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Bees And Burning - Working Together

When it comes to planning next season's prescribed burning program, the Department of Sustainability and Environment is consulting with a large number of diverse groups and individuals to ensure that the program benefits as many people as possible.

By Department of Sustainability and Environment - 14th July 2005 - Back to News

One of the most important groups and users of public land is the apiarists, or beekeepers. Apiarists view the forest and other public land areas in a very different way to other users and land managers.

When planning prescribed burns for any area that might be used by apiarists, Fire Management Officers must take into account their views, their production plans and the needs of their industry.

They are also a key group of people who have essential local knowledge of the forest and other areas of public land that they use for honey production.

At a recent meeting with the Executive Officers of the Gippsland Apiarists Association, Fire Planning Officer Peter Broome displayed maps of past and planned burns across the region and asked for comments and suggestions from the group.

He encouraged the apiarists to let Fire Management staff know about areas that they would like to see burnt or that they would like to see excluded from burning.

"Discuss these areas with us and they will be put on the maps for next year," Mr Broome said.

"You are the eyes and ears of the bush, the key people who get out there and have the bush knowledge, so it's important that you get involved at an early stage. We need you to let us know what you'd recommend and where."

"This is part of trying to be smarter about burning, involving the community and using the local knowledge that groups like you have."

"We have to try and get it right for everyone and balance your needs and the needs of other forest users with the need to protect communities and to reduce the risk of wildfire. Getting the feedback from you is the best thing we can do."

The apiarists were impressed with the level of involvement with the burning plans that they were being shown.

"This is one step further than the consultation we've had with the Department in the past. It shows that DSE is listening and taking our views seriously," Bill Ringin, Secretary of the Gippsland Apiarists Association said.

The Fire Operations Plans for each Fire District in the region are available at DSE district offices for anyone to view and comment on.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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