1.6 FIRE MANAGEMENT
Fire management on Herring Island includes fire protection and suppression of any fires which may eventuate. The use of prescribed burning as a management tool to promote indigenous vegetation is not appropriate in this area due to the size of Herring Island, the limited extent of indigenous vegetation, and the presence of hard-seeded pest plants (furze, tree lucerne, sallow wattle, cape wattle) which are encouraged by burning. In this Island setting, control burning pose quite considerable logistical difficulties. It is anticipated that the only means of fuel reduction required will be occasional mowing of rank exotic grass growth.
Fire management on Herring Island will concentrate on visitor safety and the protection of structures and vegetation (particularly in the early stages of the revegetation program) by maintaining low fuel quantities near tracks, other facilities and vulnerable vegetation. Fire protection measures on Herring Island are to include a mown/surfaced track around Herring Island (this doubles as the major walking track) and water supply near the proposed landing, and at points on the north-cast and north-west banks. Revegetation plans should take these fire protection measures into consideration.
Responsibility for fire protection works on Herring Island rests with the Committee of Management, subject to the Department of Conservation and Environment approval. The Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) has responsibility for fire suppression on Herring Island.
Aims
Actions
To control all wildfires to a minimum area, using techniques which cause least damage to Herring Island's values.
High
FM-1
Prepare a Fire Protection Plan for the Department of Conservation and Environment approval in conjunction with MFB and BOW and in accordance with the actions in this Management Plan.
High/ Ongoing
FM-2
Maintain co-operation and liaison with MFB in fire protection measures.
Ongoing
FM-3
Ban fires within Herring Island.
Ongoing
FM-4
Enforce fire regulations.
Ongoing
FM-5
Include the issue of fire in interpretations material.
Medium
FM-6
In conjunction with MFB and BOW provide appropriate fire fighting equipment.
Ongoing
FM-7
Maintain a slashed/mown strip adjoining the Walking track (Figure 5).
Ongoing
FM-8
Maintain the Emergency fire access track (Figure 5).
Ongoing
FM-9
Maintain and provide access to the water supply points (Figure 5).