Archived - 2010 Hazard Reduction - Controlled Spring Grass Burn CFB Gagetown

Gagetown, Canadian Forces Base (NB)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Final Decision

Archived Content

Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please contact us to request a format other than those available.

Reference Numbers

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 10-01-53431
Department of National Defence: 001‑2010_ Hazard Reduction %u213 Controlled Grass Burn

Environmental Assessment Type

Screening

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

Department of National Defence

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On February 10, 2010, 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, considered providing financial assistance to the proponent and considered providing federal lands.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

Description of the Project: As part of the ongoing Wildland Fire Management Program at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown annual Spring Hazard Reduction Burning (Controlled 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 normal military training exercises. Early Spring burning helps prevents subsequent fires (mid-spring or late summer) that result during live fire training exercises especially the training exercises that utilize pyrotechnics. Planned controlled 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 and approximately 50% of the interior of each block. After the burning is completed live fire training can be conducted with fewer unwanted fires. Project Schedule: Weather permitting burning will be conducted between 14 April 2010 and 15 May 2010 Project Location: All burning will conducted at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown (CFBG) New Brunswick, all within the Range and Training Area (RTA). Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Gagetown Latitude 45-40-00, Longitude 66-20-00. The CFB Gagetown RTA encompasses 110,000 hectares. The majority of burning will occur in the north-central portion of the Area, known as the Static Range Impact Area (SRIA); however some burning will occur in the western section of the Training Area (west of Highway # 7). From the SRIA primiter boundary the nearest city is Fredericton (20 km to the NW); the nearest town is Oromocto (4 km to the NW) nearest village is Gagetown (4 km to the E). Several other small communities are located adjacent the Base boundary. For specific block locations see Annex B (The CFB Gagetown 2010 Hazard Reduction Spring Grass Burn Plan) Originating Directorate, Base, or Unit: 3 ASG CFB Gagetown/ G3 Br / Forestry Section EA Start Date: 19 January 2010

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.