The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is conducting hazard reduction burns in 3 areas of Goulburn River National Park, weather permitting.
NPWS Mudgee Area Manager Lisa Menke said the purpose of the burn was to reduce fuel loads, protect property and maintain biodiversity.
‘Around 3,500 hectares are being treated at Eckfords Creek and the Poggy area of Goulburn River National Park,’ Ms Menke said.
‘An ecological burn will treat a 20 m x 20 m area tomorrow (Wednesday 19 April 2023) near Mt Dangar to protect the critically endangered Acacia dangarensis, which is not known to occur in any other location.
‘Species specialists have designed an experiment with soil temperature monitors and buried seed bags to help determine the fire intensity needed for the germination of seeds.’
The Poggy hazard reduction area is 54 km north-west of Mudgee, adjacent to Ringwood Road, while the Eckfords Creek site is 80 km east-north-east of Mudgee and is clearly visible from Bylong Valley Way.
The burn at Poggy began on Monday 17 April 2023. The Eckfords Creek hazard reduction got underway on Tuesday 18 April 2023.
The 3 burns will continue until forecast rain arrives at the end of the week.
Anyone vulnerable to smoke is encouraged to remain indoors and keep doors and windows closed to reduce any possible exposure.
For health information relating to smoke from bush fires and hazard reduction burning visit the NSW Health website or the Asthma Foundation.
