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SCAR Bulletin No 156, January 2005

Management Plan for Historic Site and Monument No. 77 and
Antarctic Specially Managed Area No. 3

Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay, George V Land, East Antarctica

Latitude 67°00'13"S - 67°00'50"S; Longitude 142°40'00.1"E - 142°41'27"E

Introduction

Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay is one of the principal sites of early human activity in Antarctica. It is the location of the base of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition of 1911-14 organised and led by Dr (later Sir) Douglas Mawson. An important symbol of the 'heroic age' of Antarctic exploration (1895-1917), it is one of only six hut sites remaining from this period. Cape Denison hosted some of the earliest comprehensive studies of Antarctic geology, geography, terrestrial magnetism, astronomy, meteorology, glaciology, oceanography, biology, zoology and botany. It was also the base of numerous explorations inland and features artefacts associated with these sledging parties, including food caches and equipment. Due to the considerable historical, cultural and scientific significance of Cape Denison, the entire area is designated as an Antarctic Specially Managed Area (ASMA) consistent with Articles 2, 4, 5 and 6 of Annex V of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. It is also listed as a Historic Site and Monument in accordance with Article IX(1) of the Antarctic Treaty and Article 8(2) of Annex V of the Protocol.

Cape Denison is characterised by four valleys aligned northwest/southeast. The majority of Australasian Antarctic Expedition artefacts, including buildings ('Mawson's Huts') and other structures, are concentrated in the westernmost valley and on the ridges on either side of the valley. The historic huts and their immediate surrounds constitute Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) No. 162.

1.0 Description of Values to be Protected

1.1 Primary values

This ASMA is proposed on the grounds that Cape Denison is a site of historic, archaeological, social and aesthetic values.

Historic value

Antarctica's 'heroic age' was a period of great human adventure and discovery. Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay, provides the setting for the buildings, structures and relics of the Main Base of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) 1911-14, led by Dr Douglas Mawson.

Cape Denison contains numerous relics relating to the work of Mawson's expedition, including Mawson's Huts and other significant and relatively untouched artefacts from the heroic age'. While the majority is concentrated in the westernmost valley and its immediate surrounds, the historical boundaries of the Main Base extend further. Artefacts and other evidence of occupation, such as food caches, extend across the entire Cape, forming a rich resource of material available for research and interpretation, and potentially yielding scientific data and information about aspects of expeditioner life not included in official written accounts.

Aesthetic values

This ASMA is designated to preserve not only the artefacts remaining in situ but also the cultural landscape of Cape Denison in which Mawson and his men lived and worked. Cape Denison is characterised by its almost incessant blizzard conditions, which severely limit access to the region and activities at the site. System and katabatic winds pour down the plateau and funnel through the Cape's valleys; blasting the hut with gusts that in May 1912 reached 322 km/h. (The average wind speed for the month was 98 km/h). Cape Denison is the windiest place in Antarctica, and also the windiest place on Earth at sea level.

Educational values

Cape Denison's wildlife and undisturbed artefacts, framed against the dramatic backdrop of the Antarctic Plateau, represent significant educational values. The Area's isolation and extreme weather provide visitors with a unique insight into the conditions endured by heroic age' researchers and explorers, and a chance to form a deeper appreciation of their achievements.

Environmental values

The paucity of relatively ice-free areas in the immediate region means that Cape Denison represents an important assemblage of life forms. The closest ice-free areas of equal or greater size to Cape Denison are approximately 20 km to the east of Cape Denison, and approximately 60 km to the west respectively. A haul-out site for Weddell, leopard and elephant seals, the Cape is also an important breeding area for Adélie penguins, Wilson's storm-petrels, snow petrels and south polar skuas.

Flora at Cape Denison is represented by 13 lichen species distributed on boulders and other moraines throughout the peninsula. No bryophytes are evident. The lichens' distribution on rocks, which are subject to different patterns of snow ablation, makes them vulnerable to trampling and other interference by visitors, however infrequent visitation may be.

Cape Denison has 13 small lakes. These are associated with glacial action, are a permanent feature, and are frozen for most of the year. Since such lakes are also susceptible to physical, chemical and biological modification within their catchment boundaries, a catchment-based approach to the management of human activities is required.

Scientific values

Mawson, a geologist, planned his expedition in order to examine the theories about continental connection and the processes of glaciation and climate. He also sought to study the South Magnetic Pole and magnetic charting for navigational purposes; to conduct biological studies, including the identification of new species; and to establish a weather station.

2.0 Aims and Objectives

Management of the Area aims to assist in planning and co-ordinating current and future activities in the Area, to avoid possible conflicts, and to improve co-operation between Parties in order to avoid degradation of, or substantial risk to, the values of the Area. Management objectives are:

3.0 Management Activities

The following management activities may be undertaken to protect the values of the Area:

4.0 Period of designation

This ASMA is designated for an indefinite period.

5.0 Description of the Area

5.1 Geographical coordinates, boundary markers and natural features

Cape Denison (67°00'13"S, 67°00'50"S; 142°39'02"E 142°41'28"E) is located in the centre of Commonwealth Bay, a 60 km-wide stretch of coast in George V Land some 3,000 km south of Hobart, Australia. The Cape itself is a rugged, 1.5 km-wide tongue of ice, snow, rock and moraine projecting into Commonwealth Bay from the steeply rising wall of the ice cap of continental Antarctica. On the western side of the Cape is Boat Harbour, a 400m-long indentation in the coast.

The designated ASMA (Map A) extends from Land's End (67°„00'46"S, 142°„39'24"E) in the west, along the coastline to the northern tip of the western shore of Boat Harbour (67°00'24"S, 142°39'28"E), across the mouth of Boat Harbour (in a straight north-easterly diagonal) to the northern tip of Penguin Knob (67°00'17"S, 142°39 31"E) on the eastern shore of Boat Harbour, and then along the coastline in a south-easterly direction down to John O'Groats

(67°00'47"S, 142°41'27"E). The southern boundary extends in a straight line from Land's End to John O'Groats along latitude 67°00'47"S. With the exception of the boundary across the mouth of Boat Harbour, the northern coastal boundary extends to that land above the lowest tide.

Natural features: Topography and geomorphology

The topography of Cape Denison is defined by a series of four rocky ridges, running south-southeast to north-northwest, and three valleys. The largest, most westerly of these valleys contains the AAE buildings, which are protected within ASPA XXX. The basement of the Cape Denison area consists of partially migmatised, massive felsic orthogneiss intruded about 2350 million years ago (Ma) into an older metamorphosed sequence. Above the basement the area features a lower zone of relatively polished rock and a higher zone of relatively unpolished rock; the former being especially prominent below 12 metres above sea level and indicative of more recent uplift and exposure than the upper zone. An upper and lower moraine are apparent, with the upper moraine, closer to the edge of plateau, containing a diversity of angular boulders. The lower moraine is dominated by local rocks sorted into bands, perhaps the result of an ice push' from the sea rather than being genuine glacial moraine.

Water bodies

The glacial lakes are generally oriented parallel to the foliation of the basement rocks. At the height of summer Cape Denison also features numerous melt streams which flow into Commonwealth Bay.

Biological features

Cape Denison is a site for breeding Adélie penguins, Wilson's storm-petrels, snow petrels and the south polar skua. Other species sighted include the Cape petrel, Antarctic petrel, southern giant petrel and emperor penguin.

Weddell seals, southern elephant seals and leopard seals have been recorded as hauling out and, in the case of elephant seals, moulting at Cape Denison.

The only flora evident at Cape Denison is lichens.

5.2 Access to the Area

Sea, land and air access to Cape Denison is difficult due to the rugged topography and climate of the area. Sea ice extent and uncharted bathymetry may constrain ship access to approximately 3nm from the coastline. Access is then gained either by small watercraft or by helicopter, although attempts to land are frequently hampered by heavy seas and prevailing north-westerly or katabatic winds. Boat landings may be made at Boat Harbour and due north of Sørensen Hut. The helicopter landing site and approach and departure flight paths are indicated on Map C.
There are no roads or other transport infrastructure on shore. Land vehicles should only be used in accordance with the Code of Conduct (see Section 8.0).

Pedestrian access within the Area is unrestricted except in places where AAE buildings, artefacts, or bird or lichen colonies are present, and should be conducted in accordance with the Code of Conduct (see Section 8.0).

5.3 Location of structures and other anthropogenic objects within and near to the Area

Cape Denison is notable for being the location of four historic buildings and a Memorial Cross constructed by the AAE of 1911-1914. The buildings and their immediate environs are protected by ASPA 162.

Within the ASMA there are several AAE structures, including survey markers and the mast on top of Anemometer Hill, about 150 m east of Mawson's Main Hut. On 5 January 1931 members of the BANZARE party (including Douglas Mawson) visited Cape Denison to claim formal possession of George V Land on behalf of Great Britain, and used the mast to support the proclamation flag and canister containing the proclamation itself. A small timber plaque and proclamation are the only formal' artefacts of that visit remaining in situ today.

Cape Denison additionally features six other structures.The automatic weather station (AWS) is located at 67°00'33"S; 142°39'51"E on a rise near Round Lake and approximately 150 m southeast of Mawson's Main Hut.

Sørensen Hut is located about 400m east of Mawson's Main Hut at 67°„00'29"S; 142°„40'12"E. It was constructed by the Australian national program in 1986 to provide temporary shelter for parties conducting conservation works and contains some provisions and field equipment.
Granholm Hut is situated at 67°„00'29"S; 142°„39'26"E, some 160 m northwest of Mawson's Main Hut. It was constructed in 1978 to provide a temporary shelter and workshop for parties working on Mawson's Huts.

To the east of Granholm Hut is a stack of Oregon and Baltic pine timbers for use in conservation work on the Main Hut. This stack is secured with galvanised cables attached to rock bolts. A similar timber stack is located on rocks some 100 m southeast of the Main Hut and 10 m east of the designated helicopter landing site.

The HSM marker adjacent to the Main Hut will be replaced by appropriate signage to indicate that the whole of Cape Denison has been designated as a Historic Site.

Objects left by Mawson's expedition are scattered throughout the Area, and appear from year to year depending on snow cover.

5.4 Location of other protected areas in or near to the Area

ASPA XXX , encompassing the four AAE huts, is located within the Cape Denison ASMA, and exists to protect their historic and social values.
The Cape Denison ASMA is to be simultaneously listed as Historic Site No. XXX under the Antarctic Treaty.
There are no other ASPAs or ASMAs within 50 km of Cape Denison.

6.0 Zones within the Area

All activities within the Area are to comply with the provisions of the Madrid Protocol and the Code of Conduct contained in this management plan (see Section 8.0). In addition to these general guidelines, three zones are defined in which restrictions on certain activities are deemed necessary in order to meet the management objectives for the Area.

6.1 ASPA 162

ASPA X162 (Mawson's Huts) is located within the ASMA. This ASPA encompasses the four Australasian Antarctic Expedition huts in order to protect their historic and social values. Entry to the ASPA and activities within it require a permit and must be carried out in accordance with the ASPA Management Plan.

6.2 Visual Protection Zone

The visual catchment of Mawson's Huts and the Memorial Cross is of particular importance within the Cape Denison cultural landscape. In order to protect the landscape setting and sense of place' of Mawson's Huts, a Visual Protection Zone is defined within the ASMA and no new structures should be built within the Zone.
The Visual Protection Zone (see Maps A) is the area enclosed by the western and eastern ridge lines of the valley containing the historic structures. The boundary extends from the coastline (67°00'24.9"S, 142°39'14.3"E) and runs southeast along the western side of the westernmost ridge to the ice plateau (67°00'46.8"S, 142°39'37.2"E); northeast along the edge of the ice plateau to 67°00'43.9"S, 142°40'5.6"E; north-northwest between Round Lake and Long Lake to 67°00'33.7"S, 142°39'59.8"E; then as far as Magnetograph House (67°00'20.3"S, 142°39'46.6"E); and then northwest along the eastern side of the eastern ridge line to the sea (67 °00' 15.7" S, 142°39' 28.2" E).

6.3 Helicopter Zone

Helicopter operations have the potential to disturb breeding and moulting wildlife. To minimise disturbance to seals and nesting birds at Cape Denison during the summer months, helicopters should only land at the site indicated on Map C and approach and depart in accordance with the flight paths indicated on the map. Departure paths have been selected to avoid wildlife concentrations as much as possible. Use of a single-engined helicopter is preferable; however twin-engined helicopters may be used with due regard for the potentially greater disturbance to wildlife. The presence of seals and the breeding cycle of birds nesting in the Area are charted at Appendices Bi and Bii; twin-engine helicopter operations should be avoided during weeks that birds are hatching eggs or raising chicks (late October to early March).

7.0 Maps of the Area

Map A: Cape Denison Management Zones. This map shows the boundaries of the ASMA, the Historic Site, the Visual Protection Zone, ASPA No. 162, and significant topographic features of the Area. The inset map indicates the location in relation to the Antarctic continent.

Map B: Cape Denison Visual Protection Zone (not reproduced here).

Map C: Cape Denison Flight Paths and Bird Colonies (not reproduced here).

8.0 Code of Conduct

The actions of individuals contribute significantly to protecting the Antarctic environment. This Code of Conduct is intended to provide general guidelines to help minimise environmental impacts at Cape Denison, but it cannot be expected to cover every situation. All visitors, including national program personnel and tourists, should consider their responsibilities and seek to minimise their impact on all aspects of the environment and most particularly the values described.

8.1 Access to and movement within or over the Area
8.2 Activities which are or may be conducted within the Area
8.3 The installation, modification, or removal of structures

To preserve the historic, archaeological, social, aesthetic and environmental values of the ASMA, no new structures should be constructed, nor additional scientific equipment installed in the Area, except for the conservation, research or maintenance activities specified in Section 3.0 above.

All equipment and infrastructure left in the Area should be periodically reviewed for maintenance and potential removal.

8.4 The location of field camps

Existing non-historic infrastructure should be used by Parties undertaking activities in accordance with this management plan, in preference to establishing new infrastructure.

Tents should be pitched on the wooden platform adjacent to Sørensen Hut. Use of the huts and any supplies should be reported to the Australian national program as soon as practicable to ensure the safety of other people who may be reliant upon known stores.

8.5 The taking of or harmful interference with native flora and fauna

Approach distances to wildlife should be consistent with those agreed within the Committee for Environmental Protection. Until guidelines are adopted by the Committee, Table 1 below provides guidance.

Visitors should not wash, swim or dive in the lakes. These activities could contaminate the water body and disturb the water column, microbial communities, and sediments.

Table 1: Minimum distances to maintain when approaching wildlife on foot

Species Phase of life On foot (m)
Snow petrels Nesting 15
Wilson's storm-petrels Nesting 15
South polar skuas Nesting 15
Adélie penguins Summer: on ice or
away from colony		 5
  Summer: breeding
birds in colonies 		15
Breeding Weddell
seals and pups
(includes weaners)		 All times 15
Mature seals on their
own (all species)		 All times 5


8.6 The collection or removal of anything not brought into the Area by the visitor

Cape Denison is listed as a Historic Site under the Antarctic Treaty. In accordance with Annex V, Article 8 (4) of the Protocol, no historic structure or other artefact at Cape Denison should be damaged, destroyed or removed, unless removal of an artefact is essential for conservation purposes. Any artefacts may only be removed by authorised and appropriately trained personnel. The repatriation of the artefact to the location at Cape Denison from which it was removed is generally preferable unless further damage or deterioration may result from repatriation.
If an artefact is to be removed, the Australian national program should be informed so that documentation regarding that program's archaeological research at Cape Denison may be amended accordingly.

8.7 The disposal of waste

All wastes, including human wastes, should be removed from the Area .

Refuelling of vehicles, generators and other essential equipment should be conducted with due care for the surrounding environment. Refuelling activities should not be conducted in the catchment areas of lakes or melt streams, at the ice edge, or in other sensitive areas.

8.8 Reports to be made to the appropriate authority regarding visits to the Area

To enhance cooperation and the coordination of activities in the Area, to allow for effective site monitoring and management, to facilitate the consideration of cumulative impacts, and to fulfil the aims and objectives of this Management Plan:

National program personnel, tourists and other non-government personnel proposing to visit, land, and/or conduct activities in the Area should inform the Australian national program of their intentions as soon as is practicable.

The details of all field activities should be accurately recorded for transfer to the management database of the Australian national program. See Section 9.0 below.

9.0 Information exchange

Parties with active programs in the Area and non-government operators should exchange information obtained during visits to the Area that may have a bearing on the operation of this Management Plan. For example, the expedition or tour leader should submit to the appropriate authority a report describing the activities undertaken in the Area. Such reports should include, as appropriate, the information identified in the Visit Report form contained in Appendix 4 of Resolution 2 (1998)(CEP 1). Parties should maintain a record of such activities and, in the Annual Exchange of Information, should provide summary descriptions of activities conducted by persons subject to their jurisdiction, which should be in sufficient detail to allow evaluation of the effectiveness of this Management Plan.

Parties should, wherever possible, deposit originals or copies in a publicly accessible archive (eg the Mawson's Huts website at http://www.aad.gov.au/ mawsons_huts ) to maintain a record of visitation or usage of the site, to be used both in any review of this Management Plan and to assist in organising the use of the Area.

10.0 Supporting Documentation

Not reproduced here.

Appendix A

Fauna recorded at Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay
Breeding populations (pairs) of seabirds at Cape Denison
Not reproduced here.

Appendix B

Helicopter operations: Breeding cycles of nesting seabirds at Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay
Not reproduced here.

Appendix Bii

Helicopter operations: Seals at Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay
Not reproduced here.

Appendix C

Flora recorded at Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay
Not reproduced here.