Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is planning a controlled (prescribed) grassland burn at Upper Credit Conservation Area (UCCA), 20073 Porterfield Road (Regional Road 136), Alton. The controlled burn will take place on a single day between April 18 and May 31, 2021.
Controlled burns are carefully set and managed fires to help restore, maintain and protect prairie and grassland habitat. The fire is carefully managed by fire experts to burn low to the ground capturing dried grasses and leaves without harming larger trees.
“Our goal is to keep the grasslands at UCCA healthy for the plants and animals that rely on them,” said Freyja Whitten, Program Manager, Terrestrial Restoration at CVC. “Controlled burns help maintain healthy native grassland habitat so diverse plants and animals can establish and thrive. Grasslands generally don’t maintain themselves without our active management to prevent them from transitioning to forests.”
CVC has contracted Lands and Forests Consulting to carry out the one-day controlled burn. The burn will follow a detailed plan that has been approved by the Caledon Fire Department.
Under ideal weather conditions, smoke from the controlled burn will rise without impacting surrounding properties. Changing weather conditions, however, could lead to smoke temporarily reaching some nearby residences. It is recommended that neighbours close windows and doors as a precaution on the day of the burn. People with sensitivity to smoke, especially young children and older adults, are encouraged to stay indoors at the time of the burn.
CVC will share information and updates about the exact day and time of the controlled burn at cvc.ca/ucburn and on CVC social media channels.
The controlled burn was scheduled to take place in spring 2020 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in compliance with provincial emergency orders. CVC staff continue to monitor provincial and local health guidelines and if necessary, will postpone the controlled burn until spring 2022.
If you have any questions, please contact Aaron Root, Technician, Naturalization at CVC, at 647-202-9830.
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a local conservation authority established by the Ontario government in 1954 to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment of the Credit River Watershed. Our watershed is defined by the area of land where all rainfall, snowmelt and runoff drain into lands and waters flowing into the Credit River. CVC creates connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. We inspire a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario.
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Media Contact
Baljit Seran
Specialist, Marketing & Communications
Credit Valley Conservation
[email protected]