Matt McClelland, Activities Coordinator, NPA
If you draw a circle around Sydney, half of it is native bushland. This is extraordinary, and a big surprise to many Sydneysiders. This proximity to such large areas of native bushland is true for many cities and large towns across NSW, making this state unique in Australia and internationally. There are many benefits and issues that come from having so many protracted areas in our backyards.
Sue Baker, Mid North Coast Branch of NPA
If I was ever asked what is the greatest miracle that I have witnessed in my life, the answer would be the post-fire regeneration in Crowdy Bay NP. Earlier in the year I wrote an article for the journal describing the sickening devastation, the deathly silence and lack of life in the park, 84% of which was burnt last November including the most precious patches of littoral rainforest.
We note with sadness the recent passing of Dr Graeme Worboys AM. Graeme’s extraordinary career reached the most senior levels in the National Parks and Wildlife before moving into academic and advocacy roles that saw him become an internationally acclaimed expert in protected area management. His publications have influenced conservation management on the international stage, while this year’s “Kosciusko- A great national park” stands as testimony to his knowledge and passion for the Australian Alps. A giant of conservation and friend to NPA who will be sorely missed.
Fire is a normal part of the Australian landscape, playing a major role in the dynamics of many ecosystems and habitats. From a conservation perspective, the most significant impact of fire is often the way that the impacts of, and fears about fire, shape community concerns about the living near bushland.
Author: Dr Rod O’Connor
Review by Sam Garrett-Jones
In 1946 Einstein was worried. On the 23rd of June, he gave the New York Times his “message.” He warned, “A new type of thinking is essential if mankind is to survive.” Einstein was fearful of nuclear war and human nature. He thought we might destroy ourselves. Since then, our situation has become worse. We now have climate change and far-reaching destruction of the natural world.
If you can’t get out to see the wonders of nature first-hand, why not let the wonders of technology show you? At the end of August two white-bellied sea eagle chicks hatched in a nest 20 meters up an ironbark tree in Sydney’s Olympic Park. Three cameras provide a live feed for viewers all over the world!
Check out EagleCAM and the Eagle Diary on the Birdlife Australia website.
There’s also FalconCAM in Orange.
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