Each spring, Islanders unintentionally destroy the nests of our most familiar duck species, the black duck, by setting grass and brush fires. Honourable Kevin MacAdam, Minister of Fisheries and Environment today cautioned Islanders to consider the potential damage caused by spring burning. "Important marshlands and the wildlife species associated with them are at risk from spring burning. Also at risk are sand dune areas and woodlands," said the Minister.
Quality wetland habitat is under pressure from infilling and siltation, and the practice of unnecessary marsh burning creates another limit on wildlife production. Early nesting black ducks produce larger broods than those that nest later in the season, and unfortunately these birds are at greatest risk from spring burning.
Plant foliage, especially cattail and low shrubs, provide vital cover for nesting waterfowl, songbirds and small mammals. This cover, and the nests and eggs of early nesting ducks, can be destroyed when fire passes through the marsh. Burning marram grass on sand dunes, such as that which occurred in the North Lake-East Point area in recent years, can be damaging to the dune system and the habitat it provides to wildlife.
Mr. MacAdam also cautioned individuals who use fires to manage blueberry growing areas to do so with extreme care taking precautions to prevent fire spreading to nearby woodlands.
The Minister noted that fires are usually set by landowners to rid the ground of dead vegetation, although it is now known that burning vegetation does not help the land but can do long-term harm. "Burning can deplete the land of organic matter and does not destroy weed seed as commonly believed; it may actually promote weeds to germinate by reducing competition," said Mr. MacAdam.
Mr. MacAdam reminded everyone that they require permits for all open fires. Permits may be obtained through the Forestry Branch of the Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture and Forestry.