As the smoke cleared and the ash settled after the summer fires, a sense of relief swept over the fire ground. Long arduous hours coupled with good, old-fashion teamwork paid dividends. Crews were safe. A fire no longer lingered in the mountains.
As we surveyed the impact it became clear that the post-fire road to recovery would require resolve, patience and persistence.
It's a normal human reaction to see a problem, and then design a solution. Drawing on lessons learnt from 2003, we are working with nature, working to nature's timeline. While we have deployed our people to control weeds, to monitor large feral herbivores and to clear walking trails, nature is leading the way.
The green shoots of recovery have sprung. Buds of hope are now blooming.
But, suddenly spreading like wildfire, a new threat has impacted us. This time a health emergency. COVID-19 has changed our way of life. Language of flattening the curve and social distancing has rapidly replaced references to catastrophic fire weather and fire danger ratings.
What a remarkable turn of events.
As we adjust to the new normal, adhering to public health protocols, the way we go about our daily lives and the way we do business have changed. Drawing a sense of natural inspiration, it's reassuring that as we adapt, nature has maintained a steady course.
Nature's pathway is built on resilience, honed over millenniums. The timelines are protracted. There's no quick fix. Patience and perseverance are nature's virtues.
Taking a metaphorical leaf from nature's playbook, there are insights to be gained as we navigate our way to post-pandemic recovery. Patience and vigilance are key principles. Offering an insight in a contemporary world, an ancient Persian proverb speaks of the passage of time: "...and this too shall pass".
While Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla are closed, opportunities to exercise and connect with nature while maintaining social distancing can be found much closer to home in your local Canberra Nature Park reserve.
Just like any other time you leave your home, please adhere to strict public health protocols, measures designed to curb the spread of COVID-19. As we keep ourselves safe, continue to talk with family and friends, keep up social connections online or by phone. Maintain a daily routine as much as possible including regular exercise, be it walking, riding a bike, merely feeling connected with nature in your local area. Remember the 1.5 metre rule.
As we bear witness to an extraordinary chapter in human history, nature's resilience will be our strength. For more information visit https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/
- Brett McNamara is with ACT Parks & Conservation Service.
