The City of Quesnel’s Forestry Initiatives Program has started the fuel management project on Sugar Loaf Mountain as of Wednesday, July 8. The project is a part of the the ongoing Community Wildfire Protection Plan and involves thinning and pruning trees as well as removing ladder fuels which are forest debris that lets fire climb to the tree-tops. Part of the project will include a program of piling and burning when the proper venting for air quality allows.
According to a release from the City, the combination of thinning and burning will:
- Reduce the chance of a catastrophic wildfire destroying critical infrastructure (homes, communications towers, water tower etc.)
- Improve forest health and animal habitat
- Generate less smoke than out-of-control wildfires
- Protect recreation values
- Further our mission of managing the landscape and improving ecosystem health
The City says the project will take place over the month of July and will involve various areas on the mountain, affecting public use in certain areas on certain days.
“Signage will be posted onsite, so please obey all signage and stay out of areas that are marked ‘active fuel management area,’ states the City release. “We anticipate that the Dog Park will remain open for the entire duration of the project, if this changes we will let folks know.”
More information about the City of Quesnel’s Forestry Initiatives Program can be found at www.quesnel.ca/forestry-initiatives.