Author Archives: fobif

Eucalypt project in the air

Posted on 11 October, 2014 by fobif

FOBIF has tentatively begun work on a beginners guide to eucalypts of the Mount Alexander region, in a joint project with Connecting Country. We’re looking for enthusiasts who are interested in joining the working group. ‘Work’ will involve a fair … Continue reading →

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Now, what’s this about Gough’s Range?

Posted on 10 October, 2014 by fobif

Not too many people visit Gough’s Range State Forest, roughly midway between Welshman’s Reef and Maldon. This small [161 ha] forest will be getting a few extra visitors in the 2016-17 management burning season, however. It’s down for a DEPI … Continue reading →

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Fire operations: some answers

Posted on 6 October, 2014 by fobif

FOBIF has received a response to its submission on the Fire Operations Plan from Andrew Koren, DEPI program manager for planned burning in this region. In brief, DEPI has responded to our concerns with the following points: 1. The Government … Continue reading →

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‘Mosses of dry forests…’it’s easier to buy now

Posted on 6 October, 2014 by fobif

FOBIF has opened a Paypal account to make it easier to buy its field guide to mosses of dry forests online. We did this to facilitate orders from overseas, but the system will make it easier for locals to buy … Continue reading →

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Here we go again

Posted on 6 October, 2014 by fobif

The cup moth [Doratifera] grub is at it again: the damage perhaps a bit patchier than the last infestation. The grub is pretty undiscriminating in its appetite, but appears to prefer stringybarks [Eucalyptus macrohyncha] in our area. The Bendigo Field … Continue reading →

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Risk management vs random burning: a reply

Posted on 30 September, 2014 by fobif

We’ve received a prompt reply to the questions we put to the Environment and the Bushfire Response Ministers yesterday. Readers will remember that our question was simple: –the government is trumpeting its achievement in setting out to burn 5% of … Continue reading →

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Yee–Haah! On the runaway horse!

Posted on 29 September, 2014 by fobif

The Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Bushfire Response, Kim Wells, has today issued a press release on the State Government’s achievements in planned burning. The release is mainly concerned with publicising increased cooperation between DEPI and the CFA; it … Continue reading →

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Scaling the ‘mini Monk of Muckleford’

Posted on 23 September, 2014 by fobif

It was a glorious, warm, sunny day when FOBIF walkers took off from the poppet head mine in the Muckleford State Forest and Muckleford Conservation Reserve for the September walk. The mine has now been opened up so that you … Continue reading →

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The time to get out is NOW

Posted on 21 September, 2014 by fobif

It’s always a good time to get out for a stroll in our bushlands: all seasons have their appeal. Arguably, though, this year seems to be peaking right now for orchids and wildflowers. Given that we’ve had a pretty dry … Continue reading →

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A cracking day

Posted on 10 September, 2014 by fobif

About 20 people gathered for the second Youth Walk of the year, funded with a Youth Grant from the Mount Alexander Shire Council. Young FOBIF member, Nioka, led the walk through the Eureka Reef interpretive trail, taking in some historic … Continue reading →

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