Conclusion
hl
ic It was concluded that the deterioration of the pine was a man-
rees ifestation of major ecological damage resulting from man's activity.
ten
The dieback investigation was aided substantially by the use of
ive photointerpretation of high quality, large-scale aerial photographs.
ed The patterns of occurrence of dieback were readily determined except where
e only slight symptoms were involved. The relationships between dieback,
competing vegetation, current land use and stage of urban development were
more clearly understood as a result of the application of aerial photo-
graphs. In addition, the time spent in the field to achieve similar
a information without the photographs would have been excessive.
fore
Recommended action to make good the deteriorating areas included the
establishment of groves of pine trees and removal of competing weed
ples species from affected trees. Just as the decline was a long term effect,
the rehabilitation will be a long term project.
f
The Norfolk Island pine, a species which is extremely tolerant of
t to competition in its natural habitat, has suffered calamitous changes to its
n environment. In fact its normal environment has all but been destroyed by
man's activity - only the basic climate remains the same. The species
itself is not in danger but for the Island to maintain the character for
nion which it is famous, the vegetation as a whole and the pine in particular
ing need to receive some positive assistance from man to combat and reverse
the present situation.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
on
Valuable experience and knowledge concerning Norfolk, on the part
ack of one of the authors, have been gained during a number of visits to
ed
the Island during which several Administrators and their staff have
ly, Provided much assistance and cooperation. This help is most gratefully
re acknowledged, particularly in the cases of Administrators Air Commodore
R.N. Dalkin, DFC, and Air Commodore E.T. Pickerd OBE, DFC, and the
Island's forester Mr G. Quintal.
Acknowledgement is also due to the Australian Conservation Foundation
and the Australian Department of External Territories who jointly
nt financed the 1968 colour aerial photography and the Island people who
Provided photographs, notes and opinions which were of great assistance in
piecing together the story of the dieback. Particular mention must be
en
made of Mrs M. Hoare, Mr T. Lloyd and Mr O. Evans, residents of Norfolk
Island.