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.