Each spring, Islanders unintentionally destroy the nests of our most familiar duck species, the black duck, by setting grass and brush fires. Also damaged by these fires are important marshlands and the wildlife species associated with them. As well, sand dune areas and woodlands have been damaged as a result of fires.
Quality wetland habitat is already under pressure from infilling and siltation and the practice of unnecessary marsh burning creates one more 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, as well as 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 wildlife the dune system and the habitat it provides to wildlife.
These fires are usually set by landowners attempting to rid the ground of dead vegetation, despite the fact that it is now known that burning vegetation does not help the land but can actually 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.
Permits are required for all open fires and may be obtained through the Forestry Division of the Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Individuals who use fire to manage blueberry growing areas shall take the necessary precautions to prevent fires from spreading to nearby woodlands.