After-fire Warrumbungle National Park - soil erosion and water quality
The 2013 bushfires in Warrumbungle National Park had major effects on soil erosion and waterways. An intense storm immediately following the fires caused flash-flooding and massive soil erosion. Research projects in the park aim to determine the extent of the damage, and rates of recovery.
Bushfires and flooding affect soil and water quality in many ways. Scientists are assessing the impacts in Warrumbungle National Park, offering advice for effective long-term management strategies.
For soil erosion, scientists are measuring the recovery at 12 key sites throughout the park, allowing them to gain a snapshot of Warrumbungle’s soil health as a whole. At the same time, scientists are measuring recovery in sub-catchment streams that have become heavily silted and also suffered debris flows of soil, boulders and trees.
When it comes to water quality, the intention of the research is to determine the main sources of nutrients within the park. This helps scientists to determine the rate of recovery being made by the park’s waterways. This research also offers an insight into the recovery of aquatic life, which was adversely affected with a loss of habitat and food sources.