Friends of Harewood group call Shire of Denmark electors meeting over concerns with proposed prescribed burnMelissa SheilAlbany AdvertiserThu, 4 September 2025 2:00AMEmail Melissa Sheil
A passionate group of Denmark environmentalists worried about a prescribed burn in the Harewood Forest have taken matters into their own hands, calling an electors meeting to enforce the strengths of the concerns with the shire.
The Friends of Harewood group secured 340 signatures from other Denmark residents to call the Shire of Denmark special electors meeting for September 11, where they will vote on three motions.
Alongside calling for an immediate halt to the proposed Harewood Forest burn, the trio of motions request increased ecological protection, reviews into the health and wellbeing effects of burns and increased insurance and accountability if a prescribed burn gets out of control.
Also known as FRK_108, the burn would cover 2924ha of land inside a 49km perimeter of the Harewood Forest, a karri regrowth reserve located north of Scotsdale in the Shire of Denmark.
It is one of 400 burns listed in the Department of Biodiversity, Conservations and Attractions 2025-2026 burns options program but has not been selected.
Sheree Webb, who founded the group alongside Theda Mansholt and Peta Rakela said the burn represented a "significant threat" to the area they describe as one of the "most unique and biodiverse ecosystems" in Denmark.
"This area, characterised by its majestic karri, jarrah, and sheoak trees, along with delicate Federally protected peat wetlands and granite outcrops, is currently in a fragile state of recovery following a decade without prescribed burns and having an 18-month rainfall decile on record for the area," Ms Webb said.
"As committed neighbours and stewards of this land, we feel an urgent responsibility to protect not just the natural beauty that drew us to this place we call home, but also the intricate web of life that exists within it.
"The ecological value of Harewood goes beyond aesthetics; it serves as a habitat for various species, including Federally protected wildlife and plants."
Citing the December 2024 prescribed burns in Walpole that felled a number of endangered tingle trees, Ms Webb said she was concerned about the burn causing "irreversible" damage to the forest, and called for an independent review into burn plans.
"Past burns have demonstrated a worrying trend towards intensity levels akin to wildfires, which can devastate sensitive ecosystems and entrap wildlife in their path," she said.
"The lack of thorough ecological assessments prior to these burns poses a risk not only to the flora and fauna but also to the cultural significance of the land."
A DBCA spokesperson said their program uses an "evidence and risk-based approach" to bushfire mitigation, a process that involves detailed planning and consultation.
"Prescribed burn FRK_108 is planned for the purpose of protecting private property and maintaining biodiversity values in the Harewood area by reducing the risk of severe summer bushfire impacts," the spokesperson said.
If carried, the three motions will be put to the Shire of Denmark council at its next meeting to vote on.
Ms Mansholt said she hoped the council supported the motions and forward the group's requests to both the Premier and the relevant government ministers.
"Our group came together out of concern for current burn practices and a shared desire to do better -- for the forest, for the animals, and for future generations," she said.
"We believe that by working with scientists, ecologists and the community we can help nature thrive."
The special electors meeting will be held at 5pm on September 11 at the Denmark Civic centre.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive earlier to register themselves as voting electors.
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