A Campbell, Rosebank
My partner, a bush regenerator of 18 years experience suggested that rather than spend money on expensive replantings of rainforest, we could use available funds or raise funds, toward educating people in identification of, and removal of, local weed species.
If replanting, human-induced regeneration efforts need to be careful that endemic stock and species are used. But it would be better to give nature the opportunity to show us what is needed.
We need to listen to the expert ecologists and scientists before we make any hasty, potentially harmful, moves.
Tremendous benefits are available by pulling out the weeds. That will give the species that have survived, and the many seeds down in the soil, the best chance to re-establish, without competition from introduced invasive species, or ill-advised but well-intentioned actions.
NSW National Parks Association have put together this information on helping with the recovery effort: https://npansw.org/npa-bushfire-recovery-project-volunteer-form.
Very good information. Now is a great time to act..
Totally agree – weed control is the priority here, so that conditions for natural regeneration are enhanced. Encouraging regeneration removes the need for planting which can be costly and requires a lot of follow-up/maintenance.
Don’t get too hung up about weeds.