ONKAPARINGA PARKWATCH NEWSLETTER OF THE FRIENDS OF ONKAPARINGA PARK INC.

Note opinions and commentary in this newsletter are not necessarily the general opinion of the FOOP membership.

Any complaints should in the first instance be directed to the author. Website: http://www.communitywebs.org/OnkaparingaParks/

September Vol 28 No 9 2014

FRIENDS OF ONKAPARINGA PARK INC PATRON: Dr B HARDY AO

Incorporating The ONKAPARINGA RECREATION PARK and ONKAPARINGA NATIONAL PARK. Proudly a member of THE FRIENDS OF PARKS INC.,

Chairperson: Colin Malcolm 8382 2194 Deputy Chair: Jim Trueman 8278 9359 Secretary/Treasurer: : Andrew McKinnon 8386 2393

ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE TO: The Secretary, Friends of Onkaparinga Park Inc C/- 27 Kym St., Port Noarlunga Sth 5167.

September 1st is Wattle Day and this year the trees have not let us down, in fact they are the best that we

have seen for a few years. Why not take the opportunity while many are in full bloom and look around the parks and country roadsides. There are many species of wattle all with their own shade of yellow and they

are perfect for the photographer. Most wattles are highly scented and can be located some distance away, it has also been said that the pollen is too heavy for hay fever but I am no expert on this.

The Minister the Honorable Ian Hunter planted the 3,000,000th plant in the million trees program in from Gate 15 on Thursday August 28. This program has been a massive achievement overseen by Urban Forests and involving thou-sands of local people including many schoolchildren. The ceremony was attended by many people including school chil-dren, who have been involved with planting in previous years and of course FOOP were well represented. All attendees were then given the opportunity to plant a tree or two. It was great to catch up with many staff from the depart-ment. Some we haven’t seem for a long time. This brings the million trees program to an end but where was the media to record this great achievement and publicise it. Everybody enjoyed the morning tea supplied and what a good idea to have a coffee van there dispensing a variety of coffees to the patrons [perhaps a grant could be applied for one of these for our working B's].

During the last couple of years Anne and I have been scouring the local area to find interesting places to visit on our PDO’s. Roadside vegetation, local parks as well as our National Parks and other State land have all come under our scrutiny. The number of Bush Care Sites around the place is amazing and there must be thousands of volunteers at-tacking the pest plants in these areas doing a fantastic job. Many of these go about their tasks quietly with the minimum of assistance. One wonders what state these areas would be in without all of these dedicated people. Unfortunately we have come across areas where the task is so great that the local group has no chance of eradicating the problems in their lifetime. Plants like broom and furze require years to get rid of as the seed lasts for years plus it also spreads from adjacent properties. Similarly in the Onkaparinga National Park olives will not be eradicated without a miracle. Local councils and the NRM are assisting however their assistance is limited. Couple this with the fact that many of our volun-teers are getting older and it seems that fewer young people are joining the ranks. Is there a case for a concerted effort on each area similar to our major tree planting days thus introducing the younger ones to the need to preserve what we have?

Spring weather was turned on for our last PDO. First a leisurely walk around the Night Paddock at Macclesfield where in the old days travelling stock could be kept overnight then on to Diggings Road to check out the old gold diggings. Most of this area is now fenced off so only a short walk down to the dam however numerous shafts were visible from the track. After a pleasant lunch break in Mylor we enjoyed short walks in the Mylor Parklands, lovely bush but unfortunately plenty of weeds. For our next PDO we will visit Woorabinda, part of Stirling Linear Park, then off to Mylor Conservation Park checking out Sunset Rock lookout on the way. This will be our last one for the year as daylight saving starts in Oc-tober; get your walking boots out as our Thursday evening walks will commence once more. Everyone is most welcome to join in and any ideas of new walks are always helpful.

Jock Harvey was our speaker at our August meeting talking about biodynamic viticulture and covered a range of topics from wine making to tourism, including in the Park, to water in the Willunga Basin. I have heard of 4 wheel drive tours being undertaken in the park by a private company. Perhaps this is the reason for no maintenance on the management tracks as the current condition of these tracks certainly adds to the whole off-track experience in the park. Jock talked a few times about the similarity of the terrain to places outback particularly if the tourist was blindfolded to travel to the various lookout areas in the park eg the rock climbing area. A very interesting meeting.

Our October speaker has yet to be finalised.

THE PRESIDENT’S PAGE

From the Editor’s Desk.From the Editor’s Desk.From the Editor’s Desk.From the Editor’s Desk. Send articles via: billandgilll@yahoo.com.au or by snail mail to 27 Marston Drive, Morphett Vale 5162 or hand deliver to Gill or me.

Coming up is the 28th birthday of FOOP. It’s time we sat down and produced a history; not of the Parks because that was ably done by Richard Bissmire some time ago. No this should be about how the FOOP group came to be and more impor-tantly the personalities and important events that make up the fabric of what has become a successful volunteer organisa-tion.

It has been suggested that I write it because I have been with the group from almost the beginning and I always have some-thing to say; some times too much according to some. That conversation happened because I asked a fellow Tuesday working bee FOOPer if he remembered Bob Palmer. He knew the name but not much else yet in his day the late Bob was so well thought of by the membership we named a geological formation after him—Bobs Knob.

I am happy to help in the compiling and even editing of the history but it would be improper and impossible to have one per-son do the job in a way it deserves. In the end the more contributors to this project we can get the better. If nothing else it will create a well rounded history of FOOP from many perspectives.

Why bother you may ask?

Well I am currently researching the history of the barges that moved up and down the Onkaparinga River between the mar-ket town of Noarlunga and the Port of Noarlunga in the 1850’s. Without access to council minutes, recollections of old tim-ers in newspapers etc my research would be impossible. If it is not recorded then future researchers (and there will be some) will dismiss FOOP as a relevant organisation in the 20th and early 21st century. If nothing else we owe it to our de-scendants to lay down some evidence of our place in local history.

Colin has asked for this in the past but received very little response but we still think it a useful exercise in which ALL FOOPers can be involved. In fact if you are one of the more senior FOOP members it is your recollections most needed. To be blunt once your gone we will lose all that you now remember unless you record it for posterity.

I am not aiming for this year’s anniversary— in two years FOOP will be 30. It would be a highlight of that momentous occa-sion to have a book on the first 30 years of our group.

We have, in our membership, the expertise to produce a professional document that will ensure FOOP’s place in the his-tory of the City of Onkaparinga. Vanessa Catteral comes to mind and I know Judy Dowling has been researching family history. I can also reveal that the group that pushed various Government departments to create the wetlands where the effluent ponds were is in the process of compiling a history and scanning documents for eventual inclusion in the State li-brary reference area and wherever else it will be required. That in itself is a big job and the group have recently been awarded a grant from “Healthy Cities” to assist in the process. At least four of us are also FOOPers.

If you want a template try using a simply chronology starting with when you joined. As you add to the chronology the disci-pline will bring to your mind hidden events and sometimes a moment where an hitherto not thought of connection between events will be made. As a former forensic accountant I was taught, and used this technique in every case in which I was involved. If it works for court it will work for this project.

I am not looking for a book nor do I expect it to be handed as a completed product, that will come later. The more members involved the better the product will be and who knows someone one hundred years from now may feel inclined to use the data in a history of the region.

To get you thinking here are some names of FOOPers over the years:

Lyell Pickard, Bob Palmer, David Pond, Allan Forrester, Tom Thomasson, Dorothy Gilby, Grant Good, Marion Harold, Dul-cie Denton, Colin Griffen, Jean Griffen, Andy Mackinnon, Ray and Pat Rogers, Colin Cock, and the list goes on.

Bill

PS., No park animal this month– too many contributors—bliss.

From The Secretary’s Desk • Under New Forestry Legislation introduced into the Tasmanian Parliament 1.5 million hectares will be opened up to logging. The Rebuilding the Forestry Industry Bill will replace the peace deal Tasmanian Forest Agreement (TFA) Act, ripping up protection of 400,000 hectares of spectacular forest in places like the Blue Tier, the Tarkine, Bruny Island and Weilangta. The Tasmanian Government’s proposal will rip up agreed forest protection, open many existing for-est reserves for logging, including all Conservation Areas & Regional Reserves and threaten the Forest Stewardship Council certification that is the No. 1 requirement for the forestry indus-try. Meanwhile, the Newman Government in Queensland has repealed the state’s Wild Rivers

Act, which has served to preserve pristine, free flowing rivers in Queensland.

• The South Australian Opposition has legislation before the parliament to remove twelve of the best Marine Sanctuaries. Many are wild, untouched places and are nursery grounds for important fish spe-cies. They are places for future generations to marvel at and to benefit from. The Bill has passed the SA Upper House and is now before the Lower House. The fate of SA’s marine sanctuaries rests with the two Independent Ministers, Martin Hamilton-Smith and Geoff Brock. It is due for debate on 18th September.

• A Free Family Fun Day will be held at Deep Creek Conservation Park, 150 Tapanappa Road on Sunday 21st September from 11am to 2pm. Displays, baby animals, face painting & many other activities will be available on the day.

• The Friends of Belair National Park will host the Professor Sir John Cleland Annual Guided Walk in Belair National Park on Sunday 14th September from 10am to noon. Meet at the Volunteer Centre, Long Gully Road. Free entry is available for participants with free tea and coffee for all walkers. Enquiries to 8278 2370.

• An Open Day will be held at Worlds End Conservation properties on Sunday 21st September from 10am to 4pm. WEC manages two native habitat properties of 1000 Ha for conservation south of Burra. Guided tours will leave at 10.30am & 2pm, wildflower walks & bird watching can also be enjoyed. The properties are located about 2km south of Burra Gorge off the Worlds End Highway. Morning & afternoon tea will be provided. RSVP to info@worldsendconservation.org.au

• The Australian Plants Society will hold their Spring Native Flower Display & Plant Sale on Saturday 11th October & Sunday 12th October at the Wayville Showgrounds. Advice, demonstrations & children’s activities will be available at the event. Entry cost $3.

• A new On Line Booking System has been introduced for camping at Innes National Park & Mt Remark-able National Park. Sites must be booked prior to arrival at http://www.parks.sa.gov.au/ The website in-cludes information about each site such as size, shade & location.

• The National Trust of SA will host an Open Day at Engelbrook Reserve on Saturday 13th September from 11.30am for a sausage sizzle. Guided tours will be available from 2pm with a BBQ & events at dusk. Please RSVP by Friday 5th September to 8202 9216 if you are attending for lunch. Engelbrook Reserve is in Wattle Street Bridgewater.

• “12 More Walks in the Onkaparinga River National & Recreation Parks” is another new book written by Michael Whitaker. Full colour maps, photographs and detailed descriptions of each walk are included, as well as some of the history of the Onkaparinga Parks. All profits from the sale of the book support the environmental work of the Friends of Onkaparinga Park. FOOP members can buy a book at meetings or at most Working B’s for $15. Further details from Michael Whitaker email michaelwalksonkapar-inga@hotmail.com

• A Public Information Session on Climate Change named “Strange Weather” will be held on Sunday 28th September 2pm to 5pm at the Burra Town Hall. Speakers are Darren Ray, Senior Meteorologist from the Bureau of Meteorology & Greg Lundstrom, Senior Project Officer from the Murray Darling Basin Natural Resources.

• The Million Trees Onkaparinga Estuary Planting Day on Saturday 13th September has been

CANCELLED.

If you require any further information on any of the issues raised here you can contact me by telephone on 8386 2393 or email mackins@tpg.com.au See you somewhere out in the Park Andy McKinnon

Fan-tailed Cuckoo.....Cacomantis flabelliformis

Size: 25 to 27 cm commonly seen Winter/Spring The Fan-tailed Cuckoo is a brood parasite; meaning it lays its eggs in the nests of other species of birds. A single egg is laid in the nest and one of the host's eggs removed. A young cuckoo generally emerges from its egg earlier than the host's birds eggs, and then proceeds to eject the other eggs or hatchlings. The seemingly unaware foster parents then rear the cuckoo as if it is one of their own...makes you wonder which bird is really a cuckoo ?

Quite common to hear and see the Fan-tailed Cuckoo in many parts of the Onkaparinga NP, but mostly they seem to be confined to the upper Gorge region. They don't move about in flocks, and seem to prefer a solitary life much of the time. A beautifully marked and coloured bird with a distinc-tive yellow eye ring. and 25 to 27 cm in size. Usually quite shy and more often than not they will be heard calling for a mate before they are seen. They seem to like eating the hairy caterpillars, often seen diving on them from an elevated tree branch, fence posts and the like in semi open areas, also consuming a variety of other insects. I have also seen them eating Monarch Butterflies, which other birds find quite distasteful.

Found in many regions of Australia from arid Mallee scrub to lush forests in Victoria and NSW and as far north as Far North Queensland to the SW of Western Australia, also found on Kangaroo Is-land and Tasmania. The Fan-tailed Cuckoos also occur in New Caledonia, New Guinea, Fiji, New Zealand and several islands in between. Pretty birds and always a delight to see them despite their anti social parenting habits.

THE KNOLL The “where”, “why” and “what”

To those unfamiliar with the newest area that the “Tuesday Team” work in, called the “Knoll” (or as originally called by some wag, “Goat Hill”), this is off Piggott Range Rd. near the States Rd. junction. It is a hilly spot overlooking the gorge and was mainly free of trees, except for large gums and of course our friends, the olives and boxthorns. So it was de-cided that it would be nice to revegetate the area to create a wildlife corridor.

In May 2008 a boundary was marked and work started on clearing the olives, boxthorns and thistles. Our first plant-ings were in July of that year with only 33 plants of 4 species. The kangaroos soon found them so wire guards were placed on what was left. Direct seeding was also undertaken by contractors, but the dominant plant that germinated seems to be Dodonaea viscosa (sticky hopbush) along with Acacia paradoxa (kangaroo thorn) and Acacia rupicola (rock wattle). But last year we were able to collect lots of seed from the Dodonaea. In that general area we have also collected seeds from the Xanthorrhoea semiplana (yacca), Eucalyptus microcarpa (grey box), Allocasuarina verticillata (drooping sheoak), Calytrix tetragona (fringe myrtle), Goodia lotifolia (golden tip) and Hibbertia prostrate (bundled guinea flower)

Plantings continued in the following years and it was decided to water them in the summer to increase their chance of survival. The boundary was increased in 2011, with plantings on the eastern, southern and western sides of the hill.

This year we started planting in late May and finished in August with 1700 tubestock in the ground. Many plants were grown from seed by FOOPers, the rest from Indigeflora nursery.

We have had problems with kangaroos liking the fresh tips of Acacia pycnantha (golden wattle) and Allo-casuarina verticillata, but as usual our inventive group have come up with a solution of bigger wire cov-ers with wire lids to deter them – seems to be working well. Besides the mobs of kangaroos there are also goats and deer that like the seedlings too!

So today we can say, since 2008 we have planted over 7000 seedlings of 53 different species, includ-ing 4 grasses (Microlaena stipoides, Stipa sp., Rytidosperma caespitosa and Themeda triandra) in fenced areas.

Thanks to all involved.

Pat Rogers

A conversation with a fellow FOOPer raised the query as to what a DEWNR ranger needs to study and brings to the department.

Graduate ranger program (From the DEWNR website.) For our ranger program we recruit graduates who have studied in the following disciplines or related fields:

• biodiversity and conservation

• park and wildlife management

• environmental science

• natural resource management

• applied ecology

� nature-based tourism

Some Degree units courtesy University of S Aust website. Bachelor of Environmental Science

FIRST YEAR First Semester (SP 1, 2 or 3) Biodiversity for the Environment Earth Systems Environment: A Human Perspective Geospatial Information Science Second Semester (SP 4, 5 or 6) Environmental Analytical Methods Soils in the Australian Landscape Land Use Planning Sustainable Ecosystems SECOND YEAR First Semester (SP 1, 2 or 3) Caring for Country Ecology Geospatial Data Acquisition and Analysis Environmental Interpretation and Community Engagement Second Semester (SP 4, 5 or 6) Elective 1 Environmental Policy and Regulations

Minor Course 1 Minor Course 2 THIRD YEAR First Semester (SP 1, 2 or 3) Environmental Conflict and Public Consultation Environmental Remote Sensing Elective 2 Minor Course 3 Second Semester (SP 4, 5 or 6) Elective 3 Environmental Field Project Minor Course 4 MINOR IN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY SECOND YEAR Global Experience and Professional Development Sustainable Development: A Global Perspective THIRD YEAR Park and Wilderness Management Sustainability and Entrepreneurship MINOR IN BIODIVERSITY AND

AN EDUCATIONAL WALK IN THE PARK

If you would like to know how a professional botanist identifies plant species, then why not join us at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, 30th September 2014 at the ‘temporary gate’, approximately 100 m east of the Piggott Range Rd. and States Rd. intersection.

From about 9 a.m. till noon, Barbara St. John of NRM plans to walk through part of what we know as “The States Rd. block”. The aim is to identify, record and photograph as many na-tive plant species as possible. This information should enable us to start a database of all the native plants and their location in the Onky Parks.

You are very welcome to join Barbara, our Ranger, Steve Johnson, Jodie Woof and the “Tuesday team” for what we hope will be a pleasant and informative morning.

Please bring “smoko” and of course stout shoes or boots, etc. for a walk in a very interesting part of our National Park.

Ring me on 83830374 if you would like further information.

Thanks.

Ray Rogers States Road

Piggott Range Road

North

Temporary Gate.

The Knoll

Google map

The Minister comes to Onkaparinga River National Park To commemorate the planting of the three millionth tree by “The Million Trees Project”, Ian Hunter, Minister for the Environment came to the Park. He was introduced by John Schutz (Director, NPWS) who acknowl-edged the Kaurna People, traditional owners of the land and also Colin Malcolm and the Friends of Onka-paringa Park, Chris Gibson and the Urban Biodiversity Unit Team, Mary O’Hara and the Morphett Vale East Primary School, who were represented, plus several other Groups like the Friends of Black Hill & Morialta, who were also represented. In all there were around 50 planters, waiting to move the total to 3,000,300.

The Minister spoke for a few minutes before he planted the three millionth tree. He made special mention of the work done by FOOP and UBU in converting grazing land into the Park as we now see it. He estimated that 30,000 people have been involved in the Program as a whole (not all of these are FOOPers!). He listed the benefits that flow from the Program.

By restoring approximately 2,000 hectares of native vegetation, the program has providing numerous environmental benefits including:

• Reducing greenhouse gases;

• Helping recover and protect our native biodiversity by increasing habitat for native wildlife;

• Improving air and water quality;

• Reducing water consumption;

• Creating amenity spaces;

• Improving awareness and understanding of sustainability issues;

• Building better partnerships and involving communities; and

• Helping improve skill levels and capacity to conserve our natural re-sources.

It is estimated that the plantings, over the life of the Program (2003-14), will trap 600,000 tonnes of carbon. The Morphett Vale East Primary School were an ex-ample of the young people included in the Program, taking the environmental lessons into the future.

Michael Whitaker.

Photos by M Whitaker.

THE SANDHILL MOB.

Twenty years ago one would walk through the South Port Noarlunga sand dunes with great concern about the dilapi-dated wire fencing to the path, topped with barbwire often drooping to ground level. Further concern were patches of

Arctosis weed smothering all other vegetation.

A survey by noted botanists discovered plants of OROBANCHE CERNUA(1), an endan-gered species. With the help of Dick Olesinki, Port Noarlunga and South Port Lifesavers a Coastcare group was established and has worked hard ever since making great strides in weed re-moval and revegetation. We hold regular working bees and grow plants with Trees for Life kits, local seed and cuttings. Over the years there has been much help from the City of On-kaparinga City Council. We now operate as TFL Bushcare group(2)—though we carry the proud name of the Sandhill Mob. As neighbours in the environmental cause come see for yourselves—or we will show you through! Reference: Michael Whitaker—we have made our own map and NAMED all the hollows. Diana Dahms for the Sandhill Mob.

1. There is an Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges threatened species profile on this plant available. 2. TFL—Trees for life

Pink Ribbon Morning Tea

Anitra, Jan & friends invite you to a Breast Can-cer Research fundraiser at 10am On Wednesday 15th October 2014

At 5 Beechwood Grove Seaford Entry by Gold Coin Donation Please bring a friend or two

Enquiries or RSVP To Jan on 7220 5568 or Anitra on 8384 3253

or 0409 600052

There are a few spots available for the following Snake Awareness Workshop:

Snake Awareness Workshop

Would you like to learn more about local snakes? Then come along to a workshop which will cover the following topics:

- How to recognise snake hazards and what to do about them

- How to deal with snakes and what you must do if an accident happens.

This workshop is presented by Geoff Coombe and includes live snakes used under con-trolled conditions.

When: 19th October

Where: Adelaide Hills Natural Resource Centre – 1 Crescent Drive, Norton Summit.

Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

COST = $5 (registration essential) for more information contact Val Hunt on 8390 1831 or valhunt@ahnrc.org

Please book directly with Val, and let Val know that you are a member of Friends of Parks Inc.

Free family fun day Deep Creek Conservation Park

Head to South Australia’s most scenic bushland reserve for a free family open day. Enjoy the park’s great walking trails with spectacular views and look out for western grey kangaroos, short-beaked echidnas and 100 native bird species.

When: Sunday 21 September

Where: Deep Creek Conservation Park, 150 Tapanappa Road

Time: Activities and displays from 11am-2pm

Entry: FREE all day!

Details: parks.sa.gov.au

• Enjoy kids’ face painting and games

• Win park passes

• Meet baby animals from the Native Animal Network

• Meet animals including koalas from Urimbirra Wildlife Park

• Browse local markets and displays from Raywood Nursery, Zen Energy and Southern Ocean Re-

treats

• Find out about marine parks, gorse control and coastal gardens

• Find out how to volunteer and meet new friends with Friends of Deep Creek and Friends of the

Heysen Trail

• See a DEWNR fire truck and meet your local CFS crew and Smokey the Bear

FOOP Subscriptions Form

Subscriptions are due on the 1st November of each year.

(Financial year 1st November to 31st October)

New members who join after 1st September are covered for the year following.

Please accept my/our new/renewal subscription.

Name(s):BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB. Address:BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB.. Telephone NoBBBBBBBBBBBMob NoBBBBBBBBBB. Email addressBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB.. Please indicate if you would like to receive notices by email Yes No

Please indicate if you would like to receive newsletter by email Yes No

Please indicate if you would still like to receive newsletter by post Yes No

I am paying (please indicate the one you are paying) $7.00 single rate $10.00 family rate Then detach this form and forward with payment to: The Secretary/Treasurer, Mr A McKinnon, 27 Kym Street, Port Noarlunga South 5167 Payment can also be made to the Treasurer at general meetings held the first Tuesday of the month. (except January) Andy McKinnon Secretary Friends of Onkaparinga Park Inc.

Last month’s solution.

APHORISMS FOR THE YEAR...*

1. It's not whether you win or lose, but how you place the blame.

2. *Learn from your parents mis-takes and use birth control*

3. *Ninety-nine percent of all law-yers give the rest a bad name.*

4. Xerox and Wurlitzer will merge to produce reproductive or-gans.*

5. *Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity

Paraprosdokians - (I love that word. Loosely defined as a state-ment with an unexpected mean-ing.

1. Where there's a will, I want to be in it.

2. The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on my list.

3. Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

4. If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.

5. We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public.

6. War does not determine who is right -- only who is left.

7. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

8. You're never too old to learn something stupid.

9. I'm supposed to respect my elders, but it's getting harder and harder for me to find one now.

Bask of crocodiles Bouquet of pheasants Brace of deer Business of ferrets Cackle of hyenas Charm of finches Company of parrots Convocation of eagles Clowder of cats Drunkship of cobblers Flush of fungi Gaggle of geese Gam of whales Herd of harlots Illusion of painters

Impatience of wives Kindle of kittens Knot of toads Mob of kangaroos Murder of crows Neverthriving of jugglers Ostentation of peacocks Parliament of owls Rascal of boys Sentence of judges Shrewdness of apes Skulk of foxes Smack of jellyfish Unkindness of ravens Worship of writers

Some Collective nouns

F.O.O.P CHAINSAW SAFETY TIPS

CHAINSAWS can be a very dangerous and unforgiving tool.

As we now regularly make use of chainsaws, it may be useful to remind ourselves of a

few safety tips when assisting a chainsaw operator.

1. Do NOT stand in front of a working saw just in case the chain breaks - (it can make a mess

of anyone who gets in the way of it).

2. When a chainsaw is in use the operator is concentrating on the area immediately around

the saw and cannot be expected to see anything else, so if you need to quickly gain the op-

erator's attention, approach from the rear and tap the operator on the right shoulder.

3. Do NOT remove any cut branches or apply weedicide until the chainsaw operator

has stopped cutting, stepped back with the chain brake applied, and indicated that

it is safe to proceed.

4. When a tree or branch is being cut - ensure that you stand well clear of the tree & do not

assume that the tree/branch will fall in the direction planned.

5. Minimum mandatory safety gear when working near a chainsaw – high visibility vest,

long sleeved shirt, full length trousers, safety boots, glasses, gloves, earmuffs or plugs.

6. Your personal safety is of utmost importance, however if you see anyone doing anything

that you consider to be unsafe, please bring it to their attention & notify the safety officer if

necessary.

Much better a dented ego than a dented body

The Golden Rule of Olive Control

“If you are not killing the lignotuber, you

are not killing the olive!!!”

A lignotuber is a starchy swelling of the root crown possessed by some plants as a protection against destruction of the plant stem by fire. The crown contains buds from which new stems may sprout, and a sufficient store of nutrients to support a period of growth in the absence of photosyn-thesis.

(Also refer to our April 2014 edition)