City of Toronto to protect rare High Park forest

Prescribed burn in High Park scheduled for tomorrow

Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation will undertake a prescribed or “controlled” burn in High Park on April 14, 2011. A prescribed burn is a deliberately set and carefully controlled fire that burns low to the ground and consumes dried leaves, small twigs and grass stems, but does not harm larger trees. Current weather forecasts predict optimal conditions, with little or no precipitation anticipated, for a prescribed burn to occur on this date.
Prescribed burns have been safely executed in the past by the City's Urban Forestry unit, and are part of the long-term management plan to protect and sustain Toronto’s rare black oak woodlands and savannahs in High Park, Lambton Park and South Humber Park. These rare vegetation communities are at risk of extinction not only in Toronto but throughout North America. In order to survive, they depend on periodic fires, which kill off competing vegetation, enrich the soil and promote growth and germination of rare savannah species.
A Fire Boss with extensive provincial fire fighting and prescribed burning experience has written the approved burn plan. “Fire Boss” is an Ontario designation for a certified individual who has full responsibility for planning and carrying out the burn with a qualified crew. City staff will assist with the burn, and Toronto Fire and Police Services will assist as needed.
During the months to follow, City staff, scientists and volunteers from the community will monitor and analyze the beneficial effects of the burn and implement additional site maintenance activities.