Natural Environment Recovery

The natural environment can be impacted by bushfire. Natural values recovery is the protection of the natural environment following a fire. It refers to the actions taken to protect native plants, animals and ecosystems as part of fire recovery.

During a bushfire emergency, values officers support the response by providing advice;

on natural values that may be affected by the bushfire
to avoid unnecessary damage as a result of fire suppression actions.

Fire is a common natural event in most of the natural habitats of south-eastern Australia and most species have adaptations that enable them to recover after fire.

Fire is also important in renewing natural cycles that support the health of flora and fauna populations. This is best for most wildlife populations overall, if not for some individuals. Native animals will return when regenerating habitats are suitable for them.

Natural values can, however, be placed at risk by fire through:

ash and sediment runoff into waterways
predation in the open habitats
invasive species including weeds and pests
browsing and grazing of regenerating vegetation
inappropriate fire regimes (intensity, frequency, season, extent & type).

Of particular concern are species and ecosystems that are not well adapted to fire, including some threatened species and communities.

Assessment of the fire impact on species and ecosystems and ongoing monitoring are important components of natural values recovery. These actions commence immediately following the fire and continue for a number of years.

Mt Bishop walking track, February 2009. Photo: Stephen Platt

Mt Bishop walking track, February 2010. Photo: Lynden Costin - Parks Victoria

For publications about fire recovery visit the Information Resources page.

Explanation of fire ecology and natural values fire recovery

The DEPI website contains information about fire ecology and natural values fire recovery. These terms may be confused.

Fire ecology is the component of fire management that involves the study of fire and its interaction with the natural environment. For more information on fire ecology visit DEPI's fire ecology page
Natural Values Recovery refers to the actions taken to protect native plants, animals and ecosystems following a fire.

Current natural values recovery projects

For more detailed information on ecological recovery following the 2009 fires visit DEPI's natural values recovery 2009 page.