Wildfire crew leaders burning trees in the park. Photo courtesy of Prince Albert National Park.
The Community Fuel Break Expansion Project in Waskesiu will help protect homes in the communities in and around the Prince Albert National Park from blazes.
The project will focus on removing trees that can fuel wildfires near structures and residences. The CFB was originally developed in 2001 when 300 hectares around the town site were harvested.
Meantime, another harvest will take place over the next four winters.
“Fire management is actually a year-round job,” said Dusty Guedo, a park ecologist. “In the winter time, it gives us a chance to really do work and preparation for the summer.”
Despite a mass removal of forestry from the area, park officials are sure it won’t have a negative impact on wildlife.
“In a lot of ways, we’re taking an older growth forest, which we have a large amount of, and causing a disturbance, which causes a new forest,” said Guedo.
Some of the trees to be removed will be harvested as Christmas trees and others will be taken by logging companies.
The new break will be implemented along the park’s eastern boundary. The original fuel break is scheduled to be expanded next year.