Tarkine

[flyfisher]

N N W I agree with what you say about lack of manpower on the ground, but there have been suggestions from 4wd Tas which is the peak body in Tasmania, regarding reporting bad behavior etc but it falls on deaf ears. Members have offered their services in a few ways including working bees to repair tracks, bridges etc and are prepared to look at ways to minimise impact.
To us it seems more that the very presence of vehicles upsets some people, rather than the supposed (or real )

[quote="Clusterpod"]I'm referring to the destruction of 3000 year old artifacts in Mosul as a comparison to the destruction of x-thousand year old artifacts in Tasmania.[/quote

The degree of damage hardly equates to Mosul. The damage is easily avoided with MANAGEMENT.

FF

[photohiker]

It's hard to believe that Parks were not able to properly manage the area with signs, fencing etc. It's almost as though they wanted a midden or two run over so they could cry foul.

FF

You're not being serious by any chance?

Last trip into the Tarkine coast, I met the Tarkine rangers. there are two of them. That's it. How many centuries would it take two rangers to fence and signpost the Tarkine whilst continuing with normal ranger duties for a 400,000+ hectare park? Even if they did that, the type of person who happily rips up middens isn't going to stop at a fence or a sign.

Tony Burke applied National Heritage listing to a 2km strip along the Tarkine coast in 2013. That's about 20,000 hectares and it includes all of the area the 4WD's are flogged through with no functional policing. I agree that there are a lot of responsible ecology and heritage concious 4WDers, but with no policing and no budget for it, it would be foolish to expect that the minority isn't going to do what they do. I've walked on the coast, I've seen the stupid damage from illegal 4WD access. This is not the place for it.

There are plenty of 4WD parks people can go to with every sort of challenge you might like to have a go at. Perhaps those 4WD parks should build some fake middens to appease the brain dead who just want to destroy historical heritage and throw their beer cans out the window. That is exactly what you can see if you walk on the coast today.

[Buddy]

I note that a ranger is to be pulled out of the Arthur Pieman Conservation Area, leaving three. Is this a measure of the perceived threat of a few errant 4WDers? Surely if there was such an issue manning levels would be increased. Fees over and above Parks entry fees are charged to recreational vehicle owners in the APCA, supposedly to pay personnel and improve/maintain tracks. Will the fees now be reduced? Of course not.The only improvement we have seen in the area is the Stockman's Hut at Sandy Cape handed over to and maintained by 4WD Tasmania for the use and benefit of all. Incidentally, there is no such thing as a 4WD park in Tasmania.

[north-north-west]

The reduction in staff has nothing to do with perceived threats and is entirely about budget cuts. TasPAWS is loosing 30 staff members in the latest round of PS cuts. And you can bet your bottom dollar they will principally be field staff, not the office lizards.

[stepbystep]

Want to take the ? out of Tarkine?

You can help me out. I'm doing this.
Aside from protecting vast tracts of the region from fly-by-night mining and forestry operations we are looking at creating some world class bush walking and visitor experiences. Yes, that means jobs.

http://www.pozible.com/project/193886?fb_ref=Default

Let's get this thing moving. Thanking you in advance

[Nuts]

sounds like fun.

p'hiker, maybe initiate a clean-up, event or ongoing on the rubbish front?

The middens in question are obviously already compromised, would you not defer to the opinion of local aboriginal people (local. not the southern enraged) for their ongoing protection? (Wouldn't their opinion hold trumps) What do the local people think? (i'm assuming someone will know/ has asked) Do they want further protections & closures, middens rebuilt? Obviously nobody would be happy to see those drongo's acting in spite but do they consider that the extent and area of the damage or potential damage is important or rather- trivial in a wider context?

[Buddy]

It is interesting to note that the Aboriginal Centre in Hobart do not acknowledge any credibility whatsoever of the NW group. Not endorsing it-just saying. Is it because the NW ers hold less radical principles? Because they play a different hand? Thoughts?

[stepbystep]

Not much time for thoughts on that one buddy. It's very complex. I'd suggest wanton destruction is far more radical than wholesale protection.

I'm off to spend the next 2 weeks in the region, 60 artists and a team of volunteers have signed on for this project, we are converging from all over Tasmania and interstate, with a significant contingent from the west coast. Everyone has a positive and inclusive vision for this area. We are spending our modest budget on fuel, food and accommodation in the region. My hope is that this will become an annual, fully funded arts endeavour. I am working with the BBF on other softer projects for the area to provide an ongoing sustainable future for the Tarkine. The marginal mining and forestry operations are destroying irreplaceable rainforest, it has to stop. Your tax dollars are being spent on road building for the profit of a very few private contractors. It's also arguable the "upgrade" to the Murchison Highway north of the Pieman Rd is designed for heavy mining vehicles, for mines that don't exist, and possibly never will.

An interesting study on forest practices in the region http://tasmaniantimes.com/index.php?%2F ... gers-on%2F

I'd love for the bushwalking community to vote with their wallets and contribute to the pozible fund as this project will continue on a voluntary basis for at least the next 5 years, but mostly I'd ask you to go spend some time up there, walk in those rainforests, check out the coast and view the hinterland through the prism of Aboriginal landscape management. Wildflower season is remarkable and the fauna is abundant.

Can you really justify having these valleys opened up to multi-national mining interests or would you prefer a walking track meandering through the understory as part of a national park?

[photohiker]

Want to take the ? out of Tarkine?

You can help me out. I'm doing this.
Aside from protecting vast tracts of the region from fly-by-night mining and forestry operations we are looking at creating some world class bush walking and visitor experiences. Yes, that means jobs.

http://www.pozible.com/project/193886?fb_ref=Default

Let's get this thing moving. Thanking you in advance

Thanks for letting us know, Dan. Supported. Hope it works out well.

[Nuts]

It is interesting to note that the Aboriginal Centre in Hobart do not acknowledge any credibility whatsoever of the NW group. Not endorsing it-just saying. Is it because the NW ers hold less radical principles? Because they play a different hand? Thoughts?

Buddy I could pass on the opinions of a couple of local people. As insightful as they are, they may not necessarily relate to a broader understanding or context. Which is why I continue to have questions myself.

So.. if anyone would like to chime in with some local insight. Help us understand the relevance of these middens and the scope needed for realistic protection (or any opinion closer to the source), please do.

[Buddy]

I too would like more info. on middens. There are middens where I fish on the Derwent R. Small, some might say insignificant, but middens none the less. At what point does one become of heritage significance? Is there a size factor that dictates this? Or a particular location? Do we have to protect every one as many are not on reserved lands? Important that the mere presence of same is not used as an excuse to deny general access to some areas methinks. Obviously those who would prefer to restrict general access in the APCA will use all arguments available to them, but at what point do we suggest that it is not realistically or economically feasible to protect everything in there?

[photohiker]

NB The silence on any clean-up.. globalism is so much easier eh!

I am not in a position to organise a clean up of the Tarkine, but I do what I can when I am there, and I certainly leave it with less litter than when I arrived.

I didn't answer your post because I see it as personal and inflammatory. I'm just trying to save you from a holiday.

How about you organise a clean up, you're just a couple of hours away.

[geoskid]

It is interesting to note that the Aboriginal Centre in Hobart do not acknowledge any credibility whatsoever of the NW group. Not endorsing it-just saying. Is it because the NW ers hold less radical principles? Because they play a different hand? Thoughts?

In the absence of experts Buddy, I could pass on the opinions of a couple of local people. As insightful as they are, they may not necessarily relate to a broader understanding or context. Which is why I continue to have questions myself.

So.. if anyone would like to chime in with some local insight (preferably somehow grounded, factual, non polemic (would be my preference)). Help us understand the relevance of these middens and the scope needed for realistic protection (or any opinion closer to the source), please do.

like lots.
(Sorry so short)

[geoskid]

I didn't answer your post because I see it as personal and inflammatory.

Oh plllease.
Nuts - feel free to contribute.

[geoskid]

I don't support your aims sbs, therefore I did not donate.
( I am a donator though).

Have fun, should be a hoot.!

[Nuts]

Thanks mate, your Yins to my Rants

Each to their own on their choice of actions. A bit of a gamble considering the end-game, but anyway.. each to their own.

Photohiker, C'est la vie on the holiday thing, sensitivity seems to have brought the demise of so many people on here, to what ends do we go to work around? (I thought I was playing reasonably nice).

But sincerely, I could provide transport (here anyway, in case anyone wanted to initiate) and can probably organise a few people.
Tried all the environmental ngo's in Hobart once seeking hands for such a thing... i'll spare you that rant.

[corvus]

Thanks mate, your Yins to my Rants

Each to their own on their choice of actions. A bit of a gamble considering the end-game, but anyway.. each to their own.

Photohiker, C'est la vie on the holiday thing, sensitivity seems to have brought the demise of so many people on here, to what ends do we go to work around? (I thought I was playing reasonably nice).

But sincerely, I could provide transport (here anyway, in case anyone wanted to initiate) and can probably organise a few people.
Tried all the environmental ngo's in Hobart once seeking hands for such a thing... i'll spare you that rant.

Nuts I could help with that clean up.

[geoskid]

Thanks mate, your Yins to my Rants

Each to their own on their choice of actions. A bit of a gamble considering the end-game, but anyway.. each to their own.

Photohiker, C'est la vie on the holiday thing, sensitivity seems to have brought the demise of so many people on here, to what ends do we go to work around? (I thought I was playing reasonably nice).

But sincerely, I could provide transport (here anyway, in case anyone wanted to initiate) and can probably organise a few people.
Tried all the environmental ngo's in Hobart once seeking hands for such a thing... i'll spare you that rant.

Nuts I could help with that clean up.

+1

(I'll bring my own food and acommodation)

[stepbystep]

Thanks so much Michael

As for the usual commentary team....have a great Easter!

fwiw the arts community will be leaving no rubbish and removing it where practicable, same can't be said for the usual Easter visitors...today it begins!

[geoskid]

Thanks so much Michael

As for the usual commentary team....have a great Easter!

Thanks Dan, hope you have a good Easter break too.

[Nuts]

You lot are funny!
Where do we start then (winning over hearts and minds)?:

Screen Shot 2015-03-29 at 4.33.27 AM.png (276.06 KiB) Viewed 24271 times

https://youtu.be/XfN_DEBrUVI

[geoskid]

You lot are funny!
Where do we start then (winning over hearts and minds)?:

Screen Shot 2015-03-29 at 4.33.27 AM.png

https://youtu.be/XfN_DEBrUVI

Perhaps I could ask Parks where the known worst spots are.

[photohiker]

Easy pickings: Visit the road accessible areas and do day treks from the vehicle with large empty packs. Gets harder after that.

[geoskid]

You lot are funny!
Where do we start then (winning over hearts and minds)?:

Well, start a thread for the purpose of discussing the organising, and reporting back in with photos, and just go and do it. See how it evolves?

You never know, might end up with different Bushwalk.com groups all around the place.

[Nuts]

Easy pickings: Visit the road accessible areas and do day treks from the vehicle with large empty packs

Huh? Why? wev'e got 4wd's (jj)

Geoskid, may be worth contacting (FF or) 4wd tas as FF mentions above? A group effort or suggestions. P&W may baulk at fencing, bridges etc and using equipment but picking up rubbish may be easier. Besides, we can give them a cut, there may be a market for backpacks full of Argentinian thongs

PS. Snap

[geoskid]

Easy pickings: Visit the road accessible areas and do day treks from the vehicle with large empty packs

Huh? Why? wev'e got 4wd's (jj)

Geoskid, may be worth contacting (FF or) 4wd tas as FF mentions above? A group effort or suggestions. P&W may baulk at fencing, bridges etc and using equipment but picking up rubbish may be easier. Besides, we can give them a cut, there may be a market for backpacks full of Argentinian thongs

PS. Snap

Just to be clear, I was only talking about picking up rubbish.
A good way to see more of the area, build some goodwill?
There would be a social element to the exercise aswell.

[photohiker]

Easy pickings: Visit the road accessible areas and do day treks from the vehicle with large empty packs

Huh? Why? wev'e got 4wd's (jj)

You did say transport...

Try not to lose them in the sea on the way down to Sandy Cape then

[flyfisher]

Try not to lose them in the sea on the way down to Sandy Cape then

Do I detect sarcasm,..the wit of fools.

FF

[gayet]

No. You could easily find a few 4 wd in some of the river crossings. I recall 2 on one trip.

[Nuts]

I scolded my old dad for dropping his boiled eggshells at Pieman Heads, It's not my rubbish either!

Recall an access down towards Temma, obvious camp area behind the beach front, rubbish for the picking... Can get some pics etc from various access.

I'm thinking a simple effort, somewhere 2wd access, pleanty of room to spread out & camp (independently/quietly etc..), not any great distance to walk, minimal pressure..

May be a token initial effort and by 2wd but hey.. ? Ok with just landing with gear for 3/4 days and others can come over(or not )(with us or independent) a day or an extended weekend.. 4 days /3n ??

Happy to help out, make suggestions can do some leg work, talk to anyone necessary.. but as a first effort KISS would be the go. A big group even better! for a noticeable outcome I can supp extra camp gear, a giant tepee (for the sociable, 9pm is my bed time ) , anyhow- depart Launnie if necessary etc. (suggestions in support, rather not be front and centre organising)