The high rainfall over 2011 has further assisted the continuing regrowth across the whole plateau. Whilst the area will not return to anything near to its former state for many years, the photos below indicate the substantial progress to date.
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Regeneration in the Snow Gum woodlands is substantial with basal regrowth now 1.5-2.0m high, in addition large numbers of Snow Gum seedlings are also thriving. The open heath and bog areas have continued the delayed response predicted by the Arthur Rylah Institute report of March 2009. Ground covers such as the Creeping Fan Flower and Geranium are becoming very extensive, so that there is now estimated to be less than 10% bare earth. Soil erosion has not been a problem in these areas to any noticeable extent. The variety of regrowth continues to increase, with many shrubs such as Alpine Baeckea, flowering this spring, for the first time since February 2009. A photographic record of all species identified since the fires has been kept and is now available for public use in the Visitor Centre. This will continue to be updated as more species appear and flowers appear for the first time.
The two known stands of Mountain Plum Pine on Echo Flat did not survive the fires. These trees had previously been dated as 700-800 years old and were of particular interest as they represent the only alpine conifer growing in Australia. There has however been substantial seedling regrowth in these areas. The new trees are very tiny and are generally growing under the protection of the low spreading trunks of the original trees. Both of these areas have been fenced by Parks Victoria to prevent grazing of the area by deer or wombats. Seedlings have been investigated in December 2011 and appear to be making good progress, although they have a very slow growth rate.
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The Alpine Ash forest areas on the plateau are supporting strong seedling regrowth, the only form of regrowth from this species. These seedlings are now starting to outgrow the abundant wattle regrowth in the same areas. Some areas near the car park appeared to have been impacted by late snow falls in 2009 and the initial seedlings did not survive. However spring 2010 brought a second seeding in this area and these seedlings are growing well and the replanting planned for this area has not needed to be undertaken. Trees grown for this project have now been planted in an area where earthworks had impacted severely on the natural seeding.
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The spring wildflower display increases in variety and quantity each year, and interpretive notes for two different 5km walks are regularly updated for walkers to use. These notes highlight the various forms of regeneration to be encountered, common plants to be identified, as well as comments on historical aspects of Lake Mountain.
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A photographic display of current flowering plants is again displayed in the Visitor Centre foyer, and kept up to date as various species begin to flower.
Planting around the resort area from plants collected and grown from the initial regrowth seedlings is drawing to an end. The success rate is estimated as at least 70%, although growth rates in this harsh environment are naturally slow.
An estimated 1000 such plants propagated by resort staff since September 2009 are now planted around the rebuilt resort, and the high rainfall has helped their establishment considerably. The most common trees planted are Snow Gums, with some Alpine Ash on the outer edges of the resort. Ground covers such as Creeping Fan Flower and Flax Lily have also been planted extensively, along with shrubs such as Alpine Mint, Phebalium and Tea Tree and smaller numbers of other indigenous plants. The next focus for planting will be the establishment of an interpretative garden in the resort area. The intention is to complete mass plantings of the many wildflower species seen when walking the trails in summer. These will then be identified with signage so that walkers can identify plants when they return from walking. This will also provide more colour and variety around the buildings and hence improve the general ambience of the area.
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Parks Victoria has continued studies into Leadbeaters Possums and their possible distribution throughout the resort. The surviving animals were provided with a rationed supply of food during this third post-fire winter as their natural food supply was still limited. It is hoped that the extra food will increase the chances of the population’s survival during winter. Feral predator control work was undertaken in Spring 2010 and a similar program will operate in 2011, it will based around the area where Leadbeater’s Possums are currently being monitored.
Guided walks will be offered to the public on the first and third Tuesdays of each month during summer and autumn. The dates are Feb 7, 21, March 6, 20 and April 10, 24. Meet at 10.00am at the environmental display in the Bistro and return by 12.00noon. Bookings are not essential for these walks, but you can book a place by email to sue@lakemountainresort.com.au.
If these dates do not suit you are welcome to organise your own small group and contact sue@lakemountainresort.com.au to arrange a convenient time.
