A prescribed burn to manage a portion of Windsor-Essex wetland was completed this past weekend.
The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) worked with the Nature Conservancy of Canada to complete a controlled burn of 20 hectares at the Tremblay Beach Conservation Area on Sunday.
ERCA Director of Conservation Services Kevin Money said that the burn was designed to control the growth of phragmites, which have become common in local wetlands.
"Prescribed fire is an effective means of removing the dead phragmites to improve the wetland’s ecological health," said Money. "The success of Sunday’s burn will help the wetland to thrive again, and we are grateful to the professional contractors who were able to respond quickly as the weather improved."
Kyle Borrowman with the Nature Conservancy said the burn helped provide extensive benefits for the region.
"Removing these dense stands of invasive phragmites will help native plants and wildlife to return and thrive, while reducing flood risk, improving water quality and enhancing recreational opportunities," said Borrowman. "Working collaboratively with all partners ensures this important work is done safely and benefits the entire community."
The burn was completed by hand and monitored by those extensively trained in fire control.
