Landowners have several options when it comes to managing crop stubble.
Hume Natural Environment Program Officer Daniel Pendavingh said that if they’re managing particular issues in a paddock, burning may be the chosen option when fire restrictions lift in May.
“It is important to protect native paddock trees,” Mr Pendavingh said.
“They provide shade to stock, reduce wind impacts to crops, store carbon and provide habitat to important pollinators and birds that feed on pests.”
Native trees are protected by law and there are ways to avoid damaging them.
This includes establishing an adequate fire break around native trees and ensuring there are enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively with adequate water and fire extinguishing equipment accessible.
“We encourage landholders to be well-prepared before beginning a stubble burn,” Mr Pendavingh said.
“Creating firebreaks around trees and having enough people, water and equipment ready to extinguish the fire will ensure you can protect your valued native trees.”
If fire restrictions are in place, a permit is required to burn grass, stubble and other vegetation on your property until the Fire Danger Period ends.
Find out more via www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-bans-ratings-and-restrictions/can-i-or-cant-i
Find out more about native vegetation and farming at www.environment.vic.gov.au/native-vegetation/farming-and-native-vegetation
Anyone wanting to report the destruction of paddock trees during stubble burning should contact their local council.
