The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) will carry out prescribed burns in the Rice Lake Plains on Monday and Tuesday, aiming to restore endangered tall grass prairie ecosystems in Northumberland County.
The burns will take place at the Red Cloud School Road, Webber, and North Burns nature reserves. These controlled fires are part of ongoing efforts to support biodiversity and restore globally rare prairie and savannah habitats.
“Prescribed burns are essential for helping native species thrive and keeping invasive plants in check,” the NCC said in a release. Prairie plants like big bluestem and black oak benefit from fire, while unwanted weeds are cleared, allowing sunlight to reach dormant seeds.
The burns will be conducted under strict weather and safety conditions by trained professionals from NCC and Lands & Forests Consulting. Detailed fire permits, insurance and burn plans are already in place.
Species expected to benefit include the eastern hognose snake, eastern meadowlark, and yellow pimpernel – all of which are considered at risk.
The Rice Lake Plains Partnership has safely used prescribed burns in the region for over 17 years. The project is funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk, along with private donors.
Public access to the affected nature reserves will be restricted during the operations.
More information about the project and its long-term conservation goals can be found at ricelakeplains.ca.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)