NEW PUBLICATION: Vegetation, Fire and Climate Change in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area

This new booklet summarises science of fire and climate change in the Greater Blue Mountains. The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area comprises seven national parks, plus Jenolan Caves reserve, and covers just over one million hectares from the edge of the Hunter Valley to the Southern Highlands. It is one of the most fire-prone regions on earth and adjoins long stretches of urban areas. These features present significant management challenges for DECCW. In addition, climate change may increase the frequency and intensity of fires in the region, adding to these challenges.

Dr Kate Hammill and Dr Liz Tasker (Fire Ecology Unit, Biodiversity Conservation Science Section) together with the NSW Environmental Trust and PWG (Blue Mountains Region) recently published this 74 page, full-colour booklet on the vegetation, fire history and climate change projections for the region. As well as the extensive written information, it also contains ten colour maps and many beautiful photographs. The booklet will improve access to the scientific information that underpins many aspects of fire and biodiversity management in the area for managers and the public.

The booklet can be downloaded from the DECCW website. Hard copies are available from Kate Hammill (kate.hammill@environment.nsw.gov.au) or Liz Tasker (Liz.tasker@environment.nsw.gov.au). The booklet will also be available from the NPWS Heritage Centre in Blackheath and Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens.