Shep's Hill fencing

[Bernie P]

Originally Posted by Nigel C

Perhaps if some loose strands of kikuyu (a fast growing, non seeding grass) were buried in the dirt the area might stabilise quicker.

HATE to tell you Nigel, but Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) has one of the largest fertile seeds out there! It also has the ability of building quite a large seedbank within the soil profile!

For my Turf Masters degree, my Thesis was ("Environmental fate of herbicide in the environment) where I looked primarily into removal of a weed in turf, where the weed was in fact Ki in Couch! I can flick you a copy if you like! I was to present it to the 11th International Turf Research Conference last year in Santiago, but after my wife died in April, I didn't have the heart to do it. But I am going to the 2nd European turf Society conference in Angers in April with a poster of it, so hopefully lots of questions will be asked to make the standing infront of it worthwile!!

I am also doing a research paper on desal water for irrigation, and including arid application, perhaps I could do some trials on Sheps??? After all, it is pretty sandy!!

[Philip Argy]

I think Nigel's just suggesting that people do a runner!

[Nigel C]

Originally Posted by Bernie P

HATE to tell you Nigel, but Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) has one of the largest fertile seeds out there! It also has the ability of building quite a large seedbank within the soil profile!

Well there you go. Happy to be corrected by someone in the know.
Our first house had kikuyu and I often let it get too long, but I never saw it seed. Our buffalo which we currently have seeds quite often, probably due to stress because I don't give it enough attention!

Can you give us an update on how endophytic grasses are going? I understand they were doing trials in NZ for the purpose of use around airports and other applications where bugs and birds weren't welcome.

[Bernie P]

No worries Nigel!!!

As to seed with ky, when it is freshly cut, say in the morning, by the afternoon, have you ever noticed a very small, white 'hairs' sticking up? That is the seed stalk, and this comes from a small sheath on the Rhizome. If you allow it to get to long, it barley sticks out beyond the leaf, but when it is cut frequently (and I am a little OCD and cut my lawns every second day) it is fairly evident! Buff, Couch Qld Blue Couch (which isn't really a Couch!) all have prominant seed heads where as Ky do not!

As to the Endophytes Grasses, I will check the Journals at home from the previous 11 Quadrennial conferences for you, or I can bring them to the dinner at the DoG (makes for some pleasant bedtime reading for you?? ) if you want? Or:

Selected endophytes of the genus Neotyphodium (formerly Acremonium) form stable synthetic combinations with ryegrass hosts (preferably Lolium perenne). The combinations have improved resistance to invertebrate pests and drought effects as compared to ryegrass cultivars not containing such endophytes. The particular combinations of the invention have reduced toxicity to livestock as compared to naturally occurring endophyte/ryegrass combinations. The six preferred endophytes are AR1, AR12, AR22, AR50, AR52 and AR56.

There is some research still going on, and I will do some further investigations if you like!

Talk soon, at dinner maybe, as we have to finish a report to go to the Federal Govt (Env) about another project we are about to do here that may be of interest in the upcoming months...

[Brenden S]

Bernie, Nice info on the types of grasses.
Nigel, depending on the engine it can be ummm get the fire hose out and wash it out, or a engine change. Its normally a Engine change..... Also when that does happen its normally due to the birds that fly up Northern WA that cause the inflicting damage.

[Nigel C]

*BUMP*

Just an update:
I have heard a few unhappy murmurs about the state of the fencing that was put up to protect and preserve the condition of Shep's Mound. Apparently the fencing along the roadway (southern side of the Mound) appears to have been cut in multiple locations, allowing cars to continue eroding the shoulder of the road. It would appear that some people weren't happy with the access path that was left open when the fence was installed, so they've created their own. I highly doubt this has been done by people who perhaps visit the spot once every 6 months...

So, as a result, there has been some loose discussion about fencing the entire area off until it can be rehabilitated by vegetation. If the area is fenced off it may remain off-limits...for good...just like the Charlie and 07/25 intersection viewing area mentioned here http://yssyforum.net/board/showpost....2&postcount=16 , which I'm sure would be an unpopular decision for the spotters.

My suggestion? Look after the area, and if you see anyone messing with the temporary fence, right their wrong and explain the possible outcome of their selfishness and stupidity. The unhappy murmurs may turn into quite decisive action unless things change for the better. As the collective spotting community, it's up to you.

[Lee G]

Next to go will be the fenceline on the beach - then the carpark at the beach - then the observation deck at the ITB - then the windows on all the terminals will have shops in front of them (happened already at the ITB!) - then a big concrete wall to a height of 20 meters with radar absorbing material facing the inside will be put up - then the guard towers with sharp shooters will appear - then the area up to 15 meters from the wall will be mined ......

....and in a generation, our children will say to us - "what's that big thing in the sky?" and with onset of Alzhemers, we would have all forgotten.....

....all because one person cut a plastic fence!

So lets make sure the fence stays intact and the rubbish disappears (or those who cut the fence or rubbish the area do!)

However -

There is also a certain amount of historical proof that once these spotting areas are reclaimed from the general public that they are put to very good use by the owner .....

[NeilP]

I doubt these "vandals" are going to cut the fence in front of a bunch of spotters or other users. My guess is it's happening at night by the more "casual" users of the area...

So, Nigel, as a regular user of the mound, who do I report torn fences to when I first see the damage on a Saturday or Sunday morning?

[Philip Argy]

Why bother trying to grass the area? We don't want it to become a popular picnic spot - keep it uninviting, barren, and free for us to use!

[Raymond Rowe]

Originally Posted by chris d

I stay well away from the area, it's not a great location for photography anymore.

The spot was ruined when they put up those little lights around the perimiter.They coild have placed some spot lights not those poll lights.