Fire and Other Emergencies

Natural values recovery

Natural values recovery is the protection of the natural environment following a wildfire. This is part of the final stage of wildfire management, the four stages being prevention, preparedness, response and recovery (The Code of Practice for Fire Management on Public Land, p. 33). Natural values recovery refers to the actions taken to protect the natural environment following a wildfire as part of fire recovery. During a wildfire emergency, values officers support the response by providing advice on natural values that may be affected by the wildfire and to avoid unnecessary damage as a result of fire suppression actions. As a wildfire is brought under control, rehabilitation of any sites affected by suppression actions is undertaken (e.g. where vegetation has been removed for access to the fire) with the aim of “re-establishment of ecosystems to pre-fire conditions” (Code 411). Natural values recovery follows and includes actions that protect species and ecosystems at risk from: Ash and sediment entering streams and other water bodies Predation in open habitats Browsing by herbivores Weed invasion Loss of habitat Assessment of the fire impact on species and ecosystems and ongoing monitoring is an important component of natural values recovery. These actions commence immediately following the fire and continue for a number of years. For more detailed information on ecological recovery following the 2009 fires visit the natural values recovery 2009 page. For broader information on all aspects of Victoria's bushfire recovery effort following the 2009 fires, visit wewillrebuild.vic.gov.au.