Fire program management

Fire plays an essential role in regeneration of the boreal forest. It allows several important native species, such as black spruce and red pine, to regenerate and encourages new growth. In a healthy forest landscape, forests are at various stages of succession thanks to disturbance such as fire, creating a mosaic that supports a variety of wildlife, vegetation and ecosystem processes.

In Terra Nova National Park, we work with local and provincial partners in conservation and safety to improve the forest health by utilizing fire on the landscape, while also managing wildfire risk.

Fire as a source of renewal

Ecosystems have evolved with fire over thousands of years and depend on it for renewal.

Fire positively affects a forest ecosystem in a number of ways.

• Fire opens up the forest canopy and allows sunlight to penetrate the forest floor, encouraging new growth.
• Fire removes competing species, supporting establishment of new vegetation.
• Fire allows some species to release their seeds from resin-sealed cones.
• Fire reduces fallen logs, leaves and needles into charcoal and mineral-rich ash.
• Fire reduces the thick, organic soil layer releasing nutrients and exposing mineral soil, which is required for seeds to germinate and grow.
• A fire can improve surface moisture making conditions more favourable for seedling establishment.

Seedling establishment post-fire.

How does fire help Terra Nova National Park?

Natural forest processes in Terra Nova National Park have been altered due to a long history of fire suppression. The forest here is lacking tree stands in early and middle stages of succession, with too much representation of over-mature stands. Without this habitat variety, the forest’s ecosystems are unable to support many of their native plants and animal species.

For example

• Cones of the black spruce are sealed tightly with resin and are dependent on fire to open and release seeds.
• Insects and bark beetles utilize burnt trees and woodpecker species’ move in to take advantage of this food source.

Kalmia angustifolia dominates areas that have had low severity fires.

A good indicator of the need for fire in Terra Nova is the abundance of areas dominated by Kalmia angustifolia, or kalmia heaths. Known as sheep laurel or lambskill, this common understory shrub sprouts soon after fire and will rapidly establish in gaps in over-mature forests. Kalmia is a strong competitor, and prevents regeneration of tree species, such as black spruce, by consuming and locking up soil nutrients, reducing growth space, and releasing chemical compounds into the soil that inhibit seed germination, seedling growth and establishment.

Severe fires that dramatically reduce the organic soil layer are required to kill the underground stems of Kalmia, which allows space and time for tree species to establish.

To ensure ecological integrity, Terra Nova National Park has been reintroducing fire to its forests through prescribed fire.

What is prescribed fire?

Prescribed fire is the controlled burning of forests, grasslands or other habitats to improve the quality of the ecosystem and reduce the potential for wildfires. This is an important resource conservation activity used by Parks Canada to protect and preserve the forests in national parks and national historic sites. Successful prescribed fires have been carried out across Canada, including in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Prescribed fires mimic a wildfire in a way that positively influences forest regeneration, yet is safe for the public, infrastructure and sensitive species.

In 2015, Parks Canada carried out a prescribed fire in the Spruce Pond area.

There are many things to consider when planning for a prescribed fire including human values, safety, weather patterns, fuel conditions, topography, fire behaviour, ecological objectives and fire control capabilities.

In Terra Nova National Park, fire teams have successfully conducted seven prescribed fires in five different locations. Should conditions allow, Terra Nova National Park will continue to conduct prescribed fires in the coming years. These prescribed fires will only occur if the weather, fuel conditions and staffing requirements outlined in the Prescribed Fire Plan are met.

Fire and safety

Terra Nova has been divided into three fire management zones related to risk of public safety, what actions will be taken if a wildfire occurs and potential of a wildfire to be used to achieve ecological objectives.

• Zone 1 - RED (Intensive): Areas that receive immediate response to wildfire and where prescribed fire may be permitted to achieve specific ecological goals.
• Zone 2 - YELLOW (Intermediate): Areas where fire is limited to a defined perimeter. Prescribed fires permitted under appropriate conditions.
• Zone 3 - GREEN (Extensive): Areas with specific geographical conditions, wind patterns, and appropriate distances from populated areas for a modified and monitored response to wildfire and for prescribed fires.

Map of fire management zones in Terra Nova National Park.

Want to learn more?

Watch the following video.