Cumberland House Delta “We Are Fire” Event- March 2023
Hello Fire Practitioners!
During the week of March 27th-31st, several members of the Canadian Prairies Prescribed Fire Exchange had the fantastic opportunity to travel to Cumberland House and participate in the “We Are Fire” Conference! Hosted by the Carrière Family and the Muskrats to Moose Project at Big Eddy Lodge, this conference saw multiple agencies, individuals, knowledge keepers and school groups join together to discuss the ecological issues facing the Cumberland Delta and the impediments to using prescribed fire as a management tool. Additionally, participants were instructed in practical demonstrations of Indigenous fire knowledge and burning practices!
A significant threat to the ecological integrity and biodiversity of the Cumberland Delta is the influx of a particularly disastrous invasive grass, Phragmites australis. This species is well adapted to surviving within wetland ecosystems, can reach heights up to 15 ft, and grows in such dense stands that native species are suppressed, while making passage for humans and wildlife nearly impossible. As a consequence, this species has expanded prolifically and has become the dominant species within numerous lakes, marshes, rivers and streams, significantly impacting local biodiversity and the health of critically important species.
Furthermore, residents and fire practitioners in the Cumberland Delta have been struggling against strict regulations regarding both the documentation of, and timeframes for, prescribed fires. Thankfully, much work has been done to alleviate these stressors, although much more work is still needed to loosen restrictions on permitted burn windows. As an example, this burn conference was scheduled for their last week of permitted burning, yet our delayed spring meant that conditions were less than optimal and we were unable to complete a successful, and much needed, fire.
The Muskrats to Moose Project is dedicated to the improvement and protection of the Cumberland Deltas, and frequently utilizes cultural burning practices to remove Phragmites from their local environments. So far, the project has seen incredible successes from these burning events, including a significant increase in the diversity of plant and animal species within the Cumberland Delta, and significant increases in muskrat weight after just one burn! Learn more about the successes and challenges at We Are Fire! The Canadian Prairies Prescribed Fire Exchange was extremely grateful for the Carrière’s hospitality, and we are excited to continue working alongside the Muskrats to Moose Project!
Figure 1: Local trappers, fire responders, and community members from Cumberland House join together for an introductory feast and to discuss, express concerns or support of, and learn the successes of fire re-introduction in the Cumberland Deltas.
Figure 2: Local youth enrolled in land-based education received instruction on traditional and modern fire-starting methods.
Figure 3: Practical demonstrations of traditional fire tools, such as this spruce-bark drip torch, were invaluable learning opportunities for students and fire practitioners alike!
Figure 4: Local youth were given instruction on the proper use of personal protective equipment, common fire management tools, and sophisticated weather tracking equipment.
Figure 6: While conditions were less than optimal to carry a flame, this didn’t stop students and practitioners from putting their newly-learned skills to practice!