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The Pines Campground at Araps - What's happening! 21-Nov-2014 At 10:13:49 AM kieranl

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On 21/11/2014 Karl Bromelow wrote:
>I'm not trying to be argumentative here. I am genuinely curious and eagre
>to be educated. Is it true that the current pines are a more significant
>fire risk than native species? Also, is the fact that the ground immediately
>below the pine needle carpet is rendered infertile and unsuitable for the
>re growth of native species a problem if we are talking about an area to
>be used for setting up tents were minimal vegetation is preferred? What
>is the total area of ground covered by the pines compared to the unsealed
>roads and tracks around the mount which allow access but prevent growth
>of native flora? Lastly, and again I am keen to be given the facts by those
>in the know, have the pines invaded the rest of the park in damaging numbers?
>I haven't noticed it but I haven't honestly been looking for it. The area
>surrounding the mount is of course almost entirely devoid of anything native,
>including Homo sapiens, and I can certainly understand the desire to protect
>or even restore wherever possible.
>
re education : first, read some of the links in my post earlier this morning. No point me giving my interpretation as it'll be done better in those.

As to pines invading the park : they did spread and used to be chopped down when discovered.

The area occupied by the campground is hardly relevant. There are some inherent impacts because of people camping there - compaction, service buildings, roads etc. Are radiatia pines necessary for camping? No. Is it a state park? Yes. Is radiata a weed? Yes. OK - don't plant them at Arapiles, plant something that works but is more suitable.

I am a bit dumbfounded at the energy people put into defending these things.