Kleinfelder was contracted to prepare the prescribed burn plan and conduct a 30 hectare burn for the Conservation Reserve burn program. The burn program aims to improve ecosystem and habitat values for native and threatened species and manage fuel load to mitigate bushfire impact.

A Habitat for Threatened Species

Because the Reserve has an extreme fuel load and contains important habitat for threatened species, a low intensity prescribed burn technique over a mosaic burn pattern was necessary. In addition, the burn could only be applied during favorable weather and climate conditions.

A Successful Low Intensity burn

When suitable weather conditions were forecast, Kleinfelder quickly mobilised an experienced and qualified team of burn practitioners. A successful low intensity burn was conducted by Kleinfelder to manage a low rate of spread, low heat output, and flame heights to avoid scorching the forest canopy. The mosaic burn reduced fuel loading and provided for ecosystem regeneration and habitat heterogeneity, supporting threatened and native species.

Project Results

Kleinfelder applied a low intensity burn to over 90% of the total burn area within a 10-hour period and reduced fuel loading to low-moderate levels. The mosaic burn pattern technique used provided a strategic bushfire separation within the Reserve, offering protection from potential bushfire events during the hot and dry summer period. The conservation burn initiated a program for fuel management and native species and ecosystem management within the Reserve.

Project Details

Location:
Bulahdelah Swamp Conservation Reserve, New South Wales

Owner:
Mid Coast Council (MCC)