Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) is starting fuel management work on 15 hectares of the Ocean Grove Nature Reserve on Monday 21 January.
FFMVic will be mulching woody weeds within the reserve to reduce the bushfire risk and enhance the ecological health of the reserve.
“Mulching is the most effective way to reduce fuels in this reserve because we can target specific species and protect the larger trees,” FFMVic Otway District Manager David Roberts said.
“This work compliments previous planned burns and weed management, continuing to enhance ecological values of this reserve.
“Mulching will be occurring for around seven days in the Ocean Grove Nature Reserve, with crews working throughout the reserve.
“We ask members of the public to keep away from machinery while it’s in operation, and to adhere to signage while works are taking place.
“We will be mulching the current heavy growth of Golden Wattle, Acacia pycnantha and Prickly Wattle, Acacia paradoxa. This will help open up this section of the reserve to be more like the original natural woodland setting.”
The work has been planned in consultation with the Friends of Ocean Grove Nature Reserve representatives.
“It’s great to see Forest Fire Management Victoria doing targeted bushfire risk reduction work that also has great biodiversity outcomes for Ocean Grove Nature Reserve,” Barry Lingham from the Friends of the Ocean Grove Nature Reserve said.
“The works support the ongoing restoration of grassy woodlands on the Bellarine Peninsula.”
