Saving the Cumberland Plain Woodland with fire
Saving the Cumberland Plain Woodland with fire
A partnership with Greater Sydney Landcare Network and the National Parks & Wildlife Service successfully gained $350,000 for fire management on western Sydney’s Critically Endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland.
Stronger Together -
LLCI012-017
The issue
Western Sydney’s bushland, also the very rare Cumberland Plain Woodland, is suffering from many urban-related impacts. The absence of regular low intensity fires that maintain a grassy woodland structure is one of these impacts. Such a management tool is often forgotten about with so many other management pressures, and is required by the Australian bush for soil born seed to propagate.
The solution
NPWS, in collaboration with GSLN submitted a grant application for a Save Our Species grant. This grant was to carry out ecological burns, cultural burns and habitat management activities. Seven sites across western Sydney were chosen, including four NPWS sites, two local council sites and one private site belonging to Conservation Volunteers Australia. Initial administrative documents have been prepared for the Program, and a landholders meeting carried out in preparation for planning the 7 year Program.
The impact
Operations have not yet begun, but will have a great impact on the Cumberland Plain Woodland (CPW), with the planned burns, vegetation thinning, log placement and hollow installation. Direct engagement with neighbours to the sites will be also carried out as part of this Program, as will general awareness raising on the CPW with educational resources to be produced.
NPWS will be the lead fire management mentor organisation for this Program, and are required to include and educate land managers from the Councils and private property.
The grant will also employ a Landcare Project Officer for approximately one day per week for four years.
Learnings
Still yet to start the Program in its entirety, but learnings so far include a partnership with Landcare and NPWS, that is effective in receiving grant funding. Landcare was able to act as an administrator and work with NPWS, in what they do best ie. fire management.
Key facts
- The CPW in western Sydney is only just holding on at an estimated 6% remaining of what its initial extent was prior to European settlement.