Restoration using prescribed burning and weed management

Our goal (DEWNR) is to ensure that the vegetation condition does not deteriorate and fuels don’t increase due to woody weeds.

But we are also achieving restoration gains.

Distribution and cover of gorse (Ulex europaeus) in 2011 – Pre burn

Distribution and cover of gorse 2015 – 4 years post burn

Key learning – Important to be able to track the progress of individual burns over time.

Key learning – pre burn control increases efficiency and improves restoration outcomes.

Brush cut and burnt English broom (Cytisus scoparius)

Cut and swabbed Rhamnus alaternus

Erica arborea (tree heath) control

Pre burn control;•Ensures biomass burns – by increasing available fuel•Promotes Erica germination pre burn – then burn kills juveniles•Ensures adults don’t flower and seed on burnt ground (also creates uniform age class for follow up)•Promotes native germination•Makes follow up work easier

Pre control Post control – pre burn

Post burn

Callystachys lanceolata (wonnich) in perched swamp

Identified as a restoration burn for threatened plants being out competed by Callystachys.

Surrounding vegetation burnt under mild conditions during spring. Swamp burnt the following Autumn at higher intensity to consume Callystachys and stimulate germination.

Followed up before seed set.

Thank you

04/18/23