While much of the State are planning burns for next spring and autumn, a group of Eastern Maar Guardians (Eastern Maar crew committed to Caring for Country) are working with FFMVic to burn sections of the Carlisle Heath in the Otway Ranges.
Cool burning (or mosaic burning) more often is critical to promote new growth in many Australian native heathland ecosystems, providing both ecological and cultural benefits.
The Eastern Ground Parrot is a culturally significant species for the Eastern Maar. This burning aims to restore the degraded heathlands in the Western Otways by reducing woody species such as Melaleuca and Tea tree and promoting flowering heaths, grasses and sedges which the Eastern Ground Parrot relies on for food and habitat.
The absence of regular fire has inadvertently transitioned the bush from open and diverse, to closed, woody and unsuitable for this culturally significant species.
General Manager Cultural Landscapes Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation John Clarke said, “The biocultural landscape that is the Eastern Maar Territory had been directly influenced with the use of fire for hundreds of generations. The re-emergence of Eastern Maar in this space will significantly enhance local capabilities to address biodiversity decline and response to emergencies including bushfire.”
This is just another way that the Eastern Maar On-Country Guardians are partnering with FFMVic to promote Healthy Country.
Cultural Burn Officers played a vital role, serving as a link between DEECA, CFA and Traditional Owner Groups on matters of self-determination, culturally safe workplaces, relationships, training and navigating processes.
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Page last updated: 13/11/24