The Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority (BGPA) is planning to light a controlled fire in Kings Park on one day between late April and mid-May.
The fire is part of a research project during which BGPA scientists will assess the best methods of managing bushfire risk and conserving the natural environment on the Swan Coastal Plain.
The exact date of the fire will be dependent on all required weather and other safety conditions being met.
In a statement, the BGPA said the fire would be carefully managed, of low intensity and low flame height and would be applied to a three-hectare site in the park.
“Mature trees in the chosen site will be subject to mild scorching only. Animal habitat will be monitored as part of the scientific research,” the BGPA said.
“Controlled fires were successfully undertaken in Kings Park in May 2015 and Bold Park in April 2016 as part of this project,” it said.
“Since these fires, scientists have been tracking changes in the ecosystem as a result of the fire and subsequent management treatments.”
The BGPA said surveys, looking at the re-emergence of seedlings, re-sprouting of affected plants and weed prevalence, had been conducted since those fires.
“Other indicators, such as soil moisture and the structure of plants and tree canopies, are also being surveyed seasonally.
“Weed management in early winter is under way in three of the six experimental blocks,” it said.
