Budelah Nature Reserve Fire Management Strategy

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive fire management strategy for Budelah Nature Reserve in New South Wales, Australia, integrating ecological conservation with bushfire risk management. The strategy addresses the complex challenges of managing fire regimes in diverse vegetation communities, including riparian forests, floodplain woodlands, and derived grasslands. Particular emphasis is placed on protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage sites and endangered ecological communities while maintaining operational firefighting capabilities. The framework establishes minimum fire intervals for different vegetation types, ranging from 2 years for derived grasslands to 20 years for riparian forests, with consideration for seasonal variations in fuel loads. The strategy incorporates specific operational guidelines for firefighting activities, including mechanical intervention restrictions in sensitive areas and protocols for aerial operations. Implementation is guided by detailed vegetation mapping and biodiversity thresholds, with prescribed burning availability determined by ephemeral conditions and exotic species management requirements.