New mound spring vent discovered
The emergence of a new spring vent at McLachlan Springs was noted by Friends of Mound Springs (FOMS) during a recent trip to the area.
A rare phenomenon in mound spring country, the new spring has wetland vegetation including both reeds (Phragmites) and bulrush (Typha).
Located in the vicinity of Lake Eyre South on Stuart Creek Station, the springs were checked to gauge the recovery from damage caused by horses in 2021 – and were pleased to find they had recovered well.
Also on Stuart Creek, Gosse Springs are of particular interest due to the presence of the endangered Salt pipe-wort (Eriocaulon carsonii), which was translocated to Gosse from Hermit Hill about 30 years ago. The Eriocaulon is thriving in its new home.
Sadly, a FOMS survey at Strangways Springs, showed there were far fewer active springs than was noted in a previous survey about 17 years earlier. Members reported that a slow decline in these quite elevated springs is to be expected, however the rate of decline noted was surprising.
Seventeen volunteers undertook a range of activities at mound springs near Lake Eyre and further north at the Peake Overland Telegraph site during the trip.
At the State Heritage-listed Peake site, the location of Freeling Springs, they found deterioration in some of the building ruins. The toilet roof had blown off and a large crack had developed in one of the walls, which was in danger of collapsing. FOMS agreed to install an Acrow-prop to stabilise the wall after earlier discussion with State Heritage, and this work was undertaken while longer term remedial measures are considered.
With a spare Acrow-prop on board, members were able to stabilise a wall of the smithy building, which had developed a large crack. Careful planning will be needed regarding more permanent stabilisation work at these sites in consultation with the State Heritage unit.
Fencing around a mine-shaft along the Coppertop Smelter and Mine Walk, established by FOMS volunteers in 2011, had collapsed, creating a serious safety hazard. While FOMS and the board explore options for reinstatement of the fence, the track to the mine-shaft was closed temporarily and signage was installed.
On the homeward journey, a small group visited a spring that had been fenced eight years earlier as part of a grazing trial, to protect the main spring vent from cattle. There have been some challenges with livestock breaching the fence, impacting the trial site, which has been observed on field cameras. While the trial has been significantly impacted, the site will continue to be monitored for recovery.
