Australian Alps: Kosciuszko, Alpine and Namadgi National Parks - Ch. 1 & 8
Chapter 1
Key concepts.
How can I utilize the knowledge in my prep for the long walk or whilst on the walk.
This knowledge of the ecological importance of the alps can be utilized in my preperation by aiming to minimize the imapct I will have on the environment.
I will look to adapt minimal impact strategies, and may impact the route I take on the walk,
Key concepts.
- People have appreciated the natural beauty and the alps since the beginning.
- However, the alps were seen as an opportunity to exploit for personal and economic gain.
- This resulted in soil and vegetation damage thoguhout the alps due to actions such as grazing..
- The ecological importance of the alps began to be seen.
- National and state parks were developed in the alps to conserve nature and minimize the impacts humans were having on the environment.
- The alps were given an Australian Heritage listing.
- The alps is home to unique features and species.
How can I utilize the knowledge in my prep for the long walk or whilst on the walk.
This knowledge of the ecological importance of the alps can be utilized in my preperation by aiming to minimize the imapct I will have on the environment.
I will look to adapt minimal impact strategies, and may impact the route I take on the walk,
Chapter 8
Key concepts.
How can I utilize the knowledge in my prep for the long walk or whilst on the walk.
Measures put in place to manage our impact on the landscape will most likely have scientific evidence behind them and therefore should be respected.
Key concepts.
- Scientific investigations are conducted in the area to better understand the landscape.
- In the nineteenth century scientist would often accompany pastoralists and miners who would exploit and destruct the landscape.
- The area was searched in 1851 as a possible goldfield location. The interest in gold and the geology of the alps lead to geological reports on the alps.
- Dr Ferdinand Mueller documented and named many species in the alpine region towards the end of the nineteenth century.
- A weather station was established at Omeo which has been recording the weather since 1879.
- Documenting and describing species continued into the twentieth century.
- The impacts of soil erosion began to noted and investigated in the 1930s. A committee was established to manage the effects of soil erosion.
- Research on the effect of grazing on vegetation cover, flowering and seeding, and soil humus saw grazing prohibited above 1370m in the Kosciusko state park in 1958.
- Ecology has continued to be studied in the Alps, creating records that can be compared to the past and future.
- Species have become endangered and are disappearing. The Baw Baw frog’s numbers have been dropping rapidly.
- Introduced species such as feral horses are continuing to have a negative impact on the landscape.
- A scientific approach has helped create management plans to reduce negative impacts on the landscape.
How can I utilize the knowledge in my prep for the long walk or whilst on the walk.
Measures put in place to manage our impact on the landscape will most likely have scientific evidence behind them and therefore should be respected.
Alpine Education Kit
Key concepts.
How can I utilize the knowledge in my prep for the long walk or whilst on the walk.
Understanding the cultural history of the area allows me to have greater respect towards the indigenous people of the area.
Respecting cultural sites and objects is vital.
- The alps are very old and Aboriginal people have had a spiritual connection with the landscape for many years.
- There is cultural evidence through archaeological sites, as well as stories of the land that have been passed down for many generations.
- Aboriginal occupation of the areas goes back as far as 21,000 years ago.
- Fires, such as those in 2003, have helped discover Aboriginal site previously unknown.
- The Aboriginal people’s lifestyle was changed dramatically when non-indigenous people arrived in the Alps.
- Disease and diminishing access to water and native animals devastated the populations of Aboriginals.
- Modern day, Aboriginal people are employed in the alps in different industries, such as park management, forestry operations, and construction.
- Aboriginal sites and objects are protected by legislation.
How can I utilize the knowledge in my prep for the long walk or whilst on the walk.
Understanding the cultural history of the area allows me to have greater respect towards the indigenous people of the area.
Respecting cultural sites and objects is vital.