MEDIA RELEASE 3 February 2010 Discovering the secrets of the Vale of Belvoir Tasmanians from all walks of life will have unique access to the Vale of Belvoir Reserve this weekend as part of a joint Cradle Coast Natural Resource Management, Tasmanian Land Conservancy and Threatened Plants Tasmania survey party. The Vale of Belvoir, near Cradle Mountain, comprises diverse grasslands, wetlands and rare limestone geology. This unique environment is thought to be home to eight threatened plant species including alpine candles, straw daisies and the chamomile sunray. The survey is the first comprehensive study of threatened flora at the Vale of Belvoir since it was purchased by the Tasmanian Land Conservancy last year as a private conservation reserve. Volunteers are travelling from around the state to assist with threatened plant identification and GPS mapping, the results of which will guide management of the reserve. Of particular interest is an exploration of grazing regimes as the land has maintained summer cattle grazing for the past 150 years and still continues to support threatened species habitat. The ability to stay near the valley and explore this previously restricted landscape is an enticing opportunity for both botanists and novices, and is an opportunity open to anyone. Stephen Blanden, a Gunns Plains farm manager, and Rod Holden, a company director from Launceston, are two volunteers taking part in the survey and reflect the diverse backgrounds of those travelling to the Vale this weekend. Mr Blanden has been visiting the area for more than 15 years to explore the limestone cave network and he’s interested to learn more about the plants that complement this unique environment. “I’ve done 20 to 30 trips over the years and can say that it’s a very tranquil place. You walk down into the valley and the landscape opens up all around you – I get a buzz out of being there,” Mr Blanden said. “The opportunity to help find threatened plants and learn more about the area made me want to take part. The camaraderie at these events is strong and you’re achieving something that can benefit everyone.” Working in an office as a company director hasn’t stopped Rod Holden from enjoying the outdoors and he often goes bushwalking and camping, sometimes for a couple of weeks at a time. On these trips he would wonder about the types of flora around him and was inspired to find out more by volunteering on natural resource management projects. “You meet expert botanists in the field, can ask questions and they take the time to explain what’s around us,” said Mr Holden. “It’s good to fully understand these special natural environments so we can find better ways to conserve them and advance current management plans and methodologies.” The Tasmanian Land Conservancy, Threatened Plants Tasmania, and Cradle Coast NRM are working together to conduct the survey. The volunteers will be supported by staff from Cradle Coast NRM under the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country program.
Volunteers for future projects are welcomed by contacting Belinda Colson at Cradle Coast Natural Resource Management on 6431 6285. End… Media photo and interview opportunity: · Monday 8 th February at the Vale of Belvoir between 9.00am – 11.00am. Organisers and volunteers will be on site and can update media on the initial survey findings. · For directions and to ensure someone can meet you on arrival – please contact Belinda Colson on 0408 055 272 Cradle Coast NRM works with community, industry, private enterprise and government to manage and improve our natural resources to ensure a healthy future for our region. Cradle Coast NRM is a committee of the Cradle Coast Authority. Threatened Plants Tasmania (TPT) is a Wildcare group that encourages community involvement in the conservation of Tasmania’s threatened plant species. Members of TPT can join field trips to help find, monitor and protect Tasmania’s unique native plants. The Tasmanian Land Conservancy (TLC) is a non‐profit, non‐political conservation organization that seeks to protect Tasmania’s biodiversity. The group has purchased eight permanent reserves across the state, including the Vale of Belvoir and Recherche Bay Reserve.
Media Contact/s: Belinda Colson Facilitator Cradle Coast NRM Ph: 0408 055 272
Amanda Wilson Communications Manager Cradle Coast Authority Ph: 03 6431 6285
For Tasmanian Land Conservancy: Matthew Newton Communications Manager Ph: 0409 232 789