Native Plants Under Fire

What affect do controlled burns have on aiding at-risk native species? UBC researcher Andrew MacDougall has been investigating this question in the Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve near Duncan, BC, an 18 hectare site owned by the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

Prior to the arrival of European settlers, indigenous peoples had used controlled fires in the area to promote the growth of camas; the bulbs of camas were harvested for use as a staple food. With the decline of fire management in the area, non-native species have gradually invaded and native species have declined.

Areas burned by MacDougall in the past five years reveal an increase in the number of camas plants and native prairie violets, and a decrease in non-native plants. The long-term impact of burning on the recovery of threatened plants remains to be examined, but MacDougall's study is expected to continue for at least five more years. The ongoing study is expected to reveal more trends of use to conservation biologists and managers.

The Nature Conservancy is managing the site by using the controlled burn technique in combination with mowing and reseeding of native species. The results of the study are contributing to the development of a long-term management plan that will incorporate the best techniques and attempt to ensure the survival of the threatened native species.

Links:

• Fighting Fire with Fire from UBC Reports


• Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 1:39 PM on June 3, 2004