KVSC: Parks Victoria on the hunt for Hawkweed at Falls Creek

Kiewa Valley Ski Club is hosting some dedicated volunteers who are working with Parks Victoria staff. Volunteers are helping stop the spread of one of the worst weeds ever to be found in the Victorian Alps. Native to Europe, Hawkweeds have recently become naturalised on mainland Australia. Hawkweeds are highly invasive and spread quickly via runners and roots forming dense mats, inhibiting and outcompeting native vegetation. Hawkweeds can cause major environmental damage in alpine & sub-alpine areas, and are considered a significant threat to the Victorian Alps if not eradicated early.

Volunteers performing search for Hawkweed

Three varieties of the weed have been discovered in Falls Creek Alpine Resort and the Alpine National Park and are now the target of a major eradication program by Parks Victoria, DEPI and Falls Creek Resort Management. Volunteer searches for new infestations are an important part of the eradication effort. Participating in volunteer surveys gives people an opportunity to help protect the Victorian Alps from this dangerous weed, and is a great way to enjoy the magnificent alpine environment during the green summer months.