The Witjira National Park

Witjira Waru Pulka (Fire) Management Strategy 2018-2028 Waru Pulka means big fire

The Witjira National Park Cultural significance Post-contact heritage Witjira was proclaimed a National Park in 1985 under section The Witjira National Park (Witjira NP) holds significant The Dalhousie Mound Springs complex, Homelands, the and culture 43 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 to protect cultural value to both the Lower Southern Arrernte people, Finke River and Floodout, and Spinifex (Awilura) Country Australia’s largest array of artesian springs, the nationally the Wangkangurru people, and community, and adjoining across Witjira NP, provide a diversity of flora, fauna, and Witjira NP also contains sites of non-Aboriginal importance Aboriginal burning techniques are being more widely regarded as significant Dalhousie Mound Springs complex (Figure 1). Aboriginal nations through associated sites and story lines. natural resources for the Lower Southern Arrernte and including Dalhousie homestead ruins and European relicts. a key management tool; highly valuable in the maintenance and At over 768 850 hectares in size the park also conserves With over 100 sites and places at Witjira NP that are Wangkangurru people. Dalhousie Springs is also an important tourist sight promoting enhancement of biodiversity values. Within the Witjira NP lands relativity pristine areas of gibber and sandy country, river documented in the Register of Aboriginal Sites and Objects With the contrast in landscape features across Witjira NP, public use and enjoyment of the park whilst minimising the many native species have adapted to fire for a variety of reasons. floodplains, and floodouts (DEH 2009). under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988, it is the highest an immense array of species are utilised for food, fibre, or impact on cultural and European sites, mound springs, and The Common Reed (Phragmites australis) regenerates vigorously the surrounding environment. The determination of Native Title rights in 2008 for the reported concentration of cultural heritage in central Australia. medicine. A better understanding of these species and their post fire. Its rapid growth contributes to large volume of biomass F IN K Lower Southern ArrernteE and Wangkangurru people and The Lower Southern Arrernte and Wangkangurru people place use by Aboriginal nations can offer important understandings Travel and camping at several sites across Witjira NP is common and organic material that build up and can block spring vents COGLIN for environmental and cultural management. place and management of fuel loads around these camping sites and tails. Incorporating traditional fire management practices the declaration of the Witjira NationalER Park Co-management a high value on their lands and view it as a significant cultural RIV Board formally representsCREEK the importance and cultural asset through which to practice and learn about their culture. This Fire Management Strategy seeks to be a teaching resource is necessary, particularly after significant rainfall. such as burning the Common Reed helps to remove this build- connectivity to this Country. NORAltyerreTHERN TERR (culturalITORY lore and customs) and its relationship to the about culture and land and will assist and facilitate the Witjira up of biomass and organic matter. This maintains a diversity R SOUTH AUSTRALIA IVER of aquatic habitat types such as open water, closed flowing F land are the foundations of Aboriginal culture. The Dalhousie NP Co-management Board, the Lower Southern Arrernte, and IN

This Waru Pulka (Fire) Management StrategyF was prepared K IN KE E Mound Springs complex is of particular significance to the Wangkangurru people utilise fire in managing their Country The importance of fire channels, and mixed shallow cool water, ensuring that the for the Witjira National Park Co-managementD Mt. Dare Board, as A A B O endemic fish found in the mound springs thrive (DEWNR 2017b). MIN R Hotel GA Traditional Owners, as many stories are associated with, or pass and practicing culture. CR recommended in the WitjiraEEK National Park Management Plan R IV E R F through the springs. While little is known about the historical fire regimes of Witjira IN (DEH 2009). This Strategy identifies:E Cultural burning and a land management tool KE R A Purni Bore e D svill to Bird NP, management and use of the mound springs by Traditional MO UNT Federal LINE The Homelands, inCH the north east of the park, is the most COGLIN • natural, built, and cultural heritage values, assets WandITJ objectsIRA Freeth Junction FREN R Cultural burning is an important part of caring for Country and VE Blood Creek Owners involved regular burning of dead reeds that clogged RI Opossum Waterhole culturally significant area within the park. There is no public CRE bore NATIONAL EK vulnerable to inappropriate fire regimes or damage by fire; describes the burning practices developed by Aboriginal nations, spring waterholes and restricted access to water (DEH 2009). PARK access to this area. This dedicated area enables Traditional • a framework for the managementNORTHE RofN TbushfireERRITORY suppression, used to enhance the health of the land and its people. Cultural Spring vents and tails are well suited to cultural burning STEVENSON Owners to live on Country. O SO SIMPSON R l UTH AUSTRALIA I d burning can include burning (or prevention of burning) for including theV EidentificationR of fire management zones and Macumba Well practices, which can in turn create a mosaic of fire age classes, CR FI E DESERT N E Dalhousie Springs

F K K This area also represents the area of highest overall fuel hazard

potentialIN KE strategicM access and controlE lines (as shown on the health of particular plants, animals, and Country. It may O 3 O'Clock REGIONAL providing valuable refuges for important plants and animals. U N Creek T Dalhousie Homestead Ruins D Mt. Dare across the park, which significantly increases after big rains. involve patch burning to create different fire intervals or A RESERVE AB DEW’s Fire Management Maps);G Re-introducing cultural fire practices to open up and restore M O h IN R Hotel a GA n CRE D The 2014 Homelands bushfire (waru pulka) came close E R K A used specifically for fuel and hazard reduction purposes. IV the balance to these sites is essential. Given the isolated nature R E • fire management strategies,E includingR prescribed burning, to ) KA to burning two homes and burnt approximately 950 E R IR Fire may be used to gain better access to Country, R O D NO 8 E of Witjira NP and the number of threatened and culturally A A PuP rni Bore protect or maintain natural, built,d and( cultural assets, values,lle D D rdsvi i Bi s to M m INE hectares of the park. O UNT Federal AR L to clean up important pathways, or to maintain P a CH n REN significant species reliant on the health of the Dalhousie Mound WITJIRA Freeth Junctiot n F and practices; and EK l S RE e TEV C d E N Blood Creek ILTON S cultural responsibilities. Opossum Waterhole HAM O Springs environmental processes, re-introducing cultural fire bore NATIONAL N • opportunities to explore and implement Aboriginal Cultural o (Ca M ng ni practices is essential to restoring the balance to these sites. O i s This strategy supports the intergenerational PARK U D lu Knowledge and fire managementN methods for ecological / p STEVENSON T e u C r transfer of Traditional Ecological Knowledge, F R s O IN E SIMPSON u Cultural burning across the Finke River floodplains and l K E d E management and fuel reduction purposes, and maintaining d K in Macumba Well in CR which can be facilitated and supported E DESERT a floodouts, and Spinifex (Awilura) Country is also important E Dalhousie Springs g G D CO LIN K connection to Country. p

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a o R R O 3 O'Clock E i l REGIONAL a IV w E through cultural burning practices. Where U R ) N R Creek a P for cultural and environmental management. C EE y T K Dalhousie Homestead Ruins RESERVE G h possible, employment and capacity building a n NORTHERN TE There are many similarities and differences between Lower D RRITORY umme A s S r R y o opportunities will be investigated E SOUTH AUSTRALIA a t R I d ) V ER R n A t Southern Arrernte and Wangkangurru and western ecological K O i R R o g I A O D t F

o I and utilised. D h N N O 8 E

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d E ( I RIVE s D N E K o i M knowledge; to ensure a successful relationship, all parties need d s A (Me n m C rk la AR a U a le P a d M IVER u D A R b n LB Mt. Dare E RGA a B nuary r c A Ja K t A t A E l S t e a E e B T O R M EV a to acknowledge and consider these respectfully. There should C d IN E R Hotel p GA N a g ILTON CRE S l M EKO R P o HA I N OO V D E t m be an emphasis on encouraging the retention of Cultural N R ADATTA r E e e M R A s O TR Purni Bore e r Knowledge by Lower Southern Arrernte and Wangkangurru D AC svill U K to Bird Legend e a N MO T LINE T UN Federal Figure 1 r F t ENCH e e D a C WITJIRA Freeth Junction FR Building Campsite; toilet b br people and to develop and maintain sincere relationships with R m u ) E e a Blood Creek E c on Rains a r K Landing ground so nd bore Opossum Waterhole NATIONAL Witjira National Park Shower; meals e Mon Flo y (permission required) D ods people and their land. This strategy aims to provide high level Fuel; drinking water D

A r Unsealed Road

a R PARK i guidance along with DEW Fire Management Zoning (DEWNR l led Perch w Non-perennial Waterbody E ng B N pa re a STEVE SON S ed y Vehicular Track in O SIMPSON ay g l Witjira NP w f 2017) to assist and facilitate the Witjira NP Co-management d Macumba Well n a Ru ol Disused Railway i g b cl lo CR DESERT in ay w E Dalhousie Springs Other park g rains f E n s he ro s K r g t to m Board and the Lower Southern Arrernte and Wangkangurru M e bu in low pr s t O 3 O'Clock REGIOWNatAercLourse National Heritage Place - b r ol ote p h U l sp f ct ri e N Creek a s n R T Dalhousie Homestead Ruins Witjira-Dalhousie 2009 s n e fr gs O o m o o f people to utilise fire in managing Country. G RESERVE i o m l A t edicin o t d m e h t r i o o n

D i d a f n m State border u a o O n d RIVE R n a q o t d o i s D s h M r q d s A A 0km 10 20 30 o u e n C Le R T i ( io a U w M t h p E s c o d E d r ALB M RIV R o o k e th E RGA a B A) e P e t A K t o i t f s r R R n d a I r a O D e NO 8 E l p A r P e D d ( s o g g o i s f s g n n n O m i OD AR e g n a N P a e r u AD T n s m p AT A K t u i E l S d B n RE e TEV p u b l S C d E y N a u g i d i T ILTON S y l p g r c RA M O l CK HA Legend n o N r i d Figure 1 a h r s t l e n it p o o Building Campsite; toilet n M h w s b a r O a ) U t o r n w , N Landing ground r r t Witjira NTational Park Shower; meals e G u a e d C (permission required) o o i e R b c a E d d E Fuel; drinking water n a l K m n s r Unsealed Road e a e c i i d n z M m Non-perennial Waterbody v m A n I g a D n o e o r f M

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Biodiversity significance Ecological-cultural monitoring Message from the Board Witjira NP contains a nationally significant assemblage of Culturally significant species Abundant and pest species Monitoring will be conducted in areas impacted by fire to biodiversity including: improve knowledge about the response of species and their Witjira National Park is the traditional land of the Wangkangurru A number of abundant and introduced species occur within Culturally significant species within habitats, and ecological communities within Witjira NP. and Lower Southern Arrernte people. • Dalhousie Springs and Australia’s largest array of Great the Witjira NP. Date Palms (Phoenix dactylifera) were planted Witjira NP include the following: Where possible Traditional Owners will be involved in Artesian Basin (GAB) arterial springs, which provides habitat at some of the mound springs in 1899 by early settlers and now We will always value the land, water, plants and animals. monitoring activities. The results from post-fire monitoring for at least 16 endemic species, 28 threatened fauna species, • Dingo (Canis lupus dingo) pose a threat to the ecology of the mound springs. The Date We’re working together to holistically maintain, protect and will be used to further refine fire management, consistent 21 threatened flora species (out of a total of over 543 vascular • Kangaroo (Macropus rufus) Palm is an aggressive invader of wetland habitats as it can grow preserve the park for the betterment of all people, now and with an adaptive management approach. plant species), and one threatened ecological community; • Perentie (Varanus giganteus) in high densities, forming a continuous and dense canopy, which into the future. • the greatest diversity of habitat in the northern part of the • Goanna (Varanus gouldii) effectively blocks light from plants beneath and its roots form a This is our Country, our responsibility, so please help us to look SAAL NRM Region (with over 569 species documented within dense mat that is both extensive and invasive. after the place. • Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis) Legislative requirements and adjacent Witjira NP); and The native yet overly abundant Common Reed (Phragmites Witjira National Park Co-management Board, September 2016 • Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) • large areas of arid mallee, chenopod and GAB spring australis) threatens the mound springs as it grows quickly This Strategy adheres to the legislative requirements of the • Mosquito (Culicidae spp) ecosystems and extensive areas of pristine condition and forms a dense mat, choking out other plants (DEWNR 2017b). National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, the Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005, DEW’s Fire Policy and Procedures Manual Contact information native vegetation with no environmental weeds. • Medicine Bush/Native Fuchsia (Eremophila freelingii) Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) also poses a significant risk to (DEWNR 2017) and other relevant State and Federal legislation. Natural Resources Centre SA Arid Lands This strategy recognises the significance of government • Wild Tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) the region. It can directly affect native floral diversity and Level 1, 9 Mackay Street (PO BOX 78) Port Augusta SA 5700 legislation, guidelines, and actions prescribed by agencies • Dalhousie Catfish Neosilurus( gloveri) composition, and threatens flora and fauna communities that are not adapted to fire (SAAL NRM Board 2009), by carrying fire Tel: (08) 8648 5300 Email: [email protected] and organisations to protect and enhance the natural and • Dalhousie Goby (Chlamydogobius gloveri) Fire management strategies Web: www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/aridlands/home cultural values of this Country, including threatened species, into areas where it is not normally part of the ecosystem, and • Dalhousie Purple-spotted Gudgeon (Mogurnda thermophila) endangered ecological communities, and Aboriginal and non- increasing the intensity and frequency of natural fire regimes The following fire management strategies will guide fire References • Dalhousie Yabbie (Cherax albidus) (SAAL NRM Board 2010). DEH 2009, Witjira National Park Management Plan. Department for Environment & Heritage, Government of South aboriginal cultural values and assets. This plan also recognises activities across the Witjira National Park: Australia, Adelaide. the importance of adaptive management and actions that are • Spangled Perch (Leiopotherapon unicolor) Fire contributes to the management of abundant and pest • Support and develop cultural burning aspirations DEWNR 2017a, Fire Policy and Procedures Manual 2017. Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, informed by ongoing monitoring and observation of the land. • Grass Owl (Tyto longimembris) species, complementing other management techniques to Government of South Australia, Adelaide. • Develop Ecological Fire Management Strategies for: DEWNR 2017b, Witjira National Park Draft Mangement Plan. Department of Environment, Water and Natural The fire response of many of the significant and endemic species • Red Mulga (Acacia cyperophylla). reduce the impacts on endemic and native species. Fire is already Resources, Government of South Australia, Adelaide. used to assist the Witjira NP Co-management Board in the • the Great Artesian Basin Springs are data deficient and further research is required to understand • Sea-heath (Frankenia sp) GAFMWG 2014, South Australian Firebreaks, Fire Access Tracks and Sign Standards Guidelines. Government Agencies suitable fire management regimes. Following an adaptive removal of Date Palm stands from around Dalhousie. This has • Spinifex (Awilura) Country Fire Management Working Group, Government of South Australia, Adelaide. • Bush Tomato (Solanum sp) shown that with careful planning and through a cooperative • the Homelands and Finke Floodout SAAL NRM Board 2009, Pest Management: Buffel Grass, South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Management management framework will inform appropriate fire regimes Board. Government of South Australia. and management strategies for significant species and • Desert Paperbark (Melaleuca glomerata) approach by the Witjira NP Co-management Board, the Lower • Maintain fire access tracks as per the GAFM (GAFMWG 2014) SAAL NRM Board 2010, North Flinders NRM District Weed Strategy. South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources ecological communities. • Ruby Saltbush (Enchylaena tomentosa) Southern Arrernte, and the Wangkangurru people, successful guidelines to provide a strategic fire access and egress network Management Board, Government of South Australia Adelaide. • Wild Onions (Cyperus bulbosus) outcomes can be achieved. for fire suppression Artwork Dean Ah Chee • Kingfisher Todiramphus( sp.) • Implement and manage all fire management zoning in accordance with the DEW Policy and Procedures Manual Photographs A.Clarke, C.Gerlach, A.Galpin, T.Gotch, D.Koerner, J. Walton. Many of these species rely on the health of the Dalhousie (DEWNR 2017). Mound Springs complex. Appropriate cultural management Fire management works and activities are to be implemented of the springs will benefit these culturally significant species, over the life of this strategy and are consistent with the which are important to the Lower Southern Arrernte and above Fire Management Strategies. These can be Wangkangurru people as they are attached to story lines. found on the back of this poster in Appendix 1: Recommended Works. For more information please visit Users are warned that there may be words and descriptions that may be culturally sensitive and which might not normally be used in certain public or community contexts. Irrwanyere www.parks.sa.gov.au Aboriginal Corporation