Fawcett, Maisie (1902–1988)

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Fawcett, Maisie (1902–1988)

Australian botanist. Name variations: Stella Grace Maisie Fawcett. Born in Footscray, Melbourne, Australia, 1902; died 1988; m. Denis Carr (professor), 1950s.

Her research at the Bogong High Plains to examine the effects of grazing animals on plant life (beginning Sept 1941) demonstrated that overgrazing led to soil erosion in both the lower and higher pastures; her recommendations—restrictions on the number of cattle permitted to graze on the land, and the banning of sheep (which did greater damage than cattle to plant life)—helped soil conditions to improve; became a permanent senior lecturer at the University of Melbourne (1952) and visiting fellow at the Australian National University.