On the Weekend of 2 & 3 April nine members of the Wedderburn Conservation Management Network set off on a much anticipated bus trip to Broken Boosey and Whroo Goldfields CMN area. This trip had been in planning for many months, as an opportunity to learn about and view the projects and operations of another Conservation Management Network similar to Wedderburn and of similar age.
A good early start from Wedderburn, and a few hours travel in a bus saw us transported to quite a change in the landscape and with that, a very different focus on land management and biodiversity protection. At Barmah State Park Leon Atkinson from Parks Victoria gave us a most informative insight into the issues facing the management of the park, and the partnerships with the Yorta Yorta people, the recognised traditional land managers.
Lanie Pearce from Broken Boosey Conservation Management Network led a brief driving tour along sections of the Broken Creek. We were able to view an older revegetation site, and had some discussion about the success of the revegetation, and the progress of it following recent wetter weather. It was enlightening to view how narrow and long the area covered by Broken Boosey CMN is.
After lunch, the tour moved on to Kinnairds Wetlands at Numurkah. Gary Deayton from Moira Shire and Broken Boosey CMN assisted by Lanie Pearce Provided a comprehensive historical look at the management of the wetland area, the challenges and the end outcome. Plenty for us to see on the walking tour of the wetlands and many birds.
Next we were on to Dip Bridge where Andy McDougal from Parks Victoria provided a lively explanation of the catalyst for the project, and the achievements, to revegetate the riparian area and restrict vehicle access, while providing parking and access for anglers and visitors. It is an inspirational example, where joint users and managers of the site have worked cooperatively towards a mutually beneficial outcome. A short drive further along the Broken Creek we saw two fine examples of very old indigenous canoe scar trees.
A comfortable night’s accommodation was spent at the almost deserted, but charming Dookie College.
On Sunday, we travelled to Tahbilk Winery. On the way we stopped at a Trust for Nature property at Earlston. Janice Mentiplay Smith provided us with information about the management plan of this property.
A tour of the Tahbilk Winery wetland with Rob McMaster was most informative. Extra information about the flora and fauna was provided by Rolf Weber from DSE. A final visit was made to another Trust for Nature property just out of Nagambie, and it was time for the three hour drive home.
It was an excellent weekend. We gained a lot of information, saw a lot of relevant things of interest and we all appreciated the time and effort put into organising it. Thanks to Wendy Murphy and Janice Mentiplay-Smith from the Wedderburn and Broken Boosey, Whroo Goldfields Conservation Management Networks.
Annette Robertson
No comments:
Post a Comment