FW: Protect Kellys Swamp [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

If we rely solely on government for
results, we will remain disappointed.  As Geoffrey says "This
is a subject as recurrent as the movement of Yellow-faced Honeyeaters".
 It is only through the action of enthusiastic and dedicated individuals
that positive change can come about.  We should put our desire for
a better place into positive action and start a Park Care Group.  I'm
willing to volunteer my time, in both an organisational and on-the-ground
capacity.  Assistance can be sought from government, and will often
be provided, so they can play a role too.  Who else is in?  As
Peter Cundall says "Let's get active!".

Matthew Frawley

"Alastair Smith" <>

18/09/2008 07:54 PM

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Subject	[canberrabirds] FW: Protect Kellys Swamp
Reference
	Expires

I am very concerned with the increased
visitation to Kellys Swamp and the effect that this is having on the bird
life. Quite obviously the development that is going on in nearby Kingston
will see much greater numbers of visitors in the future, many of who appear
to have no idea that Kellys Swamp is such an important wetland for waterbirds
and waders.
 
In the past, we have seen evidence of canoeing
and dog exercising in and around Kellys, and on father’s day Sunday afternoon
I was frustrated while birding by people walking in front of the hides
and flushing the birds. There was a game of cricket going on in the grass
area near the southern end of the swamp and children riding scooters at
the north. It would appear that the decision to cut the grass in front
of the hides and on the banks of the swamps has meant that people feel
comfortable walking right up to the water’s edge, which completely defeats
the purpose of the hides and screening plants. 
 
As a conservation organisation may I strongly
suggest that COG makes representation to Environment ACT to have them desist
from the practice of mowing as this seems to be the major catalyst for
people’s behaviour and is only a relatively recent practice. Also could
they consider signage to advise the casual visitor to be mindful of the
birds and to use the paths when moving between hides. Furthermore, many
of the screening trees and plants have died in recent years and I have
seen no effort to replace these plants and rabbit numbers are again on
the increase with the damage that this brings. To date I have seen no evidence
of a baiting program. Perhaps the government's efforts could be better
utilised here. 
 
While I am happy to write as an individual,
I think that in this case the collective voice of COG needs to be heard.
 
Regards
Alastair  
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