Author Archives: fobif

Fire 1: here we go again. Will controlled burning solve our bushfire problem?

Posted on 2 December, 2019 by fobif

Serious bushfires still burning in NSW have brought out some familiar discussion themes. Like this one: if only there had been more fuel reduction burns, these fires wouldn’t be so bad. And: the reason we don’t have enough reduction burns … Continue reading →

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Meanwhile, on the ground: fuel reduction at Spring Gully

Posted on 2 December, 2019 by fobif

DELWP conducted a fuel reduction burn in the area south of Jacobs track, along the Vaughan Chewton road in the week beginning November 18.  The fire was lit on the 18th before the dire weather forecast for the following Thursday … Continue reading →

Posted in Fire Management, News | 2 Comments

Fuel reduction: a bit of ancient history

Posted on 2 December, 2019 by fobif

On the subject of fire safety and ecological health, here’s a look at the past: “In 1970 the Australian Conservation Foundation released a reasoned manifesto on ‘bushfire control and conservation’ that encapsulated the sentiments and logic of environmental critics (of … Continue reading →

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It’s a miracle! Scott Morrison was right! And wrong! At the same time!

Posted on 2 December, 2019 by fobif

The early start to the bushfire season has generated a debate about the connection between climate change and bushfires. This is another debate we can expect to sputter on over summer. It’s important to be clear about what the argument … Continue reading →

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So: how’s the climate here?

Posted on 2 December, 2019 by fobif

The Bureau of Meteorology and the CSIRO have released a series of local climate guides summing up the changes in the last few decades around Australia. The guide for North Central Victoria can be found here. It reveals that average … Continue reading →

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Summer’s coming, and here’s evidence

Posted on 27 October, 2019 by fobif

The weather’s warming, and reptiles are out. It’s time to be careful wandering in grassy areas. And of course it’s time to pay attention on the highway, so as not to be part of the ongoing slaughter of our reptiles. … Continue reading →

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Celebrate the butterfly!

Posted on 27 October, 2019 by fobif

Elaine Bayes has supplied us with details of a terrific program of activities designed to improve knowledge of the Eltham Copper Butterfly. Details are below: If you would like to help protect Eltham Copper Butterflies or would simply like a … Continue reading →

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Strenuous effort, rich rewards

Posted on 21 October, 2019 by fobif

A strong contingent took on brisk weather and a couple of strenuous climbs on FOBIF’s October walk yesterday. The route took the group from the Railway Dam up to the Fryers fire tower, down to Fryers Creek and up again … Continue reading →

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Great spring reading

Posted on 14 October, 2019 by fobif

The September issue of the Wombat Forestcare newsletter is now available online. As usual it’s a great read. You can find it here. The issue includes a terrific article on Currawongs, a sobering item on the effect of rodent poison … Continue reading →

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Mount Alexander 1: What price safey?

Posted on 7 October, 2019 by fobif

As we mentioned some weeks ago, visitors to Mount Alexander have been shocked by the tree clearance operation conducted there in the last two months. Enquiries as to the rationale for the works have been a bit of an adventure. … Continue reading →

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