Brett Mitchell, Ranger in Charge at the Prom said, “Monitoring plots have started being developed around existing research completed by Dr. Gretna Weste in the 60's and 70's who was a pioneer in the field. The new program will be studying the effects of PC on native vegetation, rates of spread and potential treatment techniques.”

“Friends of The Prom have completed setup and monitoring of the first site on the northern side of the Squeaky Beach road. The group established 8 quadrants through the area half in Dieback affected soils and half in unaffected soils. Information including health of Grass Trees, height, density, trunk diameter and soil samples was collected.”

“The iconic and unique Grass Trees are particularly susceptible to this pathogen, which is a microscopic water born fungus that lives in the soil. Plants infected by Dieback generally show yellowing of leaves, followed by leaf loss, which may in turn lead to death of the plant. “

The project will be ongoing within the Park and is coordinated by the Victorian National Parks Association who runs a similar project in the Brisbane Rangers.

If you would like to be involved in future monitoring please contact Friends of The Prom on (03) 9752-3846 or go to the web site at www.friendsoftheprom.org.au.