trees to drop limbs or fall.”

Strategy

“High overnight humidity has prevented recommencement of backburning operations. Crews will be patrolling and observing fire on all fronts until the recommencement of back burning activities later today (weatherpermitting). Crews will be working along containment lines mopping-up and blacking out around Thunder Gorge, Lawson Ridge & Hurley Heights. Backburning activities from Evans to Point Pilcher will be reviewed later today.

Weather Forecast

Today: Fine, with easterly winds tending east-north-easterly with gusts up to 25 km/hr. Maximum temperatures mid 20’s. Moderate fire danger expected.

Tuesday: Fine, westerly winds peaking around 25-30km/hr. Maximum temperatures around 30 degrees.

Authorised By: Tom Shirt – Incident Controller”

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Tuesday 28-Nov-06:

Bushfire Incident Update – 5:30am:

General Informational Update

“National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) personnel continued to actively patrol the fireground overnight which, coupled with the milder conditions, allowed several more areas of concern to be addressed in preparation for the less favourable fire weather predicted for later today.

Currently the major fire fronts of last week have self extinguished in lower levels of fuel along the Mt Hay Range which has also had the benefit of mild easterly weather conditions over the last few days. These lower levels of fuel are the result of the Mt Hay fires of 2002/2003.

Both air and ground crews will continue to patrol and mop up these edges from first light this morning to minimise the risk of re-ignitions.

Residents in the Blue Mountains should continue to prepare their properties and are advised to ensure that all windows and doors remain closed and that their properties are clear of combustible materials. Residents are also advised to patrol their property regularly for hot embers and potential spot fires. Those residents with health issues affected by smoke are advised to take appropriate precautions and remain indoors where possible.”

Weather Forecast

“Today: Isolated afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms, tending scattered in the north. Local early morning fog or mist patches in the east. Moderate to occasionally fresh west to northwest winds.

Max Temps: Katoomba 31c. Springwood 36c.

Fire danger: Very High to Extreme – A TOTAL FIRE BAN is in force until Midnight tonight.

Wednesday: Cloudy periods in east with the chance of isolated showers or drizzle. Fine and mostly sunny in the west. Warm West to southwest winds, turning easterly in the east.

Authorised By: Jack Tolhurst – Deputy Incident Controller”

Update as at 0800:

“Fire behaviour throughout yesterday was again subdued due to continuing mild conditions and the main front extinguishing in very low fuel levels. Advantage was taken of these conditions to consolidate containment lines and extend the depth of blackout across all areas of the fire.

Ground and specialised Remote Area Fire crews continued to be deployed to burnt ground in an effort to mop up and patrol the fire ground for potential hot spots. Ground crews were involved in blacking out some fourteen identified hot spots to help minimise the chance of the fire front re-igniting.

Conditions today are expected to increase the amount of smoke and will see crews actively patrolling throughout the fire area as, given the weather conditions, there could be some reactivation of recent fire edges.

The Bells Line of Road between the Darling Causeway and Mount Tomah remains open; however, residents and visitors are advised that Mount Banks and Pierces Pass trails / tracks are still closed to the public.

Strategy

With winds predominately from the North/West and reaching speeds of up to 45km/h and humidity expected to drop into the low teens by this afternoon, today will see continued aerial observation of the fire with Remote Area Fire crews patrolling the ground to knock-down any re-ignitions. All crews will take

Weather Forecast

Today: Fine, with north westerly winds gusting up to 45 km/h. Maximum temperatures low 30’s with reducing humidity. There is the possibility of a shower or thunderstorm, most likely in the afternoon. Please note strong, gusty and erratic winds may occur with and near any thunderstorm.

Very high to extreme fire danger expected

A TOTAL FIRE BAN is in force until Midnight tonight

Wednesday: Fine, winds turning south easterly, becoming cloudy with humidity increasing.

Authorised By: Mal Cronstedt – Incident Controller

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Tuesday 28-Nov-06:

General Informational Update, current as at 1200:

“Rural Fire Service crews and National Parks and Wildlife Service personnel continue to actively patrol the fireground today moping up hot spots in preparation for the less favourable weather predicted for this afternoon. Very high to extreme fire danger is expected for this afternoon and as a result.

A TOTAL FIRE BAN is in force until Midnight tonight

Both air and ground crews are continuing to patrol and mop up edges to minimise the risk of re-ignitions whilst continuing to consolidate the progress made to date.

“While increasing temperatures and dryer nor-westerly winds may increase the amount of smoke being produced and could result in some increase in fire activity we are quietly confident that the control lines, and consolidation of those lines, that has taken place over the past days will hold.” said Incident Controller Superintendent Mal Cronstedt.

“We are satisfied that we have sufficient resources for the current conditions, however we have reserve capacity available for deployment should conditions change.” continued Superintendent Cronstedt.

Aerial observation of the fire will continue throughout the day to identify any hotspots and re-ignitions. Remote Area Firefighting Teams (RAFT) will be deployed to mop up areas of the fire and to extinguish any re-ignitions.”

Weather Forecast

Today: Fine, with north westerly winds gusting up to 45 km/h. Maximum temperatures low 30’s with reducing humidity. There is the possibility of a shower or thunderstorm, most likely in the afternoon. Please note strong, gusty and erratic winds may occur with and near any thunderstorm

Wednesday: Fine, winds turning south easterly, becoming cloudy with humidity increasing.

Authorised By: Mal Cronstedt – Incident Controller

Current as at 1800:

“Weather conditions throughout the day proved to be as testing as predicted with wind speeds reaching as high as 70km/h in some areas. Despite the high temperatures and low humidity, but for a few minor exceptions all lines have held today.

“Today proved a real test of the planning and hard work undertaken over the past few days, a test that has been successfully passed'” commented Incident Controller Superintendent Mal Cronstedt.

Ground patrols who have been attending Lawson Ridge, Evans Head and the Swamp have reported no renewed fire activity. There has been fire activity in some areas, but no new spot fires just flare ups on existing edges. A combination of aerial suppression and Remote Area Firefighting Teams (RAFT) have been able to re-establish control lines in these few instances. There are still hot spots occurring, but they are being subjected to ongoing aerial bombing, including the use of the Skycrane, and mopping up by ground crews.

The current status of the fire has been downgraded from “Going” to “Being Controlled”.

Currently the RTA is not listing any road closures in the area as a result of the fire activity. NPWS advises that north of the Great Western Highway – All roads, tracks, canyons and lookouts in the National Park are closed.

Strategy

For the rest of today and overnight a continuation of aerial observation and RAFT crews, patrolling the ground to knock-down any re-ignitions, will be utilised. Crews will take full advantage of the humid and cooler conditions overnight to consolidate containment lines within existing edges. It is planned Grose River. (to contain the fire at the Grose River?)

Weather Forecast

Today: Showers and thunderstorms this evening. Becoming fine overnight. NOTE: Strong, gusty and erratic winds may occur with and near thunderstorms. Very high to extreme fire danger expected.

A TOTAL FIRE BAN is in force until Midnight tonight.

Wednesday: Wednesday: W/SW winds ahead of a SE change 30/45 km/h late morning / early afternoon. Fine day ahead of the change. Some light rain or drizzle developing later in the afternoon/evening.

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Wednesday 29-Nov-06:

Current as at 0700:

“Weather conditions overnight did not ease as significantly as indicated with temperatures general higher than predicted and, conversely, humidity was lower than expected. Two areas of active flame have been monitored throughout the night with aerial bombing and grounds crews tasked to work on these this morning. The first is in the Govetts Creek region while the other is south west of Mount Bell, both of which are located within areas of low fuel loads and within containment lines. Neither is currently causing major concerns at this point, however firefighters are keen to deal with these spots before the day is out.

The spot fires from last week to the north west of Linden and Falconbridge were again patrolled throughout the night with no reports of any fire activity or hot spots. The Incident Controller is confident that these areas are now well contained.

With the decrease in fire activity further updates will be issued once a day, at 4.00pm and posted directly on the Blue Mountains Website (www.bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au) Currently the RTA is not listing any road closures in the area as a result of the fire activity.

Strategy

The rest of today will bring a continuation of aerial observation work, in tandem with Remote Area Firefighting Teams patrolling the ground to knock-down any re-ignitions. Ground crews will work on consolidation of containment lines and extending the depth of blackout across all parts of the fire ground.

Weather Forecast

Today: Fine. Westerly winds expected to get a little gusty about higher areas this morning. A SE change will reach eastern parts of the fire ground around midday, gradually extending to western and higher parts by about 3pm.

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Saturday 2-Dec-06:

“Following the recent bushfire activity in the Blue Mountains and Lithgow Districts, a series of Community Meetings will be held several locations throughout the Mountains.

The purpose of these meetings is to:
Operations:

• Provide an overview of what happened and didn’t happen
• Detail what was done and what wasn’t done, and why.

Community Liaison and Public Information:

• Provide information on the Community Liaison process,
• Obtain feedback from you, our community, on how well we did it this time and how we might be able to do it better in the future,

Recovery

• Explain what is going to happen in the coming days and weeks,
• Provide details of who to contact if you need assistance,
• Provide information on what we can do, as a community, in the future

Our overall Aim is:

Better integration between emergency services and the community.

Who will be attending:

• Your local fire brigade members, officers and Group Officers
• Members of the Community Liaison Team
• Members of the Incident Management Team
• Representatives from the Rural Fire Service
• NSW Fire Brigades
• National Parks and Wildlife Service
• Blue Mountains City Council.

Who should attend:

• Community members directly or indirectly affected by the recent bushfire
  activity,
• Community members who want to know what happened and why,
• Community members who would like to obtain information about how to
  prepare for bushfires.

Remember — This is only the start of the bushfire season, not the end of it. Now is not the time to become complacent or to think that it won’t happen again this summer.

For information about preparing your home, or to make a written bushfire action plan, visit our website: www.bluemountains.rfs.nsw.gov.au or call 02 4782 2159 during business hours.

Date and Time Location

======================================================================

Thursday, 7 Dec @ 7:30pm Winmalee Rural Fire Station, Cnr Coramandel Ave & Hawkesbury Rd

Friday, 8 Dec @ 7:30pm Leura Golf Club, Sublime Point Rd Leura (Opp. Fairmont Resort)

Saturday, 9 Dec @ 10:30am Mt Tomah Rural Fire Station, Charleys Rd, Mt Tomah

Saturday, 9 Dec @ 3:00pm Clarence Rural Fire Station, Chifley Rd

Saturday, 9 Dec @ 7:30pm Blackheath Golf Club, Brightlands Ave

Sunday, 10 Dec @ 10:00am Faulconbridge Rural Fire Station, Railway Pde

These meetings are being facilitated by the Community Safety Group of the Blue Mountains Bush Fire Management Committee. For further enquiries, please call 02 4782 2159 during business hours, Mon-Fri.”

Inspector Eric J Berry JP
Community Safety Officer
Blue Mountains District
NSW Rural Fire Service
Emergency Services Centre
Cnr Bathurst Rd & Valley Rd
KATOOMBA NSW 2780

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Reported in the Sydney Moring Herald at the time:

“MORE than 70 years ago this forest inspired the birth of the modern Australian conservation movement. Today Blue Gum Forest stands forlorn in a bed of ash. But was it unnecessarily sacrificed because of aggressive control burning by firefighters focused on protecting people and property? That is the tough question being asked by scientists, fire experts and heritage managers as a result of the blaze in the Grose Valley of the upper Blue Mountains last month.

As the fate of the forest hangs in the balance, the State Government is facing demands for an independent review of the blaze amid claims it was made worse by control burning and inappropriate resources.

This comes against a backdrop of renewed warnings that Australia may be on the brink of a wave of species loss caused by climate change and more frequent and hotter fires. There are also claims that alternative “ecological” approaches to remote-area firefighting are underfunded and not taken seriously.

In an investigation of the Blue Mountains fires the Herald has spoken to experienced fire managers, fire experts and six senior sources in four agencies and uncovered numerous concerns and complaints.

• • • It was claimed that critical opportunities were lost in the first days to contain or extinguish the two original, separate fires.
    • Evidence emerged that escaped backburns and spot fires meant the fires linked up and were made more dangerous to property and heritage assets – including the Blue Gum Forest. One manager said the townships of Hazelbrook, Woodford and Linden were a “bee’s dick” away from being burnt. Another described it as “our scariest moment”. Recognising the risk of the backburn strategy, one fire officer – before the lighting of a large backburn along the Bells Line of Road – publicly described that operation as “a big call”. It later escaped twice, advancing the fire down the Grose Valley.
    • Concerns were voiced about the role of the NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner, Phil Koperberg.
    • Members of the upper Blue Mountains Rural Fire Service brigades were unhappy about the backburning strategy.
    • There were doubts about the mix and sustainability of resources – several senior managers felt there were “too many trucks” and not enough skilled remote-area firefighters.
    • Scientists, heritage managers and the public were angry that the region’s national and international heritage values were being compromised or ignored.”

[Source: Sydney Morning Herald, Gregg Borschmann, 11-Dec-06, ‘The ghosts of an enchanted forest demand answers’, http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/the-ghosts-of-an-enchanted-forest-demand-answers/2006/12/10/1165685553891.html ]

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Burnt Blackheath Plateau above Grose Valley 9-Dec-06.

[©Photo by Editor, free on Public Domain – click to enlarge].

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Ed: Much attention was paid by the fire authorities on protecting human life and property. The core problem with this narrow focus, not only ignoring high value conservation ecology, was that by placing low priority on remote ignitions in the National Park, the firefighting strategy was neglectfully allowed to degrade from a controllable offensive position into a defensive uncontrollable position over days in which the weather and wind changed.

 

Fire waits for no man! Man waiting for fire is fatalistic.

 

 

 

The culture that bushland is expendable and not an asset is the real problem. Remote fire subdues the fire fighting sense into a dangerous sense of apathy.

Grose Lesson: Best to respect fire no matter where it starts and to quell it promptly, else risk the consequences. All fire has inherent risk and risk is unpredictable.

 

 

 

.

The official RFS Section 44 Report into the 2006 Grose Valley Fires found that “there (were) not sufficient RAFT crews” despite multiple spot fires in difficult terrain and “the likelihood of fire escape during severe fire weather (being) certain.”

“Suspected” dry lightning sparked two ignitions last November on Monday 13, one oddly mapped to a grass paddock within easy fire truck access off Walton’s Road, Hartley Vale.  But these fires were “not detected until the following day.”  On Tuesday 14, with a gusting westerly and a fire index of 25, numerous spot fires had progressed into steep bushland inaccessible to fire truck crews.  Despite it becoming apparent to fire authorities that these fires “would present problems beyond the resources available locally”, the decision to declare a Section 44 escalated response wasn’t taken until Wednesday 15.

Multiple broad-acre backburning became the “fall-back strategies” despite “spot-over” fires occurring “some 12 kilometres distant from the main fire” north of Linden, showing up backburning as ineffectual.  A new burn was lit along Hungerford Track inside the Grose and “aerial incendiary” was dropped “north of Blackheath on Sunday 19.  An RFS burn south of Bells Line of Road became “a concern” on Wednesday 22 (“blow-up day”) before it coalesced with the wildfires into “a major run” through the Grose Valley.  A massive 6km pyro-cumulous cloud developed “visible from much of the Sydney basin”.  Some 14,070 hectares of bush habitat had been burnt.

The report documents insufficient aerial support, “deployment was less than satisfactory”, “radio communications (were) poor”, bulldozer contractors were unsupervised and RFS RAFT crew standards “were questioned”.

Lack of early detection resources, of rapid initial suppression and ineffective resource management were inferred as key operational concerns behind the Grose Fire.  Surely, fire fighters protecting both community and public assets deserve first class management, resources and funding.

‘Silverdale‘ property south of  Hartley Vale.  Editor standing at the exact Grid Reference GR 442842 documented by the New South Wales Rural Fire Service Section 44 Report’s ‘official’ location of the ignition of the Lawsons Long Alley bushfire which ‘officially’ was struck by lightning and caused the devastating 14,070 hectare Grose Valley Fires in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area of November 2006.    (Bollocks!)

[Photo taken 22 Sep 2007, just ten months after the firestorm].

 

 

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Doubtful?   Check the Lawsons Long Alley Section 44 Report 20070208.pdf

by Editor 20100902.

Detail from ‘The Blue Mountains Pioneers‘, Sydney Mail, Christmas Supplement, 1880,

Engraving in printed periodical  BN336  [State Library of New South Wales, http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/discover_collections/history_nation/exploration/blue_mountains/index.html]

“Shot one pheasant [Superb Lyrebird], with tail complete; shot two others without tail.  It appears too early in the season for them.” (William Cox crossing the Mountains in 1814).  In 1824, Rene Lesson observed lyrebirds had become less common around Springwood Military Depot “since there had been persistent hunting.”  In 1836, Charles Darwin at Hassan’s Walls commented “a few years since, the country abounded with wild animals; but now the emu is banished a long distance; and the kangaroo is becoming scarce; to both the English Greyhound is utterly destructive.”  [J. & P. Smith 1990, ‘Fauna of the Blue Mountains]

Upon first setting foot in Australia’s undisturbed ecosystems, early colonial explorers diarised observations of native animals in abundant numbers.  Then the colonialists set about their survival-fired mission to exploit and convert the unfamiliar Australian bush into a familiar replica of the pastoral landscape they had migrated from. It was a different time and culture.

As was inflicted upon so much of colonial Australia, timber getting, ring barking and land clearing cumulatively displaced many native animal populations across the settled central Blue Mountains plateau following Cox’s transit route.  “Tiger Quolls, Eastern Quolls and Dingos were all apparently common in the Blue Mountains in the 1880s and were renowned for their raids on [farmers’] poultry.”  In those early pioneering days, survival in the inhospitable bush became a fundamental preoccupation; so justifying any means to achieve it, a self-proclaimed right.  Any concept of ‘native habitat’ would have been deemed, understandably, though not excusably, a fanciful hindrance.

Tiger Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus)

Trapped on Pulpit Hill, Blue Mountains in 1995,

subsequently handed over to National Parks and Wildlife Service.

.

 

 

Following the rail reaching Mount Vic in 1868, hunting was touted as a main tourist attraction.  “In 1888, the advertised local game was Scrub [Swamp] Wallabies, Rock Wallabies, Wombats, Tiger Cats [Quolls], Native Cats [Eastern Quolls], Wallaroos, Platypuses, Hares, Opossums, Lyrebirds, Satin birds [Satin Bowerbirds], Cockatoos, Parrots and others.”  The popular fur trade in the 1890s saw marsupials hunted for their skins.  Hundreds of thousands of Brush tailed Rock-wallabies were slaughtered for their skins. Pelts of platypus, sugar gliders and opossums were also prized. [Smith 1990]

The early 1900s became the ultimate watershed for Blue Mountains fauna.  Most hotels in the area maintained hunting lodges for the entertainment of their guests. In January 1902, the visiting English cricket team was treated to a shoot in Kanimbla Valley, which turned out to be the ‘last great wallaby drive.’  Shooting parties from Richmond and Windsor shot at anything and everything. [Smith 1990 citing Kinghorn 1924]

That upon the arrival of the colonists, native fauna across the Blue Mountains was observed to be in such prolific numbers; provides testament to the harmonious relationship Australian indigenous people had maintained with nature over tens over tens of thousands of years.  In hindsight, we can now see how colonist land management practices over just a hundred years, directly or indirectly had decimated native fauna populations and diversity.

A further hundred years, today Australia’s ‘lucky’ first world society has advanced well beyond its initial survival needs.  Yet inherited colonial practices die hard.  Our habitual exploitative land practices perpetuate many of the same serious threats to native fauna survival. Land clearing, in all its guises, continues to destroy habitat. Foxes and feral cats have long supplanted the quolls and wild dingos of the Blue Mountains region at the top of the food chain.  Road making across the Mountains either prevents wildlife roaming or otherwise contributes to the ‘road kill’ of many native mammals and marsupials each year.  The only ‘Wildlife Crossing’ dedicated by the RTA on the Great Western Highway is on the Boddington Hill climb where a solid concrete barrier greets wildlife crossing.

If we value the return of Blue Mountains fauna, we must get serious about preserving the integrity of its habitat, exterminating feral predators and facilitating effective wildlife corridors.  Without rich dense habitat and fauna diversity, our Blue Mountains swamps, forests and heath lands, while appearing healthy and natural from vantage points like Echo Point, will incrementally become sterile ornamental gardens.

As to the feral predators, what happened to the promises in 2004 of a strategy after the Blue Mountains Urban Fox Control Programme’s public survey?  Of the survey respondents 64% confirmed foxes as an environmental problem in the Blue Mountains mainly because of their negative impact on wildlife,  53% felt that not enough is being done or more work is needed to manage foxes in the Blue Mountains, and 82% said they would support one or more ways to control foxes.    The follow up implementation (“Active Control”) component of the strategy in May 2004 at page 4 recommended to:

• “Protect communities of threatened species in the Management Area likely to be impacted upon by foxes.  If research indicates that populations of such species are present in the Management Area a fox control programme is to be implemented.   Actions include liaising with the Blue Mountains Threatened Species Team and using best practice procedures.
• Supplying a list of fox control contractors to residents who want to actively control foxes on their properties and investigate the servicing of community requests for assistance through an active fox control project supported by Blue Mountains City Council.
• Respond to community calls for fox control at high-density fox sites (eg. Blaxland tip site) with the trial of a fox control project.”

With the survey done, the fox problem confirmed and the implementation actions agreed in May 2004, the programme was then stymied. Political will faltered and local council, as the land manager responsible to effect and fund the above actions, found other priorities, downplayed the problem and rustled up a defeatist line: “the damage has been done and due to the pervasive extent of fox distribution it cannot be rectified… there is no way to prevent foxes from entering the area.”   So thus, far this costly survey and committee has achieved a zero return on investment.

So where have all the native animals gone?

Toward extinction.

– – –

by Editor, 14-Jul-06.

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[This article as first published in The Colong Bulletin Issue 221, May 2007, p.7,  of The Colong Foundation for Wilderness Ltd, of which the Editor was an honorary director for two years from July 2005.

 

This article was previously submitted for publishing in the ‘Hut News’ of the Blue Mountains Conservation Society [BMCS].  However, it was rejected so as not to upset the ‘relevant authorities’.  Feedback from the BMCS Management Committee was:

“We have to choose our battles carefully and be realistic about what we can achieve with our limited resources. Wherever possible, we prefer to approach the relevant authorities first to see if we can work with them, before going public with our concerns. Whilst we share your concern about threats to our native wildlife, we also appreciate that the control of feral animals is a complex issue. For this reason I have decided not to publish your article in Hut News. I have no objection to re-visiting the debate over fox control in the Hut News but any articles need to be factually correct and, if they are expressing an opinion as that of the BMCS, they will need to be approved by the Management Committee.”  [ ‘Hut News’ Editor, Blue Mountains Conservation Society, email 24-Jul-06.]

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^©The Habitat Advocate    Public Domain

by Editor 20100831.

Australia’s Wattle Day Centenary (1910-2010)

is being celebrated on Wednesday 1 September 2010.

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The Wattle flower is uniquely Australian.  It is a plant genus ‘Acacia‘ native to Australia.  That it is natural to Australia has made it ideal as a recognised and universally accepted Australian symbol.  The ‘Golden Wattle‘ (Acacia pycnantha) in particular is Australia’s Floral Emblem and is an integral part of the Australian Coat of Arms.

‘The first known use of wattle as a meaningful emblem in the Australian colonies dates back to the early days of Tasmania (1838), when the wearing of silver wattle sprigs was encouraged on the occasion of an anniversary celebration of the seventeenth century European discovery of the island.’      [Wattle Day Association]

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Australian Coat of Arms

‘The first granting of armorial bearings to the Commonwealth of Australia was made in 1908. A new design was granted by Royal Warrant on 19 September 1912. The branches of wattle used as an ornamental accessory to the shield, representing the badges of the six States as they were in 1912, were not mentioned in the blazon, but were depicted in the coloured illustration included in the gazettal of the Australian armorial bearings. The wattle depicted has clusters of spherical flowerheads coloured yellow and blue-grey, and green phyllodes characteristic of many species of Acacia. It is not a botanically accurate representation of Acacia pycnantha ( ‘Golden Wattle’).‘

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Order of Australia

The Order of Australia is part of the Australian system of honours and awards formally recognising achievement or meritorious service to the Australian nation.  The designs of the insignia of the Order are based on an individual ball of wattle flowers. The insignia are convex golden discs adorned with beads and radiating lines, and surmounted by an enamelled crown, signifying the traditional role of the Queen as Sovereign Head of the Order.  Blue ribbons decorated with golden wattle motifs complete the insignia in which the colours that predominate, blue and gold, represent the sea which surrounds Australia and the colour of the popularly accepted national flower. The blue and gold wreath surmounting the shield in the armorial bearings of Australia is described in the blazon, ‘for the Crest On a Wreath Or and Azure. . .’

Australians representing their country in international sporting events usually wear the national colours, green and gold, said to be based on wattle foliage and flowers.

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Australian Patriotism

‘In the spirit of national and patriotic fervour generated by the approach of Federation, achieved in 1901, public interest in the Australian environment was awakened and the search for a national identity brought the desire for national symbols.

‘Archibald Campbell founded a Wattle Club in Victoria in 1899 to promote a Wattle Day demonstration every September to encourage recognition of the flower as a symbol of patriotism. In 1908 he delivered a lecture entitled ‘Wattle Time; or Yellow-haired September’ in which he stated that ‘by numbers, the Wattle is almost exclusively Australian, and should undoubtedly be our National Flower’. Interest in a national Wattle Day was revived in Sydney in 1909. Victoria and South Australia participated in 1910, and Queensland in 1912.

‘At the same time R. T. Baker, botanist and museum curator, advocated the choice of the Waratah, Telopea speciosissima as the Australian national flower. He wrote:

“The expression ‘the land of the Waratah’, applies to Australia and no other; it is Australia’s very own. In the Wattle, Australia has not a monopoly like the Waratah, for Africa has over one hundred native wattles, and it also occurs in America, East and West Indies and the Islands. Then again it is not too much to say that throughout the whole botanical world the Waratah is probably unsurpassed as a flower for decorative purposes, and it is impossible to so conventionalise it out of recognition a great feature in a national flower.”

‘In 1911 the Evening News in South Australia reported indignant local reaction to a report ‘that South Africa has commandeered the yellow flower (wattle), and proposes to use it for patriotic purposes’ and supported the choice of the Waratah as the Australian national flower, noting its tangible features of strength, beauty and colour and its symbolic qualities of health, firmness, endurance and independence.

‘The adoption of wattle as the national flower tends to be confirmed by its introduction into the design of the Australian armorial bearings on the recommendation of the Rt Hon. Andrew Fisher, Prime Minister of Australia, when the Commonwealth Armorial Ensigns and Supporters were granted by Royal Warrant on 19 September 1912.’

The conflict which existed about the choice of the Australian national flower is seen in the inclusion of both waratah and wattle flowers as decoration on the three golden trowels used by the Governor General, Lord Denman, the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. Andrew Fisher and the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon. King O’Malley, for the laying of foundation stones of the commencement column in Canberra, the national capital, on 12 March 1913.

 

[Source:  Australian National Botanic Gardens, ^http://www.anbg.gov.au/emblems/aust.emblem.html ]

Australians in the Great War  [1914-1918]

“During World War I, various gum leaves and golden wattle were often enclosed with letters to me on service, as reminders of things they loved at home. There comes to mind the story that the arrival of one such mail caused an offensive to occur in France, with the same dried gum leaves stirring some men from the bush to burn some, to enjoy the smell of burning gum trees. One became so excited with memories, that he discharged his rifle in glee, unfortunately Fritz was not to know that and some replied with rifle fire which induced machine guns to join in and so it spread until artillery of both sides were engaged.”

Alban Pierce – Extract from a personal letter

‘Wattle Day and wattle blossom took on a new emphasis during World War I. Light-hearted celebrations and carefree gatherings were replaced by serious fundraising and a depth of patriotism never before experienced among Australians.

The New South Wales Wattle League put all its energies into helping the war effort. Together with the Red Cross and Patriotic Fund, they combined forces to raise as much money as possible by selling sprigs of wattle on the streets of Sydney. Depots were established in various parts of the city to receive wattle sent by country supporters.’

[Source:  http://wattleday.com/greatwar.php ]

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National Wattle Day – why do we celebrate?

• ‘Wattle is our national floral emblem. It is a symbol that comes directly from our land;
• ‘Wattle is Australian and rerpesents us all. Unlike other national days, National Wattle Day excludes no one;
• ‘Like our people, wattle has great diversity (with nearly 1.000 species) and resilience;
• ‘Wattle welcomes in the spring and is among the first plants to regenarate after fire, reminding us of the importance of renewal as it paints our national colours across our land; and
• ‘Wattle is a unifying symbol for all Australians. There is no other symbol that says so much about us and our land, Australia.
• ‘Wattle is a symbol of Australia and Australians.

So join the celebration of National Wattle Day – 1 September 2010 in this, the centennial year.

Terry Fewtrell
President
Wattle Day Association

2010

[Source:  ^http://www.wattleday.asn.au/]

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Victorian Bushfires 2009

‘This is the message of National Wattle Day. Wattles are usually the first pioneer plants to rise from the ashes of bushfires, using the extra nutrients to support their growth. They then provide protection for other seedlings growing underneath in a natural succession of the bush.’

‘This year we suffered the tragedy of the worst bushfires experienced in our land. Many Victorians lost their lives, their property, everything they owned. Australians all over the continent rallied to their aid, donating money and goods in an unprecedented appeal. The victims are now putting their lives back on track and planning their recovery. This resilience is a characteristic of the Australian way of life. Australians have always shown a determination to succeed and rise above any disasters, showing the spirit that has made us a great nation.’

[Source: http://wattleday.com/ ]

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Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha Benth.)

©Mornington Peninsula Youth Enterprises

http://www.mpye.org.au/plants.htm

National Wattle Day – ‘It’s an honour’

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Further Information:

Australian Government http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/symbols/flora.cfm

 

Australians in The Great War 1914-1918 http://wattleday.com/greatwar.php

Wattle Day http://www.worldwidewattle.com/infogallery/symbolic/wattleday.php

Proclamation http://www.anbg.gov.au/emblems/wattle.day.gaz.html

Wattle Day Association http://www.wattleday.asn.au/about-wattle-day-1

Australian National Botanic Gardens http://www.anbg.gov.au/emblems/aust.emblem.html

Australia’s Wattle Day http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/cib/1995-96/96cib1.htm

Nationalising Nature: Wattle Days in Australia http://www.api-network.com/jas/pdf/libby_robin.pdf

Wattle Day Research http://wattleday.com/research.php

Wattle Days from Adam Lindsay Gordon to Ginger Mick http://www.nla.gov.au/pub/nlanews/2007/aug07/story-1.pdf

Wattle Nationalism http://www.nla.gov.au/pub/nlanews/2008/jan08/story-1.pdf

National Symbols – Australia’s national floral emblem and national colours www.australiaday.org.au/toolkit/page173.asp

The Genus Acacia http://www.anbg.gov.au/acacia/index.html

Article: Introduction to Acacia http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/WattleWeb/intro.php

Article: The name Acacia retained for Australian species http://www.anbg.gov.au/cpbr/taxonomy/acacia-conserved-2004.html

The Acacia Page Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants (ASGAP) http://asgap.org.au/acacia.html

World Wide Wattle – conservation, utilization and enjoyment of Australian Acacia species (Wattles) http://www.worldwidewattle.com/

Traditional uses of Australian acacias http://www.worldwidewattle.com/infogallery/utilisation/aboriginal.php

Article: If You Start Sneezing don’t Blame the Acacias http://asgap.org.au/APOL2007/jan07-s3.html

Aussie-Info http://www.aussie-info.com/identity/flora/wattle.php

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^© The Habitat Advocate    Public Domain

 

by Editor 20100828.

Sherwood Forest

‘Major Oak’

‘Yes, that Sherwood Forest. What was once a thick and dark mass of trees covering 100,000 acres (~20km x 20km) is now a spartan450 acres. Intense harvesting of the forest’s massive, ancient oaks for several centuries is the cause of the deforestation of this legendary woodland. Outcrops of Sherwood’s trees exist beyond the 450 acres but are not dense enough to be considered intact forest.’

[Source:  WebEcoist.com   ^http://webecoist.com/2008/09/13/20-unusual-threatened-forests-around-the-world/]

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Canada’s Red Mulberry – at risk of extinction

‘The Red mulberry (Morus rubra) is one of Canada’s most endangered tree species and is only found in the Carolinian forest zone of southern Ontario. Red mulberry is typically an understorey species found in moist, forested habitats, including floodplains, bottomlands, sand pits and slopes. Because of its declining numbers (there are less than 200 red mulberry trees remaining in Canada) and because of the presence of several threats to its existence, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) has designated the red mulberry as “endangered” in Canada.’

[Source: Natural Resources Canada,  ^http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/factsheets/mulberry ]

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Florida’s  Torreya Tree – most at risk on the planet!

Florida torreya (Torreya taxifolia)

©Calvin & Judy Seaman

^http://www.dfr.state.nc.us/urban/tree_detail.asp?Tree_ID=210

According to the website ‘Hubpages.com‘ the tree the Florida Torreya (Torreya taxifolia) is the most endangered tree species in the wild in the world, and the other most at risk endangered trees around the world are:

African Ash

African cherry

African mahogany

African Teak

Afzella

Aja

Ajo

Alcerce

Almaciga

Argarwood

Bintangor

Brazilian cherry

Brazilian rosewood a.k.a.Dalbergia Nigra, Jacaranda da Bahia

Bleedwood tree

Ceylon satinwood

Egba

Guatemalan fir

Honduras mahogany

Ipe

Kauri

King William Pine

Lauan

Meranti

Molave

New Guinea walnut

Nayotah

Parana pine

Parlatorei

Pau rosa a.ka. Pau Brasil

Pencil cedar

Ramin

Red sandalwood

Rosewood

Sajo

Spanish cedar

Teak

Utile

Walnut

West Indian Satinwood

[Source:  ^http://hubpages.com/hub/Endangered-Trees ]

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UNEP Official List of Endangered Tree Species:

According to the United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP], the world’s officially top twelve species of endangered trees are:

African Blackwood, which is also known as Mpingo in Swahili is considered to be the national tree of Tanzania, despite the fact that it is native to 26 African countries, ranging from northern Ethiopia, to the south in Angola, also spreading from Senegal across to Tanzania.

Mpingo not only improves soil fertility, but is also good at maintaining soil stability. Its leaves offer feed for migrating herbivores and for domestic livestock. The mature African Blackwood trees are capable of surviving fires that destroy other vegetation in grasslands. The dark heartwood of Mpingo, is one of the most economically valuable timbers in the world.

Bois dentelle is a beautiful tree, endemic to the high cloud forest of Mauritius. Despite the fact that it has no commercial value, only two individuals are left. The most remarkable thing about the species are the flowers – sprays of white bell flowers with fine lacy petals that cover the tree in summer (January -March).

The Clanwilliam cedar is a species endemic to the Cederberg Mountains in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. A majestic tree of 6-18 meters in height, the Clanwilliam cedar is a rot-resistant, fragrant and visually beautiful timber that was extensively exploited for building, furniture and later on telegraph poles by European settlers in the eighteenth century.

The Dragon Tree is found on the Canary Islands, Cape Verde Islands, Madeira and Morocco. The Guanche people of the Canary Islands used the sap for mummification purposes. In Ancient Rome, Sangre de Drago (Dragon Tree) was used as a colorant and across Europe it has been used as a varnish for iron tools.

According to the Greek myth, “The Eleventh Labor of Hercules: The Apples of the Hespérides”, the hundred-headed dragon, Landon, who was said to have been the guardian of the Garden of the Hespérides, was killed by either Hercules or Atlas in order to fulfill Hercules’ task to bring back three golden apples from the garden. As told in the myth, the trees known as ‘Dragon Trees’ sprung from Landon’s red blood, which flowed out upon the land.

The species is classified as being “Endangered” by Cape Verde, while it is identified as being extinct in the wild on Brava and Santiago where only planted specimens exist today.

The Honduras rosewood is found in Belize in Central America and produces timber, which is extremely valued on the world market because of its use in musical instrument production.

Since the Honduras Rosewood supplies hard, heavy, durable and very resonant timber, when struck, it gives off a clear, loud note and making it itself most highly valued in the production of orchestral xylophones and claves. It is also used to make thin covering for fine furniture and cabinets, , knife handles etc.

The Loulu is a palm endemic to the northernmost of the Hawaiian Islands chain with the most variety of plant species of any island in Hawaii. There are fewer than 300 individuals of the Loulu left, because of limited regeneration caused by seed predation by rats and pigs as well as competing plants.

The Monkey Puzzle is the National Tree of Chile. Nevertheless, there is at least of these trees in every botanical garden in Europe. Its local name is Pehuén and its existence has great historical and social importance to the people living in that area known as the Pehuenche, which means “people of Pehuén”. The seeds of the tree shape an important part of their diet.

The Monkey puzzle is also valued for its unique and natural beauty, which makes it an emblem of a national parks and provinces in both Chile and Argentina. The timber found from the Pehuén has a high mechanical resistance and moderate resistance to fungal decay, hence for its being used for beams in buildings, bridges, roofs, furniture, boat structures, thin covering etc. Monkey puzzle forests have been fast destroyed and degraded due to logging, fire and grazing.

Nubian Dragon Tree is found in Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda and was once a widespread and abundant species.

It is one of the few species that can survive wide periods of drought in all parts of its scope, hence making it an important part of the desert ecosystem. The mature fruits of the Nubian Dragon tree are eaten and its sap and fruit may also have medicinal properties.

Pau brasil is the national tree of Brazil, making it have strong cultural links to Brazil’s social and economic history. The species is known for the dye extract taken from the heartwood, for which it has been exploited since 1501. Presently, the dye extract and its bark are used locally for medicinal purposes. Research is being carried out to find out whether the bark of this tree can be used as a cure for cancer.

Pau brasil wood is hard and compact, which is almost indestructible and was traditionally used to make hunting tools; commercially, it was harvested for use as a construction timber and in craftwork. It is also highly valued by musical instrument makers and still being exported for the production of bows for stringed instruments.

The various uses acquired from the Pau Brasil have made it target to extensive collection and export of the dyewood, resulting in the loss of large areas of forest and the enslavement of local people and later on the demand for its timber by bow manufacturers has contributed to a great loss.

Quercus hintonii, also known as Encino of Hinton (Hinton’s Oak), is endemic to Mexico. Some of the wood’s uses range from locally made tool handles, to beams and fencing poles, and primarily for firewood. Traditionally the wood is used to bake bread known as “las finas”, which the distinctive taste is brought on by the smoke.

The species has also been highly affected by grazing, which prevents regeneration as well as the coming up of agriculture, coffee plantation and road construction have all contributed to the decline in the Quercus hintonii populations.

“Hinton’s Oak, Quercus hintonii, is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species™. It is found in sub-montane to montane dry forest in Mexico. Hinton’s Oak has a restricted habitat and is thought to have strict altitudinal requirements. It has become threatened in recent years due to the serious destruction and reduction in size of its habitat.”

[Source:  IUCN, ^http://www.iucnredlist.org/sotdfiles/quercus-hintonii.pdf

St Helena gumwood was selected as St. Helena’s national tree in 1977. The endemic floras of St Helena are not only of great biogeographical significance, but they are also home for equally rare and unusual animal species. The St. Helena gumwood is one of the fourteen most globally endangered and endemic tree species in St Helena. It is threatened by human presence and their use of the timber for firewood and building.

The Wollemi pine belongs to the ancient Araucariaceae species, thought to be over 200 million years old. Until 1994, the Wollemi pine was believed to have become extinct about 2 million years ago, but it was rediscovered in a gorge 150 km north-west of Sydney, Australia. There are less than 100 mature trees in the wild, making it one of the rarest species in the world. Because of this rarity, the Wollemi attracts a lot of tourism, which threatens its existence because of the therefore threatened by tourism, for it may be disturbed by human activities, also exposing it to seeds being trampled, compaction of the soil, the introduction of weeds and an increase in the possibility of fires.

Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis),

© J.Plaza RBG Sydney

[Source:  UNEP, ^http://www.unep.org/documents.multilingual/default.asp?documentid=445&articleid=4845&l=en, accessed 28-Aug-10.]

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IUCN categorisation of tree species at risk of extinction:

The International  Union for Conservation of Nature [^IUCN] ‘criterion A’ requires that a subject tree species has a small wild population – less than 5000 individual specimens exist in the wild on Earth.

• A tree species will be determined to be Critically Endangered (of extinction) if there is expected to be at least 80 %  decline in 10 years or 3 generations
• A tree species will be determined to be Endangered (of extinction) if there is expected to beat least 50 % decline in 10 years or 3 generations (Endangered)
• A tree species will be determined to be Vulnerable (of extinction) if there is expected to beat least 20 % decline in 10 years or 3 generations.

[Source:  ^http://www.cites.org/eng/prog/criteria/1st_meeting/trees.shtml]

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Further Information:

[1]  Global Trees Campaign  ^ http://www.globaltrees.org/

[2]  Fauna & Flora International ^http://www.fauna-flora.org/

[3]  Botanical Gardens Conservation International ^http://www.bgci.org/

[4]  Guide to Endangered Trees ^http://ran.org/content/guide-endangered-trees-0

[5]  Trees for Life  ^http://www.treesforlife.org.uk/index.html

[6]  Tree species evaluation using the new CITES* listing criteria ^http://www.cites.org/eng/prog/criteria/1st_meeting/trees.shtml

[7] WebEcoist ^http://webecoist.com/2008/09/13/20-unusual-threatened-forests-around-the-world/

[8]  BBC article ‘Sherwood Forest ‘is under threat‘,5-Oct-07, ^http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/nottinghamshire/7029493.stm

[9]  1000 year old Major Oak, Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, England  ^http://www.eyemead.com/majoroak.htm

[10]  The Tree Council (UK),  ^http://www.treecouncil.org.uk/

[11] The Tree Council (Ireland), ^http://www.treecouncil.ie/

[12]  Treasures of the Plant Kingdom, ^http://gardenwebs.net/plant.jewels.htm

[13] WollemiPine.com  ^http://www.wollemipine.com/index.php

[14] Kew Gardens – Science & Conservation (England),  ^http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/index.htm

*CITES stands for the ‘Convention on International Trade and Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora‘

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Did You Know that?

• ‘An area of a rainforest the size of a football field is being destroyed each second.’

• ‘The forests of Central Africa are home to more than 8,000 different species of plants.’

• ‘More than 5,000 things are made from trees such as houses, furniture, pencils, utensils, fences, books, newspaper, movie tickets even clothing and toothpaste.’

• ‘Three-quarters of the world’s people rely on wood as their main source of energy.’

• ‘In Ethiopia, between 100,000 and 200,000 hectares of forest are cut down every year. Still, at least 200 million people lack enough wood to cook their food properly.’

• ‘Destruction of forests creates numerous environmental catastrophes, including altering local rainfall patterns, accelerating soil erosion, causing the flooding of rivers, and threatening millions of species of plants, animals and insects with extinction.’

• ‘Tropical forests cover 23 per cent of the Earth’s land surface, but they are disappearing at a rate of 4.6 million hectares a year. Asia leads losses with 2.2 million hectares a year, Latin America and the Caribbean together lose 1.9 million and Africa loses 470,000 hectares of rain forest every year.’

• ‘About 6.1 million hectares of moist deciduous forest disappear every year, of which the largest regional share is in Latin America and the Caribbean, with 3.2 million hectares lost.’

• ‘More than 1.8 million hectares of dry deciduous forest disappear every year, 40 per cent of which is lost in the Sudan, Paraguay, Brazil and India.’

• ‘Annual losses of very dry forest total some 341,000 hectares. The Sudan loses 81,000 hectares of this type of forest every year, followed closely by Botswana, with 58,000 hectares.’

• ‘Global annual deforestation for desert forest stands at an estimated 82,000 hectares, 60 per cent of which is lost in Mexico and Pakistan.’

• ‘Hills and mountains lose about 2.5 million hectares of forest annually, 640,000 of which are lost in Brazil, 370,000 in Mexico, and 150,000 hectares in Indonesia.’

[Source: ^UNEP website ]

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El Árbol del Tule

(Spanish for “the Tule Tree”) is a tree located in the church grounds in the town center of Santa María del Tule in the Mexican state of Oaxaca.  It has the stoutest trunk of any tree in the world. In 2001 it was placed on a UNESCO tentative list of World Heritage Sites.  In 2005, its trunk had a circumference of 36.2 m (119 ft), equating to a diameter of 11.62 m (38.1 ft).      [Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Árbol_del_Tule ]

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^© The Habitat Advocate    Public Domain

by Editor 20100826.

East Gippsland, Victoria April 2009:

The senseless killing of a 500+ year old rare surviving Eucalyptus regnans

by VicForest contractors in April 2009.

( Photo courtesy of Environment East Gippsland)

 

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Logging halted at iconic Bungywarr Creek (East Gippsland, Victoria, Australia)

29 April, 2009

‘Today independent forests conservationists are protecting ancient forests from logging in far East Gippsland.

“Two protestors are ‘flying’ a platform located thirty metres up in the tree canopy”, says spokesperson for the group, Ms Lauren Caulfield. “This platform is cabled off to four logging machines, immobilizing them.”

The tree-top protestors are supported by twenty-five forests conservationists on the site.

Bungywarr Creek was first blockaded in 1994, and has remained a contentious logging site ever since.

“Bungywarr Creek forest was identified as iconic almost two decades ago. The old-growth that remains at Bungywarr should be included in the Brumby government’s next round of forest protection”, said Ms Caulfield.

Earlier this month it was revealed that forests like the magnificent stands along Bungywarr Creek are sold to export woodchipping companies for less than the price of a Mars bar – a mere $2.50 per tonne.

“Selling our valuable and carbon-rich native forests for the price of a fast food snack is not making the best financial returns to Victorians”, said Ms Caulfield.

“For VicForests to continue to woodchip the remaining 8% of Victoria’s old-growth forests under Mr Brumby’s watch is a disgrace. Victorians expect and deserve management of our forests for a truly sustainable future.”

“Protecting nature is one of the most important ways to fight climate change”, continued Ms Caulfield. “The forest at Bungywarr Creek will do a better job fighting climate change if it is left intact and able to suck carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.”

“While the Brumby government dithers on delivering the ageing 2006 old-growth forest promise, logging at Bungywarr Creek is making climate change worse”, concluded Ms Caulfield.”

[Media Release courtesy of Environment East Gippsland]

 

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^© The Habitat Advocate    Public Domain