Inaugural Award for Excellence in Prescribed Burning

A 'Prescribed Burning Decision Support Tool' was recognised at the recent AFAC19 powered by INTERSCHUTZ Conference, with Brian Levine from ACT Parks and Conservation Service awarded for his initiative.

Brian Levine from ACT Parks and Conservation Service has won the inaugural AFAC and Forest Technology Systems Excellence in Prescribed Burning Award.

Mr Levine is well known for his development of the ‘Prescribed Burning Decision Support Tool’, which has been widely adopted across Australia. The tool provides a mechanism to determine the most up-to-date risk assessment before to lighting a burn.

“I would like to thank AFAC and Forest Technology Systems for this award.

“To receive acknowledgement at a national level is a great honour, especially considering the high level of skill across AFAC members,” Mr Levine said.

Mr Levine’s technical and scientific expertise has seen him become the ‘go-to’ person in the ACT. The integrated systems he has developed has enabled the ACT Parks and Conservation Service to expand their fire program to undertake more burns, including cultural and ecological burns, with community, executive and political backing.

“Being a small jurisdiction, we often rely on developments from inter-state colleagues, so I find it extremely satisfying and rewarding when I can give back to the prescribed burn community by sharing and helping others with the tools and programs we’ve developed,” Mr Levine said.

Brain’s commitment to improving systems and knowledge for planning and implementing prescribed burning is widely acknowledged, nationally and internationally. He was presented with the award at the AFAC19 powered by INTERSCHUTZ Conference in Melbourne in August.

“The aim of our prescribed burn program is to develop a transparent program based on best management practices while integrating the latest science.

This award would have not been possible without the leadership and support of my managers, Neil Cooper and Scott Farquhar. From day one they empowered and invested in my development which provided me the opportunity to build a successful program,” Me Levine said.

The Centre of Excellence for Prescribed Burning facilitates practitioner engagement across jurisdictions and increases the capability of staff by providing credible knowledge.