Cultural burn to protect Salt pipewort

The burn trial was a follow-up to a Grassroots Grant project, awarded to the Friends of Mound Springs in 2024/25, for the Threatened Plant Action group and FOMS volunteers to work with Arabana Rangers to protect the Salt pipewort (Eriocauloncarsonii).

Eriocaulon carsonii is a nationally endangered plant found only in a few springs in SA, although it is present in other springs in Queensland and in New South Wales. One of the largest SA populations of the plant is found on Finniss Springs.

The burn targeted Phragmites, a reed that can become over-abundant at springs.

Arabana Aboriginal Corporation Project Officer Neil Brougham said tor the Arabana community, the burn trials supported ongoing cultural and physical engagement with country.

“The project supported management of an endangered plant, whose continued existence at Ngarlamina (Hermit Hill) provides an indicator of spring health and legislative protection for the site,” he said.

“The opportunity to conduct targeted burning trials will provide insight into a land management practice of importance to Arabana people in the pre- and post-contact period: the use of fire to open up springs choked by Phragmites reeds to create open and accessible spring vents and pools.”

It is hoped the trial can be replicated on other GAB Springs.

The board’s water officer Julia Short said it was a great opportunity to be able to attend the burn and feedback from everyone involved had been very positive.

The Cultural burn was proudly supported by BHP.