The indomitable resurgence of undergrowth in East Gippsland forests is cause for concern.
Next month marks two years since the Black Summer Bushfires obliterated large areas of bushland throughout the region.
Those fires were so intense that the undergrowth that has sprung back is thicker than ever.
The Howitt Society, whose members are made up of foresters, scientists, and experienced land and fire managers, fear the bush will be ripe for another megafire, like the once that ravaged the region in 2019/20, once conditions dry out.
While Society members predict that could be 10 to 15 years away, the reality is it could happen much sooner.

IMAGE: Howitt Society members and bush experts during a tour of East Gippsland forests impacted by the Black Summer Bushfires. PICTURED: Vic Jurskis, David Packham, John Mulligan, Garry Squires, John Cameron, Ian Cane, Peter Flinn and Chris Commins. K302-5101