Released 22/11/2016
Fuel reduction and habitat restoration works currently underway in the Lower Cotter Catchment and Blue Range will have multiple benefits says Director, ACT Parks and Conservation, Daniel Iglesias.
The 2003 fires that swept into Canberra destroyed all the Pinus radiata plantations in the Lower Cotter Catchment. In the years since that fire, significant work has been undertaken by the land manager to restore the landscape. Several steep and inaccessible areas with thick pine regeneration are now finally being treated in a range of ways with the aim to reduce the fire hazard into the future.
“After consideration we decided on several options that could be used for the removal of regenerated pines on these steep areas,” Mr Iglesias said.
“The pine removal will be done using a variety of methods identified through conducting a 21 hectare trial.
“The methods that have proved to be the most successful are a combination of removal with a bulldozer on the gradual slopes and removal using an excavator with a mulching head on steeper slopes and ecologically sensitive areas,” Mr Iglesias said.
Areas that are unsafe for mechanical removal will be accessed and cleared by hand felling.
During the trial, which took place during one of the region’s wettest periods, the methods were thoroughly tested for impact on water quality and no significant erosion or sedimentation occurred from any of the removal techniques.
“It is also significant that the methods of removal we will be employing will allow the majority of native vegetation to remain intact,” Mr Iglesias said.
“The stocking rate of eucalypts still standing is typical of an open woodland which will provide many benefits including a seed source for future revegetation and provide wildlife habitat,” Mr Iglesias said.
Approximately 69 ha of re-growth pines are scheduled for removal from the Lower Cotter Catchment in 2016-17 with a further 87 ha in 2017-18 and 71 ha in 2018-19.
- Statement ends -
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