Lot 48 prescribed burn: Postponed
May 4, 2026
Ktunaxa Nation Council, ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation, Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Province of B.C. had planned to complete a prescribed burn of 100 hectares at Lot 48 and Columbia Lake Provincial Park this spring, but conditions this year have not lined up to achieve the results they were aiming for.
This spring, the fuels were too moist and there were not enough “drying days” between rain events. If the area was burned under these conditions, the result would be to clean up the grass without effectively reducing shrubs or small trees.
That means the burn would fall short of its purpose, which is to restore a more open stand and improve habitat.
Rather than proceeding with a partial or ineffective burn, the partners decided to wait.
Fall typically provides more consistent opportunities to meet the right combination of fuel dryness and weather conditions needed for burn like this.
Further engagement with Ktunaxa ʔaqⱡsmaknik is required to determine if there is support for a fall burn.
Ktunaxa Nation Council and partners will continue to monitor conditions and plan for a suitable window in the fall 2026 or spring of 2027, pending support from Ktunaxa ʔaqⱡsmaknik.
Background
Prescribed burn planned this spring – Columbia Valley Pioneer
