RDEK set for local wildfire mitigation projects thanks to CBT funds

Wildfire mitigation work is set to begin soon at Wycliffe Regional Park.

The Regional District of East Kootenay says it has secured 200-thousand dollars from the Columbia Basin Trust to support local wildfire fuel reduction projects.

Work around Wycliffe could begin as early as this week, while similar projects will take shape around Wilmer and Tie Lake Park in 2024.

The RDEK says this work will include the use of brush saws, chain saws and tracked clippers, while wood debris will be piled and burned when conditions allow.

A statement from the Regional District of East Kootenay is available below:

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) will soon be starting one of three upcoming wildfire fuel reduction projects in the region at Wycliffe Regional Park.

“We have secured a $200,000 Fuel Reduction Grant through Columbia Basin Trust for Wycliffe, Tie Lake and Wilmer parks,” says RDEK Recreation & Control Services Supervisor, Jamie Davies. “Fuel reduction has been an ongoing practice at all RDEK parks for years now, but with limited budgets. We are grateful to receive this funding as it will enable us to complete substantial fuel and fire risk reduction in these three locations.”

The intent of the fuel reduction is to remove ground fuels, ladder fuels and danger trees to reduce the risk of fire spreading to adjacent properties in Wildland Urban Interface areas. A Fuel Management Plan (FMP) has been completed for Wycliffe Park and treatments will begin in the coming weeks, possibly as early as this week. FMPs are in the works for Wilmer and Tie Lake Park, with ground treatment at these sites anticipated to begin in 2024.

“This work will include the use of brush saws, chain saws and tracked chippers. In some instances, wood debris will be piled and burned when appropriate conditions are present,” adds Davies.

This Regional Parks Wildfire Fuel Reduction project is made possible with support from Columbia Basin Trust and the Province of BC.

If you would like more information, please email Davies at jdavies@rdek.bc.ca.

– Article includes information from Regional District of East Kootenay, image from City of Cranbrook