The Great Toad Muster 2008

General Info

WHY SEPT-OCT?

As it nears the end of the dry season, cane toads become vulnerable. Being amphibians, they must have water and they must have shelter from the sun and drying winds. As water becomes scarcer in the landscape toads can be found congregated around whatever water remains. Experts agree that this is the ideal time to reduce toad numbers and push their frontline back toward the east.

WHY TIMBER CREEK?

The Foundation has identified a primary buffer zone on the Whirlwind Plains and surrounds. This country is very inhospitable to toads during the Dry season. The only toads surviving the extremes will be where permanent water and daytime refuges can be found.

Timber Creek is the nearest settlement that can provide logistical support and the Muster headquarters will be established there.

Many of the permanent waterbodies that will be targeted during the Muster can be reached from Timber Creek. Some others will require temporary camps for 3-4 night exercises.

WHAT HAPPENS IN TIMBER CREEK?

Participants will gather in Timber Creek over the course of the Muster and form into operative units of 4 -12 people each with a trained team leader.

Timber Creek will be our base and camping facilities and food will be provided there. Fuel and training will also be provided. There is a pool and some powered sites and air-conditioned accommodation will be available also. A daytime relaxation/training area will be established.

Some groups will operate from satellite camps out of Timber Creek with ‘tours of duty’ ranging from 2-5 days, returning then to Timber Creek for R&R. Other groups may visit remote targets on special reconnaissance missions of 1-3 night durations.

WHY MUST I REGISTER?

We need to know about you before you arrive so that we can provide for you when you do, and to help you to be the best asset you can be in the toad effort.

When you call to register you will be asked what dates you will be available, whether you have any special needs, what equipment you may be able to bring eg. vehicle, swag, etc.

People’s levels of fitness and experience of the north will be considered when allocating you to field objectives. You will not be asked to over-extend yourself.

First priority will be given to people who:
1) are able to get to Timber Creek unassisted
2) have their own 4wd vehicles
3) have bushcraft and/or experience of northern Australia
4) have other specialised skills, eg current first aid certificate

However, there is also expected to be room for people who do not meet all (or any) of these criteria. So please register early and be open and realistic about your needs, and what you can contribute.

The safety and wellbeing of participants is the prime concern of the Muster organisers. All registrants will need to complete a DEC volunteer insurance form, a medical self-assessment form and an agreement to adhere to all established rules and methods for operations.

PLEASE NOTE: Initial registration DOES NOT guarantee a place on Muster teams. This is because organisers will not deploy a unit unless all logistical and safety needs are met. The number of units that can be deployed at any time is dependent upon a variety of factors, some of which cannot be known at this stage.

HOW DO I GET TO TIMBER CREEK?

People who have the capacity to get to Timber Creek at their own expense will have priority.

Assistance MAY be possible for others and this will be discussed when you register. The Foundation is currently seeking support from airlines, bus companies, fuel companies and other potential sponsors of the Muster to assist willing participants to get to the Muster.

Once you are registered, we will advise you of any opportunities which arise to assist or subsidise your travel, including connection with other persons who may be travelling from your area.

Wish List

We desperately need your help for the Great Toad Muster 2008. Can YOU give, loan, discount or in some way help us access anything that might be of use for our on-ground toad control work.