Map apps with digital maps are available for mobile phones, tablets and laptops. The GPS function on the device shows the current location on the selected map. In effect it operates the same as a handheld GPS.
Google Maps is the everyday example of a map app. However Google Maps “terrain view” has limited detail for bushwalking purposes.
Other map apps provide much better topographic maps for bushwalking, from a variety of sources. Read More HERE
Stretching before a hike is essential for preparing your body for the physical activity and reducing the risk of injury. Hiking involves a lot of physical exertion, including walking, climbing, and descending on uneven terrain. By stretching before a hike, you can increase your flexibility, improve your range of motion, and enhance your muscle function, which can all help to improve your performance and reduce the risk of strain or injury. Read More HERE
Source: Summit Strength
You may be interested in the program of free walks organised as part of the East Gippsland Winter Festival in June/July this year.
Experience winter in East Gippsland as the region comes alive in a festival of light, food, music, art and culture.
For further information, click HERE
In one of the most cleared regions of the most cleared state is an oasis of native vegetation. The Western Port Woodlands is the largest remnant of intact coastal woodlands in the region. The Woodlands comprise five small reserves and patches of private land. It stretches from Lang Lang to Grantville on the eastern shore of Western Port Bay.
The VNPA’s Wildlife corridor or sand pit? report found these connected patches of bush are both rare and critical. They’re home to many threatened wildlife and habitats – Southern Brown Bandicoots, fungi and Australia’s largest owl, the Powerful Owl.
But right now, it’s under threat from sand mining. Read more HERE
Source: VNPA
Parks Victoria is responsible for conservation management to restore and protect park habitat, including the control of introduced plant and animal species. Deer control programs programs are occurring in the following parks:
Bunyip SP and Kurth Kiln Regional Park – November 2022 – June 2023
Following the 2019 bushfires Parks Victoria has observed large numbers of deer within the park. A controlled, safe and humane deer control operation will occur up until June 2023. Signs will be displayed at entrance ponts to control zones. For more information and area map read HERE
Baw Baw National Park 5-11 March 2023
Parks Victoria will engage the services of a contractor to undertake deer control in the Baw Baw National Park on 5-11 March 2023, dependent on weather conditions. The park will not be closed when deer control work is being undertaken. Signs will be placed at major access points advising visitors that deer control is being undertaken. For more information and area map read HERE
Parks Victoria will engage the services of a contractor to undertake deer control in the Baw Baw National Park on 5-11 March 2023, dependent on weather conditions. The above map shows the area in which deer control will occur.
The park will not be closed when deer control work is being undertaken. Signs will be placed at major access points advising visitors that deer control is being undertaken. All personnel involved will be working under the supervision of Parks Victoria staff. They will be readily identifiable and will act in accordance with all legal requirements to ensure the safe use of firearms. Over the past decade there has been a significant expansion of deer across Victoria and of particular concern is the increasing deer activity at higher elevations. Baw Baw National Park is home to high quality, relatively intact, alpine peatlands and deer presence has a significant impact on the resilience of alpine peatlands.
Alpine Peatlands and Associated Fens are an endangered ecological community listed under national and state legislation (the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) and Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988)). They provide a critical hydrological function at the top of the water catchment, filtering water and modulating flows. Alpine peatlands also provide habitat for several threatened species including the alpine water skink, alpine she oak skink and Baw Baw frog.
Deer pose the greatest threat to alpine peatlands by trampling, wallowing, grazing and thrashing their antlers to remove vegetation. A recent study by Davies et al. 2020 used a camera array to confirm anecdotal information that Sambar deer are present in Baw Baw National Park.
The Alpine National Park Deer Control Trial (which concluded in 2020) has shown ground shooting using contractors is an efficient and effective approach for controlling deer in the alpine environment. Parks Victoria takes coordinated action, informed by scientific research, tailored to individual parks and target species, to reduce the damage caused by deer and feral animals. Each conservation program is one of hundreds of programs across Victoria using available tools to protect nature.
Please contact Parks Victoria if you have any questions or would like more information on this project at conservation@parks.vic.gov.au, or call 13 1963
There are some really good hiking apps out there, but many are updated by people who don’t have an intimate knowledge of the local terrain, and they can feature uncorroborated information. A recent incident in the UK could just as easily have occurred in Victoria.
Here is an excellent article that underlines how important it is for walkers to use proper navigation techniques and equipment, and not rely entirely on information supplied by individual apps. READ MORE
(Image credit: Keswick Mountain Rescue)
Summer brings unique challenges; here are some tips for making bushwalks in summer enjoyable and safe.
Choose your walk carefully
Be prepared
During the walk
You can find more detailed information about trip planning, dealing with extreme weather, walking in challenging conditions and minimum water requirements in the Bushwalking Manual.
Storm and flood damage to our parks is widespread. Some parks are still underwater, in others the waters have receded but there are significant risks from falling trees, water crossings, flash flooding, pot holes, landslips and more.
There is also significant damage to roads, tracks and visitor facilities managed by Parks Victoria as well as the environment and cultural heritage.
With more weather events expected over the summer period, the emergency is ongoing, constantly changing and challenging.
Parks Victoria’s priority is to keep people safe while visiting parks.
Their key message to people is check the condition of a park before you go and plan your trip accordingly.
Workshops: Using your Smartphone for Navigation
Westerfolds Park, Fitzsimmons Lane, Templestowe.
Sundays, March 12 or April 2, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
In this Workshop we will look at how GPS satellite navigation works – the theory, practicalities, advantages and limitations. We will discuss a variety of free smartphone mapping/navigation apps, including Avenza, maps.me, and Terra Map. An outdoor practical exercise will be included. Detailed notes, activity sheets and map will be supplied.
These workshops are open to all club members and Individual Bushwalking Victoria members.
Registration for the March 12 Workshop opens at 9.00am on Saturday February 4 via this link.
Registration for the April 2 Workshop opens at 9.00am on Saturday February 18 via this link.
When registering online, you will need to provide your Name, Mobile Number, Club or Individual BWV Member status and Make and Model of your Smartphone.
Enquiries: bushnavigationandmaps@iinet.net.au
IMPORTANT: After registration, successful applicants will be provided with information on what to bring. They will also receive detailed instructions on phone setup. Preparation and pre-reading MUST be completed BEFORE the workshop. You must already be familiar with basic map/compass navigation and be conversant with your own smartphone e.g. be able to update software and install new apps.