Rare plant burnt in fire aimed to protect the species
A plant on the threatened species list has been burnt in a 39-hectare hazard reduction burn at Warrah Trig aimed to protect the species.
At least one specimen of the small astrotricha crassifolia, known as the thick-leaf star-hair, at the side of the track was among plants burnt to the ground.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service said the hazard reduction burn would help to protect astrotricha crassifolia.
However, it is not clear whether burning of the vulnerable plants themselves was intentional or not.
The Service told Peninsula News: "Monitoring of the astrotricha crassifolia population, since 2018, revealed a substantial decline in the population, due to crowding-out by other vegetation.
"Following the burn, these declining patches of astrotricha crassifolia are expected to respond positively."
It is believed the reproduction of the species, which exists only around Sydney in two small areas, is not well understood.
However, there appears to be some evidence that it "resprouts" after fire.
The Service said the burn reduced naturally accumulated fuel loads in the park to protect nearby residential areas in Patonga and Pearl Beach from future bushfires.
The burn, located just north of Patonga, began at 10 am on Friday morning, with mop up and patrol continuing over the weekend.
Walking tracks were closed during the burn.
"Exposed rubbish is planned to be removed once the burn has been completed and the site declared safe."
The burn was conducted on the recently re-opened Warrah Trig track.
"Work on Warrah Trig track follows damage caused by significant rainfall events over the last couple of years.
"Repairs required 3000 tonnes of crushed sandstone and road base along with replacement of damaged headwalls, installations of rock armoured culverts and re-established drainage.
"Two new gates and bollards have been installed assist with management of the area."
SOURCE:
Media release, 13 Jul 2023
Lawrence Orel, National Parks and Wildlife Service