b'CLUB SPOTLIGHT TRACK CLEARINGthe impact that a motivated group of volunteersHut Camping Area near Bendoc for a group photo wielding chainsaws, brush-cutters and hedge- before splitting up into three smaller groups (some trimmers can make cannot be overstated.volunteers were keen to head off early and take a Following on from the walking track clearingmore circuitous trip home). The plan for the day exercise the group (now swelled with extra bodies)was for two groups to tackle Hensleigh Creek Road assembled on Saturday morning at the Bendoc andand Errinundra Road (two of the seasonally closed Orbost PV offices to move on to the second phase ofroads in Errinundra National Park) while the third the planned activitydriving and clearing the tracksgroup would venture back to Snowy River National in the Snowy River National Park that make up thePark to open Collings Track - the only track which Snowy River Icon Drive route. The 4WD portion ofwas not cleared and opened the day before. Once this route takes in the northern section of Deddickagain, the going was good, and groups were able Trail, Bowen Track, Bowen Link, Monkeytop Trackto proceed through their designated tracks in good and Waratah Flat Road. Considering the windytimeallowing the two Errinundra groups to spread conditions in the weeks and months leading up toa little further afield with one group clearing a path the track clearing weekend, it was considered likelythrough the MVO section of Coast Range Rd while that there would be a considerable amount of fallenthe other group took a stroll around the Errinundra timber across these tracks (particularly at higherSaddle Rainforest Walk. All groups were finished elevations) and three groups of volunteers venturedwork in time for a late lunch before hitting the road forth from Bendoc and Orbost not knowing whetherto head back to their home bases.the task at hand could be completed in one day orIn small, remote work centres like Bendoc, the not. However, once in the park it was discovered thatlocal staff are always reliant on assistance from staff there was actually not much timber across the tracksfrom surrounding work centres and this volunteer (perhaps as a result of the hazard tree works whichweekend is no exception with ranger staff joining have been undertaken several years previously)from all the work centres which make up the Snowy-and the three groups were all able to complete theirCroajingolong Park Area. However, and as always, designated runs through the parksuccessfullythe true heroes of these events are the volunteers clearing the entire Snowy Icon Drive Route mostwho turn up so reliably and put their shoulders of the feeder tracks which provide access to it andto the wheel to help keep our parks open and the southern portion of Deddick Trail ready for theaccessible for all park visitors. end of the seasonal closure period. After a big day of driving, all the volunteers and PV Rangers met up atTrip participants: 35 including Parks Victoria the Bendoc Hall for a BBQ dinner and a chin wag. Rangers, Friends of Eurrinundra, Range Rover Club, For the final day of the activity on Sunday,Land Rover Owners Club of Victoria, Pajero 4wd rangers met up with volunteers at the WilsonsClub of Victoria and Ineos 4x4 Club.22 TRACKWATCH| Summer 2025'