Local Biodiversity Strategy: - Shire of Kalamunda
Local Biodiversity Strategy: - Shire of Kalamunda
Local Biodiversity Strategy: - Shire of Kalamunda
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4.7 Inappropriate Fire Regimes<br />
Inappropriate fire regimes are those<br />
which occur at a frequency unsuitable<br />
for the local environment. Fires<br />
occurring too frequently may limit the<br />
recovery and regeneration <strong>of</strong> flora,<br />
while areas left unburnt for long<br />
periods may limit the reproductive<br />
mechanisms <strong>of</strong> some flora species that<br />
rely on smoke or heat for seed<br />
germination. Inappropriate fire regimes<br />
can alter the structure, density, and<br />
floristic composition <strong>of</strong> natural areas.<br />
Fire can have a devastating effect on natural areas.<br />
Photo by Sandra Hohloch (DEC)<br />
There are impacts on fauna through direct mortality or through a lack <strong>of</strong> refuge<br />
areas, during and in the recovery period, after fires (<strong>Local</strong> Government <strong>Biodiversity</strong><br />
Planning Guidelines for the Perth Metropolitan Region, 2004).<br />
Fire controls within the <strong>Shire</strong> are implemented by <strong>Shire</strong> rangers and DEC. Fire<br />
controls aim to limit the detrimental effect on people, belongings and the<br />
environment. Unfortunately fires are frequently started by arsonists and the impact<br />
<strong>of</strong> this is difficult to control.<br />
4.8 Pathogens<br />
Pathogens (for example, Phytophthora Dieback, Marri Canker) can alter the structure<br />
and floristics <strong>of</strong> natural areas by causing the death <strong>of</strong> endemic vegetation. The<br />
resilience <strong>of</strong> endemic vegetation to pathogen is reduced when impacted upon by<br />
other threats (<strong>Local</strong> Government <strong>Biodiversity</strong> Planning Guidelines for the Perth<br />
Metropolitan Region, 2004). The <strong>Shire</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kalamunda</strong> has undertaken the treatment<br />
Phytophthora Dieback at reserves and is developing a process by which<br />
Phytophthora Dieback treatment kits can be made available to the local community.<br />
4.9 Inapproporiate Land Use<br />
Human use <strong>of</strong> natural areas including<br />
inappropriate access, recreational activities<br />
and firewood collection can have a detrimental<br />
effect on natural areas. Inappropriate or<br />
uncontrolled recreational activities can directly<br />
disturb the vegetation (through damage from<br />
vehicles and motorcycles or the creation <strong>of</strong><br />
walking tracks) that may result in erosion, and<br />
allows the introduction <strong>of</strong> weeds and<br />
pathogens.<br />
Bike jump at Maida Vale Reserve<br />
<strong>Local</strong> <strong>Biodiversity</strong> <strong>Strategy</strong> Page 21
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