The Goodmans Ford Landcare Group is very concerned about the current Bushfire - and Hazard Reduction management practise .

 

A lot of desasters could be prevented by more widespread and regular burns during low risk times . These " cool burns " will reduce excessive fuels but will also allow wildlife to escape and take refuge and plants to recover .

 

We conducted a full week to hazard reduction burns during the last week of August 2002 , burning areas around Goodmans Ford , along Wombeyan Caves Road and on local GFLG members propertys .

 

We found these burns to be very successful in reducing excessive fuels without generating the intense heat of uncontrolable summer fires .

 

Due to the lack of rainfall , some mountain areas are still slow to regrow , but the more moist areas near the Wollondilly river have made a full recovery .

 

We noticed how the slow and cool burning fires will spare some areas , leaving patches unburnt , providing refuge and recovery potential for wildlife and flora .

 

We feel the whole Bushfire management needs drastic reforms and we will continue to work towards a better fire management future .