MINUTES OF FRIENDS OF KNOCKLOFTY ANNUAL MEETING 25 January 2018
Present: Astrid Wright (in the chair), Robyn Mounster, Greg Summers, Jim Anderson, Sally White, Bruce Champion (Minutes secretary), and Ann Hughes (later).
Apologies: Nicole Gill (CoH), Sjaan Field (CoH), Antony Ault, Heidi Krajewsky, Julie Rock, Margaret Proudlock, and Vicky Martin and Geoff Dunn.
1. Convenor’s Report: Astrid’s report was presented, see pages 3 and 4.
2. FoKL Officers: The following agreed to hold positions for 2018
Office / 2018Convenor / Astrid Wright (happy to do again provided the support from the core members is maintained)
Equipment Officers / Robyn Mounster storage and Jim Anderson maintenance
Qualified in Senior First Aid
* / Three retrainings will be provided by COH to people who need it. (To be confirm)
Flora Officer / Bruce Champion
Fauna Officer / David Obendorf
Web Master / Rex Bunn
ISSUES ARISING FROM THE CONVENOR’S REPORT.
The report was accepted as is.
1. Weed Control
Permission is yet to be received from CoH to comment weed removal in Mrs Fielding’s former property, 66 Summerhill Road. It has been suggested that the titles for the development on this property are being sorted out and that CoH is negotiating for considerable areas to be acquired for addition to the Reserve. It is hope that the situation will be clarified by June this year and we have scheduled an inspection activity for 7 June in the program, see page 4.
The family members that own 193 Forest Road, the only private property along the extension of Forest Road, who allowed us to clear the woody weed infestation in early 2017, prior to the proposed CoH hazard reduction burn, may be willing to sell the property to the CoH. This will have to wait until the 66 Summerhill Road land has been settled due to limited land acquisition funds.
A self-employed contractor was engaged to do the required weed control along the Optus boundary fence and she did an excellent job, including the short steep sections that hadn’t been tackled previously.
2. Funds
The funds held for FoKL by CoH have dropped to nearly $11,000 due to $10,000 being spent hiring contractors to assist with the weed removal on 193 Forest Road. Some funds will be required for the replacement of the Glover Track signs and Bruce has offered to negotiate with Eye Spy Signs who made the very successful fauna signs at the junction of the Mt Stuart and Fiona Allan Tracks and near the picnic lookout. The original 2 off 610 h x 840 w mm Poets Rd entry and Main Trail signs, 3 off 500 h x 500 w mm Glover Track signs and art work etc. cost $3,369 + GST. The two large and at least one small sign require replacement. The small one referring to the sand stone ledges should be reworded and positioned on the other side of the Glover Track facing away from the sun.
Other funds should be reserved for contractor hire for 66 Summerhill Road should FoKL engage them for some of this work.
3. Salvator Rosa Glen
Considerable discussion was had regarding what FoKL should commit to do in this newly added Reserve area. There are many invasive weeds such as blackberry, Vinca, and Pittosporum on the steep sides of Salvator Road that may be stabilising the bank. Removal of same may cause erosion and possible road damage. There is also highly poisonous Hemlock which should be removed immediately.
FoKL believe a CoH management plan is required for this small area and that little work can be done until the proposed gravel path has been laid.
4. Culvert Markers
The CoH Fire team explained that the culvert markers have been installed to enable fire vehicle drivers to avoid the culverts in thick smoke conditions.
OTHER BUSINESS
1. Activity Calendar
FoKL’s Activity Calendar 2018 Rev. 0 was issued to Members and discussed. The first two month’s activities have mainly been allocated to woody weed removal along the extension of Forest Road until the hazard reduction burn planned for the south western slopes of Knocklofty, KR16, KR21, KR23 and MG09, takes place. The areas of the Reserve that were surveyed for woody weeds in early 2018 showed that the Reserve is very dry and while there are some areas with very small gorse, much of it will probably be browsed or die and so can be left until next year unless the Group needs to find additional activities. In addition considerable time may be required to work on 66 Summerhill Road areas if they become part of the Reserve. In which case the Activities Calendar will be revised accordingly. Euryops continues to be of concern and an activity sessions has been allocated to treat the infestations in KR4 and KR7. A Thursday session has been allocated to work with the Valley Street Group in the Leonard Wall Reserve if required. Another two session have been allocated to work along the Salvator Rosa Glen beside Salvator Road if a management plan is provided by CoH. The usual four sessions have been allocated to work on the TasNetworks wayleaves and many sessions have been left free to enable necessary work, particularly in 66 Summerhill Road areas, to be allocated when required. FoKL’s Activity Calendar Rev.0 (revised since the meeting) is included in these minutes, pages 5 and 6, and the management areas referred to in the Program are shown on the draft Knocklofty Reserve map on page 7.
2. Knocklofty Reserve Western Boundary
Astrid reported that there is a large area beyond the Giblin Street quarry that is shown on a map she received recently that is shaded as per the Knocklofty Reserve. In which case, there is a new area for us to explore and treat for woody weeds. See the scan of TASMAP Hobart 1:25,000 Edition 4 2008 on page 8, which shows the green area of the Reserve extending over the quarry to the boundary of properties with folio numbers FYR0 and FYR28.
The meeting closed at about 8:15pm and was followed by another splendid supper provided by Jenny and Greg. This was greatly enjoyed by all.
Thank you Jenny and Greg.
CONVENOR’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2017
This year has been dry, with below average rainfalls. It shows up in the very limited regrowth in the reserve areas burnt in the autumns of 2016 and 2017. Lomandras have recovered a little, but not the grasses, some trees are sprouting, however, many have been blown over.
People in South - and West Hobart are complaining that wallabies are invading their gardens looking for food. One can’t help but think that the wallabies were here first.
A lot of our effort and money were spent on removing old growth gorse and hawthorn from 193 Forest Rd., the last big weed repository surrounded by the reserve. Clearing this area will prevent reinfestation of weeds into the reserve. It was also in preparation for a fire hazard reduction burn on the south side of Knocklofty. The conditions were never ‘just right’ for a burn, and it did not go ahead in the autumn ’17.
Salvator Glen, between Salvator Rd. and Corby Ave. used to be open urban space. The big willows were removed and a temporary path made through the area. ‘Liquid mulch’ was sprayed on the steep slope and some planting was done by COH bush crew. It was then declared a part of Knocklofty Reserve by COH, and thus came into our remit. We have assessed the glen a couple of times; there are many introduced garden plants and weeds, some of them supporting the slope. There are plans by COH for an upgrade of the path. We have not seen this or been involved in the preparations, so we feel, we should wait and see what happens.
The COH Fire Team has erected markers at the culverts on the fire trails in the reserve.
WEED CONTROL
We had eight sessions on 193 Forest Rd. and also brought in Oliver Strutt and his crew to chainsaw the big hawthorn and gorse to clear the land before the burn.
Karen Bennett cleared the regrowth in the buffer zone on Optus land. It was our turn to pay for this.
The rest of our time was spent going through the reserve, cutting, pasting and hand pulling any gorse, broom, boneseed, Spanish Heath, Euryops and blackberries we could find.
WAYLEAVE TASNETWORKS
We did our half yearly checking of the wayleave, removing woody growth that might interfere with the power lines; and reporting any trees that might need TasNetworks attention.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
For the first time in our 25 years of operation we had a reportable accident. One of our most experienced members slid down an embankment and broke a bone in his lower arm. However, through the COH insurance for volunteers we were covered for this.
The plant-give-away was a bit of a disappointment. Not many people turned up.
Landcare Tasmania did not get much money this year from governments, and asked for help. As they do a good job of helping new bush care groups getting established, we agreed to give a donation.
We removed the old fence around the little, almost non-existing pond next to Janets Pond.
A memorial seat to Malcolm Grant, OAM, a long-time resident of Mt. Stuart, was erected along the Fiona Allan Track. This was a Neighbour Watch initiative. FoKL was not involved at any stage.
FINANCES
This year we drew down money, held by COH, to pay for contractors.
So our finances look like this:
· $10,896.02 held by COH, this includes the $1950 we earned from TasNetworks.
· $10,617.00 spent on contractors.
· $70 received in grant from Landcare Tasmania. $250 donated to same.
· $236.05 in petty cash.
· $21.12 in CBA account.
· $676.05 spent on web charges, tools, subscriptions, and most necessary of all REFRESHMENTS!
VOLUNTEERS
Our ‘on ground’ activities came to 838 hours. One day was cancelled due to rain. On top of that comes updating of First Aid, attending meetings, notices preparation and administration etc. Maybe another 200 hours. It is good to see so many people more than willing to work for the reserve.
I would like to say a special thank you to the members who took over when I suddenly had to go to the mainland due to family illness.
Without the support of active members, the convenor’s job would be impossible. I cannot thank them enough.
Astrid D. Wright. Convenor.
Friends of Knocklofty Reserve.
AND WE THANK YOU ASTRID, FOR BEING A GREAT CONVENOR!
Minutes of FOKL Planning meeting on 2018_01_25.docx 28-Jan-18 Page 6 of 8
FRIENDS OF KNOCKLOFTY 2018 ACTIVITY CALENDAR Rev. 0
FoKL Activity Calendar for 2018. Revision 0Thursdays [9 to 11.30 am], Sundays [2-4.30 pm].
Please note this is only a guide, activities may change to suit Reserve requirements.
Thursday 1st February / Meet at Forest Rd carpark for primary gorse & hawthorn weeding along Forest Rd. extension well beyond the boom gate, 193 Forest Road and beyond, KR22 and KR23. Unless the area has been control burnt, then decision on the day.
Thursday 15th February / Meet at the Forest Road carpark for roving weeding in areas done by Green Army and ACV along the extension of Forest Road just beyond the boom gate, KR23.
Sunday 18th February / Meet at Forest Rd carpark for primary gorse & hawthorn weeding along Forest Rd. extension well past the boom gate, 193 Forest Road & beyond, KR22/23. Unless the area has been control burnt, then decision on the day.
Thursday 1st March / Meet at Forest Rd carpark for primary gorse & hawthorn weeding along Forest Rd. extension well beyond the boom gate past 193 Forest Road, KR22. Unless the area has been control burnt; then decision on the day.
Thursday 15th March / Meet at Forest Rd carpark for primary gorse & hawthorn weeding along Forest Rd. extension well beyond the boom gate past 193 Forest Road, KR 22. Unless the area has been control burnt; then decision on the day.
Sunday 18th March / Meet at Forest Rd carpark for primary gorse & hawthorn weeding along Forest Rd. extension well beyond the boom gate past 193 Forest Road, KR22. Unless the area has been control burnt; then decision on the day.
Thursday 5th April / Meet at the Forest Road carpark for roving weeding in the small quarries and ledges from the entrance road and west across to the South Hobart wayleave, KR24.
Sunday 15th April / Meet at the end of Corby Ave. for roving weeding in Salvator Rosa Glen.
Thursday 19th April / Valley St activity awaiting Vicki’s response
Thursday 3rd May / Meet at Forest Rd. car park for roving weeding in KR13
Thursday 17th May / Meet at the Forest Road carpark for vehicle travel and Mt Stuart carpark for walking to wayleave maintenance from the west/south split up to the summit and from the Lenah Valley end up to the summit.
Sunday 20th May / Meet at the Forest Road carpark for roving weeding around Trig Hill and west across to the South Hobart wayleave, KR24 & KR25.
Thursday 7th June / Meet at Forest Rd. car park for assessment of 66 Summerhill Rd.
Sunday 17th June / Meet at Forest Rd carpark for an activity to be determined pending the assessment of 66 Forest Road.
Thursday 21st June / Meet at the Forest Road carpark for wayleave maintenance from the Forest Rd carpark up to the west/south split and down the South Hobart feeder.
Thursday 5th July / Meet at the end of Corby Avenue for weeding along the Salvator Rosa Glen from Knocklofty Reserve access track toward the City.
Sunday 15th July / Meet at Forest Rd carpark for an activity to be determined pending the assessment of 66 Forest Road.
Thursday 19th July / Meet at Forest Rd carpark for an activity to be determined pending the assessment of 66 Forest Road.
FoKL Activity Calendar for 2018 Revision 0 [continued].
Thursdays [9 to 11.30 am], Sundays [2-4.30 pm].
Please note this is only a guide, activities may change to suit Reserve requirements.
Thursday 2nd August / Meet at Forest Rd carpark for an activity to be determined pending the assessment of 66 Forest Road.
Thursday 16th August / Meet at the Mt Stuart carpark for Euryops, Boneseed and Gorse weeding along eastern boundary south from Fiona Allan Track in the Bimbadeen Court blocks, KR4.
Sunday 19th August / Meet at Forest Rd carpark for an activity to be determined pending the assessment of 66 Forest Road.
Thursday 6th September / Meet at Forest Rd carpark for an activity to be determined pending the assessment of 66 Forest Road.
Sunday 16th September / Meet at Forest Rd carpark for an activity to be determined pending the assessment of 66 Forest Road.
Thursday 20th September / Meet at Poets Road carpark for maintenance of the plantings at the entrance area and roving weeding up the Glover track and uphill across to the Hotel Pacific Trail, KR21.
Thursday 4th October / Meet at the end of Corby Avenue for more weeding along the Salvator Rosa Glen from Knocklofty Reserve access track toward the City.
Thursday 18th October / Meet at Forest Rd carpark for more regrowth gorse weeding around the uphill and downhill sides of the Mt Stuart Track KR7, KR12 and KR13.
Sunday 21st October / Meet at Forest Rd carpark for an activity to be determined pending the assessment of 66 Forest Road, then plant giveaway.
Thursday 1st November / Meet at Forest Rd carpark for an activity to be determined pending the assessment of 66 Forest Road.
Thursday 15th November / Meet at the Forest Road carpark for vehicle travel and Mt Stuart carpark for walking to wayleave maintenance from the west/south split up to the summit and from the Lenah Valley end up to the summit.
Sunday 18th November / Meet at Forest Rd carpark for an activity to be determined pending the assessment of 66 Forest Road.
Thursday 6th December / Meet at the Forest Road carpark for wayleave maintenance from the Forest Rd carpark up to the west/south split and down the South Hobart feeder, then regrowth gorse weeding around Trig Hill, KR24.
Minutes of FOKL Planning meeting on 2018_01_25.docx 28-Jan-18 Page 6 of 8