Marshlands are home to many species of wildlife and native vegetation in Prince Edward Island. Grass and brush fires can potentially devastate intrinsic areas, including the nests of the Prince Edward Island's most familiar duck species, the black duck, according to the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment.
Minister Kevin MacAdam cautions 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," said Minister MacAdam. "Burning also puts sand dune areas and woodlands at risk."
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 birds, can be destroyed when fire passes through a marsh or adjacent upland. 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.
Minister MacAdam also advised individuals who use fires to manage blueberry growing areas to do so with extreme care, taking precautions to prevent fire spreading to nearby woodlands or wetlands.
Fires are usually set by landowners to rid the ground of dead vegetation, resulting in unexpected consequences.
"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," added Minister MacAdam.
Open fires do require permits which may be obtained through the Forestry Branch of the Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture and Forestry.