Managing vegetation that fuels fires

We are reducing the potential for fire to spread rapidly by removing excessive 'ladder' fuels (small trees and brush that can help a fire spread from the ground to the tree canopy), and accumulations of dried branches, leaves, and other organic materials that easily catch fire.

  • Small diameter coniferous trees are chipped, and the chips either spread onsite or used to resurface nearby trails. Larger quantities will be hauled offsite to a facility which recycles wood waste.
  • Logs greater than 12.5 cm diameter are generally retained on site to help return nutrients to the soil and provide wildlife habitat
  • Larger trees that are considered hazards to the workers, trail users, or nearby homes are modified to mitigate potential hazards. Wherever appropriate, the main stem may be retained to create a standing wildlife snag

Learn more about our Community Wildfire Protection Plan

Locations of upcoming and previous treatment areas

Explore this map to see the areas we've already treated, and areas that we're planning to treat. Select any of the locations on the map to view more details of the work done at that location.

Areas to be treated

Areas previously treated

 

How we are protecting the environment during work

The work is designed to be sensitive to our forest and streamside ecosystems. Riparian and wetland areas are flagged before work starts, and monitored to limit disturbances as much as possible.

After work is completed, we replant with a mixture of native deciduous shrubs and smaller trees suitable for site conditions. This is done in areas where soil has been disturbed, and where conditions allow.

This planting helps restore the natural biodiversity of the area and replace the non-native ladder fuels that currently elevate wildfire risks.

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