A deer-proof fence has recently been erected by Parks Victoria around Maisie’s Rocky Valley Plot on the Bogong High Plains.
One of the oldest ecological monitoring sites in Australia will now be protected into the future. “Maisie’s Plots”, on the Bogong High Plains in the Alpine National Park, were established in 1944 by pioneering ecologist Maisie Fawcett to study the impacts of cattle grazing on alpine wetlands and rangelands. By constructing a low fence, cows could be excluded and their impacts assessed. This was done over six decades by a small army of scientists, students and volunteers. In 2005, the cows were removed and the fence removed. But a new threat emerged – Sambar Deer.
To protect the scientific heritage of Maisie’s Plots, and continue to study the impact of large ungulates on alpine ecosystems, Parks Victoria has just completed the construction of a new, taller fence designed to withstand the rigours of the alpine environment. At 2 m high, and designed to exclude deer and feral horses, Maisie’s Plots will now continue to be one of the best reference sites in Australia for assessing long-term change in natural ecosystems.
To secure the scientific and environmental integrity of this important site, a purpose designed and built deer exclusion fence was erected. The fence includes an innovative design to allow sections to be dropped in winter to avoid damage by snow. Erecting the fence posed many challenges, not the least of which was how to minimise environmental damage. All materials were carried into the site by hand, and the use of other machinery limited to low impact hand-held devices.
“The new fence ensures that the important legacy of Maisie’s work is preserved” said Dr John Morgan, from La Trobe University’s Research Centre for Applied Alpine Ecology. “But more importantly, it offers an important reference site to continue to monitor change. Alpine ecosystems look like they will be exposed to more fire in the future, warmer temperatures and large exotic animals like deer. Just how this impacts on important alpine plants and animals can be assessed by building on Maisie’s nationally important work”.
The fence was built by Parks Victoria with the support of La Trobe University’s Research Centre for Applied Alpine Ecology, and funding from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
Research Centre for Applied Alpine Ecology 