2008 Regeneration Burns to Begin Soon

As part of a commitment to regenerate forests following harvest, Forestry Tasmania’s 2008 program of prescribed burning is set to begin as weather conditions allow.


“When the conditions are right, including enough moisture and minimal impacts on communities from smoke, we will conduct regeneration burns,” said Tony Blanks, Manager of Forestry Tasmania’s Fire Management Branch. “Regeneration burning is expected to run through the autumn.”

“Fire is a vital and necessary part of the life cycle of Tasmania’s eucalypt forests and by conducting these burns we are mimicking the natural process. This is part of being a responsible forest manager and ensures a future availability of forest products.

“Fires create ash, which supports the germination of seed and growth of new eucalypt trees and the safest time for this burning is in the autumn, when weather conditions are stable and surrounding areas of forest are damp.

“We do this in a way that we believe will result in a minimal impact on communities. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology is used in planning so that we burn when smoke is least likely to drift into population centres.

“We understand that smoke from bushfires, fuel reduction burns, agricultural burns, and regeneration burns can cause discomfort for some members of the community, including those suffering from respiratory illnesses.

“To help asthma sufferers and others prepare for encounters with wood smoke, the forest industry has established a dedicated information web site: www.plannedburnstas.com.au. This web site is updated daily at 10:00 am during the regeneration burn season.

“We hope that people with respiratory illnesses will find this web site particularly useful, as the information can help them to prepare ahead of time. We also encourage people with asthma to visit www.asthmatas.org.au, or contact the Asthma Foundation on 1800 645 130 or their local doctor for advice on managing their condition.


David Tuck, Corporate Relations 6233 8249
ENDS
28 March 2008
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