Archived - 2009 Hazard Reduction Spring Grass Burn - CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick

Gagetown, Canadian Forces Base (NB)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Final Decision

Archived Content

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Reference Number

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 09-01-45942

Environmental Assessment Type

Screening

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

Department of National Defence

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On February 9, 2009, it was determined that an environmental assessment was required in relation to the project because Department of National Defence was the proponent for the project.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

As part of the ongoing Wildland Fire Management Program at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown annual Spring Hazard Reduction Burning (Prescribed Burning) is conducted on the Range and Training Area for the purpose of reducing Wildland fire hazard. Burning off the highly flammable dead grass and herbaceous fuels in early spring while the hazard is low diminishes the likelihood of unwanted ignitions occurring as result of military training exercises. Flammable herbaceous vegetation and brush are eliminated.

Early Spring hazard-reduction burning helps prevents subsequent fires (mid-spring or summer) that result during live fire training exercises especially training exercises utilizing pyrotechnics. Planned burning will focus on the five main Impact/Target Areas however other areas where training is frequently conducted will also be burned off. The areas (burn blocks) vary in size from 20 ha to 1000 ha and for the most part are vegetated with herbaceous plants (grasses) however some areas contain shrub and scattered trees. The objective is to burn (blacken) the perimeter of the blocks and a portion of the interior areas. After the burning is completed live fire training can be conducted with less unwanted fires.

Final Decision

On July 6, 2012, the new Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 came into force which replaced the former Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. As a result, there is no longer a requirement to complete the environmental assessment of this project.