Strategic Fuelbreaks e-Update No.7 August 2008
18 August 2008
Contents
The topics covered in this update are:
Planning
Construction operations
Protecting values
Community information
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Planning
The completion date for the Voluntary Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs) for the Thomson and Yarra areas of the Strategic Fuelbreaks project (2008/2009 to 2009/2010) is the 30th October 2008.
The field assessment components of are now complete and a draft CHMP is expected soon.
A 2nd EPBC referral has been drafted for the rehabilitation of fire breaks constructed during the 06/07 fire season that are going to be retained as permanent Strategic Fuelbreaks. This is to bring them in line with current design standards.
As part of this process, Rehabilitation Management Plans (RMPs) and Fuelbreak Maintenance Guideline (FMGs) are drafted to locate values, apply prescriptions, manage the rehabilitation requirements for work units constructed during the 06/07 period and manage ongoing maintenance for the catchment strategic fuelbreak network.
Construction and Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs) for the planned construction areas for 2008/2009 are being drafted. Maps of significant values will be used to locate the application of prescriptions to mitigate impacts on known listed species. The location of threatened species habitat on or near the route of the strategic fuelbreaks has been mapped using the latest data sets available, in particular the Leadbeaters Possum reserve system data, which was finalised in June 2008, has been the data set used throughout the entire project.
Native Vegetation Loss + Offsets
Where native vegetation loss has been unavoidable in constructing the strategic catchment fuelbreaks an ‘estimate’ of loss was assessed by Ecology Australia as part of the values assessment conducted in winter 2007.
The ‘actual’ loss of vegetation will be calculated when construction is completed, to confirm the ‘actual’ offsets required. Calculating ‘actual’ loss and offsets will be based on a measure of the quantity of vegetation removed during construction, its quality and conservation significance (level of protection), and regeneration resulting from rehabilitation works.
Whilst ‘actual’ loss is yet to be assessed, DSE will proceed with securing offsets based on the ‘estimate’ of loss. The Department of Sustainability and Environment is working on a range of offset options to satisfy the requirements of meeting a net gain in native vegetation. Any over provision of offsets, calculated by the ‘actual’ assessments, will be credited towards future strategic fuelbreak construction.
Construction operations – works in progress
Operations Supervisors are currently marking the alignment of 08/09 strategic fuel breaks that includes the location of wildlife corridors for Smokey Mouse and Spot Tailed Quoll as well as assisting in the field assessment component of the Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs). Assessment of Leadbeaters Possum habitat for location of wildlife corridors is being determined in consultation with DSE ecologists.
The plan is to commence construction of the 08/09 fuel breaks in November 2008. Machinery contracts are being developed for next years works. Planning for timber utilisation and location of firewood dumps for 08/09
Protecting Values
DSE Principal Policy Officer (Fire Ecologist) and the statewide Strategic Fuelbreaks Project Officer are developing the biodiversity and native vegetation monitoring framework and plan for the strategic fuelbreaks projects. The most pressing of which is the catchment fuelbreaks project.
A monitoring framework for strategic fuelbreaks is being developed by the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research. The monitoring framework will describe when, why and how we monitor key threatened species in response to strategic fuelbreak construction as well as how to monitor the change in native vegetation quality at key sites along the strategic fuelbreak network.
Ecological monitoring of Smokey Mouse populations in the Central Highlands is planned for September 2008 to February 2009 and will include sites on Melbourne Water Catchment strategic fuelbreaks. A monitoring program for other key species, such as Leadbeaters Possum is in discussions.
In the interim, the location of wildlife corridors for Smokey Mouse, Spot Tailed Quoll and Leadbeaters Possum, based on mapped reserve areas, are being developed and marked within the 08/09 strategic fuel breaks.
Community information
Area briefings for DSE (fire, public land and biodiversity staff), Parks Victoria, VicForests, Melbourne Water and Country Fire Authority are planned for September 2008.
Invitations to present at Local Government meetings is being sought.
Liaison with the Mt Gregory Reference Area Committee to discuss the proximity of the strategic fuelbreak to the Mt Gregory Reference Area.
A strategic fuel breaks Information Pack is available upon request from the project team.
Construction and Environment Management Plans (CEMP) are available upon request from the project team.
Interpretative signage is being developed for the constructed fuel breaks along with signage aimed at reducing the occurrences of off road vehicle use along the breaks.
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