Frenchmans Cap New Track

[whynotwalk]

Just wondering, can I walk the muddy old track after the new track is opened, or are they going to block it off?

Word I hear is that the old track will be closed for rehabilitation. So I guess that will be a "no" Adam - you'll just have to wallow elsewhere

cheers

Peter

[doogs]

..and just remember who put the money in to fund the new track

[Nuts]

Lol, u like dick then?

It does need campsites, I wonder if a private hut is on the cards sometime in the future..

[ryantmalone]

Lol, u like dick then?

It does need campsites, I wonder if a private hut is on the cards sometime in the future..

Soapies at Frenchmans Cap?

God, wouldn't that be a riot...

[Strider]

I wonder if a private hut is on the cards sometime in the future..

Lets hope not...

[wander]

So if you had a choice, private huts on the Frenchman's Route or the Western Arthurs which would you chose.

I expect this question will come up for real shortly if it has not already (behind closed doors that is).

[ILUVSWTAS]

So if you had a choice, private huts on the Frenchman's Route or the Western Arthurs which would you chose.

I expect this question will come up for real shortly if it has not already (behind closed doors that is).

It would never happen on the Arthurs. Not enough room for one reason, and it'd be murder in the bush if they tried.

[stepbystep]

So if you had a choice, private huts on the Frenchman's Route or the Western Arthurs which would you chose.

I expect this question will come up for real shortly if it has not already (behind closed doors that is).

Cheeky question, at least there are places to hide them at Frenchmans, and yeah if they tried it in the Warthurs there would be a massive protest.

[whynotwalk]

So if you had a choice, private huts on the Frenchman's Route or the Western Arthurs which would you chose.

I expect this question will come up for real shortly if it has not already (behind closed doors that is).

Buckley's chance at either

[Nuts]

There is actually every possibility for f'mans. In fact is is possible in any park. Like everything it may be next year or a decade away.

There should be neither, none, not ever!!

[vagrom]

...I hope you're not suggesting another revolution?

[South_Aussie_Hiker]

As risk of getting seriously flamed here, I feel I have to add my 2c. I hope no-one takes this the wrong way.

There is certainly an air amongst some of the more senior members on BWT to flame development to walking areas. This certainly seems to have been the case with heavy criticism of the way Parks administer the OT, and also with any new infrastructure such as Bert Nichols hut. I can only assume that this stems from the belief that better facilities = more visitors, and that that will degrade the experience for those who don't like crowded trails or overflowing huts.

While I understand this rationale (and people's fear that the seclusion, isolation and exclusivity of hard walks like Frenchman's will be lost), I think that posters need to be made aware of Dick Smith's rationale and to be quite frank, give credit where credit is due.

After walking Frenchman's in 2011, I was interested to hear of the donation by Dick Smith. I work in aviation, which is an industry in which Dick has had a lot of involvement (once as CEO of the regulator). In aviation, he also has some very strong opinions - some of which I disagree with. This sparked my intrigue and I contacted Dick via email to discuss his donation to the track work on Frenchman's after my walk.

For those of you claiming that Frenchman's will become a "super highway", with extensive visitor numbers because of Dick's desire to arrive at Frenchman's with dry boots, I think that's an unfair assessment.

This is a guy who has set countless records for flights, including dangerous over water crossings and several flights to and from the poles - at huge personal expense. He is also one of few people to gain the required permissions and fly around Mount Everest and take photos. He has also taken on a personal crusade against Australian icons going overseas in an effort to protect our wonderful nation - the ads might be cheesy, but he is fighting for our country. Agree or disagree with him, a more patriotic Australian you will not find.

I'm fairly sure that someone with so many dangerous and difficult achievements unders his belt wouldn't be worried by getting a bit of mud on his boots. Over email, Dick explained that his main motivation was the environmental damage occuring on the Loddens. I don't think the mud was necessarily any better or worse than when he walked it decades ago - but the 1m wide track has fanned out into a massive array of deep mud bogs, destroyed vegeataion, rotting plants and changed waterways - sometimes in areas up to 100m or so wide. Dick's funding is not to protect his dry boots, but to stop the devestation which is occuring across the Lodden plains and which is continually worsening. It was the change in the environmental damage (and not the walking conditions as some on BWT would suggest) prompted the investment.

You may think an increase in visitors with a new track will make it worse, but let's be honest - Frenchman's will still be a much less known - and much more difficult undertaking. Apart from having no exposure, the walk from Vera up to Barron Pass is about as hard as it gets when it comes to on-track walking. If private groups and huts were to start up, this would be the sole responsibility of Parks (who would have to approve it) and would be nothing to do with Smith's donation.

Let's give credit where credit is due. He had a concern about the environmental damage and has stumped up $1.5milion (an incredible sum) of his own personal money in an attempt to make a difference.

And I cringe at paying a Parks fee!!

[norts]

I agree that the Loddens is a mess, but is there worse damage occurring in other areas? I dont think that some button grass turning into a bog is a major environmental issue. Stopping Lake Rhona turning into a open sewerage pond, a toilet. What about the environmental damage that is happening on the WAs. Erosion is terrible in places.

If it was just on the grounds of where is the worst environmental damage being done by walkers and what is the best use of my $1m + , I would surmise that PAWS would have had other ideas.

But thanks, Dick wish there were more millionaires like you.

Roger

[stepbystep]

I agree that the Loddens is a mess, but is there worse damage occurring in other areas? I dont think that some button grass turning into a bog is a major environmental issue. Stopping Lake Rhona turning into a open sewerage pond, a toilet. What about the environmental damage that is happening on the WAs. Erosion is terrible in places.

If it was just on the grounds of where is the worst environmental damage being done by walkers and what is the best use of my $1m + , I would surmise that PAWS would have had other ideas.

But thanks, Dick wish there were more millionaires like you.

Roger

Agree with all of what Roger has said. My only concern has been if increased numbers will create a problem at the huts which are small and have limited tent sites around.
I'm sure PWS are just taking what they can get, when they can get it.

I think the muddy boots thing is people having a laugh, he could just fly his chopper in.

Dick's a legend! I hope when(haha) I'm a multimillionaire I can give back too...

[whynotwalk]

I'm sure PWS are just taking what they can get, when they can get it.

I think you're probably right Dan. My understanding is that PWS had to match the $1.5m dollar for dollar. That can't have been easy to find in the current circumstances. So norts is probably right too ... there may have been other priorities. But the result, I think, will be pretty darn good. Even so, the walk itself will still remain (for most walkers) a long, hard slog. MUCH harder than the Overland ... and hopefully it'll be promoted that way.

cheers

Peter

[stepbystep]

Seems to be the go in many cash strapped organisations(the co-funding of projects model) A few spring to mind straight away but so-be-it. It at least makes stuff happen!

I've been learning a bit about the soils that make up a buttongrass plain recently and they certainly have their value.

[doogs]

I've been learning a bit about the soils that make up a buttongrass plain recently and they certainly have their value.

Make yourself a Winogradsky column and recreate the boggy stench in your own home

[Taurë-rana]

Be interesting to know if the Loddens were actually getting worse or not. It was pretty bad when I went in there 30 or so years ago. I have also seen areas of button grass that were once just bog from 4 wheel drives, but a few years later you can't even see where the track went. It does seem to me that there are other areas that are in greater need of track rerouting and good management, but if anyone knows more about button grass regeneration I'd be happy to hear them. Buttongrass is the first thing that comes back after fire too, so one would think that it would rehabilitate itself well.
I am also concerned about the increase in traffic with an easier track. Just logical that it will happen.
And huts! I remember when the private huts were put in on the Overland and everyone was horrified. Didn't stop it happening though.

[ryantmalone]

For those of you claiming that Frenchman's will become a "super highway", with extensive visitor numbers because of Dick's desire to arrive at Frenchman's with dry boots, I think that's an unfair assessment.

Let's give credit where credit is due. He had a concern about the environmental damage and has stumped up $1.5milion (an incredible sum) of his own personal money in an attempt to make a difference.

And I cringe at paying a Parks fee!!

I think that was all well said. I do have a worry about the impact of too many feet in the area, however knowing what parks Tas have done in the past with other sensitive areas, I have no doubt that if visitor numbers were to increase, that everything would be done to protect the area, whether it be tent platforms, track work, whatever...

That said, when Dick Smith first did announce his donation, I knew all too well that it was to protect the Loddens, and its a very generous thing that he has done. Places like Frenchmans Cap deserve to be seen, and it is everyones right to see these places, and as more and more people venture into these places, work needs to be done to make sure that these places are protected.

I'm just hoping, if anything, that Parks Tas is considering the impact of more walkers into the area, IF it happens.

[north-north-west]

... and also with any new infrastructure such as Bert Nichols hut. I can only assume that this stems from the belief that better facilities = more visitors, and that that will degrade the experience for those who don't like crowded trails or overflowing huts.

99% of the criticism I have read about the Bert Newton Nichols Memorial Palatial Monstrosity was to do with design and construction flaws. And the loss of the views from the kitchen . . .

[Nuts]

. My understanding is that PWS had to match the $1.5m dollar for dollar.

Peter

$100000 a year over ten years, no commitment other than the 50k annual budget ?

Anyhow.. SAH, I really have no opinion, if Dick gives the money through an altruistic inspiration.. that is a good thing. Iv'e heard 'believable rumours' but time will tell and no reason to decide that the project deserves anything but praise. As others have said, short term there are many more urgent projects but that's aside, at least these funds will be accounted for.

Development is often necessary and where it is, getting it done is also a good thing (so long as it always remains publicly owned).

[South_Aussie_Hiker]

I agree with most of the posts so far.

I don't imagine for a minute the Loddens are the most damaged place in Tasmania. While I've never been to the Arthurs or Rhona, they certainly sound to be in worse shape.

But Frenchman's Cap was where Dick happened to walk. I guess we can't expect him to walk to Frenchman's, then decide to make a donation, and then walk every other track in the state before deciding where the money would best be spent. Frenchman's obviously has some sentimental value for him and he thought it was a place worth spending money on. Doesn't mean the WArthurs or Rhona are any less important, or not in need of funding.

As for buttongrass plains, well I'm most certainly not an environmentalist or botanist or anything like that. But just because they make for very boring, flat walking and aren't pretty to look at, it doesn't mean they aren't ecologically important. The water off those plains most probably feeds into the Franklin, and so in turn may affect the waterway. Also, if the walking track were to be eroded enough for long enough, the track across the plains would probably eventually become a waterway itself. It could change the way water feeds into streams/lakes in the area, and thus lead to a long term change in adjacent areas such as rainforest.

I'm sure PWS are just taking what they can get, when they can get it.

I'm guessing so too!

Seems to be the go in many cash strapped organisations(the co-funding of projects model) A few spring to mind straight away but so-be-it. It at least makes stuff happen!

Agree wholeheartedly. I guess he could have had big cry to Parks and emailed the local state member or put it all over A Current Affair - but none of those things actually does jack s***.

Famous Chinese proverb: “Talk does not cook rice.”

Let's hope Parks have considered the possibility of a few more visitors and have a plan in place. Certainly sounds like they do if more tent platforms are going in!

[whynotwalk]

While I've never been to the Arthurs or Rhona, they certainly sound to be in worse shape.

Not in my experience. Possibly parts of the Arthur Plains are as bad as the Loddons, but not as consistently and over such a large area. The track hardening, tent platforms and fly-out toilets in the Arthurs have made a big difference. And the Vale of Rasselas and the Lake Rhona tracks are babes in the woods when it comes to bog.

For those who don't know what all the "Sodden Loddons" fuss is about, this Youtube clip gives some of the flavour. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&NR=1&v=VL0z0nZrZHU Perhaps only parts of the South Coast Track are as much in need of attention as the Frenchmans Cap Track was.

Another general points to make: For those managing the World Heritage Area, it's all about how an area is zoned. That determines what can and can't be considered. The Arthurs and Lake Rhona areas are classified as "self reliant recreation zones". That means, for instance, that infrastructure will remain minimal. So talk of huts is wildly speculative, and would require major changes involving both State and Commonwealth governments. Frenchmans, on the other hand, is a "recreation zone", which (in theory) allows more infrastructure, and (in practice) more management attention. You can check these zones out at http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/file.aspx?id=7058

cheers

Peter

[dazfromtaz]

For those of you claiming that Frenchman's will become a "super highway", with extensive visitor numbers because of Dick's desire to arrive at Frenchman's with dry boots, I think that's an unfair assessment.

Let's give credit where credit is due. He had a concern about the environmental damage and has stumped up $1.5milion (an incredible sum) of his own personal money in an attempt to make a difference.

And I cringe at paying a Parks fee!!

I think that was all well said. I do have a worry about the impact of too many feet in the area, however knowing what parks Tas have done in the past with other sensitive areas, I have no doubt that if visitor numbers were to increase, that everything would be done to protect the area, whether it be tent platforms, track work, whatever...

That said, when Dick Smith first did announce his donation, I knew all too well that it was to protect the Loddens, and its a very generous thing that he has done. Places like Frenchmans Cap deserve to be seen, and it is everyones right to see these places, and as more and more people venture into these places, work needs to be done to make sure that these places are protected.

I'm just hoping, if anything, that Parks Tas is considering the impact of more walkers into the area, IF it happens.

[dazfromtaz]

That said, when Dick Smith first did announce his donation, I knew all too well that it was to protect the Loddens, and its a very generous thing that he has done. Places like Frenchmans Cap deserve to be seen, and it is everyones right to see these places, and as more and more people venture into these places, work needs to be done to make sure that these places are protected.

Fine words Mr Malone, here here
I agree 100% with you.

One thing i find unsavory in these forums is this mentality of SOME hikers fearing to share these beautiful parts of Tasmania with the other 7 billion people on this earth. Scared that people will fall in love with the environment just like they did. Kind of like watching my 2 kids not sharing, its a bit like that?

[ryantmalone]

Fine words Mr Malone, here here
I agree 100% with you.

One thing i find unsavory in these forums is this mentality of SOME hikers fearing to share these beautiful parts of Tasmania with the other 7 billion people on this earth. Scared that people will fall in love with the environment just like they did. Kind of like watching my 2 kids not sharing, its a bit like that?

Its just people being scared of huge numbers of hikers ruining their wilderness experience.

That, I can agree with in part, however its something that is going to happen, and we might as well embrace it as much as we can.

Want a wilderness experience? There's plenty of off track to be done.

[bauera]

Just walked into Frenchman's on 19th. New track now open and able to be used. Apparently Dick flew in on Monday 18th to open it, although that is only scuttlebutt from other walkers. Vast improvement on the Loddens, although still work to be done before final completion.

[pazzar]

Was there any signage to discourage use of the Loddon's route?

[dazfromtaz]

HOOOOOOOORRRRRRAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY NEW TRACK OPEN!!

[pazzar]

HOOOOOOOORRRRRRAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY NEW TRACK OPEN!!

Someone not a fan of mud??

It's a shame that it had to come to the point of building a new track, but environmentally it is probably a wise move. I think the Loddon's are beautiful and add to the experience of the walk, but at the end of the day, preserving the environment is more important.