Nature's Voice edition 7
Welcome to the first edition of Nature's Voice for 2011. Nature's Voice arrives as an easy-to-read email and aims to keep you on top of important nature conservation issues throughout Victoria. You can also read Nature's Voice online as an ebook. And if you haven't already signed up to receive Nature's Voice please take the opportunity to do so now by joining our |
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Edition 7, February 2011
Alpine cattle discovered trampling endangered alpine frog habitat
Cattle recently allowed into Victoria's Alpine National Park as a 'scientific trial' are trampling threatened Alpine Tree Frogs and their wetland habitat, a leading alpine ecologist has revealed.
The discovery follows calls from the VNPA for federal environment minister Tony Burke to take action and enforce national protection laws within the Alpine National Park.
Alpine habitat trampled 'Scientific grazing' deeply flawed
Scientists urge end to alpine cattle grazing
More than a hundred Australian scientists have called on the Victorian Government to postpone its cattle grazing trials in the Alpine National Park.
The scientists say trials to test whether or not grazing reduces bushfire risks lack scientific integrity.
The trials have also prompted a warning from environment and heritage groups, including the VNPA, WWF and the National Trust, who say the decision could open the floodgates for other damaging activities in national parks across Australia.
Scientists call for halt to alpine cattle grazing Alpine grazing precedent threatens all national parks
Take action! Help keep cattle out of the Alps
We've already received more than 900 letters from Victorians appalled by the Baillieu Government's decision to let cattle into the Alpine National Park, but we need many, many more.
Please help keep cattle out of the Alps by taking action now.
And if you have already written please write again as we've found new evidence to support our campaign.
Email politicians Sign our online petition Donate to Stop Alpine Grazing Appeal
No to cattle grazing in Barmah and Gunbower
While the new Victorian Government has taken backward steps with alpine cattle grazing and an extended duck shooting season, the Coalition's minor partner stumbled over grazing in our new red gum national parks.
Just days after the government started its term, National Party member for Rodney Paul Weller was spruiking a Coalition 'commitment' to put cattle back into Barmah and Gunbower national parks.
Government committed to VEAC marine investigation
This year is already shaping up to be another busy and exciting one for the VNPA's marine and coastal campaign.
With the Victorian Coalition now holding the reins of power, our focus has shifted to ensuring that the government upholds its election promise of a new VEAC investigation into marine and coastal areas.
Groups call for halt to Hastings port expansion plans
Sixteen environment and community groups, including the VNPA, have called for a halt to plans that would see a significant expansion of Westernport Bay's Port of Hastings.
The port explansion plans would pose unacceptable risks to the bay's remarkable environmental and recreational values, and include significant channel dredging.
Central Victoria's natural gems sparkle online
Have you visited our new website yet? It showcases 20 high conservation value areas in central Victoria that deserve permanent protection under the National Parks Act.
Ranging from a few thousand hectares to more than 30,000, these 'special places' are home to a diverse range of native flowers, plants and wildlife species, many listed as threatened or endangered.
Frankston bushland friends honoured for dedication
VNPA members Leon Costermans and Allan Sisson are among eight volunteers recently honoured for having worked for more than 25 years protecting Frankston's natural environment.
They were presented with Environmental Honours certificates from Frankston City Council in November last year.
Please help us review the VNPA 'brand'!
The VNPA turns 60 next year and as part of the celebrations we'll be reviewing our 'brand' to make sure it properly communicates what we do.
Founded in 1952 to incease the number and improve the protection of national parks in Victoria, the VNPA has grown into a much larger and more diverse organisation than its founders imagined.
Please take a few minutes to fill in our supporter survey and go into a draw to win a $55 VNPA gift voucher!
Join us on Facebook!
Keep up with the latest VNPA news and views, and share your views, by visiting www.facebook.vnpa.org.au.
And don't forget, you need to have your own Facebook account first.
Hunting threatens native bird recovery
Just as native waterbirds were starting to recover from the 13-year drought, the Baillieu Government has announced a three-month recreational duck shooting season for 2011.
Laurie Levy from the Coalition against Duck Shooting says waterbird numbers have only just begun recovering in response to last year's rain.
Sustainable Living Festival, 12-27 February
Join us at this year's Sustainable Living Festival, which once again takes over Federation Square for two weeks in February.
We'll be holding a stall 19-20 February, so make sure you pop in and say hello!
The Power of Story
At this year's Sustainable Living Festival the Victoria Naturally Alliance is inviting you to discover how stories can engage, connect and motivate people to bring about change through a special, free presentation called The Power of Story.
If you are interested in bringing about change, this presentation is for you, so get down to BMW Edge, Federation Square, at 1.30pm on Sunday 20 February.
Koalas fenced out of Port Campbell wildlife corridor
A local community group fears recent developments at the Port Campbell National Park camping ground threaten both the coastal village feel of the area as well as an important wildlife corridor.
Marion Manifold of the Port Campbell Community Group says high wire fencing and security gates effectively 'privatise' the camping ground, which is part of the national park.
Alps rehabilitation weekend, 25-28 February
Our annual alps volunteer weekend is coming up soon and there are still a few vacancies left!
This is a chance to enjoy a weekend helping the environment by removing willows and fences on the Bogong High Plains.
Council rejects Chiltern quarry planning permit
A controversial plan to build a stone quarry on land adjoining Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park in northeast Victoria has been refused by the Indigo Shire council.
In rejecting the proposal, the council said the quarry would have an unacceptable impact on the national park and wider area.
Mt Stirling Base Camp 9-11 April
Stay at Mt Buller ski lodges, enjoy day walks to Mt Stirling and evening presentations on the VNPA Stirling Alpine Link proposal.
This camp will be led by Fred Gerardson and Charles Street. If you are interested in attending please contact the VNPA office by the end of February on 03 9347 5188 or vnpa@vnpa.org.au.
Timor-Leste honours David Scott AO
Former Chair of the Land Conservation Council David Scott AO has been recognisted for his contribution to the people of Timor-Leste over more than 30 years.
Mr Scott is greatly respected by the VNPA and has spent much of his life dedicated to community service both here and overseas.
NatureWatch: a new direction
Our NatureWatch program is ushering in 2011 with a new, remote camera monitoring project.
The aim is to monitor the response of small mammal populations to control burning.
Clean up Australia Day - March 6
Clean Up Australia Day, on Sunday 6 March, is fun, easy and everyone can get involved.
To register phone 1800 282 392 or visit www.cleanup.org.au.
International Year of Forests
Did you know forests cover 31% of the world's total area, and are home to 80% of terrestrial biodiversity?
The United Nationas has declared 2011 the International Year of Forests..
A History of Wilsons Promontory now in ebook format
Ros Garnet's A History of Wilsons Promontory is now available in ebook format from our website.
First published in 2009, the new format makes it much easier to flip through to sections of particular interest.
Bushwalking and activities
See our events page for walks, excursions, new leaders briefing, film night and corrections to the program.
The VNPA extends its sincere sympathy to all those in Victoria, NSW and Queensland affected by the recent floods.