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Environment, news, culture from the Australian Alps

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‘Out there in the Mountains’: questions of user pays, access and equity

The following comes from Chris Harrington.

A survey is currently being conducted Mount Buller/ Mt Stirling resort management, canvassing the idea of introducing a summer resort entry fee. A recent article in the local press notes that the “Mount Buller/ Mount Stirling Alpine Resort Management Board (ARMB) has confirmed it will not be charging a summer gate entry for the 2015/2016. However, the survey being conducted is investigating resort visitation, visitor patterns and habits with the intent of considering potential summer revenue streams” (Mansfield Courier 9/12/2015). The article also notes some opposition, and some support for the introduction of summer access fees.

Continue reading “‘Out there in the Mountains’: questions of user pays, access and equity” →

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I Am Pro Snow

Like Protect Our Winters, I Am Pro Snow is seeking to mobilise people in the snow sports community to be active in reducing climate change. It is an initiative of the Climate Reality Project. They have been represented at the recent climate change negotiations in Paris, and have a range of ‘snow ambassadors’ who advocate for action in various forums.

It does seem a bit fluffy – focusing on awareness raising rather than hard asks – and light on in terms of providing suggestions about tangible actions that people can take. But at this point we need all hands on deck when it comes to finding solutions to the merging climate crisis, so all power to them.

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The case for a Great Forest National Park

The Great Forest National Park will deliver a secure future for endangered species, has huge potential to safeguard against climate change, and will protect domestic and rural water catchments, a new report shows.

In early December, an alliance of Forest conservation groups have released a report outlining the planning and analysis behind the Great Forest National Park proposal.

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International Mountain Day 2015

December 11 is designated by the UN as International Mountain Day.

Here’s a few facts from the UN:

“Covering around 22 percent of the earth’s land surface, mountains play a critical role in moving the world towards sustainable economic growth. They not only provide sustenance and wellbeing to 915 million mountain people around the world, representing 13 percent of global population, but indirectly benefit billions more living downstream”.

Where ever you are, I hope you’re out in the hills and having a great day. Please feel free to post some pics of your favourite mountains on our facebook page.

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Vale Roger Good

Roger Good was a well known, deeply dedicated alpine ecologist. He passed away in October. He was a member of the Carruthers Group – a group of eminent alpine ecologists and scientists – which was active around the issue of alpine grazing.

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Fires in the Alps

Lightning storms earlier this week started a number of fires in the high country, including one in the Buckland valley, Tawonga South, and on the Old Coach road between Mt Hotham and Harrietville. Parts of this area has been burnt three times in a little more than 10 years, with huge impacts on the alpine ash forests of the upper Ovens Valley and surrounding watersheds.

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New walking and riding map of Lake Mountain

Lake Mountain Alpine Resort has produced a great new A2 sized map which details the walking, mountain biking and ‘shared trails’ on the mountain.

snowgumsThe map covers the area from Keppel’s Hut up to the plateau and all its ski trails, and then all the way down to the entry station at the turn off on the Woods Point Road.  There is now an increased range of tracks then were previously available as a result of work by Lake Mountain staff in connecting existing separate tracks, and this has opened up some really great extended day walks.

The map contains details of a number of suggested walks, as well as photos of some common flora which visitors may encounter at Lake Mountain.

The map will be available at the Lake Mountain resort and a number of tourist, bushwalking and cycling outlets.  Anyone having trouble finding a copy is welcome to contact Sue Parry, the Lake Mountain Environmental Officer via sue@lakemountainresort.com.au


snowgums2

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Treading softly in the bush

The Australian bush is fragile. Bushwalking Victoria has produced a brochure called Tread Softly that explains how to walk in the bush in the way that conserves Victoria’s natural environment.

Tread Softy lists 10 recommended practices that will help protect the natural environment, without detracting from enjoyment. Each practice takes the form of a commonsense and easy-to-do action.

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Major re-route of Falls to Hotham alpine crossing proposed

Tourism North East has called for feedback on the master plan for the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing walk. This has been billed as an ‘iconic’ walk which links the two resorts via the Bogong High Plains and Cobungra Gap, and is generally done over three days. A permit is required to camp at the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing campsites.

There is a proposal for a major re-alignment of the walk, which instead of skirting the High Plains, cuts out to Tawonga Huts then down into the Kiewa Valley and up Mt Feathertop. This new proposal would require substantial new track building up the Diamantina Spur. The initial public consultation period for the Plan is over.

Continue reading “Major re-route of Falls to Hotham alpine crossing proposed” →

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New system for fuel reduction burns in Victoria

The Victorian government has announced changes to how fuel reduction burns (‘controlled burning’) will be carried out in the state.

Since the Black Saturday fires of 2009, public land managers have been seeking to burn 5% of public land each year. This has been criticised for being a very blunt management instrument for a complex problem. There are concerns that burning regimes have been inappropriate for some types of vegetation, causing ecological damage, and have not been able to reduce overall fire risk in the state.

Continue reading “New system for fuel reduction burns in Victoria” →

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Defending the Jumbo Valley

The Jumbo Valley, located deep in the wilds of British Columbia’s Purcell Mountains, has long been revered for its spiritual significance and beauty. To the Ktunaxa Nation, it is known as Qat’muk, home of the grizzly bear spirit.

For decades, First Nations, conservationists, backcountry skiers and snowboarders have fought a proposed large-scale ski resort deep in the Jumbo valley. After 24 years of opposition, what more will it take to keep Jumbo wild for good?

Jumbo Wild is a beautiful film about the plan for – and the campaign against – this major development.

Continue reading “Defending the Jumbo Valley” →

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Big Hotham investment in snow making

This news is from the end of winter, but still worth noting. Mt Hotham has announced it is investing $4.4m in snow making for winter 2016. The investment includes 18 Techno-Alpin fan guns. These guns are often said to be amongst the most efficient that are available. The company claims that in the last “ten years we have been able to decrease energy consumption by 30%, or, leaving energy consumption static, increase snow production by 30%”.

General Manager Belinda Trembath says “This is the single biggest investment in snowmaking at Hotham since we partnered with government in 2008 to install the Loch snowmaking dam.”

The expanded snowmaking will cover more trails on Heavenly Valley, the intermediate terrain serviced by the Roadrunner lift, and the Beginner terrain in the Summit area. Installation will happen through summer and autumn, with a substantial new network of pipelines being put in.

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