Agricultural Fire Management Guidelines - Guide to Rural ...

Section 3 Advice6. Environmental protectionAs part of a fi re management plan, consider how to protectthe property from environmental damage and promoteenvironmental assets, such as native vegetation (seeProtecting the environment, page 14).a. Environmental planningLandowners and managers are encouraged to:• identify environmental assets that require protectionfrom wildfi re or from fi re management works, such asfuel-reduction burning. This may include such areas aswaterways, habitat for native fauna, and revegetationsites;• ensure that fi re management works do not result inlarge areas of bare ground that may cause erosion andencourage the growth of weeds;• remove weeds that have high fuel loads for fi re safetyand environmental benefi ts;• minimise soil disturbance around trees to protect thehealth of trees;• consider protecting trees with hollows that are habitat fornative fauna;• where necessary, rehabilitate areas as soon as possibleafter a fi re or after undertaking fi re management works;• seek approvals and permits where required; and• seek advice on how to improve environmental assets onyour property.b. Native vegetation removalNative vegetation is an important asset on most ruralproperties. Sometimes native vegetation needs to bemanaged or removed for fi re safety reasons.In accordance with legislation, a planning permit isrequired to remove, lop or destroy native vegetation unlessan exemption applies. Contact local councils for moreinformation on these exemptions. Native Vegetation Removal, Section 52.17, Victorian planningschemesc. Ecological burningWhen used in appropriate cycles, fi re is a powerful tool thatcan be used to promote the health of native vegetation. Thisis called ecological burning. Fire and environment information on Department of Sustainabilityand Environment website (www.dse.vic.gov.au)36 On the Land: Agricultural Fire Management Guidelines