Prescribed burns planned for three GRCA properties

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is planning three prescribed burns for some time between mid and late April. The three burns will occur at FWR Dickson Wilderness Area, Brant Conservation Area and a property along Birkett Lane in the City of Brantford. The exact date of each burn is unknown, since the burn must take place when weather conditions allow. The goal of these prescribed burns is to promote a native grassland habitat by reducing non-native grasses and woody plants.

About 3.2 hectares will be burned at FWR Dickson Wilderness Area. The portion of the property beyond the boardwalk, will be closed to the public on the day of the burn.

Prescribed burns at Brant Conservation Area and Birkett Lane are being conducted in partnership with the City of Brantford in support of grassland habitat management for grassland birds, including the Eastern Meadowlark, a threatened species in Ontario. About nine hectares will be burned at the Birkett Lane property and approximately 5.3 hectares will be burned at Brant Conservation Area. Both properties will be closed to the public during the planned work. The Trans Canada Trail along the edge of the Birkett Lane property will remain open during the burn. The section of the Birkett Lane property where the restoration work is taking place is not an area open for public use. Brant Conservation Area is currently closed for the season and will reopen on May 1.

All three burns will be conducted by the Prescribed Burn Unit from Lands & Forest Consulting.  The company strictly follows the intensive Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry guidelines for prescribed burning to ensure safety and effectiveness. Natural and constructed firebreaks will be used to protect adjacent properties and contain the burn within GRCA land.

Nearby property owners, fire departments and all other emergency services have been notified. The fire departments will be notified of the exact time of each prescribed burn, when it is known. 

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Note to editors: If you would like to send a reporter or photographer to cover the burn, please contact us to make arrangements in advance.

Media Contacts:

Serena Catania, GRCA Supervisor of Communications and Marketing
Phone (519) 621-2763 x2240  |  Email scatania@grandriver.ca

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Director of Strategic Communications and Environmental Education
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca