After the 1983 Wildfire: the Anglesea Vegetation Regeneration Project - How it Grew

11 Pages·2000·3 MB·English

by  Margaret C Wark

Contribution
After the 1983 Wildfire:
the Anglesea Vegetation Regeneration Project- How it Grew
Margaret C, Wark1
Aitgair Inc. (Anglesea and Aireys Inlet Society forthe Protection ofFlora and Fauna)
Abstract
This paper describes how a long-term, low-cost study ofthe regeneration ofvegetation in the
Anglesea/Aireys Inlet region ofthe EasternOtway Ranges, Victoria, following thedevastating wildfire
ofFebruary 1983 (Ash Wednesday) was organised and sustained over 10 years. The project was car-
ried out entirely by volunteersand the results have now been published in the scientific literature. The
study increased knowledge ofthe llora ofthe region and how it responds to wildfire. II also provided
data tosupport submissions toprotect, andpreserve lorthe public, significantareasofindigenous local
vegetation, as well as information to assist in the future planning ofconservation management. {The
VictorianNaturalist 1170), 2000,46-1(16.)
Introduction
One February afternoon in 1983, shortly Over the 15 years, data generated by the
after the wildfires of Ash Wednesday project was used by Angair to support its
(Rawson ef al. 1983), three membersofthe various campaigns to conserve and protect
Anglesea and Aireys Inlet Society for the the local environment. The papers pub-
Protection of Flora and Fauna Inc. lished gave the Society credibility and sci-
(Angair) drove out into the hills north of entific authority when presenting its con-
Anglesea. Victoria. A blackened, silent servation strategies.
landscape stretched as far as one could see The project grew in size and scope with
in every direction. Stumps of Grass Trees time, as did the numberofpeople involved.
Xanthorrhoea and charred trunks of euca- Starting with an Angair group of four, who
lypts were all that remained of the heath knew the local plants, it expanded to
woodland where Angair members had held include a pool ofover 150 volunteers ofall
a pre-Christmas picnic two months earlier. ages. The project remained viable because
'Well, things can only get belter', said it had both educational and social aspects:
Carleen. 'Let's hope it rains soon", com- these were majorstrengths and helped keep
mented Mary. kWhy don't wc document the group of Held workers together. Most
how it recovers*, I suggested. Rain came of the participants knew Angair members
three weeks later and everything sprani* to and helping with the surveys became syn-
life. onymous with a pleasant day orweekend at
So began a scientific project carried out Anglesea/Aireys Inlet. The project was pro-
by amateurs. Its aims were to document moted as a fun learning experience, and a
the post-lire recovery of the main vegeta- lot oC effort put into sharing knowledge,
tion communities ofthe district, and obtain providing volunteers with information
information for use in the planning ofcon- about the local plants and the Anglesea
servation management. area, and giving regular updates and feed-
The project had several unique features: back ofresults. The project created consid-
it was a natural experiment, as no attempt erable interest within the local community
was made to modify the environment; it and it also expanded the knowledge base
was long term, with the Held work taking within Angair, as more and more members
10 years, and writing up a further live; all became familiar with the local plants, and
field work was carried out by volunteers; it increasingly aware ofenvironmental issues.
was a low cost project, expenses averaging The project also remained viable because
about $1,000 per annum: and results were it was underpinned by Angair members
published as four papers in the scientific with local botanical knowledge, training
literature (Wark ei al. 1987, Wark 1996, and time to organise the project and, when
1997, 1999). field work was finished, to complete the
1 Mrs Mar,t!;ircl C Polmear. 3 Aumami Court, Mnnl documentation and publication. It also
Alhcrl North, Victoria 3I2M,
96 The Victorian Naturalist
Contribution
remained viable because there was ade- The Project Plan
quate funding and support from profes- A formal project plan was developed
sional scientists. between February and April 1983. It gave
the Angair Committee a clearer idea of
Initiation ofthe study what might be involved, and helped me pri-
Before Ash Wednesday, Angair had
oritise tasks. The plan gave historical back-
never carried out a research project and its ground, defined aims and methods, and pro-
Committee voiced several concerns before
posed atentativebudget forthe years.
final approval to proceed was given. It was decided that canopy 1and under-
Questions raised included: Did the Society storey recovery would be studied using
hcaarvrey tohueteaxpleorntgisteeramndprtohjeeclta?boWuhrofowroceultdo prieerdmaonutenitnqsupardirnagtsa.nSduravuetyusmnwofuolrdebaechcaor-f
plan the project? What would the project
the first three years after fire and then in
cforsotm,?aWnhdowhweorueldwoorugladnisteheanmdoncoenytroclotmhee wsparsinngotinclleaatrerwhyeeanr,s.orAtif.tohitsheerartliymestpaogientist
project and do the final documentation? would be needed. Soil studies were consid-
How could Angair ensure that the project ered desirable both to help evaluate com-
produced useful published information? munity diversity and assess fire effects on
Appointment of Project Consultant and the regeneration process. It was planned to
ProjectLeader collect soils at each site at two months, one
The question ofexpertise was the first to year and two years, dry them out. and hold
be addressed. Were there sufficient skills them for possible testing in later years,
within the Angair membership to carry out Computer analysis of vegetation data was
the project? The group was enthusiastic, planned, but at what stage this would be
but did the Society have sufficient knowl- done would depend on how quickly the
edge ofthe local flora, training in scientific vegetation appeared to regenerate.
method and practical field experience to Vegetation profiles would be drawn at se\
undertake the project? eral stages during the project, and a photo-
There were at that time two Angair mem- graphic record kept ofchanges at each sue.
bers with different skills which could be and alt quadrats in each site.
useful in the project. The Secretary, the In preparing the projecl plan. Mary
late Mary While owl was a retired teacher White's pre-fire species lists o\' vascular
who lived at Anglesea. Mary was an expert plants at various locations in the district
and respected field naturalist, skilled in were used to evaluate possible plant diver-
plant identification and she knew the local sity, from these lists and others, it
indigenous flora well (White 1982), but appeared that heath, dry selerophyll wood-
she had little training in scientific method. land (heath woodland) and dry selerophyll
had scientific training, a background in open-forest were the three most wide-
bIotany and organisational skills, but no spread plant communities ofthe district. It
experience in field ecology. It was there- was decided therefore to put the greatest
fore obvious that professional guidance effort into monitoring these communities.
was needed and suggested to Angair that There also appeared to be considerable
the Society appoiInt a project consultant to species diversity in heath and heath wood
review Angair expertise, oversee prepara- land communities in different parts of the
tion ofa project plan, guide the project ini- district, so it was decided to monitor these
tiation phase and later review progress. It communities in several locations. For com-
was crucial that the project be correctly pleteness, three other plant communities
planned from the start, otherwise Angair were included because they were restricted
would not obtain useful publishablc infor- in distribution, vulnerable to disturbance
mation. Dr David Ashton (Geologist and and fioristieally interesting. These were the
Reader in Botany. University of closed scrub of the non-saline swamps in
Melbourne) was contacted and agreed to the river valleys, the gully communities
act as project consultant on an honorary within open-forest, and the open scrub and
basis. was appointed Projecl Leader, heath ofthe coastal dunes.
reportinIg to the Angair Committee. The study sites selected were located in
Vol. 117(3)2000 97
( ontribution
the Angahook-Lorne Stale Park, the suggested Angair apply for external
I
Coastal Reserve, the Alcoa leasehold, and research grants lo make the project self-
the Ironbark Basic Reserve near Point funding, since the Ash Wednesday wildfire
Addis. Though there were some differ- had aroused wide interest among environ-
ences in lire history between sites, essen- mentalists and grants were available to com-
tially all ol the areas selected had not been munity groups. The Committee asked me to
burnt lor 10 years prior to the wildfire, and prepare grant submissions and agreed to
were severely burnt on Ash Wednesday. fund the project until grants were obtained
The criteria used in selecting the study on the understanding that high cost items
sites were: (such as soil analyses) were put on hold.
1. they should be on public land The grant applications were prepared and
2. pre-llre species lists should be available included expanded project aims which
3.theyshouldbe in areasofnative vegetation emphasised the positive aspects ofa com-
4. they should, if possible, be on soils ol* munity-based project. The first o\' these
different geological origin aims was to create local awareness of the
5- they should have good accessibility by unique flora o\' the Anglesea'Aireys Inlet
road al all times ofyear. district by training people to identify local
It was possible to meet most criteria, plants. It was also hoped that the project
though access proved a problem. The fern would document the regeneration of the
gully site could only be reached on foot, a local plant communities following lire, and
45-minute hike along a walking track, and record the effect o\ lire on rare plants in
teams would have to be organised to carry the district. The results would then be pub-
sionilstasramppilcekset.sWaned feoquunidpmleantteratnhdatcasirtreysoount blieshaecdceisnsisbcileentliofiacnjyoournnealisntseoretshteeyd winoutlhde
the Alcoa leasehold were often inaccessi- flora ofthe area and provide information to
ble in winter, when the unsealed tracks assist in managing the plant communities
became impassible and volunteers had to ofthis lire-prone area.
walk 3(1-40 minutes to sites. Thesubmissions also stressed the compe-
At this early stage the project plan could tence of the group, in that the project was
only be a guide, for it was highly likely already underway and had produced
tIDhait eitxawmopulled,niefedit twoasbefmooudnidfitehdatitnhetimsei.x srcesiuelnttsi.stIts.alIsno haaddditthieoni,nptuhteofSopcrioefetsysikoenpatl
plant communities selected were more
audited accounts and the project was 'good
diverse than anticipated, sampling would value for money' in that the amounts
need to be increased. This proved to be the sought were small in comparison with the
case. Initially 60 permanent quadrats were
cost ofa fully salaried project.
installed at six locations; by the end ofthe In 1984, grant applications were lodged
project 120 permanent quadrats were
with the Department ol' Conservation
required to sample the plant communities Forests and Lands (now Department of
adequately.
Natural Resources and Environment) under
Project Funding its 'Grants for Conservation Croups,
Completion of the project plan in May Special Projects' funding and also with the
1983 indicated that the budget estimate for Myer Fund, The Potter Foundation, and the
the project over 10 years would be Native Plants Preservation Society. Each oi'
between $15,000 and $20,000. The expen- these fourapplications were successful, and
sive items were soil analyses, computer small grants totalling $l),S25 were obtained.
analyses and assistance with word process- The following year further applications
ing in preparing papers for publication. were lodged and additional funds of$5,000
The Angair Committee was alarmed by were obtained. Later a further $4,000 was
this estimate, because the Society's fund- donated to the project by the Native Plants
ing was then quite limited and largely Preservation Society. With the funding
committed to land purchase. The Society already received from Angair ($925). the
was reluctant to embark on financing a project income stood al $19%55(J-
long-term project when other conservation This income allowed the project to run
priorities might arise, for 17 years (from [9B3 to 2000). Though
98 The Victorian Naturalist
Contribution
annual expenditure varied, ii averaged out getting the sampling correct and develop-
at about $1,000 per annum. One policy ing reliable survey techniques.
established from the start was that no
salaries or travel expenses would be paid Plantidentificationproblems
to the volunteers. Four Angair members carried out the sur-
vey at two months. Learning how to identi-
ProjectOrganisation fy the tiny regenerating plants on foliage
The project was run by a Subcommittee characteristics alone took many hours of
whose function was to control expenditure careful observation and comparison.
and see that regularreporting occurred. The Sending samples to the Herbarium in
Subcommittee had its own project account Melbourne proved not to be useful,
and audited financial statements were pro- because we could not provide the flower-
duced annually. Reports on project ing material, seed and adult foliage they
progress were made monthly to Angair, required. It was up to us to gradually work
and regularly to all granting bodies. it out ourselves.
As Project Leader, my responsibilities With her excellent skills as a Held natu-
were to plan the project, liaise with consul- ralist, Mary White proved invaluable. She
tants, organise the surveys, evaluate and tenaciously combed the district comparing
publish the results, prepare reports and specimens until she was absolutely confi-
grant submissions, oversee training ofvol- dent ofevery identification. As we became
unteers and provide feedback. As Deputy familiar with the look of the young regen-
Project Leader, Flora Anderson assisted erating plants, with practice, we could
with survey organisation and volunteer eventually identify most species on vegeta-
training and oversaw publicity. The late tive characteristics alone. Our recording
Phillip Marriot was responsible for system was organised so that suspect iden-
installing, maintaining and locating the tifications could be confirmed later when
permanent and extended plots. He also the plants flow ered and seeded.
assisted in survey organisation, volunteer Monocotyledons like grasses and sedges
training and analysis of canopy data. were among the mosl difficult. Over time.
Phillip was helped by Ted Faggelter who we began to compile post-fire species lists
acted as project Treasurer, site photograph- \or each area.
er, and carried out the soil fertility bioas-
says. Jack Hurst, with his wife Ruth, mea- Sampling difficulties
sured and drew the vegetation profiles. Most sites were sloping and the quadrats
Mary White checked plant identifications. had been laid out along topographic gradi-
liaised with the National Herbarium, ents. Even at this early stage, it appeared
that there was community variability
Melbourne, and assisted in training volun-
across most sites. Comparison of site and
teers.
Most members of the Subcommittee quadrat species data would confirm later if
were retired and lived at Anglcsea or extra quadrats were needed to improve
sampling.
Aireys Inlet. They were both willing and
able to devote lime to the project during Developmentofmethodology
the week. This proved invaluable, especial- Gradually the group refined its survey
alyndat sfuorvlelyowt-iumeps wwhaesn mruecqhuirpreedp.aratTihoen imnettehropdrse.tatIihoeny uhnaadmtboigbueosuism.pleQ,ueasntdiotnhse
Subcommittee dealt with a wide range of constantly arose. When was a plant vin* a
important and trivial issues. These ranged quadrat? Ifa plant sprawled, what was its
from how could volunteers (especially height? Where did one measure trunk girth
those over the age of70 years) be insured, in low, multistemmed wind-pruned euca-
to who would bake the carrot cakes for lypts? Bow could cover-density estima-
morningtea at surveys! tions be made less subjective? It became
The firstyear-getting undervva> obvious that illustrated instruction sheets
The first year was a sleep learning curve were needed. Interpretation problems were
for everyone and the major challenges discussed with David Ashton and instruc-
tion sheets prepared.
were learning to identify the local plants.
Vol. 117(3)2000 99
( 'ttittribti/ion
The two-month survey was in fact Httl6 Il was also apparent that the vegetation
different to all subsequent ones in that was regenerating very rapidly and do/ens of
questions constantly arose and problems 'new' species appearing each month. By die
had to be solved. Questions changed as the next survey, o\^' year post-fire, a larger and
vegetation grew and thickened up, and as more expert group of volunteers would be
the knowledge and ability ofthe volunleers required lo handle the work load. It was also
increased. In later years queries included - clear that more training of Angair volun-
what do we do if(he cover density adds up leers was required and that the Society must
to more than 100% or, how can we mea- recruit skills from outside its membership.
sure the canopy height when we can't get a
line ofsight anywhere along a contour? Strategiesforrecruitment
Il was decided to try and recruit more
First project review and modification of volunteers from Melbourne and Oeelong
projectplan by approaching friends in the Australian
Hie project was lust reviewed hy David Plants Society and the Field Naturalists
Ashlon six months after the Inc. lie spent Club of Victoria. Il seemed that the most
two days in the field with Angair members likely way lo build a skilled enthusiastic
and visited the sites for the first lime. The team would be lo go lo special interest
data, which had been collected in the llrsl groups like these, rather than advertise
si\ months, was reviewed ami it was con- more generally. The project was also pub-
firmed that extra quadrats must be installed licised among staff and students at the
before the spring (eight month survey), It Botany School at the University of
was also decided that extra plots would be Melbourne.
required at a later stage ifdata analysis at To maintain interest, and help induct and
12 months indicated that sampling was still train new volunteers, il was also decided
light. that, in the future, a training day ('Plant
Identification Day') would be held out of
Needto expandthegroup doors one month before each survey al
By six months, we could see that there which anyone interested in the project
was going to be an ania/mg floral display could participate. Some survey sites would
during the spring months. Do/ens of be visited, and there would be an opportu-
species o[ lilies, irises, orchids, herbs and nity to picnic in the bush and learn from
grasses had appeared and were in bud. experts how lo identify local native plants.
thIenteeriegshttinmothnethprosjuerctveiyn,craeatsoetdalanod\,' bly> olinweoutold'gperlovtihdeieraenyeoppion'rtubneiftoyrefosrurevveeyrsy,-
Angair members was involved. Most were
familiarise themselves with the survey
unfamiliar with the plants. Ouadrat work methods, and hear about project progress.
was carried out in groups each with a The training days and survey details would
leader responsible for plant identification. be publicised together, and the first train-
The survey went well, buL revealed two ing day was scheduled for a month before
potential problems: a lack ofpeople skilled the o\k- yeai survey.
in plant identification and a labour force
probably loo small to cope with the future Lateryears -expanding the group
work load, Training
Though the Angair group was very keen, The lirst training day attracted 20 people,
few people could still confidently identify many coining from Melbourne. Everyone
the local plants, or had experience with who came was given a sel of reference
field WOfk. Questions were innumerable, material to keep. This included the total
and the experienced members were con- vascular plant list ['ovthe district, sets ofall
stantly being called away from Ihe work sheets, and instruction sheets
quadrats they were working on to answer explaining survey methods. ( I"here were
queries. In future, at least one experienced eight different sets ofwork sheets each for
person would need to circulate during the a plant community. Each set listed all the
survey, to answer questions and help solve plants and had columns for dala record-
problems, [here were just not enough ing.) fhe group visited the sites (or areas
experts to go round. similar to them), progress was reported.
100 The Victorian Naturalist
Contribution
VV
A/f ~ *^, te
fcv
!&>-*
wmmm
Fig. 1. Angair members f-rank K'ltham and Therese Turner monitoring vegetation regeneration in
coastal sand dunes near ArtgJesea, Victoria. l\ui years after the 1983 Ash Wednesday wildfires.
Photo by Margaret Wark.
survey techniques explained, and volun- moting the surveys to people with botani-
teers were shown (by Mary While and the cal or Held naturalist interests worked well,
Project Leader) how to identify local and in later years the project was never
plants using field characteristics. There short of field workers as the word spread.
was an informal lunch time speaker who Many of these new recruits added skills
talked about the local plants, birds, ani- and expertise and many brought their
mals, geology, ora related topic. friends. As many of the volunteers knew
To reinforce the training, sets ofillustrat- Angair members, this added a pleasant
ed information sheets describing the native social element to the study.
plants of the district were prepared over Some 25 volunteers participated in theone
the years. Two new sets were distributed year survey. In this, as in later years, about
each training day. Each set featured a dif- 20% ofthe workforce were local residents
ferent plant family, explained its character- and the other 80% oi' the volunteers came
istics, described the local genera and down from Melbourne for the day or week-
species in the family and the plant commu- end - a 240 km round trip. About 25% of
nities in which they occurred. These infor- all volunteers were members ofAngair.
mation sets were initially prepared by the New volunteers were attracted to the
Project Leader, and later on members and study because it was promoted as an enjoy-
friends from the Australian Plant Society able outdoor activity, and presented an
groups helped. By the end of the project, opportunity to learn about the plants ofthe
sets had been prepared on all vascular district (see Front Cover and Fig. 1). For
plant families except Orchidaccae, which local residents and Angair members with
was undergoing taxonomic review. homes or holiday homes in the area, it was
also the opportunity to participate in a
Recruitment, maintaining motivation and community project where outcomes
momentum appeared both positive and constructive,
The first training day went smoothly, and after the appalling destruction of Ash
the one year survey saw expansion ofthe Wednesday. Angair members with homes
group beyond Angair. The strategy ofpro-
Vol. 117(3)2000 101
Contribution
in the district provided accommodation for Melaleuca squarrosa bound together by
Held workers from Melbourne, and often climbing rushes and ferns became almost
socialised on the Saturday evening at one impenetrable.
ofthe local restaurants.
Momentum was maintained by continu- Surveyorganisation
ous feedback to the volunteers, all of Volunteers were insuredeitherthrough the
whom received a handwritten thank you Department of Natural Resources and
letter after each survey together with a Environment ortheAustralian Conservation
photo o( themselves in action. They also Trust for Volunteers. Care was taken to see
received copies of all interim reports and that there was someone with medical or
final papers. nursing qualifications present at each sur-
As another way of sustaining interest, vey. Only two incidents occurred in the 10
experts were invited to Anglesea for a years offield work. They were grazing ofa
weekend between surveys to give an shin on a short star picket marking one of
evening talk to Angair about Australian the extended plots, and an allergic reaction
vegetation and to visit the study sites. to a jumper-ant bite. First aid kits were
Experts included David Ashton, the late Dr alwayson hand.
The Project Leader and her Deputy
Jim Willis, the late "Budge* Bleakley, and
Leon Costermans. Their visits always decided work allocation. Care was taken to
included one or two field days in which combine in work groups people with com-
Angair members and their friends could plementary skills and compatible personal-
participate. ities. Everyone was part of a group, and
The surveys and training days were each person within that group had a specif-
always advertised well in advance, and a ic task suited to their ability. Each group
mailing list and phone booking system was had its own set ofequipment, as well as a
instituted. By the end ofthe project it was site plan, work sheets, instruction sheets
found, to the Subcommittee's amazement, and plant lists. Stools and kneeling mats
that over 150 people had participated in the were provided for quadrat workers as was
Held work or contributed to the project in morning tea. Groups were encouraged to
some way during the first 10 years. Ages take an hour for lunch and to socialise. As
of volunteers ranged from 14-80, exclud- on the training days, there was often an
ing babies and toddlers in back packs. informal lunch time talk on a topic linked
There was a core group of volunteers who to the survey. Subjects included local ani-
remained throughout the life ofthe project. mals, insects, birds, geology and soils, cin-
This group was very highly motivated and. namon fungus infestation, rare plants ofthe
as their expertise increased, they put more district, and mosses, lichens and liverworts.
and more into the project, often making Canopy measurements were carried out
extra observations and comments or sug- by a group of four 'tree people' led by
gestions which helped our understanding Phillip Marriot. Understorey recovery was
or resulted in improved accuracy or effi- monitored by several groups of 'quadrat
ciency. In later years, groups of up to 40 people'. Bach group consisted of a "plant
volunteers worked on each day of a sur- identifier1, a 'recorder', and one or two
vey. The logistics of handling larger num- helpers who assisted in counting and mea-
bers was quite difficult. suring. All unknown species were collect-
Surveys were never cancelled because of ed for identification later. The Project
bad Weather, and often field workers Leader circulated between groups answer-
worked in difficult and wet conditions, ing questions and checking identifications.
umbrellas covering their work sheets. At each survey Mary While independently
Long sleeves and eye protection were compiled a total site list ofplants and also
needed in later years when pushing assisted with plant identification. Quadrat
through dense stands of Prickly Moses groups were encouraged to take their time,
Wattle Acacia vcrticillata in the forest and ask questions, and were never allocat-
communities. Similar difficulties were ed more than three or four plots perday.
encountered in the swamps where the About 400 species of local native vascu-
dense stands of Scented Paperbark lar plants were monitored during the 10
102 The Victorian Naturalist
Contribution
year study. (This was about 60% of the identifying non-vascular plants and Arthur
total indigenous vascular flora of the dis- Theis suggested we contact the late Dr
trict.) As 90-100% ofall species appeared George Scott (Reader in Botany.
in the first two years, volunteers had to Department of Botany, Monash
learn many species quickly. In early years, University) who agreed to be the project's
up to 50 different species could be present Honorary Consultant on mosses, liverworts
in a 1 2 m quadrat. Very careful observa- and lichens, and to identify all species col-
tion was required, for some plants, such as lected. About 70 species of mosses, liver-
Pygmy Sundew, were less than 1 cm tall worts and lichens were collected and iden-
when mature, and could easily be missed. tified over 10 years. One moss was a
When groups finished their allocated species new to science.
quadrats, they often participated in other During the second year, signs of
tasks such as canopy mapping. At one sur- Cinnamon Fungus infestation were
vey, two Venturer Scouts (working toward observed and Dr Gretna Weste (Reader in
theirenvironment badge) obtained in a cou- Plant Pathology, Botany School.
ple o( hours quantitative data on the per- University of Melbourne) was contacted
centage oWXaiUhorrhoeu auslralis which for advice. She showed Angairhow to col-
resprouted following the lire and subse- lect soil and plant samples and arrange for
quently died due to Cinnamon Fungus these to be tested for the presence of the
Phyiophthoracfnnamomi infection. pathogen by Dr G.F. Marks (Department
Data was collated immediately after each of Forests, Conservation and Lands. Kew,
survey and checked for errors or inconsis- Victoria). He confirmed that Cinnamon
tencies. The plots were revisited within Fungus was present. Dr Weste advised
one week to collect any missing data or how we could minimise pathogen spread,
check misidenlifications. Estimation of and became actively involved in the field-
percentage cover (cover-density) often work for the remainderofthe study.
proved difficult and it was sometimes nec- By the third year (when all pre-fire
essary to repeat all cover density estima- species had reappeared) we could see that
tions so as to eliminate major inconsisten- there appeared to be several distinct plant
cies in interpretation. communities al each site. One oi' David
When it was confirmed that all species AshtoiVs PhD students (Dr David
present before the fire had reappeared by Robertson. Deptartment of Applied
yearthree, it was decided that further mon- Science. Charles Stiirt University. Wagga).
itoring would only be carried out in spring was approached to carry out computer
at seven and 10 years post-tire. analyses of year one and three floristic
Duringthe interim years, project documen- data. He agreed and showed that there
tation began, and one progress paper was were indeed many floristically distinct
written and published (Wark et al. 11>X7>. plant subcommunities at each survey site,
Some informal monitoring was done, and and that these plant communities were
one reunion training day was held at year both species-rich and diverse.
five to thank the group and distribute copies By the third year, when funds were avail-
ofAngair's first paperfrom the study. able, chemical analyses o\' soils collected
Regular site surveillance was needed earlier were carried out by Austin Brown
between years three and 10 and this was at the State Chemistry Laboratory.
carried out by Phillip Marriot and Ted Melbourne. These analyses confirmed the
Faggetler. who checked and replaced wide diversity ofsoil types in the district.
quadrat posts and tree tags, and located
Data analyses and writing up
and marked all plots before the seven and All data collection and sorting was done
10 year surveys.
manually; in retrospect this was extremely
Othertechnicalandprofessionalsupport cumbersome, and if the project was to be
Huge carpets of mosses and liverworts repeated today computer techniques would
appeared at the forest sites at six months be used. Manual collection made it easy to
and it seemed desirable to monitor these go back and recheck records, but did gen-
also. Aniiair had no lists of, or skills al erate a huge amount ofpaper. By the time
Vol. 117(3)2000 103
Contribution
the project fieldwork was finished (year recovered; that there were major changes
10). project records tilled a small room. in vegetation floristics and structure; and
Data sorting, data analysis and writing up that regeneration from seed or spores was
was my responsibility and took a further the main regeneration strategy.
five years, due both to limited time and, in
Conservation implications
pail, to long delays (two years or more) in
All papers published stressed the conser-
the review and publication process. Draft
manuscripts were read by David Ashton vation implications ofthe results. Copies
and Gretna Westc and their guidance and of all papers and recommendations were
knowledge of the scientific literature was sent not only to the granting bodies but to
extremely helpful. all organisations associated with land man-
agement in the Anglesea 'Aireys Inlet
Findings region, including the Department of
Though this paper is the story of"how we Natural Resources and Environment.
did if, it seems desirable to briefly sum- Among the conservation implications
marise some ofthe key results which were were that the species richness of vascular
published as four papers between 1987 and plants in heaths and heath woodlands
1999. decreases with time post-fire, and to retain
The project confirmed for Angair that the species diversity, heath and heath wood-
vegetation of the local area was both land and other dry selerophyll communi-
extremely diverse (species rich) and ties need to be burnt from time to time.
resilient to a single summer surface wild- Some plant species (which reproduce only
fire, and ourkey findings were: from seed shed following fire) may be
1. The first signs of vegetation recovery eliminated from a plant community if a
were seen three weeks afterthe tire. second fire occurs before young plants set
2. Most plants regenerated by regrowth, seed and re-establish.
some regenerated only from seed, and Secondly, fire may stimulate the prolifer-
others by both regrowth and seed. ation and spread of'environmental weeds'
3. With two exceptions, all species ofvas- which then compete with regenerating
cular plants reappeared in the first three native vegetation. Exotic species such as
years. Boneseed ( hrysanlhemoicies moni/ifera
4. Most species of non-vascular plants subsp. monilifera. seed prolifically, and
appeared in lateryears. their seed is spread by native birds. Fire
5. The species richness of vascular plants may disturb the ecological balance ofplant
decreased with time. communities, and native shrubs such as
6. Several rare species, as well as a moss Coast Wattle Acacia longifolia var.
new to science (Campylopus sp. nova) sophorae may become invasive and
were found. •weedy*. There is need to implement envi-
7. There was spectacular llowering, of ronmentally appropriate control pro-
herbs in the first year. grammes to reduce the spread o\ exotic
8. Structural recovery occurred within 7-10 and indigenous species of weeds in the
years. Anglesea/Aireys Inlet region and protect
9. Exotic and indigenous species of 'envi- the local flora.
ronmental weeds' proliferated and Phytophthora cinnamomi dieback may
spread following the fire. modify the floristics and structure ofplant
10. The soil pathogen Phytophthora cin- communities causing reduction in species
numomi appeared to survive the wild- richness and simplification ofvegetation
fire, and infect regenerating plants caus- structure. In the Anglesea area there is a
ing dieback and death. need for mapping ofPhytophthom distrib-
In two communities (fern gully and ution and investigation ofthe susceptibility
swamp thicket), localised peat fires were o( species which only reproduce vegeta-
ignited by the surface wildfire, killing all tively such as the endemic Anglesea
above-ground and in-ground vegetation. (irevillea, Grcvi/fea infecuntla which could
Key findings for these communities were be eliminated by this pathogen.
that the previous plant communities never Finally, peat fires may cause major
104 The Victorian Naturalist
Contribution
changes in floristics and structure of plant coloured posters were produced explaining
communities threatening the habitat ofrare the project aims and illustrating how the
local species such as the Lizard Orchid plant communities were regenerating. After
Bumettiticuncata. the Nature Show. Dr Barbara Wilson
(Senior Lecturer. Department o[ Biology.
Concluding remarks
Deakin University) approached Angair and
For groups planning to embark on a long- suggested her research group collaborate
term project, our experience has shown with the vegetation regeneration project.
that certain elements are crucial ifa com- Her special interest was small mammals
munity project is to succeed and produce and she had been working in the district for
results. ForAngair. the requirements were: some years. She offered to monitor small
• the idea, and recognising the potential mammal recolonisation ofthe Angair sites
value ofthe work: post-fire, and asked ifAngair could supply
• an expert local naturalist; her group with vegetation data and train
• a scientist who could organise the pro- them in vegetation survey methods.
ject and document and publish the results: So began, in late September 1983. the
• expertguidance byprofessionals; first ofthree parallel, collaborative studies
• an enthusiastic pool ofvolunteers; and on the Angair vegetation study sites, which
• stable funding. investigated recolonisation of these burnt
Locally, the Angair project served as a areas by native fauna. The small mammal
positive social and community activity fol- studies (which were organised and funded
lowing, as it did. the trauma of the Ash completely separately from the vegetation
Wednesday wildfire in 1983. Hshowed how- project) ran for three years and resulted in
teams of enthusiastic volunteers could be two papers (Wilson and Moloney 1985a*
organised and sustained to contribute to a 1985b) and the Deakin group has contin-
scientific study that continued for ten years. ued to work in many other areas ofthe dis-
Such long term studies are rare and the sci- trict during the last 15 years.
entific datacollected has enhanced the cred- Following commencement of the small
ibility ofAngair and given it a more effec- mammal project, it was suggested that a
tive voice in local conservation issues. study ofDecolonization ofthe sites by birds
Data collected during the project has been be initialed. Angair had a local member.
used in Angair submissions to protect the Pauline Reilly. who was an expert and
Alcoa leasehold, which was classified as pari respected ornithologist and who had been
ofthe National Estate in 1987, and to protect involved in production of the 1982
and acquire for the public significant coastal .Australian Bird Atlas. She was already
heath and heath woodland areas between studying local bird populations (Reilly
Anglesea and Aireys Inlet. Reservation of 1991a) andagreed to leada projectmonitor-
theseareas wasachieved in 1997. ing bird recolonisation ofthe Angair sites if
Information collected during the study she could hand-pick her Held workers, and
has increased our knowledge not only of if Angair would pay all project costs. This
the flora of the AngleseaAAirevs Inlet was agreed and the bird studies commenced
region but also how it responds to wildfire, in March 1984 and ran for three years.
and recommendations which could be of resulting in two papers (Reilly 1985.
use in planning of conservation manage- 1991b).
ment have been sent to ONRE. It is hoped At the time these fauna! studies com-
that these recommendations will be imple- menced. David Ashlon had a PhD student
mented when the management plans lor (Dr Alan Andersen. CS1RO Division of
thecoastal heathlands incorporated intothe Rangeland and Wildlife Ecology) who was
Angahook-Lome State Park are drawn up, studying ant populations in heathland com-
and when a management plan for the munities. The vegetation project provided
Alcoa leasehold is put in place. an ideal opportunity to study insect
Postscript - Parallel studies on fauna recolonisation of all the sites, and it was
•Regeneration" was the theme of the suggested that invertebrate sampling be
Angair 1983 Spring Nature Show (six done over a one-year period. Species iden-
months after the fire), and a series of tification could wait till funding was avail-
Vol. 117(3)2000 105