Re: Bushfires, Birdlife and Birds Australia

I would think that an organisation such as Birding Australia would and should be concerned about the clearing of undergrowth and bushfire 'fuel'.

This is where many birds live and is paramount in many aspects of envrionmental diversity.   Birding Australia could provide an informed source of knowledge to the public, and dismiss the ideas of 'litter' and park mismanagement.  Providing information about dealing with displaced wildlife information is all well and good, but meaningless if the wildlife has no where to return to. Of course, this information will be important if clearing plans go ahead and wildlife remain indefinently displaced! But better to be part of the prevention than the cure.

Peter

Chris makes some good points regarding arguments regarding hazard
reduction reduction etc and the "blame" for fires.  This, however, is
beside the point and not something that Birds Australia need not get
involved in at this stage (if at all).

All I'm suggesting is that there a lot of people out there (as evidenced
by the public reaction during and after the NSW Christmas 2001 fires) that
want to do something for displaced wildlife.  Surely Birds Australia can
provide that information.  The problem is that people do not know it is
there.  The same applies for the current drought situation.

I'm not suggesting BA launch into a "membership drive", I'm merely
suggesting that getting out there in front of the public providing
information about how to assist displaced wildlife (not entering into a
debate about the fires) raises the public profile of Birds Australia.
This, in turn, may have a long term benefit for membership.

Cheers

David Geering



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