Native forests have many social, ecological, and economic values that must be considered in their management. Forest fire management has certain basic principles which have not always been followed in Victoria, where such management has almost exclusively focused on fuel reduction, primarily by prescribed burning. Many forest values have been neglected, and consequently lowered. Past timber harvesting and fire management activities have resulted in relatively high flammability forests. Both the practice and the tools used for forest fire management need improvement. These issues are discussed and recommendations made to improve fire management so that it considers all forest values.

About the speaker:

A/Professor Emeritus Michael Feller has taught university forest fire science and management courses for almost 30 years, conducting research both in Eucalyptus forests in Melbourne’s Maroondah water supply catchment and in forests throughout British Columbia. Based ‪@UBC‬'s Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, his British Columbian research included studies of forest fuels, forest fire and prescribed burning ecology, with many studies of slashburning effects on vegetation, soils, and water. During the last 10 years he has participated in citizen science studies in Victoria, including fuel assessment in the dry Central Highlands forests.

Produced by the Royal Society of Victoria for "The Future of Victoria's Native Forests: A Public Symposium" with the support of the Alluvium Foundation. The symposium was delivered in partnership with the Alluvium Foundation, Friends of the Earth Melbourne and the Victorian National Parks Association.