Burning and Learning
Napolean Reef Landcare has undertaken a series of ecological burns to improve their patch.
Self sustenance - LP003-002
The issue
Napolean Reef Landcare had experienced some high intensity hazard reduction burns which was leaving their local bushland in a damaged state. The group was finding that after the burns on private and public property, it was taking many years for the landscapes to bounce back, more so then they should. Trees, shrubs and herbs were not returning to the area. They were not satisfied with how the bushland had been previous burnt, and set out to find a better way.
The solution
The group initiated the process of holding some ecological burns in their area. This process involved engaging Bathurst Council, Indigenous Consultants, RFS and environmental consultants to create a framework to carry out some burns which would limit damage to the bush, and allow for it to be burnt to promote ecological health. They carried out investigations and reporting and by 2019 they held their first of four ecological burns. In each burn they have carried out vegetation surveys before and after the burn to collect data on the impact of the burns. There have been 3 burns out of 4 so far, with each burn informing how the next can be carried out. The most recent burn was in May 2024.
The impact
The burns have been highly praised for their efficiency and organised coordination. The post-burn landscapes has low weed uptake and high amounts of native regeneration. The understory of the vegetation has a good diversity of endemic species. Additionally, there is proof of alot of native animal habitation, such as wombats.
The group has been reporting on their findings, so that they can be used to inform future burns and to be a precedent for other ecological burns in the area.
Learnings
Napolean Reef Landcares ecological burns have provided strong evidence that these types of burns are more effective then traditional hazard reduction burns. The group and contractors prepared the sites for the burns by removing leaf litter from the base of native trees to insure that the burns do not damage the them. The low intensity of the burns have shown that by taking care there are effective ways to burn the landscapes which promote healthy ecosystems, and allow for regeneration of native species to happen shortly after a burn.
Key facts
- Precident ecoligical burns have been carried out by Napolean Reef Landcare.
- The burns have been effectively coordinated between many groups and have resulted in a thriving landscape.
- Ecolocial burns have proven effective in the Central Tablelands.