VERNON - On behalf of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson, Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster is advising the public that prescribed burns are planned in the Woodward Creek and Satellite Hill areas between April 4 and May 6, weather conditions permitting.

The burns are planned for ecosystem restoration purposes. The Woodward Creek area burn will cover an estimated 60 hectares, about 20 kilometres west of Lumby and north of Highway 6. The burn in the Satellite Hill area will cover an estimated 62 hectares, about six kilometres south of Lumby and south of Highway 6, in the Harris Creek area.

Historically, the grasslands and open forests in the Okanagan were renewed through frequent, low-intensity ground fires. Such fires prevented tree encroachment, rejuvenated understory plants and maintained more open grasslands and open forests with large trees. The reintroduction of managed, low-intensity ground fires to these grasslands and open forests is intended to restore and maintain traditional plant communities that are natural for these areas.

This burn is part of an ongoing restoration program administered by the government of British Columbia in collaboration with First Nations, local ranchers, Grasslands Conservation Council, Shuswap Okanagan Forest Association, FORREX, B.C. Wildlife Federation and the Nature Trust of British Columbia.

When available, video footage of the burn will also be posted to Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BCForestFireInfo

One factsheet is attached.

FACTSHEET

April 4, 2011 Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

Prescribed Burning as an Ecosystem Management Tool

* Fire is a normal, natural process in many of British Columbia's ecosystems. Many species of birds, insects, plants and animals depend on fire for its regenerative properties.

* Fires help control insects and diseases in forests, and lead to forest succession (younger forests replacing older forests) to create a patchwork of forest ages, which supports biodiversity.

* Prescribed burning is one of the tools used by forest professionals to achieve certain objectives for land management. For example, using fire is appropriate for habitat enhancement, to improve forage for cattle, deer, bighorn sheep and moose, and to reduce fuel loads for interface fire risk reduction.

* Prescribed burns are carefully planned so that their intensity and size meets the prescribed management objectives for fire maintained ecosystems.

* All prescribed burns must comply with the Environmental Management Act's open burning smoke control regulation, which is in place to minimize the amount of smoke created. For example, burns may be ignited only on days when the venting index indicates smoke will not be trapped close to the ground. The regulation also requires the open flames to be out in 96 hours.

* Prescribed burns are ignited weather-permitting to ensure the fire does not create excessive smoke, and to help ensure the fire does not get out of control. Elements important in determining the date of a burn include the venting index, temperature, humidity and forecast winds.

* Prescribed burns are ignited and continuously monitored and attended by trained crews. The Burn Boss is responsible for making sure prescribed conditions will be met on ignition and to ensure the fire is extinguished to reduce unnecessary smouldering and to ensure it does not reignite.

Contact:

David Currie
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261