The committee IS for the whole (quite extensive) nature reserve, extending north to the north bank of the Molonglo. A couple of months ago an open COG event was held on a Sunday morning to meet the chair of the ctee and walk over the area. Chris Davey, Harvey P and Dan Mantle put in quite a bit of work on the event. That committee is looking at the longish term, but seems to be constrained by broader planning decisions, some of which are yet to be made. Nonetheless there was constructive discussion of such things as new hides.
My concern is about immediate management issues, such as addressing encroachment by the veg. For example, is there a proven technique for controlling Typha, or do we just build increasingly lofty hides - for the limited time while any expanses of open water – or mud – remain. What about a few more perching logs? (Maybe a day’s work, given the availability of abundant felled trees in the general vicinity.)
I agree with Mark about the fence. It was re-erected quite recently (two years ago? Just after the drying when the beef cattle were re-introduced). Like Mark, I don’t object to the cattle, having a vague feeling they advance relevant ecological concerns, but if that fence is essential for the cattle I would dispense with them and it.
Oh well, I might as well mention the Pindone. I have a deceased Crested Pigeon in the freezer, awaiting advice on whether I can have someone arrange an autopsy.
From: martin butterfield [
Sent: Monday, 2 May 2011 6:18 PM
To: Elizabeth Compston
Cc: Canberra Birds
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] board of managenent
I think the Board of Management is for the Jerrabombera Wetlands as a whole and not just the Kelly's Swamp area. However, as an entity they are VERY quiet as far as the birding community - as reflected on this chatline - is involved.
The fence appeared at some time in the last 10 years, I think when the Guvmint decided to (re)introduce cattle to reduce the bushfire risk. The Kellys can't be blamed for that! Given the number of species (including Darters for goodness sake) I have seen perching on it I suspect it is a mixed curse/blessing.
Martin
On Mon, May 2, 2011 at 6:06 PM, Elizabeth Compston <> wrote:
Chris Davey and Dick Schodde are both on the Board of Management of Kelly's Swamp, I believe. I feel that they are looking at the future and are not interested in the past, or the now. I have been agitating for ages for something to be done there. The water dried right up, in the drought. There are gates to a more permanent water supply which have been allowed to rot. I was talking to a ranger at Mulligan's the other day about it. Money has been poured into the Flat and the new Lynham wetlands, and Kelly's has just been allowed to rot, literally.
The barbed wire fence across the swamp was left there when the farmers of long ago departed I believe.
Corellas at Manuka shops today, about 2.30pm
Elizabeth
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