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-G
+======The Sydney Bushwalker======
-THE SYDNEY
-BUSHWALKER {,,pf
+A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to the Sydney Bush Walkers, Box 4476, G.P.O. Sydney, N.S.W. 2001. Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening from 7.30 p.m. at the Wireless Institute building, 14 Atchison Street, St. Leonards. Enquiries concerning the Club should be referred to Mrs. Marcia Shappert - telephone 30-2028.
-A monthly. bulletin of'matters of interest to The Sydney Bushwalkers, Box 4476 G.P.O.'Oydney, 2001. Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening from 7.30:pm at the Wireless Institute Building, 14 Atchison Street, St. Leonards. Enquiries concerning the Club should be referred' to Mrs. Marcia.Shappert Telephone 30-2028.
-4 4
+|**Editor**|Helen Gray, 209 Malton Road, Epping 2121. Tel. 86-6263.|
-EDITOR:
+|**Business Manager**|Bill Burke, 3 Coral Tree Drive, Carlingford, 2118. Tel. 871-1207.|
-Business Managers
+|**Typist**|Kath Brown.|
-Typists
+|**Duplicator Operator**|Bob Duncan, Tel. 869-2691.|
-Helen Gray, 209 Malton Road, Epping, 2121. Telephone 86-6263
-Bill Burke, 3 Coral Tree Drive Carlingford, 2118. Telephone 871-1207
+===October, 1978===
-Kath Brown.
-Duplicator Operators Bob Duncan. Telephone 869-2691. OCTOBER, 1978.
+=====Contents.=====
-A Rainforest The Border Ranges Mountain Equipment Ad
-Venice
+| | |Page|
-The Gong's Gone Notice
+|A Rainforest - The Border Ranges|Alex Colley| 2|
-Bushwaiker's Song
+|Venice|Owen Marks| 9|
-Social Notes November
+|The Gong's Gone - Notice| |11|
-The September (Half Yearly) Meeting Paddy's Ad
+|Bushwalker's Song|Peter Christian|12|
-If This Creek Plowed South
+|Social Notes - November|Christine Austin|12|
-David Cotton's Note Book Notice Coolana Barn Dance-. Notice
+|The September (Half Yearly) Meeting|Barry Wallace|13|
-Novadber Walks Notes
+|If This Creek Flowed South|Christine Austin|15|
- Alex Colley Page 2
+|David Cotton's Note Book - Notice| |18|
-Owen Marks V 9
+|Coolana Barn Dance - Notice| |19|
+|November Walks Notes|Spiro Hajinakitas|20|
-Peter Christian 12
-Christine Austin 12
+=====Advertisements.=====
-Barry Wallace 13
- Christine Austin 15
+| |Page|
+|Mountain Equipment Ad| 6|
-Spiro Hajinakitas 20
+|Paddy's Ad|14|
-* 4 * * * * * * *
-Page 2 THE SYDNEY BUSHWA.LICER October, 1978.
+----
-A RAINFOREST THE BORDER RANGES.
+=====A Rainforest - The Border Ranges.=====
 by Alex Colley.
-"It appears likely that all the world's tropical rainforest, with the exception of a few small, conserved relics, will be destroyed in the next 20 to 30 years. This destruction will inevitably have important consequences for life on the earth although the nature and the magnitude. of these consequences cannot be seen with precision." Paul W. Richards, world authority on rainforest ecology.
-  ID 0    0
+"It appears likely that all the world's tropical rainforest, with the exception of a few small, conserved relics, will be destroyed in the next 20 to 30 years. This destruction will inevitably have important consequences for life on the earth although the nature and the magnitude of these consequences cannot be seen with precision." Paul W. Richards, world authority on rainforest ecology.
 For many thousands of years men have been destroying tropical and sub tropical rain forests for the sake of the timber they yield and the fertile lands which they cover, but the end is near. One more generation at the present rate of destruction and only "relics" will remain.
-In Australia the forests which existed before white settlement were mainly confined to the narrow strip of the eastern and southern river catchments, to Tasmania and to the South Western tip of Western Australia. Rain forest was almost entirelyconfined to the high rainfall areas east of the Dividing Range in Queensland and N.S.W. Most of it was on rich coastal lands long since cleared for dairying, sugar cane and other rural uses. Some tableland stands such as Dorrigo Comboyne and Atherton were not exploited until this century, but only remnants of these upland forests are now left. The recent Forma& Inventory Survey estimated that rain forest remains in only 0.37 Per cent of N.S.C and sub-tropical rain forest in only 0.05 per cent of N.S.W. Of this 0.05 per cent only 18 per cent was in National Parks and Nature Reserves. A. C. Floyd of the North Coast Forestry Research Centre, estimated that in the last 120 years the original 1,8009000 acres of rain forest in N.S.W. has been reduced to 200,000 acres. It occurred in five major areas - Illawarra Barrington Tops, Hastings - River, Headwaters Dorrigo Plateau, and the Macpherson Ranges and Richmond Tweed. Valleys. The only substantial area remaining is that on the Border Ranges. Elsewhere only inaccessible remnants, some in small reserves, remains unlogged, and the great northern forests have passed into folk lore.
-GEOGRAPHY OF THE PROPOSED NATIONAL PARK.
+In Australia the forests which existed before white settlement were mainly confined to the narrow strip of the eastern and southern river catchments, to Tasmania and to the South Western tip of Western Australia. Rain forest was almost entirely confined to the high rainfall areas east of the Dividing Range in Queensland and N.S.W. Most of it was on rich coastal lands long since cleared for dairying, sugar cane and other rural uses. Some tableland stands such as Dorrigo, Comboyne and Atherton were not exploited until this century, but only remnants of these upland forests are now left. The recent Forwood Inventory Survey estimated that rain forest remains in only 0.37 per cent of N.S.W., and sub-tropical rain forest in only 0.05 per cent of N.S.W. Of this 0.05 per cent only 18 per cent was in National Parks and Nature Reserves. A. C. Floyd of the North Coast Forestry Research Centre, estimated that in the last 120 years the original 1,800,000 acres of rain forest in N.S.W. has been reduced to 200,000 acres. It occurred in five major areas - Illawarra, Barrington Tops, Hastings River, Headwaters Dorrigo Plateau, and the Macpherson Ranges and Richmond Tweed Valleys. The only substantial area remaining is that on the Border Ranges. Elsewhere only inaccessible remnants, some in small reserves, remains unlogged, and the great northern forests have passed into folk lore.
-Study of topogtaPhical and geological maps of the Tweed Valley prove that it occupies the caldera of an enormous extinct volcano. Mt. Warning, the conduit of the volcano, is flanked on the north, west and south, at a,distance of about 10 miles, by an almost continuous escarpment some 3,000 to 4,000 feet high, Which represented the ring of the caldera. The northern and north-western arc is part of the Macpherson Range. The N.S.W. Queensland border is on the crest of the Range. In the north western sector is the Lamington Plateau, draining into the Logan River. To the west is the Tweed Range, the divide between the Tweed and Richmond Rivers. , The southern extremity of the Tweed Range is known as Bar Mountain. The Macpherson Range continues west, on the northern side of Wiangarie forest between the Logan and Richmond Rivers. Ten miles west of the escarpment is the Richmond Gap, about 1,200 feet above sea level.- The Macpherson Range continues to the west rising to over 2,000 feet as it
-Page 3 THE SYLVEY BUSHWALKER October, 1978.
+===Geography of the proposed National Park.===
-.... .
-reaches Lever's Plateau, about 5 miles from the Gap. The crest of the range continues about.3 miles west, along the northern edge of Lever's Plateau, then turns approximately W/S/W to Glennies Chair and Mount Lindesay, some 10 miles from the Plateau.
+Study of topographical and geological maps of the Tweed Valley prove that it occupies the caldera of an enormous extinct volcano. Mt. Warning, the conduit of the volcano, is flanked on the north, west and south, at a distance of about 10 miles, by an almost continuous escarpment some 3,000 to 4,000 feet high, which represented the ring of the caldera. The northern and north-western arc is part of the Macpherson Range. The N.S.W. Queensland border is on the crest of the Range. In the north western sector is the Lamington Plateau, draining into the Logan River. To the west is the Tweed Range, the divide between the Tweed and Richmond Rivers. The southern extremity of the Tweed Range is known as Bar Mountain. The Macpherson Range continues west, on the northern side of Wiangarie forest between the Logan and Richmond Rivers. Ten miles west of the escarpment is the Richmond Gap, about 1,200 feet above sea level. The Macpherson Range continues to the west rising to over 2,000 feet as it reaches Lever's Plateau, about 5 miles from the Gap. The crest of the range continues about 3 miles west, along the northern edge of Lever's Plateau, then turns approximately W/S/W to Glennies Chair and Mount Lindesay, some 10 miles from the Plateau.
-The area which should. be incorporated into a national park consists of the forested country south of the border, between Lamington and Mount Lindesay. Several cleared valleys penetrate the forested area. The upper portions at least of these clearings are ideal camping sites, and could well be incorporated in the park.
-ACCESSIBILITY.
+The area which should be incorporated into a national park consists of the forested country south of the border, between Lamington and Mount Lindesay. Several cleared valleys penetrate the forested area. The upper portions at least of these clearings are ideal camping sites, and could well be incorporated in the park.
-A-paik"anywhere in Australia with the scenic, botanical and faunal beauty of the Border Ranges would be a tourist attraction of international repute, but the ready accessibility of the area greatly enhances its - recreational potential. Over million people live near enough to it to enjoy a day visit. There is only one potential park with comparable one-day accessibility and that is the Greater Blue Mountains National Park. But it will not be an exclusively motorists park, as are many other National Parks. The main Sydney Brisbane railway passes under the middle section of the park through the border tunnel at Richmond Gap. Brisbane can be reached in a little over an hour from Sydney by air, and buses could ply from there to the park in little more time than it takes to travel from Mascot to the northern suburbs. It would compare in accessibility to the Gold Coast, which attracts hundreds of thousands of state, interstate and international tourists and without doubt is Australia's most popular tourist resort. Australia is indeed a lucky country to have such an outstanding wilderness area astride-lines of communications and less than 50 miles from a State capital. But if the wilderness is destroyed it will not be bad luck - simply lack of vision.
-TOPOGRAPHY.
+===Accessibility.===
-Australia is, in the main, a flat and arid country, notably deficient in forests and high mountain scenery. Only 5 per cent of its area is capable of producing forest trees of commercial Use. Mountain scenery occurs only in scattered locations, mainly along the Dividing Range, and much of it is, in fact, dissected plateaux, rather than true mountains.
-The volcanic plugs and escarpments of the Macpherson Range, with impressive cliff faces and luxuriant cover of rain forest provide some of our most dramatic mountain scenery. Tremendous views of the Tweed Valley, dominated by 3,750 feet peak of Mount Warning, and of the whole escarpment rim which nearly encircles it are obtainable from the Tweed Range. Extending eastwards from the escarpment is the Pinnacle. Viewed from the valley near Tyalgum this feature could well be described. as Australia's Matterhorn. Below the escarpment the fertile and verdant Tweed Valley extends to the sea coast. A never to be forgotten scene is the mist-filled valley surmounted by the Tweed Range escarpment and Mount Warning, illuminated by the morning sun. , Extensive views north towards Brisbane are obtained from Lever's Plateau. From the western edge of the Plateau some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the continent can be enjoyed. From here can be seen the precipitous crown of Mount Lindesay, the great rock
+A park anywhere in Australia with the scenic, botanical and faunal beauty of the Border Ranges would be a tourist attraction of international repute, but the ready accessibility of the area greatly enhances its recreational potential. Over 1 1/4 million people live near enough to it to enjoy a day visit. There is only one potential park with comparable one-day accessibility and that is the Greater Blue Mountains National Park. But it will not be an exclusively motorists park, as are many other National Parks. The main Sydney Brisbane railway passes under the middle section of the park through the border tunnel at Richmond Gap. Brisbane can be reached in a little over an hour from Sydney by air, and buses could ply from there to the park in little more time than it takes to travel from Mascot to the northern suburbs. It would compare in accessibility to the Gold Coast, which attracts hundreds of thousands of state, interstate and international tourists and without doubt is Australia's most popular tourist resort. Australia is indeed a lucky country to have such an outstanding wilderness area astride lines of communications and less than 50 miles from a State capital. But if the wilderness is destroyed it will not be bad luck - simply lack of vision.
-Page 4 TO SYDNEY BUSHWALKER October, 1978.
-domes of Mount Barney, 4,449 feet, the symmetrical Mount Maroon, Mount Wilson, and numerous other peaks and ranges to the north. On the upper reaches of the numerous streams there are many small waterfalls flanked by tropical growth, moss and ferns.
+===Topography.===
-In the Wiangarie area most of the ridges are easily negotiable and the northern part of Lever's Plateau is gently undulating. To reach the top of Glennie's Chair or Mount Lindesay, rock climbing is necessary. The Border fence runs along the crest of the Macpherson Range from a point
-miles east of Richmo,J. Gap to the Great Dividing Range. There is a four wheel drive, or horse track alongside it, and the track, although it is not contoured, is mostly easy walking in the vicinity of Lever's Plateau.
+Australia is, in the main, a flat and arid country, notably deficient in forests and high mountain scenery. Only 5 per cent of its area is capable of producing forest trees of commercial use. Mountain scenery occurs only in scattered locations, mainly along the Dividing Range, and much of it is, in fact, dissected plateaux, rather than true mountains. The volcanic plugs and escarpments of the Macpherson Range, with impressive cliff faces and luxuriant cover of rain forest provide some of our most dramatic mountain scenery. Tremendous views of the Tweed Valley, dominated by 3,750 feet peak of Mount Warning, and of the whole escarpment rim which nearly encircles it are obtainable from the Tweed Range. Extending eastwards from the escarpment is the Pinnacle. Viewed from the valley near Tyalgum this feature could well be described as Australia's Matterhorn. Below the escarpment the fertile and verdant Tweed Valley extends to the sea coast. A never to be forgotten scene is the mist-filled valley surmounted by the Tweed Range escarpment and Mount Warning, illuminated by the morning sun. Extensive views north towards Brisbane are obtained from Lever's Plateau. From the western edge of the Plateau some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the continent can be enjoyed. From here can be seen the precipitous crown of Mount Lindesay, the great rock domes of Mount Barney, 4,449 feet, the symmetrical Mount Maroon, Mount Wilson, and numerous other peaks and ranges to the north. On the upper reaches of the numerous streams there are many small waterfalls flanked by tropical growth, moss and ferns.
-FLORA.
-"Vegetation types are a product of climate and soil. Rainfall is heaviest on the Tweed Valley escarpment, which is cloud covered for a good part of the year. Rainfall here may reach 150 inches per annum. Rainfall is also heavy on the southern slopes, but decreases to the west, and is believed to be only some 50 inches at Lever's Plateau. Nearly all the
+In the Wiangarie area most of the ridges are easily negotiable and the northern part of Lever's Plateau is gently undulating. To reach the top of Glennie's Chair or Mount Lindesay, rock climbing is necessary. The Border fence runs along the crest of the Macpherson Range from a point 9 miles east of Richmond Gap to the Great Dividing Range. There is a four wheel drive, or horse track alongside it, and the track, although it is not contoured, is mostly easy walking in the vicinity of Lever's Plateau.
-alattlVer,14 9.17i t.thi TRfrainhocr j. fuTi. T.tayAr.," vrarantre nrj..95220, but soil
-depths may be considerably greater at Lever's. The plateau areas and wetter slopes are entirely covered with rain forest with mixed rain forest and wet schlerophyll types on the dryer slopes. The forests of Wiangarie are not as tall as on Lever's Plateau, and support fairly dense undergrowth, which makes progress away from made tracks difficult. The forest of Lever's Plateau is taller than that of Wiangarie. It is distinguished by its enormous trees, and canopy well over 100 feet above the ground, and easy access at ground level, little impeded by undergrowth. Although most of
+===Flora.===
-the rain forest species of the Range are common to both Wlangarie and Lever's, there are differences, the most notable being the absence of Antarctic Beech in Lever's, and the lack of hoop pine on Wiangarie. Rain forest differs from the common schlerophyll forests in which the trees are mainly eucalupts, by reason of the enormous variety of tree and other plant species and the density of its canopy.
-The most impressive feature of the rain forest is the size of the trees. Lords of the forest are the stately hoop pines', which soar upward with gunbarrel straightness to the first limbs 80 or 100 feet above the ground. The crown of the trees which may extend another 50 or 60 feet, bursts through the canopy. A number of these trees are 130 or more feet high. One, recently fallen, was 6 feet in diameter and at least 180 feet long. On Lever's Plateau are some of the largest known specimens of brown pine, white beech, cedar and carabeen. Brown pine is not usually a very large tree, but there is one specimen 148 feet high and with a 13 feet girth. The white beech rises 90 feet to the first branch and total height is 130 feet. There are many large specimens of red carabeen, blush tulip oak and rosewood, some of which probably reach heights of 150 feet. To walk around some of these great flanged trees may require 15 to 20 paces because of the great spread of the buttresses at their base. The strangler figs gain a hold on their host trees far above ground level, then extend their root system down the tree. Eventually the host tree, surrounded by a lattice of fig, dies and rots. The fig, by this time an enormous tree, larger.
+Vegetation types are a product of climate and soil. Rainfall is heaviest on the Tweed Valley escarpment, which is cloud covered for a good part of the year. Rainfall here may reach 150 inches per annum. Rainfall is also heavy on the southern slopes, but decreases to the west, and is believed to be only some 50 inches at Lever's Plateau. Nearly all the plateau both at Wiangarie and Lever's Plateau is of volcanic origin, but soil depths may be considerably greater at Lever's. The plateau areas and wetter slopes are entirely covered with rain forest with mixed rain forest and wet schlerophyll types on the dryer slopes. The forests of Wiangarie are not as tall as on Lever's Plateau, and support fairly dense undergrowth, which makes progress away from made tracks difficult. The forest of Lever's Plateau is taller than that of Wiangarie. It is distinguished by its enormous trees, and canopy well over 100 feet above the ground, and easy access at ground level, little impeded by undergrowth. Although most of the rain forest species of the Range are common to both Wlangarie and Lever's, there are differences, the most notable being the absence of Antarctic Beech in Lever's, and the lack of hoop pine on Wiangarie. Rain forest differs from the common schlerophyll forests in which the trees are mainly eucalupts, by reason of the enormous variety of tree and other plant species and the density of its canopy.
-Page 5 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER October, 1978.
+The most impressive feature of the rain forest is the size of the trees. Lords of the forest are the stately hoop pines, which soar upward with gun-barrel straightness to the first limbs 80 or 100 feet above the ground. The crown of the trees which may extend another 50 or 60 feet, bursts through the canopy. A number of these trees are 130 or more feet high. One, recently fallen, was 6 feet in diameter and at least 180 feet long. On Lever's Plateau are some of the largest known specimens of brown pine, white beech, cedar and carabeen. Brown pine is not usually a very large tree, but there is one specimen 148 feet high and with a 13 feet girth. The white beech rises 90 feet to the first branch and total height is 130 feet. There are many large specimens of red carabeen, blush tulip oak and rosewood, some of which probably reach heights of 150 feet. To walk around some of these great flanged trees may require 15 to 20 paces because of the great spread of the buttresses at their base. The strangler figs gain a hold on their host trees far above ground level, then extend their root system down the tree. Eventually the host tree, surrounded by a lattice of fig, dies and rots. The fig, by this time an enormous tree, larger than its host, is then supported by a great hollow trunk. At Wiangarie there are stands of giant Antarctic Beeches. The root system of some of these trees may be over 2,000 years old.
-than its host, is then supported by a great hollow trunk. At Wiangarie there are stands of giant Antarctic Beeches. The root system of some of these trees may be over 2,000 years old.
-Other species which maybe observed in the course of a couple of hours walk include the white walnut, olive sassafras, black myrtle, pigeon berry, maiden's blush, beefwood, silky beech, fire wheel, crow's ash, southern maple cedar and_ brush box. Beneath the canopy, often in openings caused by the fall of a tree, are the tall straight bangalow, or picabeen palms, some reaching a height of 50 feet or more. At ground level are numerous walking stick palms, tree-ferns, croton lilies and similar plants, woody lianas (monkey vines) and other vines, dangle from great heights. Clinging to the branches and trunks of the trees are the numerous epiphytes (i e. plants which grow upon other plants, but are not parasitic). These include the enormous birds nest ferns, many weighing probably half a ton or more. The ephiphytes also include many orchids and ferns.
+Other species which maybe observed in the course of a couple of hours walk include the white walnut, olive sassafras, black myrtle, pigeon berry, maiden's blush, beefwood, silky beech, fire wheel, crow's ash, southern maple cedar and brush box. Beneath the canopy, often in openings caused by the fall of a tree, are the tall straight bangalow, or picabeen palms, some reaching a height of 50 feet or more. At ground level are numerous walking stick palms, tree-ferns, croton lilies and similar plants, woody lianas (monkey vines) and other vines, dangle from great heights. Clinging to the branches and trunks of the trees are the numerous epiphytes (i.e. plants which grow upon other plants, but are not parasitic). These include the enormous birds nest ferns, many weighing probably half a ton or more. The ephiphytes also include many orchids and ferns.
-Far below the forest canopy in the stillness and muted light of ground level there is another realm of beauty consisting of what might be termed the micro-flora. Small loafed vines and delicate ferns lightly clothe
-the stems and buttresses of the trees, which are mottled with multi-coloured mosses and lichens. There is a light covering of fragile ground ferns and many forms of fungi.
+Far below the forest canopy in the stillness and muted light of ground level there is another realm of beauty consisting of what might be termed the micro-flora. Small leafed vines and delicate ferns lightly clothe the stems and buttresses of the trees, which are mottled with multi-coloured mosses and lichens. There is a light covering of fragile ground ferns and many forms of fungi.
-FAUNA.
-As a result of lack of sunlight on the forest floor, no grass grows in rain forests. Ground fauna is therefore dependent on fruits and seeds dropped from the trees, small edible plants, roots, insects, fungi, etc., and the range of species is limited. The sunlight canopy however, is rich in seeds, fruits and insects and supports a numerous population of animals and birds. The difficulties of observing tree dwelling animals in a thick canopy 100 feet above ground level is increased by the fact that most of animal life and some of the bird life is nocturnal. These difficulties did not, however, prevent the Wildlife Research Group from Brisbane University from recording 8 sPecies of mammals, 74 species of birds, 5 of reptiles and 10 of amphibia in the course of a two day study. Many more species not observed during these two days, are known to live there. Animals thought to be extinct in Australia, such as the Parma Wallaby, and the Potaroo (a long-nose rat kangaroo) are known to exist there. Even a previously unknown marsupial frog has been discovered. Summarising the results of their observations the Wildlife Research Group states:-
+===Fauna.===
+As a result of lack of sunlight on the forest floor, no grass grows in rain forests. Ground fauna is therefore dependent on fruits and seeds dropped from the trees, small edible plants, roots, insects, fungi, etc., and the range of species is limited. The sunlight canopy however, is rich in seeds, fruits and insects and supports a numerous population of animals and birds. The difficulties of observing tree dwelling animals in a thick canopy 100 feet above ground level is increased by the fact that most of animal life and some of the bird life is nocturnal. These difficulties did not, however, prevent the Wildlife Research Group from Brisbane University from recording 8 species of mammals, 74 species of birds, 5 of reptiles and 10 of amphibia in the course of a two day study. Many more species not observed during these two days, are known to live there. Animals thought to be extinct in Australia, such as the Parma Wallaby, and the Potaroo (a long-nose rat kangaroo) are known to exist there. Even a previously unknown marsupial frog has been discovered. Summarising the results of their observations the Wildlife Research Group states:-
 "The above list demonstrates beyond doubt that this area is extremely well endowed with vertebrate rain forest fauna and so is of great scientific and aesthetic value. At least 24 of the species listed are largely restricted to rain forest and associated habitat and so depend on the preservation of these areas for their survival. Some, such as the Sooty Owl, Albert Lyrebird and Glossy Black Cockatoo are amongst the rarest birds in Australia and have their stronghold in these habitats. Others, such as the Spine-tailed Legrunner, Green Catbird, Regent Bowerbird, Paradise Riflebird and the Albert Lyrebird are mostly entirely restricted to the remnant rain forest of south-east Queensland and north-east N.S.W.
-MOUNTAINM
-EQUIPMENT
+===Trees or Logs?===
-Falcon Street, Crows Nest 2065.
-We stock some of the world's leading
+Most of the area of the proposed Border Ranges National Park is under the control of the Forestry Commission, and is destined for logging. Under its statutory objectives the Commission is charged with the diametrically opposed aims of both conserving timber and encouraging its use (see Forestry Act) and it claims to be fulfilling both these aims in its operations at Wiangarie. It claims to be endeavouring "to maintain the necessary supply of timber to industry with a minimum of upset, however ephemeral to the forest environment and its scenic, recreational and wildlife values. The Commission believes that it has succeeded well in this endeavour, and that the values and assets of this outstanding State Forest (Wiangarie) are in fact being well maintained and conserved." (background notes issued by the Forestry Commission April 1973). If this statement means what it says, no damage is being done to the forest, and trees are being replaced as fast as they are being removed. But the Commission is not consistent on this point. It describes its operations as being "not exploitation or devastation" or some other emotively adverse operation, but as "harvesting a crop". How can harvesting be carried out without destruction of plants which will not be replaced until another generation of plants matures? This "burning bush" fandangle, whereby trees are cut but not consumed, is to be achieved "by a policy of selective logging with the retention of 50 per cent of the upper canopy and the maintenance of full species diversity in the remaining stand. The trees to be removed are selected and marked by the Commission's staff, and the operation is carefully controlled to ensure that only the marked trees are removed and damage to the remaining trees is kept to the lowest practical level." The question is - "What is the lowest practical level of damage?" and is it consistent with the "maintenance and conservation of the values and assets of this outstanding State forest?"
-brands. We specialize in top quality
-ushwalking and Mountaineering gear..
+The first part of the answer lies in the trees to be selected. These will be, presumably, the large, mature sound stems. The age of such trees is usually not known with certainty, because most rain forest species do not have annual rings, but it is believed the age of the larger specimen is measured in centuries, or millenia if we are talking about Antarctic Beech. Fifty per cent canopy reduction, involving the removal of the best trees would probably mean removal of more than 50 per cent of total log volume, and would increase water run-off. In this region of steep slopes and high rainfall, any track is a potential watercourse, down which soil will be carried to enter the streams below. Logging is totally incompatible with the maintenance of scenic, recreational and wilderness values.
-St.E. 114 4AGS.1 plaaldvId:11Nadner*
-rnountain design,
+===A National Park in World Heritage Class.===
-TENTS:
-camptrails, fjalfraven,
+There are a number of rainforest remnants included in existing national parks. Outside national parks, __selective logging__ - i e. the removal of the most valuable timbers - has left a scrubby growth of immature trees and weeds. This process is already under way in Wiangarie. Lever's Plateau, however, remains intact. The forest canopy is unbroken, and the original native flora and fauna remains unspoilt. No introduced flora or fauna is known to exist within the forest, and most of it is unaffected by fire. It is almost certainly the best preserved wilderness area in the state. It remains in this condition not because it has been reserved or conserved by the Forestry Commission, but because the holder of the logging concession which covered it, Mr. John Lever, appreciated its beauty and refrained from logging it.
-paddymade, ultimate.19OCKs
-be #4 CkS:
+The Colong Committee seeks the preservation of this last extensive remnant of the once great rain forest areas. It envisages a park extending from Mount Lindesay to the Tweed Range, where it would adjoin the Lamington Park. A walking or riding trail along the Range from Binnaburra to Mount Lindesay would probably prove every bit as attractive as the Milford Track in New Zealand, or the Reserve track in Tasmania. There are already two guest houses which could be used by those using the trail - Binnaburra and O'Reillys and there are other cleared sites in proximity to the range further west. The concept could well be extended to the creation of a trail along the entire Macpherson Range from the coast to the Great Dividing Range, where it would join the proposed Tri-State Trail. Such a trail would pass through some of the best scenery on the entire east coast.
-r9batis
-triptralls:
-rlIIlot
-k2,
-wnte.
-N\J 00:0:koofs..
-tievgtoos elcle)( tOwoo.
-kastinger, scarpa.
--38-1647 or 439-2454
-PHONE FOR FREE
-PRICE LIST & INFORMATION.
-Page !j: THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER October, 1978.
- worrordworawwwwwwsommaissiarmwmorw000rtswesmwsr....srolaraira
-TREES OR LOGS?
-Most of the area of the proposed Border Ranges National Park is under
-the control of the Forestry Commission, and is destined for logging. Under its statutory objectives the Commission is charged with the diametrically opposed aims of both conserving timber and encouraging its use (see Forestry Act) and it claims to be fulfilling both these aims in its operations at Wiangarie. It claims to be endeavouringtto maintain the necessary supply of timber to industry with a minimum of upset, however ephemeral to the forest environment and its scenic, recreational and wildlife values. The Commission believes that it has succeeded well in this endeavour, and that the values and assets of this outstanding State Forest (Wiangarie) are in fact being well maintained and conserved.' (background notes issued by the Forestry Commission April 1973). If this statement means what it says, no damage is being done to the forest, and trees are being replaced as fast as they are being removed. But the Commission is not consistent on this point. It describes its operations as being 'not exploitation or devastation' or some other emotively adverse operation, but as 'harvesting a crop'. How can harvesting be carried out without destruction of plants which will not be replaced until another generation of plants matures? This 'burning bush' fandangle, whereby trees are cut but not consumed, is to be achieved 'by a policy of selective logging with the retention of 50 per cent of the upper canopy and the maintenance of full species diversity in the remaining stand. The trees to be removed are selected and marked by the Commission's staff, and the operation is carefully controlled to ensure that only the marked trees are removed and damage to the remaining trees is kept to the lowest practical level.' The question is - 'What is the lowest practical level of damage?t and is it consistent with the 'maintenance and conservation of the values and assets of this outstanding State forest?
-The first part of the answer lies in the trees to be selected. These
-will be, presumably, the large, mature sound stems. The age of such trees
-is usually not known with certainty, because most rain forest species do not havd annual rings, but it is believed the age of the larger specimen
-- is measured in centuries, or millenia if we are talking about Antarctic Beech. Fifty per cent canopy reduction, involving the removal of the best trees would probably mean removal of more than 50 per cent of total log
-volume, and would increase water run-off. In this region of steep slopes
-and high rainfall, any track is a potential watercourse, down which soil
-will be carried to enter the streams below. Logging is totally incompatible with the maintenance of scenic, recreational and wilderness values.
-A NATIONAL PARK IN WORLD HERITAGE CLASS.
-There are a number of rainforest remnants included in existing national parks. Outside national parks, selective logginE - i e. the removal of the'Most valuable timbers - has left a scrubby growth of immature trees and weeds. This process is already under way in Viangarie. Lever's Plateau, however, remains intact. The forest canopy is unbroken, and the original native flora and fauna remains unspoilt. No introduced flora or fauna is known to exist within the forest, and most of it is unaffected by fire. It is almost certainly the best preserved wilderness area in the state. It remains in this condition not because it has been reserved or conserved by the Forestry Commission, but because the holder
-Page 8 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALICER October, 1978.
-of the logging concession which covered it, Mr. John Lever, appreciated its beauty and refrained from logging it.
-The Colong Committee seeks the preservation of this last extensive remnant of the once great rain forest areas. It envisages a park extending from Mount Lindesay to the Tweed Range, where it would adjoin the Lamington Park. A walking or riding trail along the Range from Binnaburra to Mount Lindesay would probably prove every bit as attractive as the Milford Track in New Zealand, or the Reserve track in Tasmania. There are already two guest houses which could be used by those using the trail - Binnaburra and OtReillys and there are other cleared sites in proximity to the range further west. The concept could well be extended to the creation of a trail along the entire Macpherson Range from the coast to the Great Dividing Range, where it would join the proposed Tri-State Trail. Such a trail would pass through some of the best scenery on the entire east coast.
 Such a park should be extremely attractive to tourists from overseas. There are extensive tropical or subtropical rain forests in other parts of the world, though few remain in the pristine condition of the unlogged areas of the Border Range. Heat, humidity, insects and disease, however, repel tourists. The Border Ranges have a mild climate. Rainfall is heavy in the early summer months, but moderate for much of the year, particularly in the western part of the Range. Insects are not a worry, apart from the inevitable leeches and ticks. Tropical diseases are absent.
-A readily accessible sub-tropical temperate rain forest like that of the Border Ranges may not be unique, but it is at least rare. Such a forest incorporating much of the distinctive flora and fauna evolved only in this isolated continent is unique. It is the climax of a long period of development. Once destroyed or extensively damaged it might regenerate (in the unlikely event of it being left untouched) but certainly not in a period that is meaningful in terms of human history.
-It is not necessary to destroy native forests to produce tidber.
+A readily accessible sub-tropical temperate rain forest like that of the Border Ranges may not be unique, but it is at least rare. Such a forest incorporating much of the distinctive flora and fauna evolved only in this isolated continent __is__ unique. It is the climax of a long period of development. Once destroyed or extensively damaged it might regenerate (in the unlikely event of it being left untouched) but certainly not in a period that is meaningful in terms of human history.
-Trees can be, and are being grown, on land previously used for rural purposes. There are large areas of such land that have proved poor and should never have been cleared in the first place. Timber can also be imported either to fill Immediate needs or as an ongoing policy. But the growing of rain forests is a silvicultural impossibility. Let us therefore preserve the one we have.
-WHAT YOU CAN DO.
+It is not necessary to destroy native forests to produce timber. Trees can be, and are being grown, on land previously used for rural purposes. There are large areas of such land that have proved poor and should never have been cleared in the first place. Timber can also be imported either to fill immediate needs or as an ongoing policy. But the growing of rain forests is a silvicultural impossibility. Let us therefore preserve the one we have.
-Write letters, send telegrams, make representations to the Premier,
-Mr. Wran, the Minister for Lands, Mr. Crabtree, the Minister for Conservation and Water Resources, Mr. Gordon, the Minister for Planning and. Environment, Mx. Landa (all c/o Parliament House, Macquarie Steet Sydney).
+====What you can do.===
-Write a letter to a newspaper; donate funds to the Colong Committee, 18 Argyle Street, Sydney, N.S.U. 2000; buy a Border Ranges poster from the Colong Committee; follow the campaign by subscribing to the "Save Colong Bulletin", hand this article to friends and make them aware of the Border Ranges.
+Write letters, send telegrams, make representations to the Premier, Mr. Wran, the Minister for Lands, Mr. Crabtree, the Minister for Conservation and Water Resources, Mr. Gordon, the Minister for Planning and Environment, Mr. Landa (all c/o Parliament House, Macquarie Steet, Sydney).
+Write a letter to a newspaper; donate funds to the Colong Committee, 18 Argyle Street, Sydney, N.S.W. 2000; buy a Border Ranges poster from the Colong Committee; follow the campaign by subscribing to the "Save Colong Bulletin", hand this article to friends and make them aware of the Border Ranges.
 (From "The Border Ranges Tabloid" - insert in National Parks Journal)
-Page 9 THE SYDNEY BUSHWA1KER October, 1978.
+----
 VENICE.
 by Owen Marks.