FY23 Shipping Channel UFR

Project Description The purpose of this project is to reduce fire risk in wildland-urban interface areas. Fire suppression has allowed shade tolerant species such as balsam fir to establish and proliferate in the understory of upland forest types. Decades of fire exclusion has resulted in a change in species composition, higher fuel loadings, an increase in ladder fuels, and a severe departure in the frequency and intensity of fires that would have occurred here historically. The work to be performed will reduce the understory fuel hazards of designated stands. Implementation of these treatments would substantially reduce the risk of wildfires threatening adjacent values at risk. Vegetation Description The cut & hand pile units are mainly located in mixed forest types consisting of mature white pine, red pine, jack pine, aspen, paper birch and spruce with moderate to heavy component of balsam fir in the understory. The balsam fir is very evident along the shoreline and under mature white pine trees. Some blowdown is present in areas with direct exposure to the wind, such as edges of swamps and ridgetops. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 1 June to 30 September 2023