SYMP 2-6
Fire and traditional resource management in Cape York , Australia, and the oak woodlands of California
While fire is recognized as an integral component of global ecosystems it is also integral to the laws, lore, and lifeways of many indigenous groups. As such the coupling of fire and culture are interrelated and interdependent in many regions. Colonization and subsequent policy mandates have disrupted the cultural use of fire in many regions. While society grapples with the devastating impacts of wildland fires and the loss of biological diversity many indigenous people see traditional fire use as a key to mitigation of devastating losses while retaining traditional livelihoods associated with burning. In recent years indigenous peoples of the Cape York Peninsula, Australia and Central California, United States have initiated the restoration of fire through traditional burning to protect and enhance biodiversity and cultural resources amongst other purposes for burning. This research presents the findings of baseline research of fire restoration by indigenous communities including Kuku I’yu, Konkow and Miwko in their respective homelands within Eucalypt tetrodonta and Corymbia nesophila dominated woodlands, Quercus douglassii and Q. lobata woodlands. Fire effects on vegetation were assessed on 20 x 20 m plots using the relevé method.
Results/Conclusions
Results suggest that biodiversity is greatest in sites burnt within recent years, and seasonal timing of burns can influence the structure and composition within these sites. In sites dominated by non-native understory species prior to burning, there was a significant increase in native understory species following burns.