Banff National Park of Canada

Mount Nestor Prescribed Fire 2009

Mt. Nestor Prescribed Fire 2008
© Parks Canada / Simon Hunt

Project Description:

Location:

The Mount Nestor prescribed fire unit is situated at the south end of the Goat Range on the boundary between Banff National Park and Spray Valley Provincial Park near the towns of Canmore and Banff in Alberta (Map below).

Dates:

This is an on-going project commenced in 2007.This year’s prescribed fire will take place in stages between May and October 2009. Exact dates of burning will be dependent on weather and forest fuel conditions.

Mt. Nestor Prescribed Fire 2008
© Parks Canada

Project Goal:

The primary goal of this prescribed fire is to restore fire in subalpine forests to maintain ecological integrity and the diversity and abundance of fire dependent species. Several specific ecological objectives are tied to this goal as well as strategic land management and research objectives.

Primary Objectives:

1. Restore diversity of vegetation ages, structure and composition that is more representative of the historical fire regime in subalpine forests.
2. Re-establish a wider array of habitats and improve wildlife habitat quality with the aim of promoting overall increased species richness and diversity.
3. Improve grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) habitat in areas with low human use.
4. Restore open-grassland, bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) habitat at upper elevations that are being lost through forest succession.
5. Provide suitable habitat for regeneration of whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis).
6. Reduce the short and long term susceptibility of forest stands to mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) and other forest insects and pathogens.
7. Reduce the build-up and continuity of forest fuels to reduce the threat of wildfire to communities within the lower Bow Valley and surrounding area.

Map of Mount Nestor Prescribed Fire Area
© Parks Canada

Trails Implications:

Public safety is the top priority for the consortium of agencies who are working together to accomplish this prescribed fire. Trails and areas within the working area may be closed at times in spring or summer to ensure the safety of people. Please visit the website for current information on trails or area closures..

Fire Crew
© Parks Canada

For more information about the Mount Nestor prescribed fire or controlled burning in general, please contact:

Alberta Tourism, Parks & Recreation Ministry, by phone 403.678.5508 or visit our Web site: www.Kananaskis-Country.ca

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