Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing Planned Burn Guidelines Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland

DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 1 13/05/13 11:01 AM Prepared by: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Enhanced Fire Management Team, Queensland Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing (NPRSR).

© The State of Queensland Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing 2012. Copyright enquiries should be addressed to or the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing, 41 George Street, Brisbane Qld 4000.

First published May 2013 Published by the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing

National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication Planned Burn Guidelines – Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland First edition Bibliography ISBN 978-1-7423-0922 1. Planned Burn – Guideline 2. Fire Management 3. Bioregion – Queensland

Disclaimer This document has been prepared with all due diligence and care based on the best available information at the time of publication. The department holds no responsibility for any errors or omissions within this document. Any decisions made by other parties based on this document are solely the responsibility of those parties. Information contained in this document is from a number of sources and as such, does not necessarily represent government or departmental policy. All Queensland Government planned burning should be done in accordance with government policies, procedures and protocols.

Acknowledgements The following people made substantial contributions to the intellectual content of these planned burn guidelines based on experience and/or expert knowledge with regard to fire management in the Wet Tropics bioregion. QPWS staff include: Mark Parsons, Neil Parker, Les Jackson, Rob Miller, Brendan Malone, Andrew Hedges, Andy Baker, Andrew Millerd, Geoff Smith, Mark Connell, Mike Ahmet, Ian Holloway, Peter Stanton (Peter Stanton Environmental Consultant Pty Ltd), Dr Paul Williams (Vegetation Management Science Pty Ltd) and Mick Blackman (Friendly Fire Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd). This guideline has been developed and produced by the QPWS Enhanced Fire Management Team: Wayne Kington, David Shevill, Jenise Blaik, Kerensa McCallie, Troy Spinks and Justine Douglas; supported by David Clark, Caroline Grayson, Ellen Thyer and Tim Killen. Following a successful pilot project (QPWS South East Region Planned Burn Guidelines) initiated and developed by QPWS staff: Wayne Kington, David Kington and Mark Burnham. Front cover photograph: Bishop’s Peak, Mark Parsons, QPWS (2010). Bp2007

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DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 2 13/05/13 11:01 AM Foreword With over 590 ecosystems, the Wet Tropics bioregion (refer to Figure 1) is complex and diverse for its relatively small size. Usually recognised for its world heritage rainforest values, the bioregion contains equally significant fire-tolerant and adapted species, communities and landscapes. While the science and practice of managing these ecosystems is complex and poses significant challenges for ecologists and practitioners an underlying concern is that the absence of fire from these systems causes a transition towards a closed forest of indeterminate value with extensive loss of biodiversity values.

These planned burn guidelines aim to provide direction towards understanding the role, ecology and practice of Wet Tropics fire management. Irrespective of the need to balance complex issues, competing viewpoints and priorities, what I hope emerges is an understanding of the importance of fire management to maintain the resilience and complexity of the wet tropics—and to inspire you to use and view fire as a conservation tool to halt further loss or weakening of the integrity of our lowland, highland and wetland fire-adapted communities.

Mark Parsons Conservation Officer Northern Region Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

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DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 3 13/05/13 11:01 AM Table of contents Foreword...... iii Purpose of this guideline...... vi Scope...... vii Fire and climate in the Wet Tropics bioregion...... ix How to use this guideline...... x

Chapter 1: Lowland open forest...... 1 Issue 1: Maintain healthy lowland open forest...... 3 Issue 2: Reduce overabundant saplings and seedlings...... 19 Issue 3: Manage high biomass exotic grasses...... 28 Issue 4: Reduce Lantana camara...... 29

Chapter 2: Open forests of the foothills and ranges...... 30 Issue 1: Maintain healthy open forests of the foothills and ranges...31 Issue 2: Reduce overabundant saplings in the mid-stratum...... 46 Issue 3: Fire management in the coastal hill slopes (including Cairns hill slopes)...... 54 Issue 4: Manage high biomass invasive grasses...... 63 Issue 5: Reduce Lantana camara...... 64

Chapter 3: Tall open forest...... 65 Issue 1: Manage a grassy or shrubby tall open forest...... 67 Issue 2: Manage tall open forests where seedlings / saplings are abundant in the mid-stratum...... 81 Issue 3: Manage tall open forests at an advanced stage of transitioning...... 90 Issue 4: Reduce Lantana camara...... 99

Chapter 4: Grasslands, sedgelands and fernlands...... 100 Issue 1: Maintain wetland grasslands...... 102 Issue 2: Maintain wetland sedgelands and fernlands...... 113 Issue 3: Maintain upland grasslands, sedgelands and fernlands. 125 Issue 4: Reduce overabundant seedlings/saplings...... 133 Issue 5: Manage high-biomass invasive grasses...... 142 Issue 6: Maintain grasslands of the coastal slopes...... 143

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DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 4 13/05/13 11:01 AM Issue 7: Limit fire encroachment into non-target communities...... 150 Issue 8: Exclude fire from sedgeland of volcanic lakes...... 151

Chapter 5: Montane communities...... 152 Issue 1: Maintain montane communities using fire...... 153

Chapter 6: Fire-sheltered shrubland...... 163

Chapter 7: Melaleuca communities...... 164 Issue 1: Maintain healthy melaleuca communities...... 165 Issue 2: Avoid peat fires...... 181 Issue 3: Manage high biomass grasses...... 182

Chapter 8: Riparian, fringing and dune communities...... 183 Issue 1: Limit fire encroachment into riparian, fringing and dune communities...... 184 Issue 2: Reduce Lantana camara...... 187

Chapter 9: Rainforest...... 188 Issue 1: Limit fire encroachment into rainforest...... 190

Chapter 10: Mangroves and saltmarsh...... 192 Issue 1: Limit fire encroachment into saltmarsh...... 193

Chapter 11: Common issues...... 195 Issue 1: Hazard reduction (fuel management) burns...... 196 Issue 2: Planned burning near sensitive cultural heritage sites.....205 Issue 3: Manage high-biomass invasive grasses...... 214 Issue 4: Reduce Lantana camara...... 227 Issue 5: Reduce Siam and sicklepod weed infestations...... 235 Issue 6: Avoid peat fires...... 243 Issue 7: Limit fire encroachment into non-target fire vegetation group...... 249 Issue 8: Assess regrowth areas with regard to fire management...259 Issue 9: Post-cyclone planned burning...... 260 Glossary of fire terminology...... 275 References...... 283 Appendix 1: List of regional ecosystems...... 287 Appendix 2: Mosaic burning...... 298

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DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 5 13/05/13 11:01 AM Bioregional planned Purpose of this guideline burn guideline This guideline was developed as part of the (and other parameters) Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing’s (NPRSR) Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Fire Management System to support the formation of fire strategies, burn proposals and Park-based fire on-ground planned burn implementation (supported management strategy by the Planned Burn Guidelines: How to Assess if Your Burn is Ready to Go). They assist rangers and other land managers to:

• protect life and property Planned burn • maintain healthy ecosystems program/burn proposal • promote awareness of fire management issues in the field • identify clear fire management objectives to address those issues; and how to assess objectives to assist in adaptive management Planned burn • identify suitable fire behaviour, burn tactics and implementation weather conditions to achieve objectives • provide information and tools to assist in How the planned implementing planned burns. burn guideline fits Please note that this planned burn guideline uses ‘fire into the QPWS Fire vegetation groups’ provided in ParkInfo that assist Management System. their integration into maps and fire strategies. A fire vegetation group is a group of related ecosystems that share common fire management requirements.

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DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 6 13/05/13 11:01 AM Scope • This guideline applies to the Wet Tropics bioregion (refer to Figure 1) and covers the following fire vegetation groups: lowland open forests; open forests of the foothills and ranges; tall open forests; grasslands, sedgelands and fern-lands; montane communities; fire-sheltered shrublands; melaleuca communities; riparian/fringing/dune communities; rainforests; and mangroves and saltmarshes (refer to Appendix 1 for regional ecosystems contained in each fire vegetation group). • It covers the most common fire management issues arising in the Wet Tropics. In some cases, there will be a need to include issues in fire strategies or burn proposals beyond the scope of this guideline (e.g. highly specific species management issues). • This guideline recognises and respects Traditional Owner traditional ecological knowledge and the importance of collaborative fire management. Consultation and involvement should be sought from local Traditional Owners in the preparation and implementation of planned burns and specific guidelines incorporated into fire strategies where relevant. • Development of the guideline has been by literature review and a knowledge- capturing exercise, using both scientific and practical sources. It will be reviewed as new information becomes available.

Sylvia Millington, QPWS, Mt Coom (2010).

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DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 7 13/05/13 11:01 AM Figure 1: Map of the Wet Tropics bioregion of Queensland.

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DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 8 13/05/13 11:02 AM Fire and climate in the Wet Tropics bioregion Depending on local climatic conditions there can be up to four seasons in the Wet Tropics bioregion (this will vary from moister to drier climatic areas): The early burn period following seasonal heavy rain—fire self-extinguishes overnight and will not burn through areas that were burnt the year before. The secondary burn season—fires will burn through the night and will extinguish within areas that were burnt the year before. Falling leaf season— a blanket of leaves often crosses natural water features during the dry season and fires will generally not go out (fires in dry conditions will often favour woody species over grasses). Storm burning—from December through to January (where climatic conditions allow) is a useful way to achieve intense, wind-supported fire where rain can be reliably expected to follow providing good conditions for regeneration.

Fire risk is linked to the occurrence of fire weather days or sequences of days (FDR very high+ / FDI 25+). In the Wet Tropics bioregion these days have an average temperature above 30˚C, low humidity (less than 50 per cent) and sustained winds of more than 35 km/hr (refer to Figure 2).

Carins Fire Danger Index (1972-2010) FFDI 25+ (VH+) GFDI 25+ (VH+) 1.0

0.9 0.8

0.7

0.6

0.5 0.4

0.3

Average days per month 0.2 0.1

0.0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July AugSeptOct NovDec Month Figure 2: Fire weather risk in the Wet Tropics bioregion.

A fire weather day or sequence of days (FDI 25+) rarely occurs but is most likely at the end of the mid dry into the late dry season (approximately August to October). Data (Lucas 2010).

Further information can be found in the QPWS Planned Burn Guidelines: How to Assess if Your Burn is Ready to Go and on the Bureau of Meteorology website at .

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DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 9 13/05/13 11:02 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 10

x Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: How to use this guideline 1. this simple exercise: you go about your work. To assist you inobserving theenvironment, undertake this guidelinesoit becomes partof your observation of theenvironment as that you manage (andthesurrounding landscape). Familiarise yourself with Step 2:Observethecountry. It is essential to regularly observethecountry 1999 andotherlegislative requirements). Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act issues are considered (e.g. zoning plan, threatened species, fire histories, strategy before completing your planned burn proposal to ensure all ecological the majority of issues in your area, it is essential you also review your fire and supports your local fire strategy. While theguidelineshould address Step 1:Know your local fire strategy. This planned burn guidelineworks with How to use this guideline 3. 2.

observe where relevant: and grasses but not yet inthecanopy) observethefollowing: following: a) d) c) b) a) b) a) c) b) For fire vegetation groups with a For fire vegetation groups with a If a

understorey? by oneorafew juvenile tree species? Are weeds dominating the shrubs? shrubs, ferns orsedges? and vigorous? Are there well-formed grass clumps? bark? rainforest species)? How openordense is themid-layer? Are there any dead trees? Is tree branch foliage dying? Is there epicormic regrowth onbranches? Does theground-layer have adiversity of species oris it dominated Are shrubs looking healthy and vigorous? Are there dying crowns onthe Is there abuild-up of dead anddecaying matter associated with grasses, The presence of grasses andgrass clumps. Dothe grasses look healthy Is there evidence of fire? What is theprevalence andheight of blackened What are themid-layer trees (young canopy trees, wattles, casuarinas or Are there rainforest, scrub orriparian ecosystems nearby? Are there habitat trees (e.g. trees with hollows)? canopy is present (e.g. for openforests andwoodlands) observethe ground-layer of grasses, sedges orshrubs, mid-layer (trees above theheight of shrubs 13/05/13 11:02 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 11 estate. Instructions can beobtained from the QPWS Fire Management System. as partof astructured photo-monitoring process at various locations within the shortfalls in your fire strategy, consider reviewing it. Step 9 can beimplemented or difficult to understand please seek advice. further If this process identifies to keep observing theland. If theresults of fire management are unexpected (such as weed control) are not resolved with asingle burn andit is important years aftertheoriginal burn—once again applying this guideline.Many issues area starting from Step 1).Return to theburn area afterone year andthenafew Step 9:Review your fire management issue (re-apply this guideline to the burn your fire report. objectives. This guidelineprovides information onhow to reporttheresults in in your burn proposal). This will indicate if you have achieved your planned burn undertake thepost-fire assessment recommended by this guideline(as defined Step 8:Review themeasurable objectives in your burn proposal. Afterafire, proposal objectives. this guidelinewill enable you to predict fire behaviour andachieve your burn How to Assess if Your Burn is Ready to Go. Becoming familiar with thetools in Step 7:Is your burn ready to go? Refer to theQPWS Planned Burn Guidelines: have to adjust thewording. guideline andpaste them(ctrl+v)into theburn proposal. Note that you may into your burn proposals. Copy (ctrl+c)statements from aPDF version of this tactics andweather conditions sections of each chapter can becopied directly Step 6: Write aburn proposal. The management ranger orequivalent. If you findit difficult toidentify your objectives, contact your natural resource Do you needto develop objectives not already included inthese guidelines? the land. Do you needto adjust theobjectives sothey apply to your situation? objectives in your fire strategy). Choose oneormore objectives whilst observing measurable objectives to include in your burn proposals (beguidedalso by the Step 5:Choose measurable objectives. Each chapter of this guidelineprovides intended to guidebothland managers andapproval bodies. based onastandard QPWS planned burn proposal prioritisation framework for determining fire management priorities. The statements about priorities are Step 4:Consider your fire management priorities. Each chapter offers guidance proposal. more than oneissue—do not necessarily limit yourself to oneissue perburn apply to thearea you are observing. It is common for burn proposals to address Step 3:Read therelevant chapters of this guidelineanddecide which issues measurable objectives, fire behaviour, 13/05/13 11:02 AM xi Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: How to use this guideline DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 1

1 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest harvesting andsmoke impacts onurban settlements. including themahogany glider. Planning fires needs to take account of cane shading impacts onunderstorey diversity anddegrades habitat for fauna other shrubs. Absence of fire can lead to overabundant saplings that create herbaceous plants, lilies, sedges, pandanus andinsomeareas grasstrees and Where fire is common, the understorey is usually dominated by tall grasses, Fire management issues gum, provide critical habitat for theendangered mahogany glider(QPWS 2001). altitude), typically with acanopy of swamp mahogany, poplar gumandblue (Queensland Herbarium 2011a). Tall opencoastal communities (<120metres endangered of status orof concern dueto extensive clearing of lowland areas trees and/orrainforest pioneers. Most of these ecosystems have abiodiversity and severity of fire, the understorey may contain grasses, shrubs andsmall wet tropics bioregion, upto 200metres inaltitude. Depending onthefrequency woodland communities (from 12–30metres inheight)thelowlands of the This fire vegetation group contains a range of open eucalypt forest and Chapter 1:Lowland openforest 4. 3. 2. 1. Issues: Forest Reserve,65ha; Cedar Bay National Park, 63ha. Goold Island National Park, 84ha; Gadgarra Forest Reserve,81 ha; Koombooloomba Reserve, 119ha; Macalister Range National Park, 115ha; DjiruNational Park, 108ha; 125 ha; Mount Lewis National Park, 124ha; Annan River (Yuku Baja-Muliku) Resources Baja-Muliku) National Park, 133ha; JapoonNational Park, 129ha; Trinity Forest Reserve, Family Islands National Park, 147ha; Basilisk Forest Reserve,136ha; Annan River (Yuku USL Lands, 182 ha; Russell River National Park, 172ha; DindenNational Park, 154ha; Grey Peaks National Park, 219ha; Murray Upper State Forest, 195ha; Goldsborough Valley Park, 282ha; Ella Bay National Park, 244ha; Malbon Thompson Forest Reserve,240ha; Kuranda State Forest, 333 ha; Wooroonooran National Park, 312ha; Maria Creek National Forest, 480ha; Hull River National Park, 449ha; Mount Mackay National Park, 341ha; 1 042ha; Kuranda National Park, 941ha; Cardwell State Forest, 819ha; Abergowrie State Gorge National Park, 1496ha; Clemant State Forest, 1333ha; Mowbray National Park, 2 530ha; Monkhouse Timber Reserve,2264ha; Daintree National Park, 1650ha; Tully National Park, 5709ha; Girramay National Park, 5680ha; Paluma Range National Park, Examples of this Girringun FVG: National Park, 9488ha; Hinchinbrook Island Appendix 1for list. Extent within bioregion: 65354hectares (ha), 3percent;Regional ecosystems: Refer to

Reduce Manage highbiomass exotic grasses. Reduce overabundant saplings andseedlings. Maintain healthy lowland openforest. Lantana camara. 13/05/13 11:02 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 2 the survival of this species. management is critical to Appropriate fire fire (QPWS 2007). structure intheabsence of transitioning to a closed threatened by open forest and food sources are ability to glide,denhollows arboreal mammals. Its which is oneof Australia’s glider Petaurus gracilis, home to themahogany Lowland openforest is Jourama Falls (2001). Mark Parsons, QPWS, 13/05/13 11:02 AM

2 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 3 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest 3 Issue 1: Maintain healthy lowland open forest • • • • Indicators of healthy lowland openforests: Awareness of theenvironment Maintain lowland forests andwoodlands with mosaic burning. Issue 1:Maintain healthy lowland openforest

(e.g. Acacia crassicarpa andAcacia flavescens). Albizia procera (bothmahogany gliderfood trees) andshe-oaks orwattles Isolated orscattered distribution of cocky apple Planchonia careyaand Siris open structure inthemidstratum. mahogany andbloodwood (essential for mahogany glidernesting) andan Presence of mature hollow-bearing live trees, typically poplar gum,swamp and shrubs orinhibit themovement of themahogany glider. sufficient density to reduce the vigour andhealth of lower stratum grasses 25–40 metres away, where rainforest pioneers may bepresent but not in Pockets of rainforest occur mainly along creeks andgullies, but thinning in theunderstorey; andahealthy canopy. canopy), wattle, xanthorrhoea, pandanus, casuarinas orothersmall trees and sedges; with afew canopy species (enoughto eventually replace the Lowland openforests have aground layer of tall grasses, legumes, lilies Girringun National Park (2010). Wayne Kington,QPWS, Yarrabah dominant near creeks. is grass blady and present Lomandra spp. are often legumes. Dianella spp. and layer of grasses, sedges and the left,diverse ground Note intheenlargement to Healthy lowland openforest. 13/05/13 11:02 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 4 Mark Parsons, QPWS, Little Stony Creek (2010). boundary between the rainforest pocket and sclerophyll area. lines andgullies but should thinout within 40mof thecreek orgully. Note thesharp Throughout lowland openforests, isolated pockets of rainforest are common along creek- Mark Parsons, QPWS, Sunday Creek, Girringun National Park (2010). Healthy lowland openforest with Xanthorrhoea spp. andgrasses present inunderstorey. 13/05/13 11:02 AM

4 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest Issue 1: Maintain healthy lowland open forest DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 5 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest 5 Issue 1: Maintain healthy lowland open forest Pandanus orcycads are oftenpresent as scattered plants orforming agrove inthe mid Mark Parsons, QPWS, Lemon Tree Creek, Girringun National Park (2010). in thethird year. As it thins, it can beused to indicate whenfire is becoming due. The legume Cajanus reticulatus may beabundant intheground layer afterfire andthins Mark Parsons, QPWS, Mullers Creek, Girringun National Park (2009). stratum of healthy lowland openforests. 13/05/13 11:02 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 6 Mark Parsons, QPWS, Mullers Creek, Girringun National Park (2010). of forest health. trees (live trees >30cm indiameter with hollows ≥10cm), are important indicators In lowland openforests below 120minaltitude, mahogany gliderhabitat emergent 13/05/13 11:02 AM

6 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest Issue 1: Maintain healthy lowland open forest DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 7 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest 7 Issue 1: Maintain healthy lowland open forest • • • • • Signs of where fire is required to maintain healthy lowland open forest: Mark Parsons, QPWS, Conn Creek, Girringun National Park (2010). shade-out ground layer diversity if left unburnt. Rainforest pioneers are starting to dominate theunderstorey andwill eventually

Bracken fern may become dominant. Xanthorrhoea spp. where present, are beginning to form brown skirts. after fire andare beginning to shade out understorey plants. An overabundance of acacia, she-oak oreucalypt species has germinated health of understorey plants. 2), shading from rainforest pioneers begins to impact onthe vigour and to emerge above ground layer plants. As this advances (refer to Issue ramiflora, Mallotus philippensis, Alyxia spicata, Glochidion in general. Rainforest pioneers such as Melastoma spp of rainforest pioneers colonising beyond these pockets into theforest Although pockets of rainforest are desirable, there is anabundance material. Grasses thinning, collapsing orappearing matted with abuild-up of dead ., Chionanthus spp. beginning 13/05/13 11:02 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 8 to survivefires. various fauna have strategies as shown below; also, can helpretain refuge areas Low severity mosaic burns general. maintain grass health in the forest requires fire to However, they also indicate invertebrates andskinks. are important habitat for Dead andmatting grasses accumulate dead material. matt, dieoff at thebase and Kangaroo grass is starting to burn extensive areas. in contrast to wildfires which and habitat features remain, conditions, unburnt patches appropriate planned burn would eventually perish. With open forest habitat features In theabsence of fire, such that allows themto exist. it also maintains theforest fire initially reduces them, develop over time.Although will asthis such Microhabitat forest with anopen structure. fire management to maintain a up they indicate theneedfor However, as theskirts build invertebrates andskinks. spp. provide habitat for Brown skirts on Park (2010). Mullers Creek, Girringun National All photos: Mark Parsons, QPWS, Xanthorrhoea 13/05/13 11:02 AM

8 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest Issue 1: Maintain healthy lowland open forest DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 9 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest 9 Issue 1: Maintain healthy lowland open forest As rainforest pioneershading advances, theground layer begins to become sparse, Mark Parsons, QPWS, Mullers Creek, Girringun National Park (2010). seedlings could be she-oaks, eucalypts orrainforest pioneers. if aburn does not scorch themsoon. Acacias are depicted, but equally, theoverabundant These wattles will soonbegin to shade-out theground-layer andform adense sub-canopy A high-severity fire in mahogany glider habitat caused aflush of wattles to germinate. Mark Parsons, QPWS, Conn Creek, Girringun National Park (2010). tolerant sedges persist. grasses collapse, look less vigorous andbuild updead material. However, shade 13/05/13 11:02 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 10 • • • Discussion after fire, and by using counts where relevant. Estimations can beimproved by returning to thesame locations before and walk around andif visibility is good look about andaverage theresults. locations that will begood indicators for thewhole burn area. At these locations understorey or vegetation type.It is recommended that you select at least three Every proposed burn area contains natural variations intopography, Formulating objectives for burn proposals Assessing outcomes What is thepriority for this issue? • •

Very high Priority 2001). reducing theefficiency of gliding, denhollows and food sources (QPWS Transitioning/thickening threatens thehabitat of themahogany gliderby year priorto burning to allow accumulation of fuel. Where grazing occurs, it may berelevant to alleviate grazing pressure inthe lowland openforests, irrespective of if they are near arainforest margin. In thewet tropics, rainforests species tend to beable to quickly colonise in rapid inthis fire vegetation group (about 15 years). likely to transition to aclosed forest. System change to closed forest is very on diversity. Eventually it is difficult to reintroduce fire andthe ecosystem is layer species such as grasses, lilies, legumes, sedges andshrubs, impacting pioneers can grow into themidstratum andbegin to shade-out otherground rainforest pioneers low intheprofile. Intheabsence of fire, rainforests Often, there are rainforests pioneers present intheground layer. Fire keeps grasses, lilies, legumes, sedges andshrubs. layer. Regular fire plays animportant role in maintaining thediversity of Most of thebiodiversity inthis fire vegetation group is within theground significance. Planned burn required to maintain areas of special conservation Priority assessment 13/05/13 11:02 AM

10 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest Issue 1: Maintain healthy lowland open forest DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 11 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest 11 Issue 1: Maintain healthy lowland open forest Select at least two of thefollowing as most appropriate for thesite: retained. trees) (habitat bearing trees live hollow- and standing dead trees standing > 95%of stubble. remain as clumps grass > 90%of the the tip. scorched to metres are saplings <2 > 75%of Measurable Measurable objectives percentage retained afterfire. of habitat trees. Determine the fire intensity) and estimate number the variability of landform andlikely or more transects (taking into account Select oneormore sites orwalk one remaining afterfire. intensity) andestimate grass stubble variability of landform andlikely fire more transects (taking into account the Select oneormore sites orwalk oneor components) scorched. overabundant saplings (above ground intensity), estimate thepercentage of variability of landform andlikely fire more transects (taking into account the Select oneormore sites orwalk oneor How to beassessed < 90%retained. Not Achieved: 90–95 %retained. Partially Achieved: > 95%retained. Achieved: < 75%bases remain. Not Achieved: remain. 75–90 %bases Partially Achieved: > 90%bases remain. Achieved: Not Achieved: <25%. 25–75 %. Partially Achieved: Achieved: >75%. How to bereported (in fire report) 13/05/13 11:02 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 12 Fire ManagementFire System. observation points can beobtained from themonitoring sectionof theQPWS by photographs andby recording observations. Instructions for establishing observation points beestablished. Observation points are usually supported to keep observing theland. To support this, it is recommended that Many issues are not resolved with asingle planned burn andit is important Monitoring theissue over time System orconsider formulating your own. burn objectives found inthemonitoring sectionof theQPWS Fire Management If theabove objectives are not suitable, refer to thecompendium of planned patches. of burnt mosaic spatial 25–60 % c) Inthree locations (that take account b) Map theboundaries of burnt areas a) Visual estimation of percentage of Choose oneof these options: visual field. percentage of ground burnt within planned burn area estimating walk 300ormore metres through ecosystems within burn area), of the variability of landform and burnt. determine thepercentage of area with GPS, plot onGIS andthereby vantage points,orfrom theair. vegetation burnt—from oneormore burnt. < 15%or>75 Not Achieved: 60–75 %burnt. between 15–25%or Partially Achieved: 25–60 %burnt. Achieved: 13/05/13 11:02 AM

12 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest Issue 1: Maintain healthy lowland open forest DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 13 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest 13 Issue 1: Maintain healthy lowland open forest germination of mahogany gliderfood trees. legumes. The occasionallegumes. The of rainforest pioneers andto contribute to ground layer diversity, especially Low Fire severity What fire characteristics will help address this issue? Fire parameters Note: This table assumes good soil moisture and optimal planned burn conditions. Moderate severity class High Low Fire but vary with occasionally moderate-severity fire to ensure reduction (M) (H) (L)

150–500 intensity (kWm < 150 500– 1000 (during thefire) Fire Fire intensity -1 )

Average 0.5–1.5 1.5–3.0 high-severity fire is required to stimulate the height flame < 0.5 (m)

7.5–15.0 Average 2.5–7.5 height scorch scorch < 2.5 (m) Fire severity (post-fire) Little ornocanopy scorch. scorching of elevated fuels. grass stubble retained. Some habitat trees, fallen logs and layer retained. Nearly all retained but charred. Humus Significant patchiness. Litter Little ornocanopy scorch. Some scorch of elevated fuels. trees andfallen logs retained. stubble remain. Most habitat half thehumus layer andgrass scorched litter remains. About patchiness.Moderate Some (or nearly so). mid stratum burnt completely moderate <20mheight canopy, least somecanopy scorch in and fallen logs affected. At remains. Some habitat trees Some patchiness. Some humus (loss of biomass) Description 13/05/13 11:02 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 14 Mosaic (area burnt within anindividual planned burn) Other considerations • • • Fire frequency /interval (refer to Appendix 2for adiscussion) Mark Parsons, QPWS, Fishers Creek, Girringun National Park (2010). the ground andmicro refuges for fauna. mosaic of burnt andunburnt areas, retaining leaf mulch and(blackened) leaf litter on Low-severity fires created through spot ignition are desirable, andhelpin creating a •

five years. the maximum period).Consider abroad fire interval range of between two to to create varying stages of post-fire response (i.e. recently burnt through to Apply mosaic-planned burns across thelandscape at arange of frequencies fire creating adifferent mosaic of burnt and unburnt areas). frequency (donot burn to aprescription of every‘x’ years) andspatially (each Ensure successive fires are somewhat variable inintensity, season, A mosaic is achieved with generally 25–60percent burnt. patchiness andadjusted for wildfire risk anddrought cycles. assessment of vegetation health, fuel accumulation andprevious fire Fire frequency should primarily bedetermined through on-ground 13/05/13 11:02 AM

14 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest Issue 1: Maintain healthy lowland open forest DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 15 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest 15 Issue 1: Maintain healthy lowland open forest An occasional moderate-severity fire will help control overabundant saplings. Mark Parsons, QPWS, Mullers Creek, Girringun National Park (2010). lower-severity fires to allow these small trees to establish. trees such as Albizia procera (depicted centre). Once germinated however, return to The occasional high-severity fire stimulates the germination of mahogany glider food Mark Parsons, QPWS, Mullers Creek, Girringun, National Park (2010). 13/05/13 11:02 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 16 Wind speed: <15km/hr. DI (KBDI):100–150 FFDI: <12andoccasional upto 20for higherseverity fire (e.g. managing thickening) later season inthedry (September–October ) unless for aspecific purpose when afire is likely to intocarry thenight, but not overnight. Avoid burning Season: Commence burning soonafter the wet season (generally April–May) burn planning. undesirable conditions andweather changes can beavoided, orto helpwith It is important to beaware of conditions priorto andfollowing burns sothat What weather conditions should Iconsider? Mark Parsons, QPWS, Blady Grass Creek, Girringun National Park (2010). areas are important fauna refuges andcreate awider diversity of habitat. Generally, it is very desirable to create amosaic of burnt andunburnt areas. Unburnt 13/05/13 11:02 AM

16 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest Issue 1: Maintain healthy lowland open forest DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 17 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest 17 Issue 1: Maintain healthy lowland open forest • • • What burn tactics should Iconsider? • may assist in this issue. issue. this in assist may is offered below is not prescriptive; rather it is atoolkit of suggested tactics that should bereviewed andadjusted as required to achieve burn objectives. What the same site (e.g. dueto topographical variation). Also, during theburn, tactics Tactics will besite specific anddifferent burn tactics may need to beemployed at

managing this issue. arrangements with cane farmers andrural fire brigades is essential in of burn sothat asafe perimeter can beestablished. Establishing cooperative along themargin of thesugar cane is preferred whenundertaking this type (‘trash blanket’) that follows harvesting. Linelighting thewindward edge smoke andany airborneembers away from thesugar cane crop ormulch weather conditions (inparticular wind direction) will direct theresulting fire, Planned burns inadjoining areas should beundertaken whentheprevailing group neighbours agricultural land uses such as sugarcane production. Consider adjacent primary production activities. Often this fire vegetation useful increating containment areas andlandscape mosaics. to spread out extensively (except in conditions).very dry Natural barriers are barriers such as rock outcrops, creeks andrainforest gullies. Fire tends not Use of natural barriers. The lowlands of thewet tropics have numerous natural season,dry orwhenburning adjacent to non-target communities andproperty. self-extinguish overnight. This is particularly important if burning later inthe creating amosaic of burnt andunburnt patches andconditions where fire may promoting alow to moderate severity fire. Often this tactic will assist in Afternoon orevening ignitiongenerally creates milder burn conditions, smoke away from settled areas. weather conditions (inparticular wind direction) will direct theresulting Planned burns inadjoining areas should beundertaken whentheprevailing Smoke issues. Be aware of potential smoke impacts onurban settlements.

National Park (2004). Hinchinbrook Island CapeQPWS, Sandwich, Justine Douglas, lowland openforest. Spot ignitionin 13/05/13 11:02 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 18 • • • Tim Devlin, QPWS, The Saddle, Paluma Range National Park (2004). create alandscape mosaic of burnt andunburnt areas. Landscape features such as this creek linehelpto control themovement of fire and •

efficient means to create a landscape mosaic. gullies and vegetation communities including rainforests, this technique is an good soil moisture andotherlandscape features such as drainage lines, moist Aerial ignition. Where access is difficult andlimited. Used in tandem with glossary for afuller discussion. allowing planned further burns to take place within secured areas. Refer to the of burnt andunburnt patches andcan beused to establish asafe perimeter an area throughout the year when conditions allow. This creates arich mosaic Progressive burning. Anumberof burns of varying size andseverity are lit in to aminimum.Burning downhill can also create alow-intensity backing fire. overabundant saplings, while ensuring fire intensity and rate of spread are kept consumption of fuel. This tactic creates highresidence timeuseful to reduce will generally result inamore complete coverage of anarea andabetter A low intensity backing fire.A slow moving, low intensity backing fire and fuel loads. vary throughout theburn dueto changes inweather conditions, topography greater mosaic of unburnt andburnt patches. The spacing of thespots may alternatively asingle spot ignition will result inalower intensity fire with a and create hot junction zones) while increased spacing between spots or Spots closer together will result inalineof agreater intensity (as spots merge intensity of afire and create thedesired mosaic of burnt and unburnt areas. Spot ignitionis oftenused inlowland openforest, to alter thedesired 13/05/13 11:02 AM

18 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest Issue 1: Maintain healthy lowland open forest DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 19 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest 19 Issue 2: Reduce overabundant saplings and seedlings Key indicators: • • • • Awareness of theenvironment structure, inwhich fire becomes difficult to reintroduce. and shading. If left unmanaged, theforest can transition from anopento aclosed acacias may reduce thehealth anddiversity of the ground layer through competition In lowland openforests, overabundance of rainforest pioneers, she-oaks and Issue 2:Reduce overabundant saplings andseedlings Mark Parsons, QPWS, Conn Creek, Girringun National Park (2010). grasses completely. persist inground-layer. Fire is neededhere to prevent thepioneers shading out the These mid-stratum rainforest pioneers are becoming dense –however, sparse grasses • • •

Oplismenus spp. Grasses thinning andsometimes being replaced by creeping shade grass Ground layer plants declining inhealth, diversity andabundance dueto shading. Understorey ormid-stratum is difficult to seethrough or walk through. macaranga Macaranga involucrata andMacaranga tanarius. muelleriana guioa Guioaacutifolia, red, northern kamala Mallotus philippensis, she-oaks oracacias. Common rainforest examples are hard milkwood Alstonia Mid-stratum is generally dominated by young trees including rainforest pioneers, Presence of Alyxia spp. vine climbing into mid-stratum. Bracken, where present, is mostly dead. Vines starting to smothercycad fronds.

13/05/13 11:02 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 20 Mike Ahmet,QPWS, DindenNational Park (2008). sparse. Bracken fern is dominant with numerous dead fronds. She-oak overabundance inthemid-stratum. Understorey is less diverse. Grasses are very Mark Parsons, QPWS, Little Stony Creek, Girringun National Park (2010). Ground layer grasses are thinning but will still carry fire easily. Mid-stratum overabundance has produced ascreen that is difficult to seethrough. 13/05/13 11:03 AM

20 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest Issue 2: Reduce overabundant saplings and seedlings DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 21 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest 21 Issue 2: Reduce overabundant saplings and seedlings Notice thepresence of Alyxia vine. Shading of ground has progressed. Grasses are sparse Mark Parsons, QPWS, Conn Creek, Girringun National Park (2010). australiana andacacias, which have grown beyond themid-stratum. right conditions will bedifficult to achieve. Notice theabsence of grasses under Polyscias with ahigh-severity fire) to reduce the overabundance of rainforest pioneer species. The where it is determined aconservation priority, several fires may be required (starting In someareas it may betoo late to andrestore try openforest communities. However, Mark Parsons, QPWS, Conn Creek, Girringun National Park (2010). and shaded leaf litter is becoming prominent.Fire will only carry conditions. indry 13/05/13 11:03 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 22 Post fire photo: Mark Parsons, QPWS, Broadwater (2009). First three photos: Jenise Blaik, QPWS, Many Peaks Range (2010). of when fire is overdue, andthethird photo whenfire is well overdue. recovery from arecent fire. Thesecond photo intheseries could be used as anindicator A sequence illustrating cycad decline intheabsence of fire, followed by animage of 13/05/13 11:03 AM

22 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest Issue 2: Reduce overabundant saplings and seedlings DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 23 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest 23 Issue 2: Reduce overabundant saplings and seedlings • • • Discussion the same locations before andafterfire, and by using counts where relevant. is good look about andaverage theresults. Estimations can beimproved by returning to good indicators for thewhole burn area. At these locations walk around andif visibility vegetation type. It is recommended that you select at least three locations that will be Every proposed burn area contains natural variations intopography, understorey or Formulating objectives for burn proposals Assessing outcomes What is thepriority for this issue? •

Medium Priority subsequent fires. rate andgermination of acacias andshe-oaks inorder to ascertain theneedof control overabundance. Post fire observations are essential to monitor the kill Where this has occurred, it is likely that more than onefire will be required to mass germination event afterwildfire (which tends to beof ahigherseverity). masse. Intheabsence of fire, seed stock can build-up, this is likely to lead to a acacia andshe-oak thickening. Certain acacias andshe-oaks can germinate en The openforest andwoodlands of thecoastal lowlands are quite susceptible to groups that are not necessarily near anexisting rainforest margin. 2012). Inthewet tropics, rainforests species can quickly colonise vegetation an area andthesystem is likely to transition to aclosed forest (Williams et al. and ferns; impacting ondiversity. Eventually it is difficult to introduce fire into to shade out otherspecies intheground layer such as grasses, sedges, shrubs, absence of fire, rainforests pioneers can grow into themid-stratum andbegin Fire keeps rainforest pioneers low intheprofile intheground layer. Inthe lowland openforests is rapid dueto higherrainfall andwarmer temperatures. The speed of woody thickening (dueto tree overabundance) inwet tropics is important to return to alow species recruitment. Therefore once midstratum overabundance is controlled, it mid-stratum sapling overabundance, it may also have animpact oncanopy species. Although moderate high-severity to fires may benecessary to control It is important to ensure therecruitment of openforest andwoodland canopy High Low has beensignificantly disrupted. Planned burn inareas where ecosystem structure andfunction recoverable. Planned burn inareas where ecosystem health ispoorbut health isgood. Planned burns to maintain ecosystems inareas where ecosystem to moderate to -severity fire regime (refer to Issue 1). Priority assessment 13/05/13 11:03 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 24 System orconsider formulating your own. burn objectives found inthemonitoring sectionof the QPWS Fire Management If theabove objectives are not suitable, refer to thecompendium of planned Select at least two of thefollowing as most appropriate for thesite: layer. to ground vine reduced Alyxia spp. present). cycads are health (if cycad Restore retained. trees) (habitat bearing trees live hollow- and standing dead trees standing > 95%of the tip. scorched to saplings are mid stratum > 75%of Measurable Measurable objectives spp. vine. intensity) andassess height of Alyxia variability of landform andlikely fire more transects (taking into account the Select oneormore sites orwalk oneor intensity) andassess health of cycads. variability of landform andlikely fire more transects (taking into account the Select oneormore sites orwalk oneor percentage retained afterfire. of habitat trees. Determine the fire intensity) and estimate number the variability of landform andlikely or more transects (taking into account Select oneormore sites orwalk one components) scorched. overabundant saplings (above ground intensity), estimate thepercentage of variability of landform andlikely fire more transects (taking into account the Select oneormore sites orwalk oneor How to beassessed in mid-stratum. spp. vine still present Not Achieved: Alyxia ground layer. spp. vine reduced to Achieved: Alyxia after fire. material immediately may not have green months to recover and *cycads take several did not recover. Not Achieved: Cycads recovered. *Achieved: Cycads < 90%retained. Not Achieved: 90–95 %.retained. Partially Achieved: > 95%retained. Achieved: Not Achieved: <25%. 25–75 %. Partially Achieved: Achieved: >75%. How to bereported (in fire report) 13/05/13 11:03 AM

24 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest Issue 2: Reduce overabundant saplings and seedlings DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 25 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest 25 Issue 2: Reduce overabundant saplings and seedlings • • Fire severity: What fire characteristics will help address this issue? Fire parameters obtained from themonitoring sectionof theQPWS Fire Management System. recording observations. Instructions for establishing observation points can be be established. Observation points are usually supportedby photographs andby observing theland. To support this, it is recommended that observation points Many issues are not resolved with asingle planned burn andit is important to keep Monitoring theissue over time Note: This table assumes good soil moisture andoptimal planned burn conditions. Moderate

severity for subsequent higherseverity burns. Avoid lower severity burns, as this will exhaust fuel andreduce opportunities harder to contain. habitat trees andfallen logs (refer to table below), andthefire will bemuch necessary. Use high-severity fire with caution, as there will beanimpact on Where young trees are taller than eight metres, ahigh-severity fire might be Moderate for most situations where young trees are less than eight metres tall. class High Fire (M) (H) 150–500 intensity (kWm 500– 1000 (during thefire) Fire Fire intensity -1 )

Average 0.5–1.5 1.5–3.0 height flame (m)

7.5–15.0 Average 2.5–7.5 height scorch scorch (m) Fire severity (post-fire) Little ornocanopy scorch. Some scorch of elevated fuels. trees andfallen logs retained. stubble remain. Most habitat half thehumus layer andgrass scorched litter remains. About patchiness.Moderate Some (or nearly so). mid stratum burnt completely moderate <20mheight canopy, least some canopy scorch in and fallen logs affected. At remains. Some habitat trees Some patchiness. Some humus (loss of biomass) Description 13/05/13 11:03 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 26 Other considerations Mosaic (area burnt within anindividual planned burn) • • • • Fire frequency /interval (refer to Appendix 2for adiscussion) • • •

seedlings to establish. five years, thenext burn should beof alow If afire has triggered aflush of eucalypt seedlings, donot burn for four to issue. It is likely that more than oneplanned burn will berequired to manage this planned burn within two years with moderate-severity fire. initial fire triggers aflush of new acacia andshe-oak seedlings, follow-up germination andkill rates to ascertain theneedfor subsequent fires. If the For acacia andshe-oak thickening it is important to observepost fire roads. issues. However, beaware of thepresence of cane farms, settlements and therefore agreater opportunity to carry out fires that address thickening to contain fire within natural barriers such as channels and waterways, and Due to thelandform of thecoastal lowlands, there are greater opportunities As much of thearea dominated by midstratum saplings as possible burnt. open forests andwoodlands can beresumed (refer to Issue 1). Once thearea has recovered, therecommended regime for healthy lowland outcomes until overabundant saplings/seedlings are controlled. More than oneplanned burn may berequired to manage this issue. Monitor -severity to allow someof the National Park (2010). Mullers Creek, Girringun Mark Parsons, QPWS, overabundance. control midstratum fire severity to Depicting adesirable 13/05/13 11:03 AM

26 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest Issue 2: Reduce overabundant saplings and seedlings DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 27 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest 27 Issue 2: Reduce overabundant saplings and seedlings • issue. this in assist may that tactics What is offered below is not prescriptive; rather it is atoolkit of suggested tactics should bereviewed andadjusted as required to achieve burn objectives. at thesame site (e.g. dueto topographical variation). Also, during theburn, Tactics will besite specific anddifferent burn tactics may need to beemployed What burn tactics should Iconsider? Wind speed: <23km/hr DI (KBDI):120–180 FFDI: 5–24 season, will make it easier to manage late season dry burns through the year insurrounding healthy areas, commencing soonafterthewet Season: Midto late season dry as conditions allow. Progressive burning What weather conditions should Iconsider? • •

seedlings/saplings. will berequired inthetwo to three years post fire to kill surviving andnew overabundant saplings/seedlings. Inthis instance afollow-up planned burn fire throughcarry moist orinconsistent fuels. This is also useful to reduce Line orstrip ignitionis used to create afire of higherintensity or to help and near-surface fuels due to shading-out orif thethicket is well developed. a higherintensity may berequired initially where there is alack of surface this is largely dependant upontheheight of thesaplings. Arunning fire of While amoderate intensity fire is mostly recommended to address this issue lower intensity fire. hot junction zones) while increased spacing between spots will result ina together will result in alineof agreater intensity (as spots merge andcreate particularly where there is anaccumulation of volatile fuels. Spots closer Spot ignition.Can beused effectively to alter thedesired intensity of afire overabundant seedlings/saplings. spread are kept to aminimum.Greater residence timeis useful inreducing a greater amount of residence time,while ensuring fire intensity and rate of against thewind onthesmoky edge ordown-slope) will ensures thefire has A backing fire with good residence time.Aslow moving backing fire (lit 13/05/13 11:03 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 28 can beused to helpintheircontrol. dramatically increase fire severity and can bepromoted by fire. Sometimes fire It is important to beaware of thepresence of highbiomass grasses as they can Refer to Chapter 11(Issue 3),regarding fire management guidelines. Issue 3:Manage highbiomass exotic grasses promotes it. too frequent fire in its control and Fire is not effective of thatch grass. Basal reshooting National Park (2006). Mullers Creek, Girringun Mark Parsons, QPWS, embers. of spot over and increasing therisk of acontrol line, severity ontheedge flares of higherfire create dramatic guinea grass can As ataller grass, National Park (2006). Princess Hill, Girringun Mark Parsons, QPWS, 13/05/13 11:03 AM

28 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest Issue 3: Manage high biomass exotic grasses DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 29 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 1­—Lowland open forest 29 Issue 4: Reduce Lantana camara herbicide. management orfor well established infestations, integrated use of fire and The presence of Lantana camara may require analtered approach to fire Refer to Chapter 11(Issue 5),regarding fire management guidelines. Issue 4:Reduce Lantana camara thickets of lantana. rate of controlling can increase success to planned burning or splatter mix prior broadleaf herbicide The use of a (2008). Girringun National Park BlackBream Track, Mark Parsons, QPWS, spread. discourage this seed including fire helps integrated control to germinate. Using require gut passage finches, theseeds eaters such as star Carried by small fruit for lantana spread. are oftenthesource Dense infestations Girringun National Park QPWS, Henrietta Creek, 13/05/13 11:03 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 30 special attention dueto steep slopes andurban andrainforest interface issues. the health of ecosystems. Fire management inthecoastal hill slopes requires high-biomass grasses may unexpectedly increase severity of fires impacting on caused by too infrequent burning oratoo severe fire event). Thepresence of open structure can bethreatened by overabundant saplings andweeds (usually help ensure habitat andfood sources for theendangered bettong. An northern or mixed grassy/shrubby structure with regular mosaic burning, which will also The main fire management issue is the maintenance of anopengrassy, shrubby Fire management issues It includes habitat for endangered flora and fauna. and ranges extend through much of thewet tropics, from moist tolocations. dry found inthefoothills andranges of the Wet Tropics. Openforests of thefoothills communities with agrassy, shrubby andmixed grassy/shrubby understorey, This fire vegetation group contains openeucalypt forest and woodland ranges Chapter 2:Openforests of the foothills and 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. Issues: Park, 1198ha; Gadgarra Forest Reserve,1169ha. State Forest 3,1367ha; Formartine State Forest, 1298ha;Range Herberton National Granite Normanby (under negotation with Aboriginal LandandNP),1374ha; Ravenshoe 1 881ha; Ravenshoe State Forest 1,1499ha; Mowbray National Park, 1411ha; Upper Paluma State Forest, 2053ha; Danbulla State Forest 2,1922ha; Cardwell State Forest, 2 498ha; Goldsborough Valley USL Lands, 2410ha; Tumoulin State Forest, 2071ha; Park, 2585ha; Little Mulgrave Forest Reserve,2505ha; Macalister Range National Park, Park, 2,693ha; Koombooloomba South Forest Reserve,2652ha; Wooroonooran National 3 051ha; Kirrama National Park, 2761ha; Clemant State Forest, 2702ha; DindenNational The Bluff State Forest, 3149ha, Abergowrie State Forest, 3149ha; Girramay National Park, Park), 3535ha; Lannercost State Forest, 3446ha,Range Herberton State Forest, 3428ha, Mount Fox State Forest, 3544 ha; Wairuna Station (Proposed addition to Girringun National National Park, 7192ha; Kuranda State Forest, 4650ha; Dinden State Forest, 3688ha; Mount Lewis National Park, 9244ha; Kuranda National Park, 8868ha; Hinchinbrook Island 15 988ha; Daintree National Park, 15517ha; Dagmar Former State Forest, 9379ha; 36 413ha; Paluma Range National Park, 27153ha; Mount Windsor National Park, Examples of this Girringun FVG: National Park, 67216ha; Monkhouse Timber Reserve, for complete list. Extent within bioregion: 484103ha, 24percent; Regional ecosystems: Refer to Appendix 1

Reduce Manage highbiomass invasive grasses. Fire management inthecoastal hill slopes (including Cairns hill slopes). Reduce overabundant saplings inthemid-stratum. Maintain healthy openforests of thefoothills andranges. Lantana camara. 13/05/13 11:03 AM 30 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 31 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges 31 Issue 1: Maintain healthy open forests of the foothills and ranges • • • • Indicators of healthy openforests of thefoothills andranges: Awareness of theenvironment Maintain healthy openforest/woodland using mosaic burning. and ranges Issue 1:Maintain healthy openforests of thefoothills Paul Williams, Vegetation Management Science PtyLtd, Mt Bluff (2010). Woodland with ahealthy grassy understorey.

Chapter 6:Fire sheltered shrubland). fire-sheltered refuges of sedges, ferns andfire-sensitive shrubs (see Rock outcrop androck pavement areas that have grasses, leaf litter, and The forest is easy to walk through orseethrough. noticeable shading effects onground layer plants. Lower andmidstratum tree species are present, but are nothaving replace thecanopy) andahealthy canopy. understorey with afew canopy species of variable sizes (to eventually Healthy openforest with agrassy, shrubby ormixed grassy/shrubby 13/05/13 11:03 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 32 Mark Parsons, QPWS, Rapid Creek, Girringun National Park (2005). encourage eucalypt regeneration. recruitment. Consider introducing low-severity burns early season inthedry to Open forest with ahealthy grassy understorey. However, there is little tree Paul Williams, Vegetation Management Science PtyLtd (2010). recruitment is sparse, but sufficient to replace the canopy over time. drier location, thegrasses will naturally appear less green and vigorous. Note that tree Blue gum/iron bark openforest with ahealthy grassy understorey. Because of the 13/05/13 11:03 AM

32 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges Issue 1: Maintain healthy open forests of the foothills and ranges DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 33 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges 33 Issue 1: Maintain healthy open forests of the foothills and ranges Note healthy understorey of cockatoo grass favoured by bettong for the northern food Paul Williams, Vegetation Management Science PtyLtd, Mount Windsor (2006). they would shade out theground layer. also young trees present sufficient for canopy recruitment but not in such numbers that refers to sclerophyllous (hard-leaved) shrubs such as the banksias depicted. There are Open forest with ahealthy mixed grassy/shrubby understorey. Shrubby inthis context Ian Holloway, QPWS,Range. Herberton and shelter. Note casuarina showing signs of drought stress. 13/05/13 11:03 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 34 Paul Williams, Vegetation Management Science PtyLtd (2009). dominated by sclerophyllous shrubs with very little grass present. Burning inshrubby dominated openforest. Due to soils, someareas are naturally Paul Williams, Vegetation Management Science PtyLtd (2009). shrubby understorey. Pink bloodwood andturpentine openforest inamoist location with amixed grassy/ 13/05/13 11:03 AM

34 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges Issue 1: Maintain healthy open forests of the foothills and ranges DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 35 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges 35 Issue 1: Maintain healthy open forests of the foothills and ranges Some areas of this fire vegetation group have rocky terrain andsheltered areas (refer to Mark Parsons, QPWS, Paluma Range (2007). Areas of bare rock also occur. Mark Parsons, QPWS, Paluma Range (2007). Chapter 6,fire-sheltered shrubland). 13/05/13 11:03 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 36 • • • • • • • • grassy, shrubby ormixed grassy/shrubby understorey: The following may indicate that fire is required to maintain open forest with a Mike Ahmet,QPWS, DindenNational Park. due tolocation thedry this is adifficult indicator to assess. skirts accumulation ongrass trees. Grass clumps are becoming poorly formed, although Mahogany/ ironbark openwoodland with agrassy understorey. Note drooping, dead •

parallela andCallitris macleayana. asBanksiaspinulosa,Prostantherasuch Cajanus spp., Grevillea spp., Where they are known to occur, reduction intheabundance of shrubspecies (such as evodia), Alstonia spp. andAlphitonia spp. Rainforest pioneers commonly include: Polyscias Melicope spp., spp. become abundant andbeginning to emerge above theground stratum. In moister areas of thecoastal foothills, rainforest pioneers starting to large numbers, or vines starting to smother. Cycads where present, are inpoorhealth with fronds drooping orbrowning in Xanthorrhoea where present, have brown skirts. ground stratum. In drierareas, young she-oaks oracacias starting to become abundant inthe Accumulation of leaf litter. Shrubs with lower leaves andsomebranches dying. There is anaccumulation of dead material andcollapsing grasses. Grasses becoming sparser orgrass clumps are poorly formed. 13/05/13 11:03 AM

36 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges Issue 1: Maintain healthy open forests of the foothills and ranges DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 37 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges 37 Issue 1: Maintain healthy open forests of the foothills and ranges Note build-up of dead material beneath grasses. Paul Williams, Vegetation Management Science PtyLtd, (2010). Herberton Note thebuild upof dead grass material, fallen leaf litter anddead branches onshrubs. Paul Williams, Vegetation Management Science PtyLtd,(2010). Herberton 13/05/13 11:03 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 38 to survivefires. various fauna have strategies as shown below; also, can helpretain refuge areas Low severity mosaic burns general. maintain grass health in the forest requires fire to However, they also indicate invertebrates andskinks. are important habitat for Dead andmatting grasses accumulate dead material. matt, dieoff at thebase and Kangaroo grass is starting to burn extensive areas. in contrast to wildfires which and habitat features remain, conditions, unburnt patches appropriate planned burn would eventually perish. With open forest habitat features In theabsence of fire, such that allows themto exist. it also maintains theforest fire initially reduces them, develop over time.Although will asthis such Microhabitat forest with anopen structure. fire management to maintain a up they indicate theneedfor However, as theskirts build invertebrates andskinks. spp. provide habitat for Brown skirts on Park (2010). Mullers Creek, Girringun National All photos: Mark Parsons, QPWS, Xanthorrhoea 13/05/13 11:03 AM

38 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges Issue 1: Maintain healthy open forests of the foothills and ranges DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 39 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges 39 Issue 1: Maintain healthy open forests of the foothills and ranges Science PtyLtd. PaulWilliams, VegetationManagement fire has beenlong absent. abundant, this is anindication that to occur, as it begins to become less Where Banksia spinulosa is known • • Discussion

build tunnel shaped ‘nests’ to shelter in. grass and xanthorrhoea also provide important refuges, as thebettongs open forest structure which allows ease of movement for foraging. Kangaroo promote growth of grasses andsomespecies of trufflewhile maintaining the as cockatoo grass, andlilies (Dennis 2001). Regular mosaic burning will of its main food source, truffles andotherfire dependent species such The distribution bettong of appears northern to belimited by theavailability understorey. land manager intends to maintain anopenforest with agrassy orshrubby will cause thesystem to transition to closed forest. Fire is required if the juvenile trees orsaplings are present, without of theintervention fire, they Dodonaeaaquilonia, triquetra andBanksiaspinulosa). If anabundance of characterised by anabundance of shrubs inthelower stratum (e.g. Banksia remain small plants whenmature andcertain types of openforest are It is important to distinguish ‘shrubs’ from juvenile trees orsaplings. Shrubs Pty Ltd, Crystal Cascade (2010). PaulWilliams, VegetationManagement Science that fire has beenlong absent. in large numbers, this is anindication Where cycad fronds begin to brown-off 13/05/13 11:03 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 40 What is thepriority for this issue? • • after fire, and by using counts where relevant. Estimations can beimproved by returning to thesame locations before and walk around andif visibility is good look about andaverage theresults. locations that will begood indicators for thewhole burn area. At these locations understorey or vegetation type.It is recommended that you select at least three Every proposed burn area contains natural variations intopography, Formulating objectives for burn proposals Assessing outcomes

Priority a closed forest. difficult to introduce fire into an area andthe system is likely to transition to lilies andsedges, impacting ondiversity (refer to Issue 2).Eventually it is grasses andotherspecies intheground layer such as herbaceous plants, rainforests species can grow into themidstratum andbegin to shade-out layer. Fire keeps rainforest species low intheprofile. Intheabsence of fire, In moister areas, there may berainforests species present intheground naturally poorsoil, andtherefore grasses may always appear less vigorous. could compound health problems. Also consider whetherthearea has Implementing fire during drought conditions is not recommended as this Be aware that signs of poorhealth can also bearesult of drought. High health isgood. Planned burns to maintain ecosystems inareas where ecosystem Priority assessment 13/05/13 11:03 AM

40 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges Issue 1: Maintain healthy open forests of the foothills and ranges DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 41 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges 41 Issue 1: Maintain healthy open forests of the foothills and ranges Select at least two of thefollowing as most appropriate for thesite: patches. of burnt mosaic spatial 50–70 % stubble. remain as clumps grass > 90%of the tip. scorched to > 5mtall are eucalypt trees young of < 25% the tip. scorched to < 2mare saplings > 75%of Measurable Measurable objectives • • • Choose oneof these options: remaining afterfire. intensity) andestimate grass stubble variability of landform andlikely fire more transects (taking into account the Select oneormore sites orwalk oneor scorched eucalypt trees >5mtall. fire intensity), estimate thenumber of the variability of landform andlikely or more transects (taking into account Select oneormore sites orwalk one components) scorched. overabundant saplings (above ground intensity), estimate thepercentage of variability of landform andlikely fire more transects (taking into account the Select oneormore sites orwalk oneor

visual field. percentage of ground burnt within planned burn area estimating walk 300or more metres through ecosystems within burn area), of the variability of landform and In three locations (that take account determine the%of area burnt. with GPS, plot onGIS andthereby Map theboundaries of burnt areas vantage points,orfrom theair. vegetation burnt—from oneormore Visual estimation of percentage of How to beassessed < 75%bases remain. Not Achieved: remain. 75–90 %bases Partially Achieved: > 90%bases remain. Achieved: > 50%. Not Achieved: 25–50 %. Partially Achieved: Achieved: <25%. < 25%. Not Achieved: 25–75 %. Partially Achieved: Achieved: >75%. burnt. < 25%or>80 Not Achieved: or 70–80%burnt. between 25–50% Partially Achieved: 50–80 %burnt. Achieved: How to bereported (in fire report) 13/05/13 11:03 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 42 Fire ManagementFire System. observation points can beobtained from themonitoring sectionof theQPWS by photographs andby recording observations. Instructions for establishing observation points beestablished. Observation points are usually supported to keep observing theland. To support this, it is recommended that Many issues are not resolved with asingle planned burn andit is important Monitoring theissue over time System orconsider formulating your own. burn objectives found inthemonitoring sectionof theQPWS Fire Management If theabove objectives are not suitable, refer to thecompendium of planned Davies Creek (2009). Andy Baker, QPWS, information.further management staff for natural resource Contact yourlocal following fire. grass as cockatoo resources such lilies and food of grasses, sedges, assess recruitment using quadrats to bettong habitat by maintaining northern management for the suitability of fire Consider monitoring (2009). QPWS, Range Herberton patchiness. photo, will influence as indicated inthis and gullies, which such as ridgelines to take infeatures a burnt site. Ensure a walk-through over via assessed visually Patchiness can be 13/05/13 11:03 AM

42 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges Issue 1: Maintain healthy open forests of the foothills and ranges DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 43 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges 43 Issue 1: Maintain healthy open forests of the foothills and ranges • • Fire severity: What fire characteristics will help address this issue? Fire parameters • • • Fire frequency /interval (refer to Appendix 2for adiscussion) Note: This table assumes good soil moisture andoptimal planned burn conditions. Moderate

severity manage overabundant saplings. in themid-stratum. Anoccasional moderate-severity fire may beneeded to Repeated low Low Moist grassy openforest (seeGIS layer): two to five years. maximum timeframe). Consider thefollowing broad fire intervals: to create varying stages of post-fire response (i.e. recently burnt through to Apply mosaic planned burns across thelandscape at arange of frequencies patchiness, adjusting for wildfire risk anddrought. assessment of vegetation health, fuel accumulation andprevious fire Fire frequency should primarily bedetermined through on-ground class Low Fire (M) (L) to moderate to . 150–500 intensity (kWm < 150 (during thefire) Fire Fire intensity -severity fires can contribute to an overabundance of saplings -1 )

Average 0.5–1.5 height flame < 0.5 (m)

Average 2.5–7.5 height scorch scorch < 2.5 (m) Fire severity (post-fire) canopy scorch. of elevated fuels. Little orno stubble retained. Some scorch trees, fallen logs andgrass layer retained. Nearly all habitat retained but charred. Humus Significant patchiness. Litter Little ornocanopy scorch. Some scorch of elevated fuels. trees andfallen logs retained. stubble remain. Most habitat half thehumus layer andgrass scorched litter remains. About patchiness.Moderate Some (loss of biomass) Description 13/05/13 11:03 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 44 Other considerations Mosaic (area burnt within anindividual planned burn) • • • • • Wind speed: <23km/hr. DI (KBDI):80–160 FFDI: <12 Season: April-May September to burn planning. undesirable conditions andweather changes can beavoided, orto helpwith It is important to beaware of conditions priorto andfollowing burns sothat What weather conditions should Iconsider?

a patchy burn. is greater reliance ontactics, topography andchoice of conditions to achieve becomes harder to achieve (as fuel dry becomes more continuous) andthere In grassy areas, at intervals greater than three years, mosaic burning prior to thenext fire event. shrubs, many of which require several years inorder to mature andset seed at longer intervals will also add to diversity. Too frequent fire can eliminate Across thelandscape, burning someareas atintervals shorter andsome communities. A mosaic is achieved with generally 25–70percent burnt within thetarget Grassy to shrubby (seeGIS layer): six to ten years. grassyDry openforest (seeGIS layer): two to five years. QPWS (2010). mosaic burning. boundaries for create temporary be useful to Chip lines can 13/05/13 11:03 AM

44 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges Issue 1: Maintain healthy open forests of the foothills and ranges DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 45 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges 45 Issue 1: Maintain healthy open forests of the foothills and ranges • • What burn tactics should Iconsider? • • • assist in this issue. this in assist below is not prescriptive; rather it is atoolkit of suggested tactics that may review andadjust tactics as required to achieve burn objectives. What is offered at thesame site (e.g. dueto topographical variation). During theburn, regularly Tactics will besite specific anddifferent burn tactics may need to beemployed

third year whenthere is two years of dead grass build up. year of grasses die-off. Fires will carry at this time,andespecially during the During thesecond year, there is abuild upof dead grass material as the first be used as a fire line as they are green and will not firecarry Using previously burnt grasses. The first year afterfire, regrowth grasses can (which insomecases is desirable). time reduces understorey density andresults ingreater consumption of fuel residence time,andminimises severity andrate of spread. Greater residence result inamore complete coverage of anarea andensures fire has greater against thewind onthesmoky edge orlit from upslope) will generally A backing fire with good residence time.Aslow moving backing fire (lit discussion. fire behaves differently indifferent seasons. Refer to the glossary for a fuller intensities, burnt/unburnt areas, andseasonal variability. Be aware of how provide fauna refuge areas. Progressive burning helps create arich mosaic of provide opportunistic barriers to fire for burning later inthe year. They also numerous small ignitions creating afine-scale mosaic. These burnt areas can Tropics, ignitioncan begin early inthe year afterheavy seasonal rain, with carried out throughout much of the year as conditions allow. Inthe Wet Progressive burning is anapproach to planned burning where ignitionis Spot ignitionandbacking fires can beimplemented with aerial ignition. Aerial ignition. Where access is difficult, limited, or to cover extensive areas. to changes inweather conditions, topography and fuel loads. fire. The spacing of the spots should regularly throughoutvary the burn due zones) while increased spacing between spots will result inalower-intensity result inalineof agreater intensity (as spots merge andcreate hot junction where there is anaccumulation of volatile fuels. Spots closer together will Spot ignition.Can beused to alter thedesired intensity of afire particularly

early inthe year. 13/05/13 11:03 AM

DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 46 Key indicators: • • • Awareness of theenvironment reduce thehealth of theground layer through competition andshading. Overabundance of rainforest pioneers, she-oaks, eucalypts andacacias may Issue 2:Reduce overabundant saplings inthemid-stratum Pty Ltd. PaulWilliams, VegetationManagement Science has beenlong absent. abundant, this is anindication that fire to occur, as it begins to become less Where Banksia spinulosa is known • • • •

Shrubs where present, are declining indiversity andabundance. Heavy fuels (>6mm)accumulate. branches. Accumulation of leaf litter, ribbons of bark suspended inshrubs andlower Cycads are inpoorhealth or vines starting to smother cycad fronds. plants reduced inabundance andhealth. Grasses are scattered, poorly formed andcollapsing. Otherground layer Understorey is difficult to seethrough or walk through. or acacias. Mid-stratum is dominated by young eucalypts, rainforest pioneers, she-oaks

Ltd, Crystal Cascade (2010). PaulWilliams, VegetationManagement SciencePty fire has beenlong absent. large numbers, this is anindication that Where cycad fronds begin to brown-off in 13/05/13 11:03 AM

46 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges Issue 2: Reduce overabundant saplings in the mid-stratum DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 47 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges 47 Issue 2: Reduce overabundant saplings in the mid-stratum example; however thesame is truefor eucalypts andshe-oaks. planned, these grow upto shade out ground layer diversity. Acacia spp. is used inthe A high-severity fire can cause aflush of Mike Ahmet,QPWS, Millstream National Park (2010). Overabundance of eucalypts intheunderstorey will eventually lead to too much shading. Paul Williams, Vegetation Science PtyLtd,(2010). Herberton Acacia spp. to germinate. If asecond fire is not 13/05/13 11:03 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 48 National Park (2011). Saddle, Paluma Range Mark Parsons, QPWS, The overabundance. to avoid further follow upburns base requiring resprout from the Forest she-oaks forest she-oaks. scorch overabundant Fire was used to (2011). MtZero, Taravale Mark Parsons, QPWS, an openstructure. difficult to restore dominate it can be once these diversity. However represent habitat and taller she-oaks rainforest pioneers or pockets of distribution Scattered 13/05/13 11:03 AM

48 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges Issue 2: Reduce overabundant saplings in the mid-stratum DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 49 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges 49 Issue 2: Reduce overabundant saplings in the mid-stratum Potential impacts of overabundant saplings • • • • response to: An overabundance of saplings intheunderstorey may betriggered in Why are saplings overabundant? Discussion What is thepriority for this issue? • • •

Medium Priority subsequent fires. germination of acacias andshe-oaks inorder to ascertain theneedof the issue. Post fire observations are essential to monitor the kill rate and has occurred, it is likely that more than onefire will be required to address event afterwildfire (which tends to beahigher-severity fire). Where this fire, seed stock can build up, which is likely to lead to a mass germination certain acacias andshe-oaks can germinate enmasse. Intheabsence of prolonged absence of fire repeated low severity, early season fires (not hot enough to scorch saplings) be necessary to plan asubsequent burn tree seedlings/saplings. If afire triggers aflush of seedlings/saplings, it will a highseverity fire event with no subsequent fire tothinthe resulting flush of the understorey. canopy; it is aquestion of how many andbalancing this against shading of Canopy species intheunderstorey are necessary for ventual replacement of food sources andrestricts movement for foraging. only inthewet tropics. Most importantly, it leads to areduction of its main of themain threats to habitat for theendangered bettong found northern Too many saplings can change the structure from opento closed, andis one in which it is difficult to re-introduced planned fire. ecosystem leading to transition to aclosed structure of indeterminate value, understorey dueto shading. This thickening threatens thehealth of the A thickening of trees may result inalower diversity of plants within the High recoverable. Planned burn inareas where ecosystem health ispoorbut health isgood. Planned burns to maintain ecosystems inareas where ecosystem Priority assessment 13/05/13 11:03 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 50 System orconsider formulating your own. burn objectives found inthemonitoring section of theQPWS Fire Management If theabove objectives are not suitable, refer to thecompendium of planned Select at least two of thefollowing as most appropriate for thesite: after fire, and by using counts where relevant. Estimations can beimproved by returning to thesame locations before and walk around andif visibility is good look about andaverage theresults. locations that will begood indicators for thewhole burn area. At these locations understorey or vegetation type.It is recommended that you select at least three Every proposed burn area contains natural variations intopography, Formulating objectives for burn proposals Assessing outcomes present). cycads are health (if cycad Restore retained. trees) (habitat bearing trees live hollow- and standing dead trees standing > 95%of the tip. scorched to saplings are mid-stratum > 75%of Measurable Measurable objectives intensity) andassess health of cycads. variability of landform andlikely fire more transects (taking into account the Select oneormore sites orwalk oneor percentage retained afterfire. of habitat trees. Determine the fire intensity) and estimate number the variability of landform andlikely or more transects (taking into account Select oneormore sites orwalk one components) scorched. overabundant saplings (above ground intensity), estimate thepercentage of variability of landform andlikely fire more transects (taking into account the Select oneormore sites orwalk oneor How to beassessed immediately afterfire. have green material recover andmay not several months to take will *cycads did not recover. Not Achieved: Cycad recovered. *Achieved: Cycad < 90%retained. Not Achieved: 90–95 %retained. Partially Achieved: retained. Achieved: >95% Not Achieved: <25%. 25–75 %. Partially Achieved: Achieved: >75%. How to bereported (in fire report) 13/05/13 11:03 AM

50 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges Issue 2: Reduce overabundant saplings in the mid-stratum DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 51 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges 51 Issue 2: Reduce overabundant saplings in the mid-stratum • Fire severity What fire characteristics will help address this issue? Fire parameters ManagementFire System. observation points can beobtained from themonitoring sectionof theQPWS by photographs andby recording observations. Instructions for establishing observation points beestablished. Observation points are usually supported to keep observing theland. To support this, it is recommended that Many issues are not resolved with asingle planned burn andit is important Monitoring theissue over time Note: This table assumes good soil moisture and optimal planned burn conditions. Moderate

severity produce scorch of pioneers inareas of good grass cover. fire is recommended, low-severity fires onthe advent of the wet season may overabundant saplings (seetable below). Although moderate to high-severity Moderate high.Aimfor to scorch height sufficient to scorch to thetipof class High Fire (M) (H) 150–500 intensity (kWm 500– 1000 (during thefire) Fire Fire intensity -1 )

Average 0.5–1.5 1.5–3.0 height flame (m)

7.5–15.0 Average 2.5–7.5 height scorch scorch (m) Fire severity (post-fire) Little ornocanopy scorch. Some scorch of elevated fuels. trees andfallen logs retained. stubble remain. Most habitat half thehumus layer andgrass scorched litter remains. About patchiness.Moderate Some (or nearly so). mid stratum burnt completely moderate <20mheight canopy, least somecanopy scorch in and fallen logs affected. At remains. Some habitat trees Some patchiness. Some humus (loss of biomass) Description 13/05/13 11:03 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 52 Repeated fires Fire frequency /interval (refer to Appendix 2for adiscussion) • • • • Fire extent Mark Parsons, QPWS, Wallaman Falls, Girringun National Park (2011). promote aquick recovery of grasses. consistently scorched to thetipand yet grass stubble andunburnt fuels remain to An example of successful fire management of overabundant saplings. They are

(refer to Issue 1). controlled, it is important to return to alow canopy species recruitment. Therefore once midstratum overabundance is control midstratum sapling overabundance, it may also have animpact on species. Although moderate high-severity to fires may benecessary to It is important to ensure therecruitment of openforest andwoodland canopy burn within two years with moderate-severity fire. issue. If theinitial fire triggers aflush of newseedlings, follow-up planned It is likely that more than oneplanned burn will berequired to manage this years, as this tends to create rainforest transition issues. Avoid low-severity fires inmoist open forest at intervals of greater than five Greater than 80percent of area dominated by understorey trees burnt. to moderate to -severity fire regime 13/05/13 11:04 AM

52 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges Issue 2: Reduce overabundant saplings in the mid-stratum DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 53 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges 53 Issue 2: Reduce overabundant saplings in the mid-stratum assist in this issue. this in assist below is not prescriptive; rather it is atoolkit of suggested tactics that may review andadjust tactics as required to achieve burn objectives. What is offered at thesame site (e.g. dueto topographical variation). During theburn, regularly Tactics will besite specific anddifferent burn tactics may need to beemployed What burn tactics should Iconsider? thickening areas. Wind speed: <23km/hr. Winds greater than 15km/hrcan helpcarry fire into FFDI: 8–18 Season: JulyNovember to (drierconditions) burn planning. undesirable conditions andweather changes can beavoided, orto helpwith It is important to beaware of conditions priorto andfollowing burns sothat What weather conditions should Iconsider? • • • • •

areas. Aerial ignition. Where access is difficult andlimited, or to cover extensive overabundant trees (through scorching). fire throughcarry moist orinconsistent fuels. This is also useful to reduce Line orstrip ignitionis used to create afire of higher intensity or to help post burn to kill surviving saplings andany newseedlings. instance afollow-up planned burn will berequired inthe two to three years surface fuels dueto shading orif thethicket is well developed. Inthis intensity may berequired initially where there is alack of surface and near is dependant upontheheight of thesaplings. Arunning fire of ahigher While amoderate severity fire is often sufficient to address this issue, it a minimum.Greater residence timeis useful inreducing understorey density. of residence time,while ensuring fire intensity and rate of spread are kept to more complete coverage of an area and ensures the fire has a greater amount the wind onthesmoky edge orlit from upslope) will generally result ina Backing fire with good residence time.Aslow moving backing fire (lit against area. to create acontainment edge for ahigherseverity fire ignited inside the burn Commence lighting ontheleeward (smoky) edge. This can beauseful way 13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 54 Awareness of theenvironment complicate management of fire. slopes. Also, there are various land tenures, especially inthelower slopes, that easements for communication andpower andsomeutilities at thetop of the eastern aspect. There are complex land-use patterns such as walking tracks and land is steep, anddissected by sheltered rainforest gullies usually onan slopes interface with urban areas, forestry, sugar cane andothercrops. The management approaches. Openforests andwoodlands of thecoastal hill The complex fire management issues of the coastal hill slopes require particular (including Cairns hill slopes) Issue 3:Fire management inthecoastal hill slopes • • • • • • • Key indicators to beaware of include thepresence of:

increase fire severity. areas of highfuel load orhighbiomass grasses that may dramatically rainforests, especially if it is upslope infrastructure, especially if it is upslope (e.g. for power orcommunications) walking track andcommunication easements forestry areas including timberplantations nearby farms, sugar cane andothercrops nearby urban areas orsettlements 13/05/13 11:04 AM

54 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges Issue 3: Fire management in the coastal hill slopes (including Cairns hill slopes) DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 55 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges 55 Issue 3: Fire management in the coastal hill slopes (including Cairns hill slopes) Residences nestled into theopenforests of thefoothills are acommon feature of the Mark Parsons, QPWS (2010). Burning near residences. Jonathan Roth, QPWS, Cairns (2008). Cairns hill slopes. 13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 56 • • • Discussion What is thepriority for this issue? • • • • •

Very high Highest Priority increasingly strategic inthese areas. becomes increasingly difficult to manage. Fire managers must become As theurban interface increases anddevelopment moves upslope, fire harvest timeis highly flammable, and caution is required. In sugar cane areas, fire management often follows harvest time. Cane at 11, for fire management guidelines). severity of fire. Be aware of thepresence of these grasses (refer to Chapter Where highbiomass grasses are present, they can dramatically increase the media releases andletterbox drops). scrutiny. Media andneighbours needto bekept informed (e.g. through Planned burning ontheCairns hill slopes usually comes under media especially emergency services andCairns regional council. traffic control, local government andothers may have to beorganised, issues. Participation orcooperation from main roads, emergency services, Inter-agency cooperation is usually required dueto tenure andinterface and dumpedgreen waste. Be aware of these issues whenplanning burns. burning, especially with regard to access timberfences behind properties, Urban interface areas introduce arange of additional challenges to planned However, ensure containment andsafety issues are addressed first. slope to ensure sufficient penetration through these areas (refer to Issue 2). overabundant tree species, it might benecessary to light afire from down If forest structure is beginning to change from opento closed dueto higher slopes. zones can beburnt away from afterasufficient periodof backing fire from constructed fire lines or natural features. If necessary, theurban interface exclusively. The fire is allowed to back down and extinguish along approach to fire management onthe coastal hill slopes, thoughnot Backing fire ignited from higher slopes with aerial ignition is the usual structure, usually within wildfire mitigation zones. Planned burn required to mitigate hazard orsimplify vegetation within protection zones. Planned burn required to protect life and/orproperty, usually Priority assessment 13/05/13 11:04 AM

56 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges Issue 3: Fire management in the coastal hill slopes (including Cairns hill slopes) DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 57 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges 57 Issue 3: Fire management in the coastal hill slopes (including Cairns hill slopes) Select at least two of thefollowing as most appropriate for thesite: after fire, and by using counts where relevant. Estimations can beimproved by returning to thesame locations before and walk around andif visibility is good look about andaverage theresults. locations that will begood indicators for thewhole burn area. At these locations understorey or vegetation type.It is recommended that you select at least three Every proposed burn area contains natural variations intopography, Formulating objectives for burn proposals Assessing outcomes fuel hazard. to overall low Fuel reduced (t/ha). hectare 5 tonnes per to less than Fuel reduced Measurable Measurable objectives Hazard Guide(Hines et 2010b). al. landform) using theOverall Fuel (taking into account variability in fuel load assessed at several locations Immediately to very soonafterfire: Assess if Your Burn is Ready to Go. Planned Burn Guidelines: How to landform) using Step 5of theQPWS (taking into account variability in fuel load assessed at several locations Immediately or very soonafterfire: How to beassessed moderate. reduced to low or fuel hazard not Not Achieved: Overall moderate. reduced to low or Overall fuel hazard Partially Achieved: low. hazard reduced to Achieved: Overall fuel < 5t/ha. load not reduced to Not Achieved: Fuel removed. duff/humus layer fire association but < 5t/ha across the Fuel load reduced to Partially Achieved: fire association. < 5t/ha across the load reduced to Achieved: Fuel How to bereported (in fire report) 13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 58 System orconsider formulating your own. burn objectives found inthemonitoring sectionof the QPWS Fire Management If theabove objectives are not suitable, refer to thecompendium of planned • • • patchiness of: Fire extent or

zones. Conservation burnt 40–60 % zones. Mitigation Wildfire burnt 60–80 % Zones. Protection burnt 90–100 %

There are three options: 3. 2. 1.

within visual field. estimate percentage of ground burnt and down oneormore ridges and Walk into oneormore gully heads, visual field. percentage of ground burnt within planned burn area estimating burn area), walk 300mthrough of the variability of landform within In three locations (that take account burnt. estimate aerial extent of ground From oneormore vantage points, Partially Achieved: Not Achieved: • • • • • • • • Achieved:

protection zones. 80–90 %for patchiness of Mosaic or mitigation zones. 60–80 % Wildfire zones. 90 %Protection be limited). wildfire would not of any subsequent and rate of spread area (theextent extend across the unburnt corridors of patchiness, High proportion mitigation zones. < 50%for wildfire patchiness of Mosaic or protection zones. < 80%for patchiness of Mosaic or be limited. still would wildfire any subsequent rate of spread of The extent and mitigation zones. to 80%for wildfire patchiness of 50% Mosaic or 13/05/13 11:04 AM

58 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges Issue 3: Fire management in the coastal hill slopes (including Cairns hill slopes) DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 59 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges 59 Issue 3: Fire management in the coastal hill slopes (including Cairns hill slopes) of fuel load. Fire Management System. Inurban interface areas, consider ongoing monitoring observation points can beobtained from themonitoring sectionof theQPWS by photographs andby recording observations. Instructions for establishing observation points beestablished. Observation points are usually supported to keep observing theland. To support this, it is recommended that Many issues are not resolved with asingle planned burn andit is important Monitoring theissue over time Jonathan Roth, QPWS, Edmonton Spur (2010). the area behindthesettlement can belineignited to create abuffer. constructed fire lines. If necessary, once thefire has backed down most of the hill slope, Backing fire from upslope areas. Inthis area, fire is allowed to travel down slope towards 13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 60 • • Fire severity What fire characteristics will help address this issue? Fire parameters Note: This table assumes good soil moisture andoptimal planned burn conditions. Moderate

severity overabundant saplings are becoming aproblem. in themid-stratum. Some moderate intensity fires should be planned where Repeated low Low class Low Fire (M) (L) to moderate to .

150–500 intensity (kWm < 150 (during thefire) Fire Fire intensity -severity fires will contribute to an overabundance of saplings -1 )

Average 0.5–1.5 height flame < 0.5 (m)

Average 2.5–7.5 height scorch scorch < 2.5 (m) Fire severity (post-fire) Little ornocanopy scorch. scorching of elevated fuels. grass stubble retained. Some habitat trees, fallen logs and layer retained. Nearly all retained but charred. Humus Significant patchiness. Litter Little ornocanopy scorch. Some scorch of elevated fuels. trees andfallen logs retained. stubble remain. Most habitat half thehumus layer andgrass scorched litter remains. About patchiness.Moderate Some (loss of biomass) Description 13/05/13 11:04 AM

60 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges Issue 3: Fire management in the coastal hill slopes (including Cairns hill slopes) DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 61 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges 61 Issue 3: Fire management in the coastal hill slopes (including Cairns hill slopes) Mosaic (area burnt within anindividual planned burn) Wind speed: <23km/hr DI (KBDI):80–160 FFDI: <12 Season: April/May Septembe to r burn planning. undesirable conditions andweather changes can beavoided, orto helpwith It is important to beaware of conditions priorto andfollowing burns sothat What weather conditions should Iconsider? • • Fire frequency /interval (refer to Appendix 2for adiscussion) • • What burn tactics should Iconsider? in this issue. below is not prescriptive; rather it is atoolkit of suggested tactics that may assist review andadjust tactics as required to achieve burn objectives. What is offered at thesame site (e.g. dueto topographical variation). During theburn, regularly Tactics will besite specific anddifferent burn tactics may need to beemployed

season. Generally: Create amosaic as appropriate to mitigate wildfire movement during thedry previous fire, increase the fire frequency toone to two years where possible. open forest. For areas influenced by arson orareas with apoor coverage of Consider abroad fire interval range of between two to five yearsdry for grassy specifically planned inorder to control overabundant trees. this will create arunning fire upslope, which is usually undesirable unless lower slope interface areas. If lower slope interface areas are ignited too early, should have descended downwards extensively priorto burning away from after asufficient period of backing fire from higher slopes. The backing fire At theurban interface zone, if necessary, burn away from interface areas should self-extinguish. where natural barriers orconstructed fire lines are present, a backing fire residence timewill increase consumption of fuel. Intheright conditions, of anarea andhelpto minimise fire intensity and rate of spread. Greater moving backing fire which will generally result inamore complete coverage Backing fire ignited from higher slopes with aerial ignitionwill slow a create • • •

40–60 percent burnt for conservation zones. 60–80 percent burnt for wildfire mitigation zones 90–100 percent burnt for protection zones

13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 62 • • • •

avoided. Consult weather forecasts. with altitude) prevent dispersion of smoke andtherefore should be settlements. Be aware that inversion layers (whentemperatures increase (especially wind direction) that will minimise smoke impacts on When planning burns, beaware of theneedto choose conditions discussion. fuller to limit theextent andseverity of later wildfires. Refer to theglossary for a important strategy. Burns early inthe year create areas of low fuel helping These areas are highly prone to arson, andprogressive burning isan (refer to Chapter 11[Issue 7],for fire management guidelines). burning, orby backing fire downhill and/or away from rainforest margins to protect rainforest margins by using appropriately moist conditions of to contain fires within small sections. At the same time,it is important Rainforest gullies orareas can beused to break upfires , andas boundaries cane farmers andrural fire brigades is essential in managing this issue. perimeter can beestablished. Establishing cooperative arrangements with edge along themargin of thesugar cane is preferred sothat asafe mulch (‘trash blanket’) that follows harvesting. Linelighting thewindward fire, smoke andany airborneembers away from the sugar cane crop or weather conditions (inparticular wind direction) will direct theresulting Planned burns inadjoining areas should beundertaken whentheprevailing group neighbours agricultural land uses such as sugar cane production. Consider adjacent primary production activities. Often this fire vegetation Toomulla (2010). Mark Parsons, QPWS, residential areas. close proximity to often occurs in fire management around Cairns, In thefoothills 13/05/13 11:04 AM

62 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges Issue 3: Fire management in the coastal hill slopes (including Cairns hill slopes) DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 63 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges 63 Issue 4: Manage high biomass invasive grasses can beused to helpintheircontrol. dramatically increase fire severity and can bepromoted by fire. Sometimes fire It is important to beaware of thepresence of highbiomass grasses as they can Refer to Chapter 11(Issue 3),regarding fire management guidelines. Issue 4:Manage highbiomass invasive grasses Shane O’Connor, DERM,Princess Hill, Girringun National Park (2006). disturbance such as slashing fire trails. Often, exclusion of fire is necessary. Shown as rusty red intheforeground, grader grass outbreaks are easily spread by 13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 64 herbicide. management orfor well established infestations, integrated use of fire and The presence of Lantana camara may require analtered approach to fire Refer to Chapter 11(Issue 4),regarding fire management guidelines. Issue 5:Reduce Lantana camara Mark Parsons, QPWS, Mt Fox, Girringun National Park (2008). lantana thickets. Monitoring weather conditions is useful inchoosing thebest timeto push fire into 13/05/13 11:04 AM

64 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 2­—Open forests of the foothills and ranges Issue 5: Reduce Lantana camara DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 65

65 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest responding operationally to suitable weather conditions. to conduct planned burns. Ahighlevel of importance should beplace on Because these forests are very moist, there are limited windows of opportunity rainforest recruitment andclosed forest transition (Williams et 2006,2012). al. out ground layer plants, inhibit fire and create conditions favouring further absence of fire for several years, rainforest germinates and saplings shade other species. Fire can promote apulse of rainforest germinates, andinthe trapped near theground where they co-exist with grasses, shrubs, ferns and eucalypts they must resprout from ground level. Therefore fire keeps them transitioning. Most rainforest pioneers resprout afterfire, however unlike In managing these forests, it is important to understand themechanism of 2010). yellow-bellied glider(Wet Tropics Management Authority 2004; Williams et al. habitat for species such as theendangered bettong and northern vulnerable (Queensland Herbarium 2011a).Loss of openstructure threatens suitable caused many of these ecosystems to have anendangered biodiversity status 2004; Williams and Tran 2009). Transitioning is oftenirreversible andhas grassy eucalypt forest to closed forest (Wet Tropics Management Authority dominated ground layers, which have apropensity to transition from open vegetation group (Smith1993;Harrington et 2000),andespecially al. grassy 2010). Planned burning helps to maintain representative examples of this fire Harrington and Sanderson 1994; Williams and Tran 2009; Williams et al. to atransition from anopento aclosed structure (Ash1988; Stanton 1989; Fire plays acentral role inthese forests with longer fire frequencies leading Fire management issues • • • • • dominated by: and turpentine Syncarpia glomulifera. The understorey orground layer may be (large areas of Mossman north andnear Cairns), cadaghi Corymbia torelliana Eucalyptus tereticornis (inbelts adjacent to rainforests), Eucalyptuspellita Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus resinifera/Corymbia intermedia (intermingled), are typically dominated by oneoramix of canopy species including rose gum woodlands within themoist uplands andhighlands of thewet tropics. They This fire vegetation group includes tall (>30m)openeucalypt forests and Chapter 3: Tall openforest

various combinations of theabove. rainforest/vine forest sclerophyllous (hard leaf) shrubs sedges andleaf litter grasses

13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 66 1. Issues: possible using fire to halt thetransition to adenser state. keep representative examples of tall openforest as described below, where by thestage of transitioning to closed forest. The land manager should aimto open forests can carry fire depends on understorey characteristics as influenced forests tosufficiently dry sothat they can fire.carry The degree towhich tall late-season fires. Late-season conditions are often required to allow tall open should beburnt to create areas of low fuel that helpcontain higher-severity approach. Beginning early inthe year, surrounding fire-adapted communities Fire management intall openforest requires acarefully considered integrated 4. 3. 2. Ravenshoe State Forest 1,560ha; Macalister Range National Park, 466ha. 777 ha; Little Mulgrave Forest Reserve,749ha;Range Herberton Conservation Park, 574ha; Girramay National Park 857 ha, Danbulla National Park 849ha, Abergowrie State Forest, 1 131ha; Goldsborough Valley USL Lands, 1025ha, Tumoulin State Forest 859ha, National Park, 1542ha; Kuranda National Park, 1193ha; Tully Falls National Park, Dinden National Park, 2179ha; Gadgarra Forest Reserve,1896ha;Range Herberton 2 927ha; Wooroonooran National Park, 2848ha; Mount Lewis National Park, 2 416ha; National Park, 3230ha; Kirrama National Park, 3103ha; Range Herberton State Forest, Koombooloomba Forest Reserve,4900ha; Paluma State Forest, 3823ha; Mount Windsor 7 352ha; Daintree National Park, 5310ha; Monkhouse Timber Reserve,5149ha; Examples of this Girringun FVG: National Park, 11219ha; Paluma Range National Park, for list. Extent within bioregion: 93352ha, 5percent; Regional ecosystems: Refer to Appendix 1

areas to carry fire into these areas. Windows of opportunity for fire are few. absence of ground layer plants. It is probably necessary to use nearby grassy shaded-out theground layer, which is now characterised by leaf litter andan carry fire is useful. Fire will carry intheright conditions, but using nearby grassy areas to help to become sparser oftencharacterised by sedges interspersed with leaf litter. mid-stratum. Midstratum tree overabundance has caused theground layer understorey that can carry fire much of the year afterseasonal heavy rains. Manage tall openforests where seedlings /saplings are abundant inthe Manage agrassy orshrubby tall openforest. These forests have an Reduce Manage tall openforests at anadvanced stage of transitioning. Trees have Lantana camara. 13/05/13 11:04 AM 66 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 67 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest 67 Issue 1: Manage a grassy or shrubby tall open forest • • • Key indicators of atall openforest with agrassy understorey: Awareness of theenvironment (hard-leaved) shrubby dominated understorey. Maintain tall openforests andwoodlands that have agrassy orsclerophyllous Issue 1:Manage agrassy orshrubby tall openforest Paul Williams,Vegetation Management Science PtyLtd, Taravale, plot 6(2005). not impact ontheground layer. Tall openforest with ahealthy grass layer. Midstratum trees are inlow numbers anddo

The forest is easy to walk through orseethrough. noticeable shading effects onground layer plants. Lower andmidstratum tree species are present, but are not having stratums (enoughto eventually replace thecanopy). of these. Some young canopy species are present inthemidandlower species) with occasional sedges; shrubs; bracken; legumes orany mix kangaroo grass and/orblady grass, andoccasionally othernative grass Tall openforest ground layer is dominated by grasses (predominantly 13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 68 Andy Baker, QPWS, Davies Creek (2010). rock/ pavement outcrops. Notice rock outcrop. bettong preferNorthern habitat with grassy openridges, shrubby influenced gullies and Mark Parsons, QPWS, Taravale, plot 6(2006). she-oak young trees, they are ininsufficient numbers to impact onground layer. Tall openforest with ahealthy grass layer. Although there are anumberof rainforest and 13/05/13 11:04 AM

68 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest Issue 1: Manage a grassy or shrubby tall open forest DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 69 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest 69 Issue 1: Manage a grassy or shrubby tall open forest • • • The following may indicate that fire is required to maintain thegrassy structure:

Bracken fern, where present, is accumulating dead fronds. dead material andcollapsing grasses. Grasses becoming sparser orgrass clumps poorly formed. Anaccumulation of Alstonia spp.,Alphitonia and spp. pioneers commonly include: Polyscias Melicope spp., spp. (such as evodia), abundant andbeginning to emerge above theground stratum. Rainforest Rainforest, she-oak oracacia tree saplings orseedlings starting to become Mount Windsor(2010). Mark Parsons, QPWS, recruiting rose gum. scorching most of the carefully to avoid intensity of fire frequency and Manage the (e.g. rose gum). of canopy species allow recruitment also important to is duefor fire, it is Although this area Taravale, plot 10(2004). Mark Parsons, QPWS, ground layer. emerge above are beginning to rainforest pioneers overabundance of healthy but an still layer Grass 13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 70 Mark Parsons, QPWS, Taravale, plot 4(2006). she-oak species. Grass layer becoming sparser as aresult of shading andcompetition from rainforest and plot 3(2004). Mark Parsons, QPWS, Taravale, grassy material. an accumulation of dead collapsing grasses and of left photo highlighting Above: Enlarged detail and she-oak species. shading from rainforest as resultof a sparse Left: Grass layer becoming 13/05/13 11:04 AM

70 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest Issue 1: Manage a grassy or shrubby tall open forest DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 71 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest 71 Issue 1: Manage a grassy or shrubby tall open forest Mullers Creek (2010). Mark Parsons, QPWS, National Park (2009). Kington, QPWS, Lamington Wayne Kington,QPWS /David place. help keep habitat refuges in fires and moist conditions in general. Lower severity fire to maintain grass health indicate theforest requires skinks. However, they also habitat for invertebrates and bottom row) are important grasses (as illustrated inthe is similar. Dead andmatting and otherclumping species decline inThemeda spp. is used as anexample, but the absence of fire. Sorghum clumping grass decline in A sequence illustrating should bepatchy here. areas require fire. Fire health, even these sheltered as bracken fern declines in extensive areas. However, to wildfires which burn features remain, incontrast burn conditions, habitat bettongs. Withplanned scaled snakes andnorthern footed antechinus, rough bracken fern shelters yellow- Near boulders orgullies, Girramay National Park (2009). Mark Parsons, QPWS, Deep Creek, 13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 72 • • Key indicators for tall openforests with ashrubby understorey:

effects onshruborground layer. Lower andmidstratum tree species are not having noticeable shading stratums (enoughto eventually replace thecanopy). present. Some young canopy species are present inthemidandlower layer of continuous height. Scattered sedges, grasses andferns may be Understorey is dominated by adiverse sclerophyllous (hard-leaved) shrub Some tall openforests Mt Windsor(2010). Mark Parsons, QPWS would. rainforest pioneers the understorey as but donot shade out trees are numerous, recruiting canopy variousages. The of canopy trees of good recruitment understorey and A shrubby National Park (2009). Andy Baker, QPWS, Daintree transitioning. is threatened by resinifera. Thishabitat feed onEucalyptus grandis (rosegum) and live inEucalyptus Yellow-bellied gliders communities. frequencies than grassy These have longer fire shrubby understorey. have asclerophyllous 13/05/13 11:04 AM

72 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest Issue 1: Manage a grassy or shrubby tall open forest DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 73 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest 73 Issue 1: Manage a grassy or shrubby tall open forest • • • • • The following may indicate that fire is required to maintain shrubby types: What is thepriority for this issue? Mark Parsons, QPWS, Mt Windsor (2010). suspended ribbonbark. Sedge andrainforest trees starting to emerge inashrubby tall openforest. Notice the

Very high Priority Suspended litter andbark is perched inshrubs (e.g. rose gumbark ribbons). Lantana camara is beginning to establish as thickets. Vines are starting to grow over someof theshrubs. as evodia), Alstonia spp., andAlphitonia spp. shrubs. Rainforest colonists may include: Polyscias Melicope spp., spp. (such Abundant rainforest, she-oak oracacia tree species are emerging among the There is anaccumulation of brown leaves onshrubs. spindly branches are present orsomecrowns (ends of branches) are dying. Shrubs looking unhealthy, for example beginning to lose lower level leaves, significance. Planned burn required to maintain areas of special conservation Priority assessment 13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 74 • • Discussion

grow into themidstratum intheabsence of fire. be present intheground layer of this fire vegetation group and can quickly In thewet tropics, there is agroup of rainforest pioneers that tend to always forest with agrassy orshrubby understorey. Therefore fire is required if the land manager intends to maintain a tall open of fire they will usually cause thesystem to transition to closed forest. abundance ofjuvenile trees orsaplings are present, without theintervention Dodonaeaaquilonia, triquetra andBanksiaspinulosa). However, if an characterised by anabundance of shrubs inthe lower stratum (e.g. Banksia remain small plants whenmature andcertain types of tall openforest are It is important to distinguish ‘shrubs’ from juvenile trees orsaplings. Shrubs Taravale (2009). Mark Parsons, QPWS, resprouting plants. scorch thebase of time, which may a greater residence burn will promote that enable abacking Having conditions pioneer recruitment. suppress to assist follow upburning can fuel accumulates, Where sufficient National Park (2004). Pty Ltd, Paluma Range Vegetation Science Paul Williams, after fire. species resprouting Rainforest tree 13/05/13 11:04 AM

74 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest Issue 1: Manage a grassy or shrubby tall open forest DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 75 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest 75 Issue 1: Manage a grassy or shrubby tall open forest System orconsider formulating your own. burn objectives found inthemonitoring sectionof theQPWS Fire Management If theabove objectives are not suitable, refer to thecompendium of planned after fire, and by using counts where relevant. Estimations can beimproved by returning to thesame locations before and walk around andif visibility is good look about andaverage theresults. locations that will begood indicators for thewhole burn area. At these locations understorey or vegetation type.It is recommended that you select at least three Every proposed burn area contains natural variations intopography, Formulating objectives for burn proposals Assessing outcomes retained. ≥ 10cm) a diameter logs (with > 75%fallen the tip. scorched to are tall >5m trees eucalypt young of < 25% the tip. scorched to < 2mare saplings > 75%of Measurable Measurable objectives fallen logs retained afterfire. fire intensity) and estimate numberof the variability of landform andlikely or more transects (taking into account Select oneormore sites orwalk one scorched eucalypt trees >5mtall. fire intensity), estimate thenumber of the variability of landform andlikely or more transects (taking into account Select oneormore sites orwalk one components) scorched. overabundant saplings (above ground severity), estimate thepercentage of variability of landform andlikely fire more transects (taking into account the Select oneormore sites orwalk oneor How to beassessed < 50%retained. Not Achieved: 50–75 %retained. Partially Achieved: > 75%retained. Achieved: > 50%. Not Achieved: 40–50 %. Partially Achieved: Achieved: <25%. < 25%. Not Achieved: 25–75 %. Partially Achieved: Achieved: >75%. How to bereported (in fire report) 13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 76 Fire ManagementFire System. observation points can beobtained from themonitoring sectionof theQPWS by photographs andby recording observations. Instructions for establishing observation points beestablished. Observation points are usually supported to keep observing theland. To support this, it is recommended that Many issues are not resolved with asingle planned burn andit is important Monitoring theissue over time Objectives achieved plot 6(2004). Science PtyLtd, Taravale, PaulWilliams, Vegetation success. is still considered a broad area. This burn reduced across a seedlings have been all saplings and burn. Most but not a patchy mosaic has in resulted A low-severity fire plot 1(2004). Science PtyLtd, Taravale, PaulWilliams, Vegetation grasses. logs andrecovery of habitat trees, fallen retention of all at thesame time seedlings, while of saplings and cent reduction after fire. 100per as seenoneweek 13/05/13 11:04 AM

76 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest Issue 1: Manage a grassy or shrubby tall open forest DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 77 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest 77 Issue 1: Manage a grassy or shrubby tall open forest • Fire severity What fire characteristics will help address this issue? Fire parameters • Fire frequency /interval (refer to Appendix 2for adiscussion) Note: This table assumes good soil moisture andoptimal planned burn conditions. Moderate

severity reduction andcanopy tree recruitment. to replace thecanopy. It is important to strike this balance between tree managed while low-severity fires helpensure enough canopy trees establish moderate-severity fire helps to ensure emerging overabundant trees are a good coverage of fire is desirable rather than a patchy fire). An occasional Low patchiness andadjusted for wildfire risk anddrought cycles. assessment of vegetation health, fuel accumulation andprevious fire Fire frequency should primarily bedetermined through on-ground class Low Fire (M) (L) . With theoccasional moderate severity fire (see table below, except that

150–500 intensity (kWm < 150 (during thefire) Fire Fire intensity -1 )

Average 0.5–1.5 height flame < 0.5 (m)

Average 2.5–7.5 height scorch scorch < 2.5 (m) Fire severity (post-fire) Little ornocanopy scorch. scorching of elevated fuels. grass stubble retained. Some habitat trees, fallen logs and layer retained. Nearly all retained but charred. Humus Significant patchiness. Litter Little ornocanopy scorch. Some scorch of elevated fuels. trees andfallen logs retained. stubble remain. Most habitat half thehumus layer andgrass scorched litter remains. About patchiness.Moderate Some (loss of biomass) Description 13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 78 Other considerations Landscape mosaic Mosaic (area burnt within anindividual planned burn) • • • Mark Parsons, QPWS, Zero Creek, Mt Zero (2007). A low severity bettong fire innorthern habitat. •

forest, but donot allow awildfire driven regime to dominate. wildfires. Occasional wildfires are not an ecological concern in tall open When planning suitable fire severity andfire frequencies, take into account GIS layer). with grassy orshrubby understoreys beburnt each year (refer to supporting It is recommended that at least 30percent of wet tropics tall openforests epiphytes anddenser pockets. unburnt areas tend to remain. This will help retain features such as ground good coverage of fire. Despite this, inmoister areas such as near gullies, Because of apropensity for these systems to transition, aimto achieve a understorey. three to five years for grassy the maximum timeframe). Consider abroad fire interval range of between to create varying stages of post-fire response (i.e. recently burnt through to Apply mosaic-planned burns across thelandscape at arange of frequencies understorey andsix to ten years for shrubby 13/05/13 11:04 AM

78 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest Issue 1: Manage a grassy or shrubby tall open forest DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 79 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest 79 Issue 1: Manage a grassy or shrubby tall open forest bearing trees andfallen logs. Soil moisture: Goodmoisture conditions to protect grass bases, hollow- Wind speed: <15km/hr DI (KBDI):100–160 FFDI: <12 • • Season: burn planning. undesirable conditions andweather changes can beavoided, orto helpwith It is important to beaware of conditions priorto andfollowing burns sothat What weather conditions should Iconsider? • • • What burn tactics should Iconsider? suggested tactics that may assist in this issue. this in assist may that tactics suggested objectives. What is offered below is not prescriptive; rather it is atoolkit of burn, tactics should bereviewed andadjusted as required to achieve burn at thesame site (e.g. dueto topographical variation). Also, during the Tactics will besite specific anddifferent burn tactics may need to beemployed

transitioning to closed forest (refer to Issue 2andIssue 3). required during late-season burns to ‘push’ fire into adjacent areas that are Be aware of theneedto keep grassy areas unburnt where andif they are exists moisture expected orgood soil Any timeof the year after thewet season whenrain can bereliably burn area. to create acontainment edge for ahigherseverity fire ignited inside the Commence lighting ontheleeward (smoky) edge. This can beauseful way during thethird year whenthere is two years of dead grass build up. the first year of grasses die-off. Fires will atcarry this time,and especially line. During thesecond year, there is abuild upof dead grass material as are green andwill not carry afire early inthe yearand can beused as afire Using previously burnt grasses. The first year afterfire, regrowth grasses discussion. these forests have driedout sufficiently). Refer to theglossary for a fuller as abuffer to undertake burns intall openforests later inthe year (after when conditions allow. This progressively creates areas of low fuel acting times) are lit insurrounding fire-adapted communities from early inthe year Progressive burning. Fires (of varying extents, severity andat various .

13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 80 • • •

Spot ignitionandbacking fires can beimplemented with aerial ignition. Aerial ignition. Where access is difficult orlimited, or to cover extensive areas. changes inweather conditions, topography andfuel loads. fire. The spacing of the spots will regularly throughoutvary the burn due to zones) while increased spacing between spots will result inalower intensity result inalineof agreater intensity (as spots merge andcreate hot junction where there is anaccumulation of volatile fuels. Spots closer together will Spot ignition.Can beused to alter thedesired intensity of afire particularly minimum. Greater residence timeis useful inreducing understorey density. residence time,while ensuring fire intensity and rate of spread are kept to a complete coverage of anarea andensures thefire has agreater amount of the wind onthesmoky edge orlit from upslope) will generally result inamore Backing fire with good residence time.Aslow moving backing fire (lit against Attie Creek (2009). Tim Devlin, QPWS, reduce fire severity. terrain inorder to very useful insteep a forest. This can be gradually draw into fingers of fire that tree, creates small tall backvery this of lighting around the Spot ignition,such as Mt Kinduro (2006). Tim Devlin, QPWS, open forest. downhill into tall allowing fire to back from aridge spur Spot igniting 13/05/13 11:04 AM

80 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest Issue 1: Manage a grassy or shrubby tall open forest DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 81 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest 81 Issue 2: Manage tall open forests where seedlings / saplings are abundant in the mid-stratum Key indicators of midstratum overabundance: • • • Awareness of theenvironment shaded leaf litter inwhich fire becomes difficult to reintroduce. in order to prevent thickening further andthecreation of aground layer of layer oftencharacterised by sedges interspersed with leaf litter. Fire is required saplings orseedlings are abundant inthemid-stratum creates asparser ground Tall openforests andwoodlands inwhich pioneerrainforest, she-oak oracacia saplings are abundant inthemid-stratum Issue 2:Manage tall openforests where seedlings / • • • • • •

abundance dueto shading. Grasses collapsing andappearing very sparse. Grasses, sedges, dianellas, ferns and/orshrubs are declining inhealth and present. by sedges interspersed with leaf litter. Otherscattered leafy plants may be In areas that were once grassy, theground layer is becoming dominated pioneers, she-oaks oracacias. Mid-stratum has anabundance of seedlings/saplings including rainforest around bracken fern. Bracken fern smothering native grasses, anddead material building up Ribbon bark andfinebranch material perched inshruband sapling foliage. An accumulation of fuels with adiameter >6mm. layer. beginning to diewith little ornonewrecruitment of shrubs intheground For shrubby tall openforests, mature shrubs have sparse crowns orare Ground layer orshrubs are smothered by leaf litter insomeareas. Mid orlower-stratum is difficult to seethrough or walk through.

13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 82 Mark Parsons, QPWS, Taravale, plot 5(2004). and lomandra tend to persist under she-oaks but not ingreat numbers. Shading dueto she-oaks. She- oak needles can smother native grasses. Barb wire grass Mark Parsons, QPWS, Taravale, plot 4(2004). interspersed with leaf litter. Grasses andotherground layer plants are sparse. Shading from rainforest andshe-oaks has created aground layer characterised by sedges 13/05/13 11:04 AM

82 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest Issue 2: Manage tall open forests where seedlings / saplings are abundant in the mid-stratum DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 83 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest 83 Issue 2: Manage tall open forests where seedlings / saplings are abundant in the mid-stratum Mid-stratum has anabundance of young rainforest trees. Midandlower-stratum is Justine Douglas, QPWS, Hinchinbrook Island (2008). Notice bracken fern smothering grasses, andpresence of dead bracken fronds. Mark Parsons, QPWS, Taravale, plot 7(2004). difficult to seethrough. Fallen material suspended in foliage. 13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 84 • • • Discussion What is thepriority for this issue? QPWS. Hopbush overabundance can quickly emerge afterfire.

Medium Priority controlled, return to alow species recruitment. Therefore once overabundant mid-stratum trees are mid-stratum sapling overabundance, it may also have animpact oncanopy canopy species. Although high-severity fires may benecessary to control It is important to ensure therecruitment of tall openforest andwoodland germination of acacias inorder to ascertain theneedfor subsequent fires. required. Post fire observations are essential to monitor the kill rate and en masse. Where this has occurred, it is likely that follow upfires will be Certain she-oaks, acacias andhopbush Dodonaea spp. can germinate the mid-stratum quickly intheabsence of fire. be present intheground layer of this fire vegetation group and can grow into In thewet tropics, there is agroup of rainforest pioneers that tend to always High recoverable. Planned burn inareas where ecosystem health ispoorbut health isgood. Planned burns to maintain ecosystems inareas where ecosystem to moderate to -severity regime (refer to Issue 1). Priority assessment 13/05/13 11:04 AM

84 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest Issue 2: Manage tall open forests where seedlings / saplings are abundant in the mid-stratum DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 85 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest 85 Issue 2: Manage tall open forests where seedlings / saplings are abundant in the mid-stratum System orconsider formulating your own. burn objectives found inthemonitoring sectionof the QPWS Fire Management If theabove objectives are not suitable, refer to thecompendium of planned Select at least two of thefollowing as most appropriate for thesite: after fire, and by using counts where relevant. Estimations can beimproved by returning to thesame locations before and walk around andif visibility is good look about andaverage theresults. locations that will begood indicators for thewhole burn area. At these locations understorey or vegetation type.It is recommended that you select at least three Every proposed burn area contains natural variations intopography, Formulating objectives for burn proposals Assessing outcomes retained. ≥ 10cm) a diameter logs (with > 75%fallen the tip. scorched to > 5mtall are plants eucalypt young of < 25% the tip. scorched to < 2mare saplings > 75%of Measurable Measurable objectives fallen logs retained afterfire. fire intensity) and estimate numberof the variability of landform andlikely or more transects (taking into account Select oneormore sites orwalk one scorched saplings >5mtall. fire intensity), estimate thenumber of the variability of landform andlikely or more transects (taking into account Select oneormore sites orwalk one overabundant saplings scorched. intensity), estimate thepercentage of variability of landform andlikely fire more transects (taking into account the Select oneormore sites orwalk oneor How to beassessed < 50%retained. Not Achieved: 50–75 %retained. Partially Achieved: > 75%retained. Achieved: > 50%. Not Achieved: 40–50 %. Partially Achieved: Achieved: <25%. < 25%. Not Achieved: 25–75 %. Partially Achieved: Achieved: >75%. How to bereported (in fire report) 13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 86 Fire ManagementFire System. observation points can beobtained from themonitoring sectionof theQPWS by photographs andby recording observations. Instructions for establishing observation points beestablished. Observation points are usually supported to keep observing theland. To support this, it is recommended that Many issues are not resolved with asingle planned burn andit is important Monitoring theissue over time Taravale, plot 5(2004). Management Science PtyLtd, PaulWilliams, Vegetation grass recruitment. Enlargement highlights recruitment. logs, andpromote grass of habitat trees andfallen should still allow retention moderate intensity fire In moist conditions, a 13/05/13 11:04 AM

86 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest Issue 2: Manage tall open forests where seedlings / saplings are abundant in the mid-stratum DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 87 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest 87 Issue 2: Manage tall open forests where seedlings / saplings are abundant in the mid-stratum • • Fire severity What fire characteristics will help address this issue? Fire parameters Note: This table assumes good soil moisture and optimal planned burn conditions. Moderate

severity testing should beundertaken to confirm this. off theleaves andkill theabove ground component of theplant. But more time around thebase of overabundant saplings would besufficient to brown that is possible It (refer to Issue 1). overabundance is controlled, return to alow to moderate-severity regime section andaddress containment issues priorto burning). Once mid-stratum trees andfallen logs, andthat thefire will be harder to contain (see tactics If using high-severity fire, be aware of thepotential for impacts on mature should beas highas thetipof themid-stratum trees that you wish to control. the leaves of undesired saplings are brown afterfire. The target scorch height Moderate high.Aimto to scorch to thetop of mid-stratum saplings sothat all class High Fire (M) (H) 150–500 intensity (kWm 500– 1000 (during thefire) Fire Fire intensity -1 ) low

to to Average 0.5–1.5 1.5–3.0 height flame (m) moderate-severity backing fire, with a high residence

7.5–15.0 Average 2.5–7.5 height scorch scorch (m) Fire severity (post-fire) Little ornocanopy scorch. Some scorch of elevated fuels. trees andfallen logs retained. stubble remain. Most habitat half thehumus layer andgrass scorched litter remains. About patchiness.Moderate Some (or nearly so). stratum burnt completely < 20mheight canopy, mid moderate. least somecanopy scorch in and fallen logs affected. At remains. Some habitat trees Some patchiness. Some humus (loss of biomass) Description 13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 88 Other considerations Mosaic (area burnt within anindividual planned burn) • • • Fire frequency /interval (refer to Appendix 2for adiscussion) burns as thewindow of opportunity (suitable weather) arises. Other considerations: Akey factor for this issue is being available to implement desired severity. Be aware of containment issues. Wind speed: <23km/hr. Agood wind speed 15–23km/hrcan helpachieve the DI (KBDI):140–190 FFDI: <18 January) Season: season Dry (October, November, December orsometimes-early burn planning. undesirable conditions andweather changes can beavoided, orto helpwith It is important to beaware of conditions priorto andfollowing burns sothat What weather conditions should Iconsider?

seedlings. plan afollow-up burn within three years. Abacking fire will help reduce If theinitial fire triggers aflush of newshe-oak, hopbush or acacia seedlings, As much of thearea dominated by midstratum trees as possible. Increase frequency of fire until overabundance is controlled. (2010). Girringun National Park Mark Parsons, QPWS, reduced. ground component is to ensure theabove of thesapling helps Scorching to thetip backing fire. A moderate-severity 13/05/13 11:04 AM

88 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest Issue 2: Manage tall open forests where seedlings / saplings are abundant in the mid-stratum DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 89 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest 89 Issue 2: Manage tall open forests where seedlings / saplings are abundant in the mid-stratum • • • issue. this in assist may that tactics suggested of toolkit burn objectives. What is offered below is not prescriptive; rather it is a the burn, tactics should bereviewed andadjusted as required to achieve employed at thesame site (e.g. dueto topographical variation). Also, during Tactics will besite specific anddifferent burn tactics may need to be What burn tactics should Iconsider? • • • •

transitioning andtherefore have anunderstorey less likely to carry fire. common methodto helpfire intocarry areas of tall open forest that are grassyUsing areas to push fire into areas with less available fuel is a the burn area. way to create acontainment edge for ahigherseverity fire ignited inside Commence lighting ontheleeward (smoky) edge. This can beauseful discussion. fuller (after these forests have driedout sufficiently). Refer to glossary for a acting as abuffer to undertake burns intall openforests later inthe year year whenconditions allow. This progressively creates areas of low fuel times) are lit insurrounding fire-adapted communities from early inthe Progressive burning. Fires (of varying extents, severity andat various areas. Aerial ignition. Where access is difficult andlimited, or to cover extensive overabundant trees (through scorching). fire throughcarry moist orinconsistent fuels. This is also useful to reduce Line orstrip ignitionis used to create afire of higherintensity or to help regime once issue is controlled. of habitat trees andfallen logs andtheneedto return to alower-severity to closed forest. Be aware of therisk of undesirable impacts such as loss ignition with the wind or slope) may help fire intocarry areas transitioning Creating arunning fire (through closely spaces spot ignitionorline in reducing understorey density. of spread are kept to a minimum. Greater residence timeis useful a greater amount of residence time,while ensuring fire intensity and rate result inamore complete coverage of anarea andensures thefire has against thewind onthesmoky edge orlit from upslope) will generally A backing fire with good residence time.Aslow moving backing fire (lit 13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 90 Key indicators of where fire management is required • Awareness of theenvironment are few. These tall openforests can occur as pockets inside rainforest areas. areas to carry fire into these areas. Windows of opportunity for fire management can nolonger bereliably introduced. It is oftennecessary to use nearby grassy tall openforest is close to transitioning to aclosed forest where planned burns which is characterised by leaf litter andanabsence of ground layer plants. The Abundant rainforest, acacia, orshe-oak trees have shaded out theground layer, transitioning Issue 3:Manage tall openforests at anadvanced stage of • • • • • •

Heavy build upof bark around bases of trees. suspended infoliage. An accumulation of fuels with adiameter >6mmontheground and Dead, dying, orrank sword sedge Gahniaspp. Presence of ferns onrocks andepiphytes inthelower ormid-stratum. Vines scramble onto mid-stratum saplings andlower-canopy branches. leaf litter. Ground layer plants are almost absent, andtheground layer is dominated by mid-stratum andforming analmost closed structure. Abundant rainforest pioneers, she-oaks oracacias are reaching beyond the

Mount Windsor(2010). Mark Parsons, QPWS, introduce fire. to possible isstill It suspended inshrubs. the ground and of heavy fuels on and abuild up rainforest pioneers abundance of forest. Notice the shrubby tall open transitioning ina A mature stage of 13/05/13 11:04 AM

90 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest Issue 3: Manage tall open forests at an advanced stage of transitioning DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 91 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest 91 Issue 3: Manage tall open forests at an advanced stage of transitioning A mature stage of transitioning. Intheright conditions, it is still possible to introduce fire. Paul Williams, Vegetation Management Science PtyLtd, Mt Fox (2005). An advanced stage of transitioning. It would be very difficult to introduced planned fire. Mark Parsons, QPWS, Girringun National Park (2008). 13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 92 Gahnia desirable. fire event is not in any onesingle refuge, sotheirloss habitat diversity and add that features also important areGahnia. These and dead ordying or lower-stratum epiphytes inthemid of ferns onrocks, include thepresence long unburnt areas Other indicators of Mount Windsor(2010). Mark Parsons, QPWS, 13/05/13 11:04 AM

92 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest Issue 3: Manage tall open forests at an advanced stage of transitioning DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 93 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest 93 Issue 3: Manage tall open forests at an advanced stage of transitioning What is thepriority for this issue? • • Discussion after fire, and by using counts where relevant. Estimations can beimproved by returning to thesame locations before and walk around andif visibility is good look about andaverage theresults. locations that will begood indicators for thewhole burn area. At these locations understorey or vegetation type.It is recommended that you select at least three Every proposed burn area contains natural variations intopography, Formulating objectives for burn proposals Assessing outcomes

Medium Priority fires. species recruitment andtherefore should beinterspersed by low mid-stratum sapling overabundance, it may also have animpact oncanopy canopy species. Although high-severity fires may benecessary to control It is important to ensure therecruitment of tall openforest andwoodland germination of acacias inorder to ascertain theneedfor subsequent fires. required. Post fire observations are essential to monitor the kill rate and en masse. Where this has occurred, it is likely that follow upfires will be Certain she-oaks, acacias andhopbush Dodonaea spp., can germinate Low has beensignificantly disrupted. Planned burn inareas where ecosystem structure andfunction recoverable. Planned burn inareas where ecosystem health is poorbut Priority assessment -severity 13/05/13 11:04 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 94 System orconsider formulating your own. burn objectives found inthemonitoring sectionof theQPWS Fire Management If theabove objectives are not suitable, refer to thecompendium of planned Fire ManagementFire System. observation points can beobtained from themonitoring sectionof theQPWS by photographs andby recording observations. Instructions for establishing observation points beestablished. Observation points are usually supported to keep observing theland. To support this, it is recommended that Many issues are not resolved with asingle planned burn andit is important Monitoring theissue over time species. of eucalypt Regeneration the tip. scorched to saplings > 50%of Measurable Measurable objectives eucalypt saplings >5mtall. intensity), estimate thenumberof live variability of landform andlikely fire more transects (taking into account the Select oneormore sites orwalk oneor fire. of overabundant saplings scorched by fire intensity); estimate thepercentage the variability of landform andlikely or more transects (taking into account Select oneormore sites orwalk one How to beassessed observed. regeneration or noeucalypt Not Achieved: Little observed. regeneration Some eucalypt Partially Achieved: observed. eucalypt regeneration Achieved: Abundant Not Achieved: <25%. 25–50 %. Partially Achieved: Achieved: >50%. How to bereported (in fire report) 13/05/13 11:04 AM

94 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest Issue 3: Manage tall open forests at an advanced stage of transitioning DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 95 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest 95 Issue 3: Manage tall open forests at an advanced stage of transitioning An advanced stage of transitioning. Site not burnt for at least 15 years. Mark Parsons, QPWS, Taravale, plot 7(2010). visible. clearly The same site eight months later. Post fire, the reduction of saplings to ground level is Mark Parsons, QPWS, Taravale, plot 7(2009). 13/05/13 11:05 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 96 should beundertaken to confirm this. the leaves andkill theabove ground component of theplant. But more testing around thebase of overabundant saplings would besufficient to brown off moderate that -severity backing ispossible It fire, with ahigh residence time implemented with duecaution andconsideration of containment issues. fires are recommended only to address this specific issue andneed tobe of undesired trees are browned afterfire. Be aware that these higher-severity metres. Aimto scorch to thetipof overabundant trees sothat all theleaves however it is not recommended to exceed anaverage five flameheightof High. Andsometimes upto veryhighfor highly-advanced transitioning, Fire severity What fire characteristics will help address this issue? Fire parameters Note: This table assumes good soil moisture andoptimal planned burn conditions. Very high severity class High (VH) Fire (H) intensity (kWm 1000– 500– 1000 3000 (during thefire) Fire Fire intensity -1 )

3.0–10.0 Average 1.5–3.0 height flame (m)

scorching Extensive 7.5–15.0 Average height scorch scorch (m) Fire severity (post-fire) Extensive crown scorch. trees andfallen logs affected. (or nearly so).Most habitat All understorey burnt to ash (or nearly so). mid stratum burnt completely moderate <20mheight canopy, least somecanopy scorch in and fallen logs affected. At remains. Some habitat trees Some patchiness. Some humus (loss of biomass) Description 13/05/13 11:05 AM

96 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest Issue 3: Manage tall open forests at an advanced stage of transitioning DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 97 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest 97 Issue 3: Manage tall open forests at an advanced stage of transitioning Other considerations Mosaic (area burnt within anindividual planned burn) rare weather conditions. of opportunity arise. Some cases of transitioning can only beaddressed under Other considerations: Be available to implement burns as apriority as windows Be aware of containment issues. Wind speed: 15–23km/hr. Use wind to helpcarry fire into transitioning areas. DI (KBDI):150–200 FFDI: 18–24 Season: season Dry (October, November andDecember) so that undesirable conditions andweather changes can beavoided. It is important to beaware of weather predictions priorto andfollowing burns What weather conditions should Iconsider? • • • Fire frequency /interval (refer to Appendix 2for adiscussion)

plan afollow-up burn within three years. If theinitial fire triggers aflush of newshe-oak, hopbush or acacia seedlings, seedlings orsaplings. Good burn coverage is required inareas dominated by overabundant following yearsaccordingly. Monitor fuel build-up andplant response andplan subsequent fires inthe This issue will not beresolved with onefire. Follow up burns are essential. 13/05/13 11:05 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 98 • • issue. this in assist may that tactics What is offered below is not prescriptive; rather it is atoolkit of suggested tactics should bereviewed andadjusted as required to achieve burn objectives. at thesame site (e.g. dueto topographical variation). Also, during theburn, Tactics will besite specific anddifferent burn tactics may need to beemployed What burn tactics should Iconsider? • • • •

Aerial ignition. Where access is difficult orlimited. overabundant trees (through scorching). fire throughcarry moist orinconsistent fuels. This is also useful to reduce Line orstrip ignitionis used to create afire of higherintensity or to help fallen logs. Be aware of therisk of undesirable impacts such as loss of habitat trees and with thewind) may helpfire intocarry areas transitioning to closed forest. Creating arunning fire (through closely spaces spot ignitionorline transitioning andtherefore have anunderstorey less likely to carry fire. common methodto helpfire intocarry areas of tall open forest that are grassyUsing areas to push fire into areas with less available fuel is a area. to create acontainment edge for ahigherseverity fire ignited inside the burn Commence lighting ontheleeward (smoky) edge. This can beauseful way forests have driedout sufficiently). Refer to glossary for a fuller discussion. buffer to undertake burns intall openforests later in the year (afterthese conditions allow. This progressively creates areas of low fuel acting as a are lit insurrounding fire-adapted communities from early inthe year when Progressive burning. Fires (of varying extents, severity andat various times) 13/05/13 11:05 AM

98 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest Issue 3: Manage tall open forests at an advanced stage of transitioning DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 99 Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 3­—Tall open forest 99 Issue 4: Reduce Lantana camara Refer to Chapter 11(Issue 5),regarding fire management guidelines. Issue 4:Reduce Lantana camara (2008). Girringun National Park Mark Parsons, QPWS, strata layers. ground andmid- can dominate the in tall openforests Lantana infestations (2008). Girringun National Park Mark Parsons, QPWS, establish. have begun to ecosystem. Grasses this endangered biomass from remove lantana (splatter mix), to fire andherbicide integrated use of later following the three months The same site 13/05/13 11:05 AM DEPNP10059_bp2007_WET TROPICS PBG D6.indd 100 influence of coastal breezes. Palm Island group. These occur onshallow soils andreadily dry-out under the of coastal headlands andnearby islands, particularly Orpheus Island andthe Imperata grass triandra blady cylindrica with occur onsteep coastal hill-slopes Grasslands dominated by kangaroo grass Themeda triandra andThemeda Grasslands of thecoastal slopes highland areas inthewest of thewet tropics. available from clouds orseepage. Upland grasslands tend to occur indrier occur inmoist highland onshallow soils usually onslopes with perpetual water These communities are very restricted indistribution. Sedgelands andfernlands Highland grasslands, sedgelands andfernlands permanently orseasonally inundated. coastal wetland systems (such as Eubenangee Swamp) andare typically In thewet tropics, grasslands, sedgelands andfernlands oftenoccur within Coastal wetland grasslands, sedgelands andfernlands management needs as described below. It includes arange of ecosystems that are quite different interms of theirfire group occurs incoastal, lowland andhighland areas; inrelatively small extents. species of grass, sedge orfern, with otherground layer plants scattered. This This fire vegetation group is treeless andshrubless, dominated by oneortwo Chapter 4:Grasslands, sedgelands andfernlands 13/05/13 11:05 AM 100

Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland: Chapter 4­—Grasslands, sedgelands and fernlands