Ocean Grove Nature Reserve prepares for bushfire season

FUEL management measures will be completed at Ocean Grove Nature Reserve over the next month by Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) in preparation for this year’s bushfire season.

Non-burn treatments, including slashing and mulching, will be used throughout the reserve to complement the region’s planned burning schedule and are part of a joint fuel management program developed in conjunction with the Country Fire Authority (CFA).

Works will be carried out through December and January and visitors are advised to expect temporary closures in the reserve and to keep an eye out for signage and to follow any advice.

FFMVic district manager, David Roberts said it was a “substantial” fire preparation program that was underway.

“We work with Friends of the Ocean Grove Nature Reserve, Parks Victoria and the local CFA brigade year-round to manage and reduce fuel loads,” he said.

“This is important fuel management work to reduce the risk of bushfire close to the Ocean Grove township.

“Mulching of dense vegetation has proven to be the most effective way to reduce fuels across the reserve.”

The approach is intended to both protect the larger trees in the reserve which are home to a variety of birds, mammals and other critters that are important for the ecosystem and allow for the targeting of specific plant species during the fuel management process.

Mr Roberts said the non-burn fuel management measures being used by FFMVic had also contributed to the ecological health of the nature reserve.

Guided by the environmental values of Friends of the Ocean Grove Nature Reserve, broad-scale mulching first commenced in 2018 with the objective of restoring the reserve’s open grassy woodland.

By helping to manage over-crowding and competition, these measures have led to the recording of several plant species, including the endangered Bellarine yellow gum, within the reserve for the first time in many years.

The Bellarine yellow gum is the only local eucalyptus species to flower through April and May, making it a vital food source for nectar-feeding birds and insects.

It provides an important habitat for many of the region’s beloved wildlife including the critically endangered swift parrot.

To learn more about the joint fuel management program, head to ffm.vic.gov.au.

For information about preparing your own property for the coming bushfire season, head to cfa.vic.gov.au.