The Niagara Parks Commission

Wednesday, April 14, 2010 has been recommended as the best day for The Niagara Parks Commission’s (NPC) Prescribed Burns (PBs). The wind conditions will be ideal to control the smoke with little to no impact on the roads or residents.

Background:

Prescribed burns are conducted in order to create a more healthy and sustainable environment for plant life and those animals found within the Parks’ naturalized areas. The main goal is to protect native plants and species at risk, but more importantly, the PBs are only conducted if we are able to ensure the safety of our residents, visitors, partners, staff and of course the parklands NPC is mandated to protect.

NPC has made plans once again for three (3) PBs on lands within its jurisdiction. Dates are tentatively scheduled to be carried out beginning as early as Monday, April 12 until Saturday, May 8. All PBs are weather permitting and NPC has been monitoring an on-site weather station, while also tracking Environment Canada weather forecasts. The decision to proceed with the PBs is made on a four-hour basis where conditions can change quickly. Wednesday, April 14 has been outlined as best potential burn date start, however, in the case of high winds; the PBs may be pushed back as far as Saturday, May 8.

The following Prescribed Burns have been planned:

WHEN:
Between April 14 and May 8, 2010.

TIME:
Pending weather and atmospheric conditions, the burns will begin late morning, in sequence, and are expected to be completed and fully extinguished by late afternoon.

WHERE:
1) Chinquapin Oak Savannah, located north of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
2) Upper Whirlpool Wood, located across from the Whirlpool Golf Course
3) Chippawa Battlefield, located north of Ussher’s Creek

WHAT:
Three Prescribed Burns have been approved by The Niagara Parks Commission, the Ministry of Natural Resources, as well as municipal offices and fire departments. Land Care Niagara is also partnering on these burns.